Thread: Bent bonnet hinge

Originally Posted by 101 Ron

The heat option is now looking better.

Problem is you have to remove the vent seal, paint gets damaged etc.
I've straightened one without heat (had to close it rather than open it) but would be cautious of doing it more than once in case the hinge snapped.

Colin

I would start by unbolting that hinge and remove the bonnet Then see if the bit of metal can be bent down using a couple of feet of hardwood and a hammer. Once you have opened it enough to get the hinge out, make a steel mandrel the right size to stop the bit of metal distorting (and if necessary tapered so you can get it back to size and shape), and continue to tap it down until it is in the correct position.

It should stand this treatment (once) but I would not make a habit of it!

At worst, it will break off, and you will have to weld on a replacement, with the heat damage to paint etc that would happen anyway if you used heat to bend it. Or, you could even just grind the bit flat, and make a replacement that is bolted on, no heat and minimal repainting. (But watch grinding near glass!)

John

How'd you go with this Mick?

Originally Posted by Chops

How'd you go with this Mick?

Haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Won't get a chance for a while.

agree with all the comments.
I had one like this and cracked it when I tried to fix it using force cold.
The other side I used heat (yes the plastic bush will catch fire if you cant get it out) with no problem.
I used some gal sheet between the hinge and the vent/firewall to limit the damge from the heat.
You will probobly have to reem out the hole when the bush sits after you have straightened the tongue.
I understand these get bent out of shape by opening the bonnet with the stay removed and the hinge jamming, bending the tongue.
Regards,

Maybe we could use the dremil and cut it the offending part.
It probably needs a closer inspection over a cuppa.

Humm, a cuppa ehh ??