Thread: Flush Locking Hood/Bonnet Latch Legalities?

I doubt that ADR’s covered such things as the specific type back then - they may say something about positive locking which these would cover - as long as the secondary latch is maintained as I think that is in the ADR’s

Unless there’s something about them needing to be burst proof as well like the doors - would these cover off that eventuality if so? Might go check to see if I can find anything.

I fitted similar to my SIIa many years ago and it passed Engineering and a RWC like that - but that was in the late 80’s when things were a little more relaxed.

Ok, all the ADR’s state about bonnet latches is a follows - my interpretation is that as long as you leave the secondary catch then these should be fine. There were no pedestrian impact issues to worry about on a car of that build from what I can find (correct me if I’m wrong) so maybe on a newer vehicle that would need to be taken into account but I personally don’t see an issue however this is just my point of view. You could always ask your local Mechanic who does RWC if they would pass it if it came through their workshop - that should also give you an indication.

42.2. BONNET LATCHING
Any movable body panel forward of the windscreen that serves to cover an engine, luggage, storage or battery compartment must be provided with a latch system. A panel opening from the front which in any open position partially or completely obstructs a driver’s forward view through the windscreen must be provided with a second latch position on the latch system or with a second latch system.

Note this ADR is still in effect and current. - Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/00 - General Safety Requirements) 2006

Hello Gav,

Thank you for undertaking some research and posting it.

I had a mate who was cruising down the highway in his EH Holden - doing the speed limit - when the bonnet sprang all the way open blocking his vision. Luckily, it was a nice open straight section of road and it had a wide verge. Soon as he got back into town he bought two latches from the hardware store and a thick leather dog collar. He rigged up a bonnet tie-down with the parts. Later, he upgraded to the rod, pin and lanyard style. The dog collar stayed in place though as a "just in case" back-up.

The flush mounted lockable bonnet latches are just a wee bit more flash than what was available back then!

Kind regards
Lionel

Would be good on a street car, how will they go with some mud build up etc in them?

The original system worked for 2 decades - what does this change really improve? Will these be working in 2 decades?

One things that's always bugged me on the D1, is the bonnet release t handle design, but more specifically that it's on the passengers side!
Stupid really.
But one plan I've had to partially bypass it, is to install a boot release solenoid(at the latch) with the release button on the drivers side.
Idea is to latch the solenoid onto the existing cable, and use it as the usual method for release, then the very stiff and harder to access t handle is there for emergency manual use only.

I have the parts .. just lacking the will at the moment.

Maybe something like that could be a reasonable alternative to your broken cable.

Cable shouldn’t be stiff. If it is then it’s running dry.

PTFE lubricant down the cable will see it smooth.

(And even the D4 has it on the left)

Yes my two D1s had the lever on the left as does my current RRS but my FL1 was on the drivers side.

Lionel - there is no way the D1 bonnet can fly open when driving if it is set up with the original system - yes the bonnet can pop but will not fly up if the secondary latch and its springing mechanism is functioning as it should.

Just fix what you have.

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello All,

Are there a legal or motor registration requirements for having internal controlled bonnet releases for road registered cars?

Yesterday, I had some issues with the cable release opening the bonnet latch on my D1 Discovery. I checked out prices for new cables that are OEM standard. I may also have to replace the latch arrangement itself.

For the same price as the replacement parts, I could fit 2 key operated lockable flush mounted bonnet pins. This would by-pass having to install a new bonnet cable. Plus unlike the original bonnet latch system - these pins should prevent the bonnet flying open when driving down the road.

Kind regards
Lionel

I would be inclined to do the same thing Lionel, after being locked out of bonnets and fuel fillers from broken cables over the years
You could try and retrofit an old 110 or series bonnet latch
On my VW T5 transporter the fuel flap is as simple as opening the passenger door to allow the flap to open (it took me an hour to work out how to fill it up for the first time as no where is it stated where the filler cap is let alone how to get to it)
I think the Germans have reverted back to the KISS method to avoid these problems



Gav