gingerbloke Posted May 12, 2019 Posted May 12, 2019 My 1997 S1 bonnet has steadily been getting tougher to open (actually swing open, the catch mechanism is fine), I've undone the three bolts and the remaining section was so lose that it came away in my hand (the rivets had given up). Some WD40 has got the hinge moving again, but only just. Can this part be ordered somewhere? Or can it be stripped and repaired? Or is there a better/newer option of some sort? Very surprised at how heavy the bonnet actually is on this car, I know the Elise S1 needed some mass at the front but still! Any help/info much appreciated. Adam
Lithopsian Posted May 12, 2019 Posted May 12, 2019 You can certainly buy the bits for the hinge mechanism, but you probably don't want to or need to. Comes in several pieces. For example, the "hinge rotor", the big piece that bolts to the bonnet itself, is 130 quid from Elise Shop. The bracket, the piece that should be rivetted to the clam, is much more reasonable. The "hinge" is simply a bolt that runs through the bracket and a tunnel at the end of the rotor. So salvage what you have, clean it, grease it, maybe replace the bolt (and washers and nuts) with something that won't get all rusted up, and stick it back to the clam. Replace the bracket if it is badly corroded. Probably bolt it unless you're good with rivets, sikaflex is useful with rivets to stop them breaking again. Fiddly with the clam on.
Steve J Posted May 12, 2019 Posted May 12, 2019 Easy enough job to sort once rusted bolts are removed / snapped ones drilled out. Steel in aluminium which gets wet isn't the best thing. Keep it greased and moving once done.
gingerbloke Posted May 13, 2019 Author Posted May 13, 2019 Thanks guys, mine was so grimy/rusty I hadn't actually noticed there were nuts/hex on the ends of the pivot. I'll set about cleaning dissembling the original. A
gingerbloke Posted May 15, 2019 Author Posted May 15, 2019 Stripped, cleaned, back together and moving freely. Thanks guys. I wish I'd taken a 'before' photo now......
Steve J Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 Amazing how things work once you get rid of 20 years of rust and gunk.
Phil S1 Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 Nice job! A word of warning, when you refit the bonnet, aligning the latch mechanism can be a right pain. It may look right, so you shut it, only to then find you can't open it again! Been there, done that!
jonnyfox Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 That is so true Phil. I took the bolts out and had both the hinge and shims anodised again. Minty minty styley 😁
Lithopsian Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I've become an expert at how to open the catch when it isn't quite aligned right :) I just can't leave the bonnet wonky!
kayj_prod Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 ...and if you do get it wrong, make sure you have the locking wheel nut doofer to hand so you can get a wheel off to reach through and release it from underneath. (Also been there. 😉)
Lithopsian Posted May 19, 2019 Posted May 19, 2019 1 hour ago, gingerbloke said: You guys have got me worried now....... I think its an over-played problem, but it certainly gets your heart rate up when you pull the handle and it doesn't open. Unless you've got it really badly aligned and then forced it closed when it didn't want to go, it can be freed by pushing the bonnet in one direction or another so the catch is more central and it will pop open. Take care that the catch is aligned with the hole when you're adjusting and you'll be fine.
kayj_prod Posted May 19, 2019 Posted May 19, 2019 I agree with Lithopsian, however, if it does go wrong, you can resolve it easily as long as you can get a wheel off. It’s a job where slow and steady really is the best course.
jonnyfox Posted May 20, 2019 Posted May 20, 2019 And get someone to pull the bonnet up gently while you are pulling on the bonnet realise.
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