Bonnet (hood)

[Malc]

Er this might sound silly but I don't know..... :oops:
Can't help but play around with the old girl even if I have other projects to do first, but the bonnet doesn't stay open. I assume there is a spring or springs missing/broken/fallen off. can somebody let me know where and what is supposed to keep the bonnet open
yours embarrassed
Malc

[mdsalemi]

Malc,

On the left side right near the battery is a stiff spring that rides in a plastic track.  The spring actually goes across the entire forward part of the bonnet.  See photos. I believe the block is available new as well as the strap, as both of mine had been replaced in restoration.


Download Attachment: Block.jpg
44.55 KB

Download Attachment: Spring.jpg
37.56 KB

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[J. Huber]

Hey Michael,

Would you be willing to take another photo that shows how the hood strap is attached. My '63 doesn't have one -- but I might add it.

Okay, okay. I confess, I am also looking for an excuse to see your beautiful paint job & engine bay!

James
63 230SL

[n/a]

My hood will not stay open either, ever since I had it repainted and the car restored. Either the problem is:
1. The spring has lost its "spring" (which I find hard to believe)
2. There is a problem with the plastic catch (mine is new)
3. They did not put enough torsion (revolutions) in the spring before they inserted it into the hood.
4. Who knows???

I have taken it to 3 dealers, and several other shops, and no one wants to even try and repair it, since they are all afraid of damaging either the paint or hood in the process.
Any ideas?

[mdsalemi]

For Jim Huber and those interested here are photos of the strap and its two mounting points:


Download Attachment: strap1.jpg
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Download Attachment: strap2.jpg
78.24 KB

Download Attachment: strap3.jpg
77.57 KB

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[J. Huber]

Many Thanks Mike. Great pics. It appears I will need the strap, the brass brackets, & the upper screws. It's officially on "the list."

James
63 230SL

[George Des]

I ran into this same problem after I disassembled my hood and had it painted. Here's the problem. It is possible to replace the torsion bar backwards. When properly replaced you will have to "wind" the torsion bar back towards the rear of the car and "hook" it using a small "s" hook through that small square hole on the hood and passed around the torsion bar. You will then be able to put the hood back in place. Once it is in place and the hinges tightened down, you can carefully release the bar from the "s" hook and gently guide it into the plastic follower next to the battery. Be real careful handling the hood while the torsion bar is under tension and held by the hook . This torsion bar holds alot of energy and can very easily hurt the car, or worse, you if it comes loose while you're manuvering the hood into place. Once back in place, you'll have the delightful job of trying to get all the seams straight. Good luck--George Des

[hauser]

Malk in addition to an "S" hook you can also use the metal end of a bungee cord to secure the spring.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Malc]

Thanks everbody
I was mucking about with the old girl and the reason it won't stay open is because the blocks on the body and bonnet, spring and strap are missing !
I suspect when it was painted at some point in it's life they were taken off and never put back on, more stuff for the shopping list!

Malc