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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Bonnet catch - ideas?

I am struggling to get the bonnet centre pin catch to engage in the slam panel socket. The catch plate on the underside of the socket part moves freely and snaps back smartly with it's spring. The cable release isn't jamming. The cone shaped end of the bonnet part isn't apparently damaged or worn or at least not that I can tell. It does seem to be quite deeply recessed into the collar part that is supported by the spring, if that makes sense.
I have tried lengthening and shortening the pin by releasing it's lock nut and screwing it up and down where it fits into the bonnet itself. I've tried adjusting the pin and socket alignment but nothing has got it any where near fastening down. Any suggestions or encouragement please? What actually goes wrong with these?

There is one problem which makes it harder to adjust. What I take to be a welded in or captive nut in the cavity created by the forward, double skinned part of the bonnet, is free to spin. I can get enough friction there to screw the bonnet pin up and down by a few turns but not to fully unscrew and extract the pin.
GuyW

"What I take to be a welded in or captive nut in the cavity created by the forward, double skinned part of the bonnet, is free to spin."

I think that could be your problem.

If the captive nut is loose, the pin is probably not being held rigid when the spring is compressed.
Dave O'Neill 2

I had similar problem. Here's my solution..

David Cox

Possibly, Dave. Though I can tighten the locknut pretty securely with an open ended 9/16" between the see spring coils if I hold the pin with a flat blade in its slotted end.

David, I had considered 2 bonnet pins as was de rigour on rally minis at one time.
GuyW

I have seen period photos of racing MGBs with a single leather strap...l blatantly copied it!...
David Cox

You've not added the braces yet?
David Billington

I don't wish to be indelicate Guy; but how is your penetration? Is your rubber reducing your penetration? 😉.

There are two kinds of rubber buffer. My bonnet has the later type. Note one is missing. The early type screws into the bonnet and is height/extension adjustable.

Could your rubbers be extended too far, reducing penetration, and preventing your striker pin engaging?




anamnesis

At the moment there are no rubbers. Its only since I had the bonnet off for painting, though it didn't latch reliably easily before.

Its hard to tell but I think the thread at top end of the pin is either damaged or intentionally burred over. Despite the non-captive characteristic of the nut the pin will adjust up and down OK. Except for what should be the last few turns to remove it completely nat which point I can no longer stop the nut from turning. With the pin unable to be removed I can't spot weld the nut or fit a rivinut in its place. And if I could, I don't know if that would fix the problem.

This incidentally is on the car I want to sell. I put an advert in the Midget & Sprite magazine. I got a couple of enquiries but I think I am to far away from where most potential Spridget interest lies.
GuyW

Maybe something like this, though it looks a bit too modern.

bay number:154883570850

Be easier if I could just copy the picture but that doesn't seem to work!
GuyW

You can right click and save the image.

David Billington

Thanks. Click -copy- paste didnt work.

I wonder if the bonnet pins would!
GuyW

Fix the catch.

Cut through yours via the spaces in the spring.

Buy a new one.

https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/12-mgb-midget-bonnet-locking-pin-14g2444/

Drill out remains. With then better access fix spinning captive nut.

Fit new pin. Adjust.

P.S. if you can't copy paste or save or download pictures, just do a screenshot instead.

anamnesis

Ashley Hinton sells the bonnet catch assembly in stainless steel
F I remember that correctly.
Philip Sellen

Mine used to pop when going over a big bump. Replaced the cone locking pin and all sorted.

James Paul

This thread was discussed between 04/07/2026 and 06/07/2026

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