How to replace bonnet latches & cables?

hogweed · 4th February 2023, 09:53

Some of you are following my other thread(s) on my latest travails - this time, having to open the bonnet with a hacksaw, trying to replace the clutch master cylinder etc.

Having got the bonnet open, I need to replace all the cables. DMGRS sell a kit including the latches, for what I consider to be a reasonable price, so I thought I'll do the lot when it's all in bits.

I've done lots of searches, and some suggest removing the big wrap-around "bumper", the actual steel bumper behind it, and half the car - but some have implied that you can get the slam panel up enough without all this?

I'm working on my own here, and don't fancy taking the entire car to bits if I can avoid it, as I forget how to put it back again very quickly... who did you say you were again?

Anybody give me a definitive answer...?

Thanks

BigRuss · 4th February 2023, 11:14

I've replaced them before by just undoing the two radiator brackets and gently tilting the radiator back.
Make sure to unclip the cables from the plastic clips on the underside of the slam panel.
It's awkward and a bit tight to get them out and the replacements back in but saves having to remove half the front end.

Took me about half an hour if IIRC.

Russ

hogweed · 4th February 2023, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRuss

Took me about half an hour if IIRC.

Thanks Russ - unfortunately, 12 years' experience has taught me that when people like you who do a lot of this stuff say "half an hour", it translates to either "half a month", or "never" when I try to do it.

I'm trying to change my clutch master cylinder today, and it seems completely impossible, though I've seen it described as a half hour job here.

I can't even get my miniature ratchet to the two securing bolts - I've tried from every angle, and there simply isn't room to get it onto the bolts

Matt_75 · 4th February 2023, 11:46

When I did my bonnet catches I read about a method involving unbolting the slam panel and wedging it up with blocks of wood. I tried this for about an hour and gave up, I just couldn't the old catches out. I wish I'd known about BigRuss' method of tilting the rad.

I took the undertray, brake ducts, front bumper, crash bar, headlights and slam panel off, this took about an hour to an hour and a half. Replacing the catches then took about 5 mins. Putting all the front end back on was a bit quicker as I knew how it went together from the previous step, taking about 30-45 mins. I have an impact gun and cordless ratchet which helps speed things up a little. On the upside, following this method gave me the opportunity to refurbish both the headlights and slam panel off the vehicle.

4th February 2023, 09:53	#1
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,970 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	How to replace bonnet latches & cables? Some of you are following my other thread(s) on my latest travails - this time, having to open the bonnet with a hacksaw, trying to replace the clutch master cylinder etc. Having got the bonnet open, I need to replace all the cables. DMGRS sell a kit including the latches, for what I consider to be a reasonable price, so I thought I'll do the lot when it's all in bits. I've done lots of searches, and some suggest removing the big wrap-around "bumper", the actual steel bumper behind it, and half the car - but some have implied that you can get the slam panel up enough without all this? I'm working on my own here, and don't fancy taking the entire car to bits if I can avoid it, as I forget how to put it back again very quickly... who did you say you were again? Anybody give me a definitive answer...? Thanks __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.

4th February 2023, 11:14	#2
BigRuss Premium Trader 75 CDT Tourer,2.5 Launch Saloon, Omipro MG/Rover (T4) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liversedge, West Yorkshire Posts: 5,420 Thanks: 1,105 Thanked 1,340 Times in 661 Posts	I've replaced them before by just undoing the two radiator brackets and gently tilting the radiator back. Make sure to unclip the cables from the plastic clips on the underside of the slam panel. It's awkward and a bit tight to get them out and the replacements back in but saves having to remove half the front end. Took me about half an hour if IIRC. Russ __________________ Replacement Key Service http://https://the75andztclub.co.uk/...d.php?t=244732 Full T4 Testbook diagnostics available. Diesel ECU repair and replacement. Options enabled or disabled as required. Diesel X-Power 135 and "160", Rover 1.8T 150 to 160 MG 160 V6 to 177 upgrades available P.M. for details. Last edited by BigRuss; 4th February 2023 at 11:16..

4th February 2023, 11:46	#4
Matt_75 Gets stuck in 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: North Somerset Posts: 608 Thanks: 13 Thanked 20 Times in 8 Posts	When I did my bonnet catches I read about a method involving unbolting the slam panel and wedging it up with blocks of wood. I tried this for about an hour and gave up, I just couldn't the old catches out. I wish I'd known about BigRuss' method of tilting the rad. I took the undertray, brake ducts, front bumper, crash bar, headlights and slam panel off, this took about an hour to an hour and a half. Replacing the catches then took about 5 mins. Putting all the front end back on was a bit quicker as I knew how it went together from the previous step, taking about 30-45 mins. I have an impact gun and cordless ratchet which helps speed things up a little. On the upside, following this method gave me the opportunity to refurbish both the headlights and slam panel off the vehicle. __________________ Matt 2001 Rover 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5 (BRG) 1999 Rover 75 Club 2.5 (Dorchester Red) 1973 Triumph Dolomite (Honeysuckle)