RobCarpent(at)aol.com wrote:
> Yesterday I just about reached the end of the rope because of the bonnet
> latch.
>
> Now after the engine rebuild it was time to reinstall the bonnett. Got it on
> fine and well aligned and then put on the latch. I thought I protected
> myself by using a dremmel to remove some material from the latch where the
> hook contacts [to require less travel for the hook to release]. Wrong. It
> latched and stuck.
>
> I had heard what a bear it is to remove the eight bolts at the front hinges
> and I can testify that it is all of that. The front 4 are not too bad and
> the 2 back ones to the inside of the hinge are hard but not impossible. But
> the back 2 on the outside are just about impossible. Word to the wise, if
> you are adjusting the bonnet latch loosen the top 4 hinge bolts, you will be
> glad.
>
> Now does anyone know how to avoid this again? I reversed the latch 180
> degrees so the safety hook has nothing to get fouled on but now it won't
> click shut at all.
>
> Rob Carpenter
I had this problem, and had the bonnet pop open over bumps when adjusted too
loose. I solved it by installing one of those racing bonnet fasteners (chrome
spike with cotter pin to hold it down), and removing the original bonnet release
mechanism. I tried at least four other Sunbeam bonnet releases before biting the
bullet. Not exactly original, but very practical.
Terry McKitrick
1969 Series I
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