Bonnet won't stay up ???

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:13 pm

Hey guys,

This has probably been covered before and I did have a quick look but couldn't find a relevant thread.

Problem being, the stinking bonnet won't stay up. Can anyone give a remedy for this problem, whether it be different springs or gas struts.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

Mal

Sigs · Post by **Sigs** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:28 pm

Hi Mal,
I have the same problem with the wagon. The old guy I bought it off gave me a length of timber to prop it up which he said stopped him from getting a few belts to the head

That would be the cheapest approach and adds a bit of character when your showing off whats not under the bonnet

I'll be watching this one for my own benefit...

Regards,
Sigs

oldnek · Post by **oldnek** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:39 pm

G'day Mal.

With those shooters fitted on the bonnet, it maybe a tad to heavy for the springs to hold up. You may have to go the struts option, which will lead you into another world. The strenght of the strut, will be a cause for concern (especially if it to strong)you may well kink the bonnet on closure.
You will have to work out weather it is best to have the struts forward or reverse facing. On commodores the struts are reverse facing and there spacing and location of the mount is such that the bonnet stays up but also closes without distortion of the bonnet itself.
You will have to sort the fixture out yourself, Mal. I have seen the struts mounted in reverse on the EK , but makes servicabilty a pain cause there in the way. I used a standard rod set up on mine.
Regards John

smooth · Post by **smooth** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 5:47 pm

The EK Hydramatic's all had the accessory springs fitted and so to did the EK Holden's that order a NASCO bonnet bird.

This was because the EK Hydra had "sound deadening mat" placed on the under side of the bonnet to quieten down engine and transmission noise. The extra weight forced the bonnet to close under the weight. Same goes for the NASCO bonnet bird it added way to much weight.

Here is a shot of a set I restored and sold recently showing the inner factory NASCO accessory springs.

Secondary Spring Part Number 7419876
Not only this but I have seen outer springs made with heavier wire on EK's (actually have these on my EK van)

So why didn't this happen with the FB I hear you ask? It all comes down to the bonnet bar the EK is heavy die cast where as the FB was mild chrome plated steel.

Regards, Smooth

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:47 pm

Hi Mal,
my bonnet has been a sore bone of contention since I picked the old bus up many years ago. Foolishly I painted some body deadener on the underside of the hood and this exasapated the issue.
I found replacement "originals" which the tension was much stronger but alas without benefit.
I approached some spring makers and was alarmed at the price to tool up and produce new springs. One day whilst walking through Bunnings, I found some smaller springs which make for a good fit inside the originals.
This has remedied the problem but how long they retain their tension is not known.
I am happy to say that for the past two years my hood stays up...........
frats,
Rosco

Post by **Blacky** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:59 pm

I have fitted a single gas strut to the bonnet on the wifes EK , the booster meant the drivers side spring had to go so I mounted the strut in the centre of the bonnet and tacked the two bonnet stays together and fitted the strut to a bracket welded to them. The base is mounted to another bracket mounted above the wiper motor, unfortunately the gas strut is off an unknown vehicle so I cant help you there.

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:32 pm

Guys,

Thanks for the info.
I hadn't thought of a second internal spring, so I'll give that a run and see how it goes. Sounds like that may be the easiest option to try first.
The bonnet is definately heavier now with the Chev rockets and the added raised sections.

Cheers all

Mal

oldgmh · Post by **oldgmh** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:08 pm

I had the same problem with the bonnet not staying up.

Solved it by using a spring from the kids trampoline which fitted perfectly inside the original spring.

reddo · Post by **reddo** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:29 pm

I can just see it now... dozens of Fb/Eks cruising the council kerbside junk mounds in search of thrown out trapolines.

The neighbours kids complaining about there trampoline has lost all its "sproiiiiiiinnnnng" because there tramp is missing every second spring.

A flood of "genuine nasco" innner bonnet springs. ex trampos painted black

Hmmmmmm i wander if they are any good for respringing sagging bench seats

Will definitely give the springs a go on my ute with "bird on the bonnet".... Bonnet.. otherwise known as ....."The Guillotine"

thank you oldgmh my prayers have been answered.

Reddo

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