Elan Bonnet Spring Attachment Point

[AlfaLofa]

I would be much obliged if somebody could post a photo showing how the bonnet retaining spring is attached to the front of the bonnet. (I'm going for the central attachment rather than the 2 side springs which are standard on an S1)

[types26/36]

The attachment point is on the bar glassed into the bonnet

[AlfaLofa]

Brian - Thanks for pictures.

Looks like I'll have to make a bar with the attached hook and then do a bit of bonding.

[nebogipfel]

I'm not sure what the ugly cutouts on the front edge of the bonnet (as seen in Brian's excellent pictures) are actually for?

They seem to be a feature on most Elans but I don't know why ....... perhaps someone will enlighten me

Anyway, on my S4 I "repaired" the front flange on the bonnet so that it is completely intact and the hook protrudes down beyond it and functions perfectly and is both neat and strong.

[alan71]

The cutout is to clear the fan motor

Alan

[types26/36]

The cutout is to clear the fan motor Alan

Yes and I think my cutout is larger then most due to a non standard fan

[nebogipfel]

Thanks for that, but my car has the standard rad' and cooling fan/bracket and so far it hasn't tried to saw it's way through the bonnet

[gjz30075]

Got the same cutout but my attachement point is centered. Brian, did you move yours?

Greg Z

[alan71]

I think the cutout is also to make it easier to get your hand to the spring.

alan

[types26/36]

Hi Greg, the pics might be a bit deceptive but the attachment bracket is in the middle, the cutout is extended to one side.
At least it follows Colin's philosophy of "add lightness"

[nebogipfel]

I suspect the cut-out was something the factory did but for no good reason. Not having one must be advantageous to the strength and structure of the bonnet and so far I have not found any problems by "engineering it out"

If fitting the device from scratch of course the metal loop does need to protrude a bit beyond the lower edge of the bonnet (as is standard) otherwise a cut-out would be needed.