Bonnet Catches

[Lordbenny]

Got a bit of a problem with my bonnet catches in that, they don't work too well! The front offside catch seems to flip up under speed/vibration making the bonnet rise slightly above the nose cone under speed it dosn't come completely undone but does make things a bit scarey! Although the bonnet dosnt take off it certainly makes you slow down. Are there any items that will easily replace the standard Westfield catches that are a bit more secure! I dont want to do too much drilling & I know there are DUZD (I think thats what there called) fasteners but I don't think I can use them now I've already got original catches. Can anyone help?

[Mat Jackson]

What about adding bonnet locks?  There was a debate on here a while ago and altough a pain to fit most people thought they worked really well?

[Lordbenny]

What do bonnet locks look like? Where & how do you fit'em?Do I get them from the factory?

[KerryS]

Bonnet locks is this afternoon's job. Recent thread referred to is this Bonnet catches.

The "madness" kit came with over centre catches but I bought the locks as an upgrade and WF credited me with cost of the returned catches. There are holes needed in the bonnet and I can scan the diagram and e-mail you if you want. These holes are a funny shape, about a 22mm square with rounded corners.

My first check on the position of the curved retention plate shows them to come exactly where I have put a rivet, so that'll have to come out. Also they seem to sit with the holes bang in line with the edge of the body's return flange. So some packing will be needed to get them to lie flat. I am going to use bolts rather than the rivets supplied.

Kerry S

[steppenwolf]

They look like this:-

The bonnet attaches at the front with one of these:-

and one of these:-

They are a real pig to fit but following the instructions from the factory does work! Which also answers your last question .....

[Nick M]

Have a quick search on here for "Protex" and you should find some threads about bonnet catches and part numbers for some spring-loaded clips very similar to the Westfield ones.

You could leave the catch plates on the bonnet and just fit new catches so it's not a tricky job.

[Nick M]

Here's some info about the ones I used on my bonnet :

"I've used different spring loaded Protex fasteners and have not had any problems.

Part number was 271830."

Protex website is http://www.protex.com/

[Lordbenny]

Just popped in a local shop (Croydon Race & Rally) & bought two catches that seem identical to Westfield ones except they've got a locking mechanism, just what I need. On the plus side, i'll only have to replace the bottom section of the catch (the one on the main bodywork) as the top section (on the bonnet) is the same. They're made by a company in Chessington, Surrey called Grayson.

[hilux]

catches that seem identical to Westfield ones except they've got a locking mechanism, just what I need

These are the same as the old Westy ones I have seen but these have a hoop for locking/wiring etc and I also used em on the Ginetta.

If you dont want a lock flapping around then a bit of wire (I used solder wire) or small zip ties stops em opening but allows quick release.

HTH

Visit `Europa specialist spares` web site for tons of catches.