Bonnet cable snapped

[Mooky]

What is the best way to pop the bonnet so I can replace a broken cable?

[RET]

There is a small gap between the striker plate and the cover panel for this purpose.  Put a torch to the gap between the bonnet and grille and you should be able to see it pretty much dead centre IIRC.  Carefully poke a decent length but skinny screwdriver in at an angle (point it towards the driver's door, you might say), and you should be able to release the catch.

It may take a few goes and some quiet swearing though...  Wrap the screwdriver in masking or electrical tape to avoid scratching the paint on the bonnet and panel as well.

Hope that helps,
RET

[fcfromscratch]

Hi Mooky,

I found that when I needed to do it (on the way to Jindabyne, about to set out across the Nullarbor) that a 1/4" kink in the otherwise straight implement help to get the right angle to release the catch.  We used a welding rod (very stiff) with a 1/4" kink in it to poke through the gap that RET describes.  

I had the luxury of Surferboy's car next to mine with the bonnet open so that we could do a dummy run on his then apply similar angles to mine with the bonnet closed.

hope it works.......Brad

[Mooky]

Thank you for your advice, in the end the bonnet decided to open itself "AT 70MPH" Thank god for the safety catch, once again thanks for the advice.

Mook

[Martin]

Seems like you wasted a fair bit of time at Norseman, Brad.  All you had to do was drive at 70mph to get the bonnet open!!