VR Statesman bonnet stuck please help!!!

[Charlie280]

Hi all, I'm in a bit of a pickle.......

The bonnet cable has broken / become detached right at the latch. Pulling the cable from inside the car does nothing.

I have tried getting at it from underneath without success. Does anyone have any ideas??? (without using a grinder?)

To add to the pain - the engine uses coolant and needs topping up so can't drive it too far without getting at the engine. I love old cars.

Cheers.

 

[db_notso]

saw a guy smash one grill once then just lever the catch on the pivot (where cable was)

apart from that no idea man but dont grind it jeezus-xroist!~

 

[SUSS8]

Maybe get someone to pull the lever and someone else to push on the bonnet or just push down on the bonnet. Hope it works

 

[SP00KSTER]

if the cable has broken or detached then pulling the lever wont do anything to help the situation. i recon that if you can get your hand up behind the bonnet latch and fiddle around you may be able to pop it. ive also heard that you can unscrew the latch or something to pop it off dunno how its done though.

 

[tezza]

Not sure if it's much different to a sedan front end although you should be able to stick a screw driver from underneath the car between the radiator and bumper to unlock the latch.

 

[hako]

Use a long thick flat screwdriver as per the attached pics. You'll also need a torch and be careful not to puncture the radiator or A/C condenser. It will be tight so make sure the head of the screwdriver is large and fits well into the bonnet pin slot. Good Luck.

ps...the 2nd pic is looking up from under the car with bonnet closed.

 

[Charlie280]

Got it!

Use a long thick flat screwdriver as per the attached pics. You'll also need a torch and be careful not to puncture the radiator or A/C condenser. It will be tight so make sure the head of the screwdriver is large and fits well into the bonnet pin slot. Good Luck.

ps...the 2nd pic is looking up from under the car with bonnet closed.

Thanks guys for the suggestions....

There is an electric fan in front of the radiator in my car so couldnt get at the bonnet pin. What I did was to unhook the spring (you can see the end of it on your second photo - thanks) and push it back through the hole (it took some doing - but I got it with a leather man and the wheel brace). Once I did that I cut up a coat hanger and stuck it through the grille to grab the end of the spring that I had just released. Push down on the bonnet and pull hard on the wire.....presto.

 

[Charlie280]

For Sale: 94 VR Statesman

 

[hako]

Great result - you persisted and didn't give up........and selling???...joking???

 

[timmysvs]

i work at a wreackers, only way (you cant use screwdriver as above) is to take off the front bar, only trick is to get the three top screws hiding just under bonnet, may have to crack them thou , but if yor carefull you shouldnt do to much damage, you can fibireglass the part you crack, or if you where real carefull with it a couple of washers will get you out of trouble