Ottawa MG Club

An Alternative Bonnet Release Mechanism

On some MGBs, if the existing bonnet release cable fails, it is almost impossible to get the bonnet to open without a great deal of effort. Here is a tip for a low cost alternative release cable that will come in handy when the main release cable fails.

Use a piece of bare bicycle brake cable, about 20” long. Wrap one end of the cable, in a loop fashion, around the existing bonnet release lever. The existing bonnet release cable is already attached to this point. Then clip the new loop with a fastener to secure it. Feed the other end of the 20” piece of bicycle brake cable underneath the hood latch pan through the hole / grommet that allows passage into the drivers side fender. This passage likely already has a wire or two strung through it for electrical purposes. Once the other end of the 20” piece of bicycle brake cable is through the hole / grommet, fashion the end of the cable into another loop and clip this new loop with a fastener to secure it. Adjust the loops to the appropriate length to make sure the new cable isn’t too long and sloppy – and isn’t too short to impact the operation of the original release cable. Clip away any unused bicycle brake cable. Test the new release cable to be sure it works.

Club member Dalton Begin has manufactured and installed one of these gizmos on his chrome bumper B. I’ve seen it in operation. Smooth as silk! And it will work on a rubber bumper B also as the set up is the same. Thanx to Dalton for the tip!