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Reply to "Problem with Beck bonnet latches?"

Mike - Continuing our discussion from yesterday, the photo below shows the upper section of my latch system. It looks as if my bracket may be a little heavier than yours, but the spring isn't any heavier and may actually be lighter (The latch is adjusted all the way out in this photo, so just ignore the gaps between the pieces).

I put the lower and upper sections of the latch together this morning and it appears that the upper piece on both of my latches was adjusted too long. The result being that every time I closed the bonnet, instead of just resting in the beveled hole in the lower piece, the beveled end of the upper piece would hit the lower plate in the lower piece and, over time, bowed it out, finally causing it to straighten the tabs and break loose.

My problem is exaserbated by the fact that the weather stripping at the closure of my bonnet is quite thick and it takes some force to get the bonnet to compress the gasket well enough to engage the latches.

Clearly, careful latch adjustment is the key to minimizing this particular risk.

I can see that if, as in the case of your car, there is excessive movement in the bonnet while in motion, a similar thing could occur. That excessive motion could be due to weak springs (aAs you stated) maladjustment of the latches, or perhaps older weather atripping that is compressed and not providing the support it once did.

I know this....Once I get this back together, I'll be checking the integrity of my latches every time I check my oil.
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