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What's the best bonnet catch?
RazMan - 26/9/05 at 09:00 PM

I like the look of the Aerocatch but it might be a bit too large and dominate the panel. I am not too worried about being SVA friendly because the catches will be recessed with a cover fitted for safety (and aesthetics)

So what is the strongest, safest, most reliable catch available?

tom_loughlin - 26/9/05 at 09:13 PM

im not too sure about strength, safety, or reliability, but ive just fitted 4 x dzus on mine, along with two locating pins sticking into the nosecone - they look great, and the bonnet seems pretty rigid, driven about 20miles so far with no probs, got to about 60mph i think and its pretty sturdy.

bit of a pain to fit though, but well worth the effort if you ask me.

Tom

RazMan - 26/9/05 at 09:23 PM

Tom, I have heard that some Dzus fasteners tend to come adrift - with expensive results The same can be said for some of the 'over centre' fasteners too - the rubber type mainly. I like the idea of locating pins though - where did you get them from?

I am looking for something that keeps tension when locked, possibly with an R pin to make sure.
These ones from Merlin look pretty good.


[Edited on 26-9-05 by RazMan]

Triton - 26/9/05 at 09:25 PM

The Dzus twist n turn jobbies won't come undone if you mount them properly and use the right length for the job.

Hellfire - 26/9/05 at 09:30 PM

Neither do the rubber overcentre one's if mounted correctly.

RazMan - 26/9/05 at 09:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Triton
The Dzus twist n turn jobbies won't come undone if you mount them properly and use the right length for the job.

Agreed - they do seem to be a good option. Maybe using several around the bonnet's perimeter to spread the load.
I seem to remember a similar fastener which had an Allen key recess which might be a little more tamper proof.
I think that the GTM Libra guys use them if memory serves.



[Edited on 26-9-05 by RazMan]

RazMan - 26/9/05 at 09:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
Neither do the rubber overcentre one's if mounted correctly.


They should be better than steel when you think about it - the stretch in the rubber should keep tension. Don't they get a bit too pliable when they get hot? No locking mechanism either.

indykid - 26/9/05 at 09:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
Neither do the rubber overcentre one's if mounted correctly.


make sure you fit them when they're warm if you do use them. i fitted mine early on in spring, and by the middle of summer, they were slacker than a 60 year old hooker. the only thing that's kept my bonnet on during the 2 times they've popped open is my k&n - bugger!

they're alright again now, but it's worth considering.
tom

Triton - 26/9/05 at 10:05 PM

Trident supplies in Silverstone have some really neat dzus type things that have a spring loaded ratchet and an allen headed countersunk quick turn bolt, the mounting bracket is floating so is easy to locate .......very groovy and nice and light.

RazMan - 26/9/05 at 10:16 PM

Something like this?


I would imagine they would be a bit more positive than the Dzus.

[Edited on 26-9-05 by RazMan]

Fozzie - 26/9/05 at 10:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
Neither do the rubber overcentre one's if mounted correctly.


Absolutely!...I have had no problems at all!
As Hellfire says, they must be mounted properly!...with plenty of 'tension'..

Fozzie

Mix - 27/9/05 at 06:10 AM

For anyone searching, the picture posted by Razman is of a 'Camloc' fastener.
Dzus fasteners are the ones that use a curved sprung bar as a locking device.

Mick

zetec - 27/9/05 at 07:23 AM

I fitted Dzus fasteners first time round but they do sometimes come undone. I think the problem is that the panel and chassis sometimes flex and this causes them to slightly turn and unlock.

I ended up fitting Merlin overcentre catches on the front, they are small/neat/lockable and at least I know the front will never come undone even if the rear Dzus one does.

Peteff - 27/9/05 at 11:02 AM

Something similar to this might be good for you. It latches and locks and also has a hole to fit an R clip for added security.
Latch
They also have some spring fasteners here which look good for the job too.

[Edited on 27/9/05 by Peteff]

Hellfire - 27/9/05 at 01:47 PM

We made a template from one we used on the first build which was fine whatever the weather...

If you print this it should be to scale and suitable for use as a template with which to drill the holes for the rubber type bonnet catch. I will not accept responsibilty for misinformation - it worked for our's it's up to you whether you use this to make your's.

RazMan - 27/9/05 at 08:41 PM

Thanks guys - loads of info to get my teeth into.

I quite like the idea of the Camlock jobbie from Merlin - mainly because it is adjustable so I can take up any slack, however caused.

I will be recessing the catches in a moulded box which will have a snap on cover fitted to keep everything hidden from view and flush with the body line.



RoadkillUK - 29/9/05 at 06:01 PM

The rubber ones are fine, I've done over 5,000 miles and they haven't failed once.