When my bonnet was removed from my 2+2 it was accomplished by removing the four bolts on each side that hold the brackets that attach the bonnet to the bonnet support space frame. Knowing that most things I read said just remove the two bolts (one on each side) that hod the brackets on the space frame and leave the brackets and alignment spacers attached to the bonnet. I was able to remove the two bolts and then comes my problem: I CAN NOT GET THE BRACKETS TO RELEACE FROM THE THREADED TUBE ON WHICH THE ATTACH TO THE SPACE FRAME. I KNOW THERE IS A NYLON OR PLASTIC BEARING IF YOU WILL BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE TUBE. has anyone else had this problem and how did you rectify it. Your help is greatly appreicated. i have tried a large happer to no avail. should I try heat?
Submitted by jmholmes@sympa… on Sun, 08/19/2012 - 09:42
Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Tue, 08/14/2012 - 16:40
Bonnet Brackets unable to remove from space frame
IF I READ YOU PROPERLY, THE FOUR BOLTS ARE OUT AS ARE THE TWO PIVOT BOLTS, IF SO, CAN YOU TURN THE BRACKETS ON THE SLEEVE? IT'S PROBABLE THAT THE SLEEVES HAVE FROZEN IN THE TUBE. i WOULD HEAT THEM WITH A HEAT GUN OR GOOD HAIR DRYER THEN CLAMP THE SLEEVE AND TRY TURNING THE BRACKETS. i HAVE HAD ONE SO TIGHT THAT THE THREADED END OF THE TUBE BROKE AWAY FROM THE TUBE!
Submitted by bfahnest@gmail.com on Tue, 08/14/2012 - 12:55
Bonnet Brackets unable to remove from space frame
Thanks George, I wacked them pretty hard with a 20 oz hammer to no avail. The radiator and all else are off at this point so i have a clear shot. Thanks, i will try again.
Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 08/14/2012 - 11:39
Bonnet Brackets unable to remove from space frame
Bruce if you have the retaining bolts out you may have to get a bit forceful with them. Use a block of wood and tap the flat side away from the frame member. I would resort to any heat only after I had tried all else. They are just stuck. Good luck and watch that radiator when you wind up for a swing!
Bruce, So each hinge bracket is released from its 4 bolts, but is still on the pivot bolt which is frozen into the front frame !?. If this bolt is frozen in there ( mine was! ) then it needs to be heated with a torch .While this will ruin the paint you have little option .And while the bolt will come out, you still have to remove the steel sleeve, and again heat will loosen it, but the vice grip is still probably needed to get it out. A file may well remove all evidence of the mis-treatment!