bonnet release cable

[legin1966]

I am after a Bonnet release cable for my Maestro and any tips on getting the bonnet open without doning to much damage. Cheers Nigel

[countrydude]

sorry there is no way, I had this ages ago, I had to cut it off!! chisel and hammer. With the best luck I had a spare!! Even right colour!

fitting the new cable from what i remember is a pain too!!

Find a new bonnet and then you will see the best place to cut in. If you do it blind it could take you ages. With a bit of forethought it is quick. Didn't stop a tear coming onto my eye, it was a good condition bonnet!

[KitBryson]

You could try the caveman approach but it really depends where the cable has snapped, if it's at the bonnet end or inside the car. If it's inside the car you need to peel back the carpet around the handle to see if you can get get a pair of pliers on it to tug the wire. If it's the other end it's on your back time under the front of the car with a sturdy screwdriver to try and lever the catch from inside the engine compartment. A very trying experience best done if you've another MM around to see what you are trying to do beforehand and then it's a bit hit or miss but it can be done without butchery. Once open lube the catch and attach a long cable tie around as a temp. fix and let it hang inside the engine comp. so you can at least open and close the bonnet 'til you get another cable. Fixing the new cable is a fiddle as well but get the thing open first.
HTH
KitBryson

[Rich]

Best way to do it, its to aquire yourself a new grille, then, break out the grille, and then you can get a screwdrive into the slam panel to move the lever on the catch across to pop the bonnet open.

If your lucky and do not do to much damage to the grill, you should be able to glue it back together.

[steve smith]

when the cable went on my monty i got at the release catch from underneath with a srcrew driver had to lay under front bumper tho to do it...

[legin1966]

Hi, everyone just to let you all know,i broke the grille and got the bonnet open. The grille had already been broke when the scum bags attempted for the third time to rob the car,i just finished it of. Thanks again every one, now got a cable just need to get new grille. Cheers Nigel

[John S]

I have a very good grille going spare (not in flame red though). PM if of interest. There's also a new badge on ebay ending soon if you have a look on there.