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Making bonnet pins IVA friendly
Slimy38 - 24/10/23 at 10:53 AM

I'm looking at a couple of bonnet pins for my front end. More specifically the back end of my front end (the front is hinged in front of the radiator). I want to use 'old fashioned' pins rather than aerocatch, mainly for the looks. But I am aware that Mr IVA man would frown upon the pins.

Is there a way of making regular bonnet pins IVA friendly? I was thinking of some kind of cover but I suspect they'd want to see it being a permanent thing.

Slimy38 - 24/10/23 at 10:57 AM

OK, I did a bit more Googling, do the recesses make them IVA friendly?

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/satin-black-aluminium-recess-mounting-plates-pair-for-sliding-retained-pin-bonnet-pin-kit

nick205 - 24/10/23 at 12:48 PM

Don't know if the recess would satisfy Mr IVA.

Car Builder Solutions may well know if you give them a call.

adithorp - 24/10/23 at 12:51 PM

They'd possibly work and I think are your best bet. Depends if they're deed enough that test ball radius can't reach it.

If it can you could alway try a cover, cut to the same shape. Mounted on one fixing screw but only tightly enough that it could be rotated to reveal the pin. Maybe with a slot to align it under one of the opposite fixings as a stop?

Could you use flush Deuz fastners and replace after IVA. They might be small enough for the pin fittings to conceal and sign from them.

[Edited on 24-10-2023 by adithorp]

Slimy38 - 24/10/23 at 01:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Don't know if the recess would satisfy Mr IVA.

Car Builder Solutions may well know if you give them a call.


Good plan, I've pinged them a mail as I'm at work at the moment. I wasn't sure whether they'd be willing to state IVA compliance in case someone comes back to them after it fails.

Slimy38 - 24/10/23 at 01:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
They'd possibly work and I think are your best bet. Depends if they're deed enough that test ball radius can't reach it.

If it can you could alway try a cover, cut to the same shape. Mounted on one fixing screw but only tightly enough that it could be rotated to reveal the pin. Maybe with a slot to align it under one of the opposite fixings as a stop?

Could you use flush Deuz fastners and replace after IVA. They might be small enough for the pin fittings to conceal and sign from them.

[Edited on 24-10-2023 by adithorp]


Aye, I've been looking at Dzus fasteners as well, you do have a good point about being able to replace them afterwards though, thanks. At the very least the washer for the bonnet pin could be made wide enough to cover whatever mark/hole the Dzus fastener leaves.

adithorp - 24/10/23 at 01:44 PM

Of course nothing should ever "fall off" that's been fitted to pass IVA

TimC - 24/10/23 at 02:03 PM

I had the same on my boot - I wanted to keep it trad-looking and not drill too many new holes.

Here's the before....


[Edited on 24/10/23 by TimC]

nick205 - 24/10/23 at 02:13 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Don't know if the recess would satisfy Mr IVA.

Car Builder Solutions may well know if you give them a call.


Good plan, I've pinged them a mail as I'm at work at the moment. I wasn't sure whether they'd be willing to state IVA compliance in case someone comes back to them after it fails.



Agreed they may not want to give an outright IVA proof rating on them, but they may comment on what past customers have experieneced.

As also suggected, theyre's always the post IVA "fall off/modify" approach.

Rod Ends - 25/10/23 at 11:43 AM

Locking Bonnet Pins ?


Slimy38 - 26/10/23 at 07:15 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Rod Ends
Locking Bonnet Pins ?




I really like those, thank you. Quite simple design, but I think they could look good. My only worry is the lock mechanism itself, they're not going to survive a British summer let along a British winter.

HowardB - 26/10/23 at 07:39 AM

only required to pass the IVA, then you can have anything that you want,,...?

Slimy38 - 26/10/23 at 12:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by HowardB
only required to pass the IVA, then you can have anything that you want,,...?


Yep! To be honest I was thinking coach bolt as the smallest head and a screw body, but then I figured the inspector will want to see under the bonnet so it still needs to function as a latch. So it's either a sprung Dzus fastener or those locking ones.

Slimy38 - 26/10/23 at 02:42 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Don't know if the recess would satisfy Mr IVA.

Car Builder Solutions may well know if you give them a call.


Good plan, I've pinged them a mail as I'm at work at the moment. I wasn't sure whether they'd be willing to state IVA compliance in case someone comes back to them after it fails.



Agreed they may not want to give an outright IVA proof rating on them, but they may comment on what past customers have experieneced.

As also suggected, theyre's always the post IVA "fall off/modify" approach.


Forgot to say, they responded, and no they won't pass IVA. I expected that sort of statement though.

Rod Ends - 28/10/23 at 01:09 PM

quote:

My only worry is the lock mechanism itself, they're not going to survive a British summer let along a British winter.

Cam lock dust covers

gremlin1234 - 28/10/23 at 04:36 PM

almost all modern production cars use remote release cables

nick205 - 30/10/23 at 01:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by nick205
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Don't know if the recess would satisfy Mr IVA.

Car Builder Solutions may well know if you give them a call.


Good plan, I've pinged them a mail as I'm at work at the moment. I wasn't sure whether they'd be willing to state IVA compliance in case someone comes back to them after it fails.



Agreed they may not want to give an outright IVA proof rating on them, but they may comment on what past customers have experieneced.

As also suggected, theyre's always the post IVA "fall off/modify" approach.


Forgot to say, they responded, and no they won't pass IVA. I expected that sort of statement though.




Fair comment from them (covering themselves). At least you've explored that route.

coyoteboy - 30/10/23 at 04:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
almost all modern production cars use remote release cables


Must admit I don't really understand why you'd not use hidden remote release cable, I wouldn't want pins sticking out unless there was a motorsport requirement for them.

Schrodinger - 30/10/23 at 04:10 PM

how about an m10 button head socket screw with a large penny washer. this is the same thread as on my aero catches and there is no reason you can't have screws holding your bonnet on as long as you have an allen key to remove it if asked.

padrc66 - 31/10/23 at 09:27 AM

i used these on my bonnet. They're really secure, i've done thousands of miles and they've never come loose. I used aerocatches on the back but, to be honest, i prefer these and they're easier to use.




https://www.amazon.co.uk/CENPEK-Aluminum-2-44inch-Universal-Release/dp/B09BF8Q2QB/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=141711624919&hvadid=628402913267&hv dev=c&hvlocphy=1007415&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=520497809195653523&hvtargid=kwd-298477333895&hydadcr=6846_2284398&keywords= quick+latch+hood+pins&qid=1698743114&sr=8-10

Slimy38 - 31/10/23 at 09:56 AM

quote:
Originally posted by padrc66
i used these on my bonnet. They're really secure, i've done thousands of miles and they've never come loose. I used aerocatches on the back but, to be honest, i prefer these and they're easier to use.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CENPEK-Aluminum-2-44inch-Universal-Release/dp/B09BF8Q2QB/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=141711624919&hvadid=628402913267&hv dev=c&hvlocphy=1007415&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=520497809195653523&hvtargid=kwd-298477333895&hydadcr=6846_2284398&keywords= quick+latch+hood+pins&qid=1698743114&sr=8-10


I have seen those, but it then raises the question about quality. Bonnet pins and dzus fasteners are simple mechanisms that even the Chinese can't mess up. But here it's relying on a mechanism made in whatever sweat shop works out cheapest. I do like them though, I might have to find some with more reviews.

Slimy38 - 31/10/23 at 09:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by coyoteboy
quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
almost all modern production cars use remote release cables


Must admit I don't really understand why you'd not use hidden remote release cable, I wouldn't want pins sticking out unless there was a motorsport requirement for them.


I wasn't convinced a remote release was the way to go. After all, even production cars can get it horrendously wrong. VAG cars for example have a strangely high number of stretching cables that cause all manner of headaches.

I'm also not convinced about the 'hidden' aspect. Sure, underneath the bonnet they could disappear, but I'd need the handles mounted somewhere decent. And yes, it would have to be two handles, my bonnet flexes too much to rely on only one catch.

Partofthechaos - 31/10/23 at 12:16 PM

I am trying to plan this aspect of my build currently so I am interested in the responses in this thread. I would prefer the cleaner look of no visible catches, and the standard 4 bonet catches for a se7en type car seems like a faff to me (first world problems). I've mainly been around VAG cars for the last 20 years or so and I currently have 3 on my driveway. I don't remember ever having an issue with cable stretch, possibly this is model dependant and I have avoided those models? Not saying that it is not a thing, but it hasn't (yet) put me off using cable releases. I am thinking either 4 cable release catches going to one handle or 2 location pins at the front with 2 catches at the back. I suspect 2 catches will be easier to get working and to release so I will probably go with that. Car builder have door catches for cobra style cars which look good. If it can hold a door it can hold a bonet.

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/mini-bear-claw-door-latches-pair-75mm

Edit to say I have just found this which looks to solve part of the problem without too much of a faff from a Range Rover bonnet: Range Rover P38 Bonnet Release
Range Rover P38 Bonnet Release

Range Rover parts are reliable right?

[Edited on 31/10/23 by Partofthechaos]

Bluemoon - 2/11/23 at 08:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Schrodinger
how about an m10 button head socket screw with a large penny washer. this is the same thread as on my aero catches and there is no reason you can't have screws holding your bonnet on as long as you have an allen key to remove it if asked.


This put Alan key on key ring with ignition key…

Slimy38 - 2/11/23 at 09:35 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Bluemoon
quote:
Originally posted by Schrodinger
how about an m10 button head socket screw with a large penny washer. this is the same thread as on my aero catches and there is no reason you can't have screws holding your bonnet on as long as you have an allen key to remove it if asked.


This put Alan key on key ring with ignition key…


That's quite an elegant solution to be fair, and most definitely the lowest cost of them all. I did wonder about needing a tool to open the bonnet, but something on a key ring is just as effective. Thank you both for the suggestion, I think this is the winner.

Bluemoon - 2/11/23 at 12:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by Bluemoon
quote:
Originally posted by Schrodinger
how about an m10 button head socket screw with a large penny washer. this is the same thread as on my aero catches and there is no reason you can't have screws holding your bonnet on as long as you have an allen key to remove it if asked.


This put Alan key on key ring with ignition key…


That's quite an elegant solution to be fair, and most definitely the lowest cost of them all. I did wonder about needing a tool to open the bonnet, but something on a key ring is just as effective. Thank you both for the suggestion, I think this is the winner.


If you choose the same size button head socket screw as available bonnet pins you can always change them later - should mean no extra or holes are required

Sanzomat - 2/11/23 at 07:41 PM

[img] Fairing Washer
Fairing Washer [/img]
On the GTM Libra/Spyder the front and rear clams are held down by countersunk socket heads in fairing washers. I always carry a tee head allen key so I can open the clams - 5 at the front, 6 at the back (engine cover) but doesn't take too long..

Slimy38 - 2/11/23 at 09:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Sanzomat
[img] Fairing Washer
Fairing Washer [/img]
On the GTM Libra/Spyder the front and rear clams are held down by countersunk socket heads in fairing washers. I always carry a tee head allen key so I can open the clams - 5 at the front, 6 at the back (engine cover) but doesn't take too long..


Very pretty, although I'm guessing the countersunk fairing contributes to that.