Front end impact, bonnet won't open
 

My wife managed to run into the back of somebody last night in my car about 2 miles from home. Hmm. :duh:

The bumper and grille took most of the impact it would seem, deforming the crash bar and slam panel beneath. Headlamps are unbroken but both pointing at the sky. Fan pushed into radiator, smell of electrical burning, some fluid loss. Panel gaps look good at the rear of the wings, bonnet might be slightly bent:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1572947491


First challenge is to get the bonnet open - the release feels slack (but is connected at the junction box). I presume with the slam panel twisted the latches are not free to move. I'm planning to release and pull the individual latch cables with pliers to get more force onto it whilst an assistant levers at the latch.

Since the bumper and slam panel are both scrap, are there any shortcuts to the blind fumbling of the bonnet release cables?

I'm well versed in taking the bumper off for fan changes etc., and in the method for recovering a broken/disconnected bonnet release cable ;)

When you pull on the cable through the front grill & under the slam panel, get you mate to push down on the bonnet hopefully this will take the strain from the latch to slam panel.

You could also try & wedge the bonnet up a little by each latch & use 8mm ring spanner on the latch bolts to loosen them a bit more, cut through the bonnet pole into the latch with hack saw blade.

Front end impact, bonnet won't open
 

Undo the bonnet catches using an s shaped 10mm spanner

Great tips, guys - thanks. I have my assistant in tomorrow so will report back... :}

Another thought, maybe to tie the slam panel to a tow vehicle and gently nudge the slam panel forward towards it's original position, maybe tie the lashes to the areas around the horns.
Seen this done many times in similar situations, we understand that the panels will need replacing, but this method may simply take seconds but gently does it as massive deformations may result making further work for repairs. The tow car would only need pushing rather than driven by it's engine.

Hope you get sorted soon.

Bonnet off - thanks to the suggestions, a plasterboard saw took care of the central portion of the bumper and allowed access to the bonnet catches with a slim ratchet spanner.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1573042330


Unfortunately, I think it's a write off. Both front chassis rails are bent backwards and crumpled inwards, the intercooler, radiator, slam panel, bumper, grille, headlamps (broken mountings), and crash bar all need to be replaced.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1573042338

The car's done 177,000 miles, the gearbox is clunky despite an oil and solenoid change, the OSR quarter has been badly repaired in the past and leaks despite best efforts (body shop verdict: live with it or replace the panel again), the boot floor has holes drilled in it to let the water out... I've had 56,000 miles out of it and its been my favourite of all three of them.


I think I'll keep the deep sea green interior in case the right replacement comes along.

Hi Dan.
yes it looks like your car is not worth repairing, it's one those that you think to your self move on, sorry to hear it though, I am sure you will find another one if you are going stay in the stable ;)