Bonnet lock system damaged ?

[Seb_]

Since I have the car I have noticed that the bonnet opens bad, it doesn't open at the first try,
I have to:
1/ Pull the cable,
2/ Go out lift the bonnet
3/ Go back in the car to pull the cable once again
4/ I go out the car and can open the bonnet

Watching closer the mechanism, it seems damaged and bend, I guess it must have been damaged with the back of another car. It explains why my left head light is cracked, and why my grill is a phase 1 (whereas my car is from 1998, so should be a phase 2 grill) red and badly resprayed in black.

Vertical shot:


Honrizontal shot:


Can you confirm me that the mechanism is really bend and should be vertical, parallel to the engine radiator ? I want to be 100% sure before bending anything and damage it completely.


I think I will try to straighten up it with a hammer like this :


Any tips are welcome ! Like for example, would it be easier to replace the full mechanism ?

Cheers

Seb

 

[frank]

it,ll just need tweaking seb (give it a good pull) :wasntme:

 

[Seb_]

Thanks Franky ! I will try to gently pull bit by bit. Did yours was also damaged? because it's not 100% parallel neither

 

[frank]

no probs sebzzz :laugh:
it should be at 90deg to the hinges (so not vertical) but your slam panel (top rail) may be pushed back a little ?

 

[pollyp]

try adjusting the bonnet rubber bump stops on either sides & also the height of the lock mechanism by loosening the 3 12mm bolts holding the lock to the frame