Hood problem

[Essex exile]

I'm sure I'm doing something very simple wrong, but I'm new to this.
I'm having a real struggle to engage to handles in the hood above the screen, I've already tried brute force and managed to break the pin off the right hand side handle.
Am I doing something obviously wrong, or does it sound like a dodgy hood?

[pcoleman]

mine's the same being very hard to engage the front handles into the locators,I get round it by always engaging the handles first before unclipping and locating the arse end.I know it's obvious but make sure you twist the handle in the right direction as they only engage one way, if you look in the location hole on the windscreen header rail you can see which way to turn the handle on each side ( you should be trying to go up the incline side not the high side).if all else fails get an assistant to push down on the corner of the hood whilst you engage the handle from inside the car I've found this is the easiest way.

good luck. peter

[therat04]

I'm sure I'm doing something very simple wrong, but I'm new to this.
I'm having a real struggle to engage to handles in the hood above the screen, I've already tried brute force and managed to break the pin off the right hand side handle.
Am I doing something obviously wrong, or does it sound like a dodgy hood?

My hood handles will only engage if i do the drivers side handle first, unknown why perhaps its pissed and the drivers side brings it into line,worth a try ...Steve

[KOY 23]

Are you doing it with the doors open, much easier.

[jamcarr2]

My hood handles will only engage if i do the drivers side handle first, unknown why perhaps its pissed and the drivers side brings it into line,worth a try ...Steve

Mine is the same only works if i do the drivers side first then the n/s then SLAM the back down
JOHN

[V Mad]

, I've already tried brute force and managed to break the pin off the right hand side handle.
Am I doing something obviously wrong, or does it sound like a dodgy hood?

I wonder if your cam is worn or broken? The cam that pulls down the hood front is accessible by removing the chrome top plate; then undo the two large crosshead screws to remove it. They do wear badly. Also make sure they are the right type as they are handed left or right.

[Essex exile]

Actually, it did work better when I did the drivers side first, unfortunately that's the one I've broken.
I'm glad i'm not alone, I was worried the frame might be dodgy.
Cheers all!

[Mike J]

Yesterday I locked down the front of the hood loosened the three nuts holding the frame to the body and reset the whole cover with the back part clipped up. My hood seemed to have dropped ie the doors would clip the canvas. Jiggled and twisted it Tightening the top of the three nuts first. Then adjusted the locking catches. One I repositioned.up by about 10mm. Huge difference. The back catch is too tight but I'll live with it for a few weeks then adjust. Treating the rear screen with Auto Glym rubber an vinyl also made a difference. Just got to get the zipped window working now. You needtoremoce the side panels in the back. Mike