hood stowage

[garrythefox]

Hi guys,

I thought I would put my soft top down today and put the hard top back on.

Although I've not had a problem before, the release handle would not unlock the rear hood catch.

Anyone have any ideas how I can release the catch.

Thanks

Garry

PS A couple of months ago I posted about a sudden rattle in the engine, turned out a valve seat had dropped out of the head!!

I've never heard of this before.

[V Mad]

Hi Garry
Its a common problem caused by the striker pin being out of line. Before you do anything else try banging your hand on the lower edge of the frame whilst pulling the catch. If that doesnt work get someone to bang the other side or the back.

Alternatively, from inside the car you may be able to get a thin 5/16 AF spanner onto the striker fixing bolts.

[paulbell6]

Garry, try undoing the two front hood catches and then the rear catch, it seems to remove a bit of tension from the rear catch and it should then work. Well it did on mine.

Paul

[wilf]

For the future, the 'Stag paranoia" fix is to remove the two bolts that hold the rear seat back in, and replace with some velcro.

[ChrisLD364]

Same's happened to me today - and the Stag's just back from a new hood fitting. I'll try VMad's suggestion tomorrow. Longer term I think I'll go for the Velcro!

[DJT]

Coincidentally I had a couple come up to me today, describe exactly the same problem and ask me how to resolve it. They had struggled to get the soft top released to stow it, fitted the hard top but weren't happy with the fit then found that they couldn't release the rear catch to remove the hard top again. It must be something to do with the season.....

[mjheathcote]

For the future, the 'Stag paranoia" fix is to remove the two bolts that hold the rear seat back in, and replace with some velcro.

Always a good idea!
I find it keeps in place without the velcro.