I anticipate having to remove the bonnet to do some front end
service (like radiator etc.) and was wondering if there are tricks
to getting the job done and back in working by yourself?
Sure looks like it’s a two person job, but I thought I would ask.
WES–
Fate, TX
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In reply to a message from BRGXJS sent Mon 20 Jul 2015:
When I work on the front end, like radiator removal, I just raise
the bonnet to full vertical.
This can be done by removing the chrome grill, removing the chrome
trim on the top of the bumper, disconnecting the struts and tying
off the bonnett to your rafters to prevent the bonnett from falling.–
Vans
Tucson, Arizona, United States
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In reply to a message from BRGXJS sent Mon 20 Jul 2015:
http://www.bernardembden.com/xjs/hoodoff/index.htm
Kudos to Bernard to keeping his website for us to use, years
after the car has been sold.
Steve–
The original message included these comments:
I anticipate having to remove the bonnet to do some front end
service (like radiator etc.) and was wondering if there are tricks
to getting the job done and back in working by yourself?
Sure looks like it’s a two person job, but I thought I would ask.
–
'95 XJS convertible - V12 6.0L
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In reply to a message from Vans sent Mon 20 Jul 2015:
WES,
I wouldn’t even think about trying to take the bonnet off
and on by myself. You’d need to do it with the bonnet
raised, it’s a big panel and I’m not sure how you could do
that without guaranteeing not to knock the wings, paint etc.
If it’s any consolation, you can definitely get the rad out
with the bonnet in situ. I’ve done that myself.
Good luck
Paul–
Paul 04 x350, 4.2 SE, 94 XJS 4.0 Conv, 97 XJ8 Sov LWB 4.0
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Taking it off by yourself is doable if you have a broad reach. You better not be fat because you have to kind of hook it on your belt. Getting it back on by yourself I think it’s nearly impossible without scratching the paint. My paint was pretty bad at the time so I didn’t particular care.
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In reply to a message from John sent Mon 20 Jul 2015:
had mine off by myself by simply flipping it straight up and
carrying it, reinstalling would likely leave scratches in paint. I
have also opened it and strapped it to rafters, unbolt, lifted
front and strapped same as rear. mark your bolts before removing.–
john rinaman '84 xjs 5 speed
zelienople,pa, United States
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In reply to a message from jrinam sent Mon 20 Jul 2015:
Bernard Embden passed a few yrs ago.hope his site is
available ever and anon–
syzygy
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In reply to a message from syzygy sent Tue 21 Jul 2015:
Having done it both ways…I wouldn’t dream of removing
the bonnet for radiator and/condenser work. As said, just
pop the struts off one end and prop it a little more open.–
John. '95 XJS 6.0L convertible. Southlake, TX
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In reply to a message from syzygy sent Tue 21 Jul 2015:
I did not realize Bernard had passed, that’s sad news.–
The original message included these comments:
Bernard Embden passed a few yrs ago.hope his site is
available ever and anon
–
Gary, Jagrr88 5.3L XJ-S 1988
Edmonton/Alberta, Canada
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In reply to a message from Jagrr88 sent Tue 21 Jul 2015:
Yeah. a lot of helpful info/pics on his site.
wish I knew the bonnet trick back when I removed my
radiator twice in the years ago. whoda thunk?
I have completely removed it too, tying to the overhead and
unbolting. it is a heavy sucker!–
syzygy
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In reply to a message from syzygy sent Tue 21 Jul 2015:
Some interesting ideas. Maybe there is a combination of ideas that
will employ a lift from the straight-up position. This would allow
some fettling to get the bolts back in place and aligned to
position.
wes–
The original message included these comments:
I have completely removed it too, tying to the overhead and
unbolting. it is a heavy sucker!
–
Fate, TX
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Just cruising the posts. Yesterday I read so many wonderful things on Bernard Embden’s website, then today saw this post that he passed away. Wish I had met him. His work on his web page is outstanding!
To be quite honest, I definitely did not want to remove that bonnet at all costs. I thought once you’ve done that then you’re facing re-alignment issues, let alone the size of it to try and maneuver. I pulled my radiator just by removing the front grille and undoing the hood struts. It all worked fine. I wouldn’t remove it unless you absolutely had to . Others may chime in.
Removed mine and putting back on did not present alinement issues. Just leave the bolts a little loose until you have the gaps correct
Please don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
Bernard is not as active on this forum as he used to be, but according to the forum interface, he logged in just 8 hours ago:
Yeah Bernard, he’s alive and well and a proud owner of an Aston Martin, he’s a Bond like character!
As did Mark Twain.
Glad to hear that!!!
I got the bonnett off my XJ alone. It took two men and a girl to get it back on!!! …
If you’re taking the radiator out, then you don’t even need to lean the bonnet forward by undoing the struts. It will come out just with it normally open.
My death has been greatly exaggerated (smile) Health issues made it necessary for me to sell my XJS, but I do visit this list occasionally. Once you are part of this list you become part of a family.
I appreciate all the effort both Bernard and Kirby have put into documenting XJ-S related operations; many of us have done similar repairs benefiting from their knowledge. Many thanks!
