Bonnet / Hood Lock

[Big Pat]

Hey Everyone!

About a year ago I moved into a "dodgey" neighbourhood. Within three days someone kindly helped themselves to my car battery. On the positive side my car has never started better with the new battery! On the down side, lugging my battery inside with me each night is a real pain in the backside!

Just wondering what options are available for installing a locking mechanism on the bonnet to prevent thieves getting in? I was thinking a hasp and staple with a padlock, but maybe someone has done something more elegant?

Cheers!

Pat

 

[vk7ybi]

I recall reading a thread about this before.. Try the search?

 

[FF LC FREAK]

I recall reading a thread about this before.. Try the search?

Here you go - https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/103061-hood-lock.html

Good luck!

 

[nuclearlemon]

i cheat and run a chain/padlock through the support at the corner of the hood and a hole in the bib. you can't see it from the outside, you have to raise the hood about an inch to get to the padlock

 

[lone gunman]

i do kinda like nuclearlemon does, but i use a pistol cable lock you know the ones that go down the barrel and out the exstraction port. may not be as strong as a chain but makes it tuffer for the dishonest types. and here in the states you can get the locks free from the police dept.

 

[lostmarbles]

This is what I use:



The brackets are hot-dip galvanised so scratching them doesn't create rust.

I generally leave the padlock off except when I park in dodgy areas. (And there are dodgy people in NZ as you know.)

Here's a close-up pic:



Perhaps you're wondering how I fit the padlock? This will explain that:



I found it quite easy to break whatever normally keeps the two halves from separating.



PS Nice to see it being called a BONNET. Little red riding hood wore one of those. I mean no-one ever says she wore a "hood" even though her name has a hood in it. Actually isn't "hood" and odd word? I mean the "oo" in it isn't pronounced the same as in "pool" or "fool". Then again ..................... . . . . . .... ... .... .

 

[cronic]

Guys I have been looking for a nice solution for a hood lock as well. Short of finding one off a late model bj40 this is the best solution I have found.

AeroCatch - Automotive

 

[retiredranger]

I'm really surprised that an aftermarket parts supply company like Cool Cruisers of Texas or Specter Off-Road has not come up with a solution. I think there is quite a demand for a hood lock. I recently completed the installation of a two battery system. I now have a great deal of value under the hood that can be used on other models of cars such as the battery isolator, battery switch, a 100 amp hour deep cycle marine batter, and well made #1 gauge cables with copper lugs. I'm not concerned about where I park the vehicle in my driveway, but at remote trailheads where I often park the rig to take off on hikes.

The post on the linked thread showing the two L brackets with the short shaft lock looks like the ticket to me, although I think I'm going to try to find stainless steel brackets. Rust in that spot could do some noticeable damage to the exterior paint. The shaft of the lock is protected by the brackets and the lock itself. The post showing the entire hoop of the lock removed could only be accomplished on a low cost lock. I would not feel comfortable about the security it would provide.

P.S. I would be uncomfortable removing that much sheet metal on the hood to install the AeroCatch.

 

[lostmarbles]

..........The post showing the entire hoop of the lock removed could only be accomplished on a low cost lock. I would not feel comfortable about the security it would provide.

You're right.

But if people really want to get inside your vehicle - they'll always be able to succeed no matter what you do.

(You could unscrew the bonnet hinges easier/faster than you could break my cheap padlock!)

 

[retiredranger]

lostmarbles, it's already the 1st of February in New Zealand? I know that you are located west of the International Date Line in the southern hemisphere and celebrate New Year's sooner than we do, but didn't realize you are a whole month ahead!!!

 

[lostmarbles]

lostmarbles, it's already the 1st of February in New Zealand? I know that you are located west of the International Date Line in the southern hemisphere and celebrate New Year's sooner than we do, but didn't realize you are a whole month ahead!!!

Hey. Retiredranger. I'm sure I've already gone through this lesson once before:--- Days are smaller than months which in turn are smaller than years. There's a simple "progression" there. So the dates on my photos are actually correctly written.

Back on the subject of BONNET locks - If I was making one again, I'd probably have all my holes "in line". That way I wouldn't have to "break part of my lock" and could use a better quality one.

(The reason I made it as I did was because I thought it would look neater. Also I was thinking of running the vehicle with the padlock in place. So I made the holes large enough to accept the padlock hoop when it has clear plastic tubing pushed over it. This sleeving was for anti-rattle purposes. Can't remember where it went to. I think it was a bit tight in the holes so I took it off.)

 

[retiredranger]

You're right.

But if people really want to get inside your vehicle - they'll always be able to succeed no matter what you do.

(You could unscrew the bonnet hinges easier/faster than you could break my cheap padlock!)

Absolutely true on the first comment. I have quite a bit of experience with locks used on gates, cabins and many other types of facilities located in very remote areas on National Forest land. I tend to make everything as secure as I can when I'm doing it. I also worked assisting a locksmith for a short time. In both experiences I was able to see a lot of locks that were damaged. The locksmith was very knowledgeable about different lock designs and manufacturer quality. In my U.S. Forest Service career I gradually designed lock shields and found locks that cut down break-ins by 99%. People tend to look for opportunities that follow the least line of Resistance. and most will give up when you figure out all the spots that are weak given the time, tools, and experience almost every person is likely to have.

I had a lock fail on one of my gates and we could not get it off and it was encased in a hood or shield so secure that we could not remove the lock. It took a very large and powerful torch for us to cut the steel on the gate so we could swing it open. It took us quite a bit of time also as the steel we used did not allow for a quick cut. I know as it took me about 1/2 an hour to make a 2 cm long mark on the gate with a hacksaw. Similar to trying to cut a grade 8 bolt with a hacksaw.

As for taking off the hinges on the "hood" (bonnet), it is hard for me to accomplish and I have some very long Phillips head screwdrivers. They have very large diameter handles, and changeable bits with some being for wide diameter screws. Those screws have been in there for 31 years and would come out very reluctantly. In addition it would be very difficult to remove my accessories with only the back portion of the hood being loose.

Don't get me wrong, I think the brackets you installed are superior, especially since the top one is welded on. I see some of that superior design being undermined with the lock. You have cut the odds of a break-in considerably however.

 

[lostmarbles]

....Absolutely true on the first comment. I have quite a bit of experience with locks used on gates, cabins and many other types of facilities located in very remote areas on National Forest land. I tend to make everything as secure as I can when I'm doing it. I also worked assisting a locksmith for a short time. In both experiences I was able to see a lot of locks that were damaged. The locksmith was very knowledgeable about different lock designs and manufacturer quality. In my U.S. Forest Service career I gradually designed lock shields and found locks that cut down break-ins by 99%. People tend to look for opportunities that follow the least line of Resistance. and most will give up when you figure out all the spots that are weak given the time, tools, and experience almost every person is likely to have.

I had a lock fail on one of my gates and we could not get it off and it was encased in a hood or shield so secure that we could not remove the lock. It took a very large and powerful torch for us to cut the steel on the gate so we could swing it open. It took us quite a bit of time also as the steel we used did not allow for a quick cut. I know as it took me about 1/2 an hour to make a 2 cm long mark on the gate with a hacksaw. Similar to trying to cut a grade 8 bolt with a hacksaw.

As for taking off the hinges on the "hood" (bonnet), it is hard for me to accomplish and I have some very long Phillips head screwdrivers. They have very large diameter handles, and changeable bits with some being for wide diameter screws. Those screws have been in there for 31 years and would come out very reluctantly. In addition it would be very difficult to remove my accessories with only the back portion of the hood being loose.

Don't get me wrong, I think the brackets you installed are superior, especially since the top one is welded on. I see some of that superior design being undermined with the lock. You have cut the odds of a break-in considerably however.

Say. You haven't been working out here by any chance? Some of my favoUrite 4x4 tracks are now permanently blocked off by gates and locks that are very much as you describe!!!

 

[Big Pat]

Thanks for the ideas!

I did try searching the threads, but must have been typing "bonnet" lock too much! Sorry, its a British colony thing!

I like the look of that padlock bracket! Its a nice visual deterent! And, Tom, New Zealanders arent too dodgey! At least my housemate is ok! Anyway, how did you fasten the bolts to the bonnet / hood? From memory the postions where you drilled into is all sealed on the other side and you dont have access to put in a nut? Same deal with the bottom half, or am I wrong?

I like the aerocatches too. They look very sleek. The cutting factor holes factor is a deterrent for me though.

 

[retiredranger]

Say. You haven't been working out here by any chance? Some of my favoUrite 4x4 tracks are now permanently blocked off by gates and locks that are very much as you describe!!!

Wasn't me. Don't get me started on a discussion on that topic as I'm sure I'm in a very small minority on this website.

I'm not much of a world traveler, I"ve only been out of the U.S. twice, once in British Columbia and once in Tijuana, Mexico. The longest distance I've been from home is to Hawaii for my honeymoon. The company was the best it could be but I didn't think much of Hawaii. The humidity was way too high for me, all the streams ran brown with organic matter, and I'm not a big fan of the ocean. The snorkeling was wonderful but not enough for me to go back. I would go back to go to the highest peak on the big island however as I like to bag the highest peaks in as many states as I can. I've been enthralled by the mountains since I can remember. Give me a couple of weeks, a backpack full of necessities, and a large wilderness and I'm in heaven. Clear running streams, trout, snowfields, glaciers, bears, deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, high peaks, and a lot of granite is home to me. As hard as I try I just can't help comparing everything to the mountains of the western U.S.

Most of my travels in the U.S. have been work related. I was on wildland fires in 8 states and called fire assignments "all expense paid, unguided trips of the western U.S." I spent a month at Clemson University in the southern U.S. on a career development course for the U.S. Forest Service and returned to the south for the 1996 Olympics. The last trip was made possible by being able to stay with my wife's uncle. You see I've never made much money because I wanted to enjoy what I was doing in my career and stayed in the field and out of management for the bulk of my career. Field supervisor, the equivilent of a sergeant, battallion chief, shift supervisor, or floor supervisor depending on what type of organization you are working for, was my favorite job. I then had to retire early due to an unfortunate medical situation and am now limited to what type of work I can do. Long story short is I don't have enough money to travel, even if that travel is fairly inexpensive.

"I may not have much money, but my experiences have been priceless."

The ideas I've gotten on this thread are great and I think I'm going to combine your ideas with the other "mate's" who had a better lock. I especially like your idea of of the plastic tubing for rattle reduction. There are enough rattles on my Cruiser now when I get on a long stretch of washboard dirt road. Now if I can ever learn to weld and get equipped to do so I could do as good of a job as you did. Thanks to all who have posted so far.

 

[lostmarbles]

........typing "bonnet" lock too much! Sorry, its a British colony thing!..................

What? For heaven's sake! DON'T say sorry! (I'm ashamed of you.) Don't you hoist the Union Jack each sparrows' fart like I do? It truly is a BONNET and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Remember you have the Union Jack on your country's flag just as we do. (Hey - Can you remember who has the largest number of stars? You or us? Life's so damn confusing at times.)

..........At least my housemate is ok! ........

I dunno. Best to err on the safe side. - (Watch them like a hawk - in other words!)

....Anyway, how did you fasten the bolts to the bonnet / hood? From memory the postions where you drilled into is all sealed on the other side and you dont have access to put in a nut? Same deal with the bottom half, or am I wrong?.....

WE'RE never wrong. THEY'RE always wrong.

Here's a couple of photos to answer your questions (and I damn near burnt my bare feet on the hot rocker cover when taking that one of the BONNET too - So I hope you're very very grateful).



In case you're wondering what those unused brackets are that I spotwelded underneath that top lip on the bib panel - They're for the wiring to the air compressor that will eventually (who knows when at the rate I'm going?) be fitted on the opposite side of the engine bay to where the battery is.



Cheers Kobber

Oh. The nuts are probably accessible to people trying to break into the engine bay but they're nyloc nuts. I think the perpetrators would likely get caught before they ever undid those (given how awkward they are to get to). Not that that would satisfy good ol RR of course . But then he's not ONE OF US is he. Oops- Maybe he is. Aren't Canadians colonials too? Driving on the right. Standing up for all things honourable and all that. Eeks. I can feel myself getting into deeper and deeper water here. Was he American or Canadian now? Ah- just had a shifty at his post below. It's OK folks he's American. Say no more Eh?)

 

[lostmarbles]

....................I'm not much of a world traveler, I"ve only been out of the U.S. twice, once in British Columbia and once in Tijuana, Mexico. The longest distance I've been from home is to Hawaii for my honeymoon.........I would go back to go to the highest peak on the big island however as I like to bag the highest peaks in as many states as I can. I've been enthralled by the mountains since I can remember. Give me a couple of weeks, a backpack full of necessities, and a large wilderness and I'm in heaven. Clear running streams, trout, snowfields, glaciers, bears, deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, high peaks, and a lot of granite is home to me. As hard as I try I just can't help comparing everything to the mountains of the western U.S................."I may not have much money, but my experiences have been priceless."......

If you ever get to NZ I'd love to take you into the Tararuas (close to where I live). They are a mountain range that are, for the most part, - "heavily bush clad". The tracks are rough, steep and muddy. And the weather - Well THAT is the real attraction for me. The wind can blow so hard that is impossible to stand and its noise is like you're standing beside a jet aircraft that is about to take off. Needless to say, such condtions can be totally unforgiving to people who go in unprepared. Heavy rain and white-out conditions are common and it can snow on the tops even in mid-summer. And I LOVE it!!!! Every winter my sons and I attempt to cross from East to West. (Our success rate is about 1 year in 4 for these winter crosiings).

 

[KOOTENAY KRUZER]

I used two pieces of angle, one bolted to the hood and the other to the top of the bib. I used carriage bolts inserted into round holes secured with jamnuts, you pretty much have to have the hood open to get two wrenches on the jam nuts.

I think if you look, you will find that there is only one captive nut for each half of the hood hinges, if you do manage to turn the screws with the hood closed you will probably have two in each hinge half that will just spin as soon as you take the torque off the nuts. This is probably enough hassle that the bad guys will look for an easier target.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Retiredranger, where ever the Brits have been, so have their customs. Brits write day/month/year vs our month/day/year. They also drive on the wrong side of the road.

 

[nuclearlemon]

tuffy makes one, but i haven't seen it in person, so i'm not sure how well it would work.