Embedded Files
Downloadable CAD at the bottom!
The bonnet latches on my F56 Mini Cooper are adjustable by means of screwing in and out; they are usually constrained from unwanted rotation by a piece of moulded plastic that clips to holes in the bonnet. The clips on mine had snapped, so the latch was free to rotate – meaning it could be misaligned when closing, or be accidentally adjusted too far in or out.
The latch – which should be straight – can easily rotate without the plastic shield
Bonnet Hood Lock Anti-Tamper Shield – £20 from Amazon!
I considered the replacement part as overpriced for a small piece of plastic – especially when I have a 3D printer and a CAD package. So, I reverse-engineered the part and made my own!
Firstly, I took measurements of the un-broken OEM part (from the other side)– noting there were only a select few functional dimensions, and the others were largely aesthetic.
Then, modelled in Rhino 3D...
...and 3D printed!
Above: new part shown next to the broken original – a perfect fit!
I chose to use PETG, since this needs to withstand the temperatures in the engine bay – PLA would not be up to this task, but PETG should last just as long as the polypropylene OEM part.
For a single evening's work, I'd say this was a success!
Download the CAD files here:
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