How to open the bonnet on a W126 without a bonnet pull handle!

[Charles Morgan]

My donor* W126 420SE has turned up and I thought I'd have a look at the engine, but of the bonnet release there is now no sign. How do I get the bonnet open?

* I was going to use the V8 for my coupe but plans changed!

 

[DSM10000]

Charles

Try to explore around the area the release handle should be, you may be lucky and find the cable and can then pull it with a pair of grips, if not then can you see any release lever / cable by looking through the grille and then try to manipulate it, if not then raising and supporting the front of the car may allow you to access the release cable or mechanism .

 

[Charles Morgan]

No viewable cable (unlike when my 210 one went) so will attempt frontal entry tomorrow. Right PITA!

 

[jamesfuller]

Charles, sorry. I new I had forgotten something! the pivot and lever where snapped off by a garage!!!

If you look under the n/s dash you will see the cable hanging down.

Put some mole grips on the cable and it will pop the bonnet with a bit of a tug, use the bit sticking out with the screw in it as a fulcrum if its stiff.

 

[jamesfuller]

And if you don't read the above in time. I have a spare grille I will send to you!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Cable found after removing lower dash trim, and engine bay opened after a wee fight.

Fluid and oil levels fine, distributor cap is cracked and obviously engine mounts need doing. Fan shroud is a bit loose.

Now to decide what to do with the car!