Hi all!
I'm a newb here and just picked up my rover mini. I was all excited and fiddled around and popped the bonnet open. I am now having some problems closing the bonnet. Have tried pushing it really hard but that didn't work. I know this is a silly question, but are there any tricks in closing it???

Thanks in advance
Pigeon

There are 3 things to look at.
1) there is a bit dead centre of the bonnet and grille panel. The bonnet has a spring loaded bit that goes into a hole in the grille panel. If the grille panel mechanism is sticking, this may prevent you closing the bonnet. This mechanism is connected to the release handle. Check the handle is returning correctly and that this mechanism is functioning.

2) There is a hook that prevents the bonnet opening if you accidentally pull the release. You would have had to push this hook to open the bonnet more than about 5 cm. When closing the bonnet, this hook may hit the grille panel. Watch as you close the bonnet that the end of the hook doesn't hit the grille panel. If it does, push it in a bit.

3) Make sure the bonnet hold-open rod is correcly stowed before you try to close the bonnet. It has a hinge at one end and the other end clips into a bit on the bonnet. If it isn't clipped away, no closey...

Happy Rovering.

If yours is a Jap sourced Rover and it has air con, then make sure the bonnet clears the alternator and don't do what the previous owner did and put a great honking dent in the front of the bonnet.

If you put any pressure on the bonnet when you close it, only put it in the front in the middle, basically on the crease.

Diddo all the previous stuff from Mokesta.

I originally found with my Rover, (until i had it panel beated) that i had to pull the bonnet towards me for it to catch when opening and closing. If the catch is not lined up properly you might find that you have to push or pull the bonnet (there's a bit of give) for it to line up with the catch.

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1970 Mini Deluxe - 1275, Weber, Clive 346 cam, MS 4-pot slotted discs, Megajolt ignition Now with new improved Mambas... almost on the road
1966 Van with Traveller rear seat conversion
2008 Prado GXL
All in various states of repair...

make sure that the actual bonnet release handle inside the cabin is fully back in, if it is left out then the bonnet will not lock down.

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1974 Moke - 998cc
76 Clubman B16a2 Vtec AWD Turbo 12.9@105mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9PW49e1hYs

fixed it!!! had to apply force to the middle of the bonnet and slammed it down. guess i'll have to start pumping my muscles up a little!!!

thanks for all your help guys!