Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

General conversations about BMW E28s and the people who own them.
BenGerman
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Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by BenGerman »

Gents, I'm looking for the next machining project and have gotten multiple requests for the hood release handle that is prone to snap.
I would offer an aluminium version with the option to have a new cable installed. The part would be anodized black and very close to the factory dimensions.

I guess everyone that has snapped a plastic one before knows the pain of getting into the engine bay without it.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 231868556/

What is the interest here?
Price estimate at this point between $80-110.
jayjaya29
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by jayjaya29 »

FIRST
Shawn D.
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Shawn D. »

Wow, you just gave me a great idea on what to do with a particular piece of aluminum scrap I have lying around!
jayjaya29 wrote:FIRST
Dude, what site do you think you're on? :rofl:
Ken H.
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Ken H. »

I'm in.
athayer187
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by athayer187 »

I'm in.
BimmerDan
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by BimmerDan »

I'm in too
maaaackle
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by maaaackle »

This is interesting. I'm in.
ElGuappo
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by ElGuappo »

I've been thinking about this for 25 years, since my first handle broke...
Ordnator
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Ordnator »

Great idea to resolve aged brittle plastic issue.

Interested, I'm in.

Regards,

Mick
vinceg101
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by vinceg101 »

I could be interested, especially if you design it with a slight offset so that the handle clears my lower speakers in the foot-well.
Philo
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Philo »

Ben !! This was my next recommendation.. Go for it, I'm in.

One thing, take a look at the pivot pin and mounting bracket. I think the entire assembly has a flawed design, not just the plastic handle.
Foonfer
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Foonfer »

Great news Ben! I will be interested in two (2) please
laguna30
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by laguna30 »

Watching
Looking at 2 when available ...
Chimi-Changa
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Chimi-Changa »

I pull my handle so much, I'm convinced it will brake soon! ;)
topher800
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by topher800 »

In.
BenGerman
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by BenGerman »

Well this escalated quickly. Guess there is no break for me.
Does anyone want to do the bodywork on my M5 In the meantime or build me a nice S38? ;)
Philo wrote:Ben !! This was my next recommendation.. Go for it, I'm in.

One thing, take a look at the pivot pin and mounting bracket. I think the entire assembly has a flawed design, not just the plastic handle.
Glad we have the same ideas! If things go well I’ll have a prototype in San Diego.
The bracket will be hard to remake at a reasonable price, so most likely we will reuse it and drill the pin out.
I’ll see what’s possible for the pin, bronze bushing shouldn’t be an issue.
vinceg101 wrote:I could be interested, especially if you design it with a slight offset so that the handle clears my lower speakers in the foot-well.
How much room to you need? Some pictures would be great!
jayjaya29 wrote:FIRST
Didn’t know this was a race! :laugh:
T_C_D
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by T_C_D »

Great idea but how about finishing some brake brackets first. :?
528elover
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by 528elover »

I’m in!
BenGerman
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by BenGerman »

T_C_D wrote:Great idea but how about finishing some brake brackets first. :?
It’s coming eventually. I’ve invested roughly $1500 in calipers, rotors and material with no 100% solution yet.
I’m almost there but combing wheel fitment, caliper choice, weight and costs together under the aspect of a safety relevant component makes me take things a little slower.

Hood release handles are a little less critical for vehicle operation. Makes it a lot faster to realize.
ElGuappo
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by ElGuappo »

A simple steel lever like the E23 uses would be far easier and cheaper.
BenGerman
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by BenGerman »

I think the E28 is the only car that used this crappy setup.
All the cars with the hood opening to the front don’t have the same issue, as the lever just locks the hood in place.
wkohler
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by wkohler »

I think the cable adjustment is the bigger problem here.
Nebraska_e28
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Nebraska_e28 »

vinceg101 wrote:I could be interested, especially if you design it with a slight offset so that the handle clears my lower speakers in the foot-well.
What Vince said.
I'd be in for one.
Nebraska_e28
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by Nebraska_e28 »

Chimi-Changa wrote:I pull my handle so much, I'm convinced it will brake soon! ;)
Main thing here is lubing the entire assembly & adjusting the cable taut.
vinceg101
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Re: Hood release handle - who wants one in Aluminium?

Post by vinceg101 »

BenGerman wrote:
vinceg101 wrote:I could be interested, especially if you design it with a slight offset so that the handle clears my lower speakers in the foot-well.
How much room to you need? Some pictures would be great!
I'll get some info and pictures this weekend.
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