Are bonnet pins illegal?

[MM89]

As the title states, are bonnet pins illegal for normal street cars?
I'm currently looking at an MX5 but it has a turbo and bonnet pins.
I know that P platers can't drive turbo, so that's no no for me
but that can be simply solved by removing the turbo and replacing
the headers and exhaust system..
However the car does have bonnet pins..
If they are illegal, can I possibly remove them and replace them
with grommets or even better fill up the holes and make them
disappear from the bonnet without any evidence that they were
once there?

thanks guys, any info is much appreicated!

btw. sorry it's not honda related but i was just curious

[philBo]

i dont think theyre illegal? more tacky looking than anything.

[Q_ball]

Wouldnt it just be easier, and cheaper to buy an MX5 thats stock?? O.o
Theres so many STOCK MX5s for sale for cheap too.

But anyways, regarding the bonnet pins, i think they should be fine.

[1996ek1]

Cant just simply remove turbo
Need the stock intake arm + filter
Original exhaust manifold + exhaust piping to cats
Stock ECU, if it currently has a standalone, and possibly fiddling with wires.


Better off not buying a turbo car then taking it off...
Just buy a NA MX5

[misteR_bilzz]

not too sure about the bonnet pins but what about the ECU? i dont think u can 'just remove the turbo' n drive away..?

[MM89]

yeah im kinda attracted cos its got like a price tag of $7k
cheapest NA turbo i've seen...$7k with the turbo that is =)

i just thought that it'd be something good to start with..
if the bonnet pins are legal then that seems like a pretty
good deal in comparison to other stock mx5's on the market
as they're a good $2-3k extra..
Seller said he's able to remove the turbo and full exhaust
and has the stock headers and exhaust available..dunno bout
intake and ecu though, though seeing that headers and
exhaust are available, intake components and ecu might be
available too (hopefully)
just trying to get a second opinion on this! thanks for the info
guys! keep em coming :)

[MM89]

i dont think theyre illegal? more tacky looking than anything.

and yeah..they are kinda....ricey for my likings too =/

[EG5]

http://img289.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/8/1/2/9/quickwalker_jpn-img600x450-1192769117bon0001.jpg
this is what you need
it will sit flush :)

Bonnet pins are illegal unless they have a smooth, contoured,
rounded edge with no sharp edges nor projections. There are one or
two makes out there that might have these features.

http://www.consulmotive.com.au/Website%20Pages/Articles/Lighten%20Up.pdf

[1996ek1]

that seems like a pretty
good deal in comparison to other stock mx5's on the market
as they're a good $2-3k extra..



Why is anything ever cheaper?
Because there is something wrong with it
If its MX5, and TURBO, for 2-3 k cheaper, im sure its got a problem ?

[MM89]

Why is anything ever cheaper?
Because there is something wrong with it
If its MX5, and TURBO, for 2-3 k cheaper, im sure its got a problem ?

well the car was listed for a while ago for about $12k
so i automatically assumed that the dude was desperate to sell
after not having any buyers after such a long time...
didn't take that into consideration

[MM89]

http://img289.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/8/1/2/9/quickwalker_jpn-img600x450-1192769117bon0001.jpg
this is what you need
it will sit flush :)

Bonnet pins are illegal unless they have a smooth, contoured,
rounded edge with no sharp edges nor projections. There are one or
two makes out there that might have these features.

http://www.consulmotive.com.au/Website%20Pages/Articles/Lighten%20Up.pdf

thanks for the info EG5

[AzKik-R]

but that can be simply solved by removing the turbo

you make it sound sooo easy!!!

[luxobarge]

Go to www.aus-cartalk.com (largest aus mx5 forum) and post up the car in question (if it has a carsales link etc-)

Chances are someone there may know about the car and will be able to offer advice.

Personally, i would seek out a non-turbo mx5, it will save you alot of hassle.

Heres one i would consider looking at if i didnt already have one :p
http://www.aus-cartalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=27377&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Or if you have a deeper pocket (note its a 1.8L so its quicker, has bigger brakes, better chassis).
http://www.aus-cartalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=28052