I built “Angelica”. It was the original “Pink MG”. That piano hinged engine cover was a pain, just ask the back of my head!
By making the engine cover/spare lift off, it became VERY easy to access the engine and transaxle.
I used 2 piece hatch cover hinges from West Marine. Any good boat supply (Boater’s World, West Marine, etc.) will have these.
I used the spring loaded (Jeep hood) on the bottom and the hatch hinges on the top of the sides. I then used the correct diameter and length spring loaded Push Pins that I got from McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com).
Maybe we can get Bill Collins to post a close up picture? I have a couple of pics, but don’t know how to post them here.