I know there is an old topic on this somewhere but I can't find it so I thought I would start a new one.

It's the old and vexed question of bonnet straps. I know that most people are down on them as a useless affectation and the equivalent of a bonnet mounted scouring pad. But many early and later Morgan's had them fitted and, I think, they look fantastic.

Is the scratching that bad and can anything be done to minimise it? Presumably, the scratched area is covered by the strap? And what do people think of the Simmons alternative strap? I don't think it looks as good as the factory one, but is it less of a scouring pad?

Why don't you contact Russel Paterson SCOTLAND, see if he can supply you some protective Defandall strip, enough to cover the area were the strap will come into contact with the paint work !!!!

That's a great idea, thanks. The only issue is I am having a black car and find the Defendall strips a bit noticeable against dark bodywork.

Go to a high quality saddler and get one made allow a large area of leather under and around the buckle then go and find the shortest sheep's wool rug you can find cut it into a strip and glue it to the under surface . You can use two buckles if you wish but if you loosen one the other side slips ( I think thats asking for scratches ) . Comb the sheeps wool with a fine comb regular to keep it free of dust etc and when you open the bonnet let both sides of the strap go inside a clean engine bay , wipe them before you tighten them up again . Remove it before you take it to a garage .



quote=Quicksilver]I know there is an old topic on this somewhere but I can't find it so I thought I would start a new one.

It's the old and vexed question of bonnet straps. I know that most people are down on them as a useless affectation and the equivalent of a bonnet mounted scouring pad. But many early and later Morgan's had them fitted and, I think, they look fantastic.

Is the scratching that bad and can anything be done to minimise it? Presumably, the scratched area is covered by the strap? And what do people think of the Simmons alternative strap? I don't think it looks as good as the factory one, but is it less of a scouring pad? [/quote]

It's here

~iw

I've has the Simmonds strap on ( errr.....you know what I mean ) my car for well over a year and there are no signs of scuffs or scratches. I do keep the sheepskin clean. I rather like the twin buckle look although as the leather stretches over time you have to adjust both ends to keep the central strap even. I've trimmed and refitted the straps several times but I think it's stopped stretching now!

If you have a strap factory fitted and then decide, at a later date, to remove it, is this a job that's easily done?

For my part, I took the strap off today, fitted by our Morgan Dealer. There were 2 screws to loosen. The strap will be mounted back and with suitcase in place for special occasions.
//Bosse

My solution to prevent scratching was to apply Self adhesive acrylic felt (available in several colours used in craft making projects, lining drawers etc.) firstly to the underside of the plain belt covering edge to edge, then applying a strip to each half of the bonnet just slightly narrower than the belt.
This gives felt to felt contact, i have only applied felt to the curved areas of contact, I have rounded the corners of the strips to prevent the corners lifting.
If it ever needs to removed from the bonnet, soaking in white spirit should loosen the adhesive.
Where the belt contacts the louvers i have used soft velcro dots.
Been in use for 6 months -no sign of wear, or scratching or lifting and does not show when the belt is done up as the two thicknesses of felt are thinner than Lambswoool.
Worth considering?,
Regards jbk

I lined mine with green baize (card table or snooker table covering). I don't like the lambswool showing on the factory / aftermarket ones.

I applied strips of 3M venture shield, 80mm width. I also have a black mog and the strip is not visible.

If ordering a new Morgan the bonnet will not have "louvres" under the strap area if factory fitted. If you then choose to remove the strap, there will be a gap in the bonnet louvres.

I didn't know that... Thanks.

Mine will have a strap, I don't know if I'll keep it on, currently I think it looks rather more attractive with this feature.

I did'nt know that either. So a factory bonnet strap is for life. If that's the case, better to order one ex-factory or ask the factory not to remove any louvres.

One thing pointed out to me by Dom Mason ( lakes ). With no strap on if you have a little nudge the bonnet springs up and you have no damage to repair . With a strap holding it down tight you need a new bonnet also damages the cowl and bulk head then it needs a spray , he said he gets a few in that have taken them off after learning its to late .

I brought a Simonds Bonnet strap (in black) and as mentioned in this tread. It is great quality but I think looks to "heavy" on the car.

I have been in touch with Melvyn Rutter re. some other bits whilst I am in the UK. He emailed me today and advised...

-Quote-

We only found out in the last couple of days from the Morgan Motor Company that they will no longer be supplying the sheepskin backed bonnet straps and are changing to a felt backed belt which we can order for you but would not be here for about 10 days.

-End Quote-

Come to think of it - if anybody wants a Simmonds black bonnet belt (unused) I have one (postage from Aus)....

The felt ones might be better. The sheepskin ones can get a little manky and dirty and probably hold more grit and debris than the felt variety.

Does anyone know if it's correct that bonnet louvres are removed by the factory for their bonnet strap? I can only find reference to this ever being done on the 4/4 Anniversary model of a few years back.

I can confirm that if you order your new car with a bonnet strap, the two centre louvers are not pressed into the bonnet. I think this configuration looks like a finished custom build, avoids the potential rubbing on raised metal and keeps the strap fitting snugly to minimise the collection of dirt.
At this point I must declare I am a big fan of a bonnet strap on the classic. I think they are appropriate and add that vintage touch to the car. My 2011 4/4 has covered just over 5K with the factory fitted strap. There is no sign of marks or scratching BUT, I do keep the wool backing clean. These means checking the wool every time I wash the car and using a nail brush with soapy water to clean what dust and road grime does accumulate.

I remember a British Morgan which had a neat and shallow aluminum channel fitted to the bonnet (don't know if screwed or glued) in which the belt ran without any padding. Perhaps not an easy task to make it follow the contour of the bonnet. I wonder if it is still around - I saw it at MOG 80 in Beaulieu...

My 1969 4/4 has a louver missing where the bonnet strap sits. There are 5 then a space then another nine louvers.