In 2009 I had a new 2009 4/4, this had bonnet issues. It was very uneven so it went back to the factory, upon return it was not much better so it went back again, still not much better. It went back for a third time, it measured 3/8 under the edge on the drivers side and 5/8 under the passengers side. When I went to collect the car it was still the same and their answer was it is hand made and that was within tolerance, what a lode of rubbish. I asked what is the tolerance, I did not get a reply on that one. I was so frustrated with the factory reply I sold the car. I would love another new 4/4 but there has to be a way to have a good bonnet fit.
The excuse is to give clearance and it is hand made.
I previously worked for a company that restored vintage cars. When we made a new bonnet for a vintage car it would have 1/8 clearance around front and back and no more than ¼ at the bottom edge.
As we are all car enthusiasts on this forum then I assume all will have seen some or other vintage car to have a look at the bonnet fit. These cars flex and vibrate just like a Morgan but you can not get half you hand under the bottom edge.
If the car vibrates and flexes then how will this affect the bonnet to wing clearance so much? The rear edge of the wing is attached to the bulkhead, the front edge of the wing is attached to the front cowl and the bonnet is attached to both in the centre. If the front goes up then the front of the bonnet goes with it along with the wing that is also attached. The gap should only have a minimal change with the flexing and twisting.
I am afraid it is just a cop out, if the factory is convinced there needs to be a substantial bonnet to wing gap then it should be the same on every car and the same left to right sides of the bonnet.
Hand made means each piece is custom made for that car and made to fit that cars opening not just made by hand to any old dimension that takes your fancy.
Call me a fussy ald git but things should be right, Morgan are living on a bygone eras age of hand made quality products at quality prices. I am sure there are people on this forum remember the times when you went to the Taylor to have a suit made. It was made to fit you with it the same length at both sides, if it did not fit then it did not fit, you would not be told it was hand made therefore you have to accept it.
I have wanted to get this off my chest for a long time since I sold my 4/4 and now feel better about it. I do still think the factory should do something about this bonnet fit though as I do find it unacceptable.I do realy have to get another as they are such good fun
