I gave praised the car
here, now for the niggles.
I'll never part with the Aero, it's already an adopted stray, family. It's just too charming and too special (although that's the wrong word).
I know it's heretical to say, but could some minor tweaks make things better?
As it could be?I knew what I was getting into. Malvern doesn't churn out cars without character, but some of that character I could do without
.
I will take any advice on any improvements the group has made; there is little support in the US, so I'm on my own or at the hands of people that haven't even heard of a Mog. My gripes--
Fit and finish:
-The wood is rubbing the windshield. I believe a soft plastic shim would do the trick, but I don't know how to take the dash apart and I'm concerned I will perform a "one way" operations that will ruin a part that is difficult to source.
-Squeaks, rattles, and or shakes. What's normal? Medium speed (20-40 mph) seems to be the worst. For example, every bump induces a rattle from the folded top, and creates squeaking from various areas in the "interior" (it's hard to localize). Are you getting this in your Aeros? I'm contemplating some alcantara in areas where leather rubs leather.
- Any interior improvements available? It's a bit rough around the edges (the actual edges). I think some prefab piping would do wonders to areas like the glovebox where there is no edge trim. Any ideas? Professional leather workers and reputable automotive upholsters are few and far between (those we have are for the concourse types and quite expensive). I'm going to do something, you'll get updates
- Roof seal is, well it doesn't seal. I have about a 1/4 inch gap about 3-inches long on the drivers side near the A pillar. Is it possible to adjust the roof in some manner?
- Finally, anyone experimented with applying dynamat? I've added it to a some cars in the past and been pleased with the elimination of high frequency noise, buzz, and rattles. Not sure of the effect it would have on the Aero. I don't expect to make an open top, side exhaust roadster quiet (!) but I'm curious if it could be used to eliminate some of the rattles.
Ride and driveline:
- Ride is a bit harsh for our horrible streets. Is a softer set-up available?
- I'm due to replace the original P-zeros. I know most on here have opted for more traction at any cost of comfort, but has anyone gone the other direction such and found a more relaxed tire? I know it's a sports car, but I'm not a maximum attack 99% of the time.
- Driveline lash (bucking?) under moderate acceleration from 1st to 2nd. Any solution? I know there was a modification from S1 cars to S2 to fit a stronger brace but can anything else be done? I can tame it with careful shifting, but any novice drivers are hopelessly doomed--I tell them to start in 2nd.
- It's 90 degrees here in the summer, but wow, that's a LOT of heat being thrown into the footwells. Anyone added shielding?
I'm sorry for coming across as a **** or negative, I want actually to make the experience even better and share that with the our community! I'll keep you abreast of the my experiments and results--please make suggestions!
All the best (again),
MR
