I think bonnet straps are another hidious paint damaging unnecessary addition that cause paint damage. Just like running board treads and those wing mounted small side lights, all unnecessary bells and whistles that cause corrosion
OTOH I quite like bonnet straps - but the way I see it, they are like eared wheel spinners. Invented by racers to stop bonnets popping open under bumpy racing conditions (or to make it easier to be whacked with a hammer when needing to change wheels fast in the case of spinners).
A product of a time when cars were used hard and function took precedence over form. Worrying about a bit of paint kind of misses the point, I feel.
I agree with you Tim. I'm not a fan of wing treads, but I love bonnet straps, wing mounted sidelights and spinners, all of which I have. I don't believe wing mounted lights, which are after all part of the traditional look (to my eyes the car looks bare without them) cause corrosion issue on modern aluminium Morgans. Bonnet straps can damage the paintwork - but with sufficient care and maintenance this can be prevented. Anyway, the strap covers any marks.
I think bonnet straps were required for racing cars back in the 50's. It was a British racing regulation as there had been incidents with bonnets flying open in mid-race. The strap was insurance against that eventuality.
