Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Bonnet strap scratches

Anyone thinking of buying the very attractive leather bonnet strap - a word of caution.
After one year on , I have found it harbours dust / grit underneath the leather panels behind the buckles , coupled with vibration from the works makes some pretty deep abrasions in the expensive top coat. Not normally visible - but now you know its there

I dont think you can eliminate this by its very nature - so I suggest unstrapping the belt whenever you give the car a wash and washing it out periodically.

Graham I saw somebody else mention how their bonnet got chaffed with the strap on. Put me off having one.

+1:

Which is one of 2 reasons why I deleted the optional one offered with Tarka.

The other reason is I don't like the look!

If you really want one then have a band of the paint protection film applied under where it will sit.

I've always wondered the point of the strap, even with a wooly base to it, after all, it's not as if it is needed to keep the bonnet closed is it?

Form should always follow function, even with a Morgan.

Agree 100%!

At least they are functional on the 4 wheelers! I like mine!!

Paint protection film sounds good. I have self adhesive felt stuck to the back of the belt and the major contact points of the bonnet so its felt to felt contact. Soft velcro dots where the belt touches the louvres. Been on for 3 years, no scratches. The felt is available in various colours and is removable with white spirit if required.
As for preference, well its a traditional thing, just like the rest of the car, probably originated from early track cars, flexing chassis and a belt and braces solution.
As for form following function, i don't think that applies to the aerodynamics or very much else of trads anyway thats why modern cars don't look like Morgans.

Paint protection film is the way to go for sure, I picked up a roll from one of our bodyshops as it was used on painted rear bumpers on estate cars for dog owners (protect from claw marks). I use it in strips alongside the tread rubbers on the sills and when I had a car with a bonnet strap I used it under there. If you want to remove it its best to warm it with a hot air gun or even a kettle of hot water works well to soften the adhesive. Useful if your a biker on the rear of the fuel tank to protect from coat zips etc, I have a square on my painted dash as my SatNav has a sucker and that's where I attach it.

Many thanks - just picked up a roll of paint protection film on ebay. I am sure it will help with the scratches where the tonneau cover fastens.

oh no, does this mean I have to put a strap on the bonnets of my Plus 4 to stop them opening at speed?