EDIT - More seriously, when I bought the Plus 4 I was strongly advised against the leather strap, and shown what it does to the car, no matter what precautions. And I was also told that it didn't serve any real purpose anymore. So I didn't buy it and I never had any trouble.
With the M3W I am already noticing the litle scratching it does, and I only got that part because it comes by default with the Brookland Edition car. I'm considering a removal, will be stored and fitted again in the unlikely event of me selling the car sometime in the future.
The previous owner of my car fitted a cheap luggage strap ( made of nylon webbing).............Yes I know It fluttered in the wind and micro scratched the bonnet. Once scratched ( won't polish out)I have had to find a bigger thicker leather strap. I used the soft half of Velcro stuck on the back to prevent further scratches. So Damage covered I clean beneath the strap regularly and keep it well waxed. Looks great and problem hasn't got any worse
On balance I would NOT have fitted a bonnet strap but it will have to stay now.
Aesthetically , yes a matter of taste, because i am an old fashioned sort of bloke i personally dislike headrests, side screens and high level lights, but lots of us like them for various reasons, many things have their uses, bonnet straps are more visual than useful although i have found a clip undone once or twice. Whatever floats your boat do it, we all have different tastes but there is no practical reason not to have a strap if fitted using the right materials where it contacts the paint.
For me it is the visual appeal of the bonnet belt, and if kept clean it shouldn't be too damaging. Nothing that a bit of polishing compound couldn't tackle. I agree with jbk mostly. I too dislike the headrests and high lights. Side curtains aren't too bad as the wife likes the relief they offer from the wind. And, I have to appease the wife or ...
Cheers,
Mark
1934 SS MX4 1938 Series 1 DHC 1951 Plus 4 2005 Roadster
WE did 20k miles in our plus four no scratches at all a wool bonnet belt is best,every other wash undo the belt wash off rub some comfort fabric conditioner on rinse off bit of brasso on buckle bulshit baffles brains everybody used to comment on the buckle even sgt when i sold it
At least they are functional on the 4 wheelers! I like mine!!
oh no, does this mean I have to put a strap on the bonnets of my Plus 4 to stop them opening at speed?
I understand that in Somerset and possibly Devon, baler twine is the material of choice
I meant to say earlier, that the 4 seater straps do work even if they are not needed....the three wheeler ones are fastened to the bonnet and are purely cosmetic. Like many things on Morgan's, badge bars, walnut dashes, wood rim steering wheels etc, some like the look of them even if they are not necessary. My strap has scuffed the paint slightly, but it's hidden under the strap so it's not an issue for me.
Last edited by Jays; 02/12/1401:52 PM.
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
I ran my 71 Moss Box Plus 8 with a belt for nearly 10 years with no ill effect. See pic. This pic was taken right before I sold it, and there is no damage from the belt.
I did have the sheepskin version though and I have that same style on my replacement car, the 86 Plus 8. So I cannot collaborate the damage experience.
In my experience, it is the belt in many cases that identify the car as a Morgan or starts a conversation with admirers.
Cheers.
Mark
1934 SS MX4 1938 Series 1 DHC 1951 Plus 4 2005 Roadster