Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Vintage Bonnet Fasteners

I have just received a set of four "Vintage Bonnet Fasteners" form Morgan Spares.
I was surprised that they came without fasteners, such as screws and nuts, as I think the screws should be in stainless steel or chrome, with beveled heads.
Also surprising was the lack of instructions for installation. My principal concern is the location of the fasteners for the best anti-cowl vibration. Also, the distance of the male portion of the assembly from the bottom, so that the optimal spring tension is obtained.
Any suggestions from those that have installed the fasteners on their Three-Wheelers is much appreciated.

I haven't installed them as mine were factory installed. If you just need some measurements I can take those.

I had them factory fitted. The right rear one has always rattled... the mechanic at Morgan West said he had tried to fix it pre-delivery and failed, so I live with. It's part of the character!

Thank you,Craig. I would appreciate measurements, as well as your experience with persistent rattling of the Bonnet with the fasteners installed.
JohnMat: The rattle in spite of the fitted fasteners is my concern. I am planning to install them, and back up the system by removing the existing "D" ring fasteners and installing aircraft Dzus fasteners. Better yet, 1/4 turn fasteners as used in open-cockpit biplane windshield frames.
I will report on the results.
Regards,

Tom

The existing D ring fasteners are Dzus style, if not actually made by Dzus, and are 1/4 turn fasteners. So not sure what you hope to gain by the changes.

Bonnet rattles are usually from the the front cowl corners, try some closed cell rubber between the cowl corners and the body. You can get the rubber strips in various thickness with an adhesive backing. The mesh bonnet grill can also be a common source of rattles.

Steve: Thank you for your input. You are correct in stating that the current stock fasteners are Dzus in style. However, they are, in true Morgan fashion, flimsy in structure, and totally unsuited for their intended use.
I will be installing Camlock 1/4 turn aerospace fasteners as provided by Skybolt Co. They are much more robust in the receptacle and shaft dimensions, as well as in their retaining springs.
I have used these in the construction of experimental aerobatic biplanes; they are also used for production engine cowlings and other aircraft applications. Special tooling is required for installation of the components, but I think that the extra effort is worth it.
I am unable to post photographs, but suffice it to say that I have full confidence in the Skybolt fasteners when entering the aerobatic competition airspace at Vne. (Velocity never exceed).
Planenut: Thank you for your suggestion. I will also follow.

Best regards,

Tom

Sorry for the delay. I have a bunch of photos with a measuring tape, but now I can't find the photo posting instructions and it has been a while. If anyone can direct me to those instructions, I will post a follow up.
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First off, you can tell that these cars are all hand built, and the bonnet catches all vary a bit on either side. Mine are all factory installed, and I never had the front Dzus fasteners. My bonnet latches have never rattled nor have I had any issues. (Unless the loose nut behind the steering wheel forgets to attach them on one side.)

General measurements:
- Latch bases are all 1in from the inner retention lip that runs the full length on both sides and keeps the bonnet on.
- Front latch is 6in from the front (following the line of the bonnet)
- Rear latch is 9 in from rear seam where the bonnet butts up to the car.
- Bonnet catches are mounted 3 3/8 to 3 1/2 up to catch. This provides enough spring tension to make it tight, but not overly so.

Those are some rough measures. I'll post photos a bit later.

Thanks,
Craig

Photo posting; https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthrea...o-post-a-photo-on-talk-morgan#Post815843

Thanks for the link. I didn't read down far enough the first time.

Here are the photos:











Hopefully with the measurements above that will give you enough context to get the placement configured. As I said, the factory installed locations varies slightly from side to side. Sorry for the dirt. I haven't detailed her from my road trip a couple of weeks ago!

Thanks,
Craig