Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Bonnet Straps

I know there is an old topic on this somewhere but I can't find it so I thought I would start a new one.

It's the old and vexed question of bonnet straps. I know that most people are down on them as a useless affectation and the equivalent of a bonnet mounted scouring pad. But many early and later Morgan's had them fitted and, I think, they look fantastic.

Is the scratching that bad and can anything be done to minimise it? Presumably, the scratched area is covered by the strap? And what do people think of the Simmons alternative strap? I don't think it looks as good as the factory one, but is it less of a scouring pad?

Why don't you contact Russel Paterson SCOTLAND, see if he can supply you some protective Defandall strip, enough to cover the area were the strap will come into contact with the paint work !!!!

That's a great idea, thanks. The only issue is I am having a black car and find the Defendall strips a bit noticeable against dark bodywork.

Go to a high quality saddler and get one made allow a large area of leather under and around the buckle then go and find the shortest sheep's wool rug you can find cut it into a strip and glue it to the under surface . You can use two buckles if you wish but if you loosen one the other side slips ( I think thats asking for scratches ) . Comb the sheeps wool with a fine comb regular to keep it free of dust etc and when you open the bonnet let both sides of the strap go inside a clean engine bay , wipe them before you tighten them up again . Remove it before you take it to a garage .



quote=Quicksilver]I know there is an old topic on this somewhere but I can't find it so I thought I would start a new one.

It's the old and vexed question of bonnet straps. I know that most people are down on them as a useless affectation and the equivalent of a bonnet mounted scouring pad. But many early and later Morgan's had them fitted and, I think, they look fantastic.

Is the scratching that bad and can anything be done to minimise it? Presumably, the scratched area is covered by the strap? And what do people think of the Simmons alternative strap? I don't think it looks as good as the factory one, but is it less of a scouring pad? [/quote]

It's here

~iw

I've has the Simmonds strap on ( errr.....you know what I mean ) my car for well over a year and there are no signs of scuffs or scratches. I do keep the sheepskin clean. I rather like the twin buckle look although as the leather stretches over time you have to adjust both ends to keep the central strap even. I've trimmed and refitted the straps several times but I think it's stopped stretching now!

If you have a strap factory fitted and then decide, at a later date, to remove it, is this a job that's easily done?

For my part, I took the strap off today, fitted by our Morgan Dealer. There were 2 screws to loosen. The strap will be mounted back and with suitcase in place for special occasions.
//Bosse

My solution to prevent scratching was to apply Self adhesive acrylic felt (available in several colours used in craft making projects, lining drawers etc.) firstly to the underside of the plain belt covering edge to edge, then applying a strip to each half of the bonnet just slightly narrower than the belt.
This gives felt to felt contact, i have only applied felt to the curved areas of contact, I have rounded the corners of the strips to prevent the corners lifting.
If it ever needs to removed from the bonnet, soaking in white spirit should loosen the adhesive.
Where the belt contacts the louvers i have used soft velcro dots.
Been in use for 6 months -no sign of wear, or scratching or lifting and does not show when the belt is done up as the two thicknesses of felt are thinner than Lambswoool.
Worth considering?,
Regards jbk

I lined mine with green baize (card table or snooker table covering). I don't like the lambswool showing on the factory / aftermarket ones.