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

I applied strips of 3M venture shield, 80mm width. I also have a black mog and the strip is not visible.

If ordering a new Morgan the bonnet will not have "louvres" under the strap area if factory fitted. If you then choose to remove the strap, there will be a gap in the bonnet louvres.

I didn't know that... Thanks.

Mine will have a strap, I don't know if I'll keep it on, currently I think it looks rather more attractive with this feature.

I did'nt know that either. So a factory bonnet strap is for life. If that's the case, better to order one ex-factory or ask the factory not to remove any louvres.

One thing pointed out to me by Dom Mason ( lakes ). With no strap on if you have a little nudge the bonnet springs up and you have no damage to repair . With a strap holding it down tight you need a new bonnet also damages the cowl and bulk head then it needs a spray , he said he gets a few in that have taken them off after learning its to late .

I brought a Simonds Bonnet strap (in black) and as mentioned in this tread. It is great quality but I think looks to "heavy" on the car.

I have been in touch with Melvyn Rutter re. some other bits whilst I am in the UK. He emailed me today and advised...

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We only found out in the last couple of days from the Morgan Motor Company that they will no longer be supplying the sheepskin backed bonnet straps and are changing to a felt backed belt which we can order for you but would not be here for about 10 days.

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Come to think of it - if anybody wants a Simmonds black bonnet belt (unused) I have one (postage from Aus)....

The felt ones might be better. The sheepskin ones can get a little manky and dirty and probably hold more grit and debris than the felt variety.

Does anyone know if it's correct that bonnet louvres are removed by the factory for their bonnet strap? I can only find reference to this ever being done on the 4/4 Anniversary model of a few years back.

I can confirm that if you order your new car with a bonnet strap, the two centre louvers are not pressed into the bonnet. I think this configuration looks like a finished custom build, avoids the potential rubbing on raised metal and keeps the strap fitting snugly to minimise the collection of dirt.
At this point I must declare I am a big fan of a bonnet strap on the classic. I think they are appropriate and add that vintage touch to the car. My 2011 4/4 has covered just over 5K with the factory fitted strap. There is no sign of marks or scratching BUT, I do keep the wool backing clean. These means checking the wool every time I wash the car and using a nail brush with soapy water to clean what dust and road grime does accumulate.

I remember a British Morgan which had a neat and shallow aluminum channel fitted to the bonnet (don't know if screwed or glued) in which the belt ran without any padding. Perhaps not an easy task to make it follow the contour of the bonnet. I wonder if it is still around - I saw it at MOG 80 in Beaulieu...

My 1969 4/4 has a louver missing where the bonnet strap sits. There are 5 then a space then another nine louvers.