43 replies to this topic

[CityEPete]

I think renault admitted there were problems. They used to corrode too quickly so they would seize and not flick over when the bonnet was shut. All clips had a recall for the bonnet latch to be replaced. It was decided by The old equivalent of the dvsa that it was not dangerous enough to send letters as you would a safety recall but was branded as a 'yellow' recall which means it was done foc if the customer complained otherwise it was done automatically on any visit to a main dealer. I'm an ex renault service manager of 4 years.

They only went down that route after years of problems, being sued and a Watchdog special episode dedicated to it! 

[CityEPete]

Some light reading, Lol http://www.renaultfo...h-failures.html

[mini_mad69]

I have small straps on mine because of fibreglass front end won't allow for a catch.

[Cooperman]

I use the small sized rubber hooks on my 'S', one each side of the bonnet mounted horizontally.

On the boot lid I have a large rubber hook mounted vertically.

[Lloyds]

I thought it was because they looked cool.

Edited by Lloyds, 01 December 2023 - 09:11 PM.

[Cooperman]

I thought it was because they looked cool.

 

No, they have a real safety purpose, especially for competition cars and those with carbon-fibre or GRP bonnets.

[CityEPete]

I thought it was because they looked cool.

That's just a bonus!

[Ethel]

If a Mini bonnet does flap up (the ends of the landing panel rusting through is the usual culprit), the bonnet shape allows you to see enough down the side to stop without crashing. The roof gutter also saves the screen from being whacked. Issigonis was either an utter genius or very Jammy, the Min has so many obscure virtues like that.

[Ivor Badger]

Bonnet straps date right back to the early days of motoring.......like this Bentley below:-
 

RAC rules at one time stated that supercharged cars had to have bonnet straps. Why I don't know, but that's what the blue book said.

[brownspeed]

I had mine pop open on my cooper s (many) years ago at speed (the previous owner had cut out some of the internal reinforcement for the weber linkage to fit, rendering the bonnet a little flimsy) it came up with such force it launched the big chrome "morris cooper" badge. I never did find it- its somewhere near the entrance to Trafford park if anyone has a metal detector??

[Itsaminithing]

Mine popped open as the garage hadn't closed it properly after an MOT.

Amazing that the bonnet can fold back on itself -but it does limit visibility slightly with it curved over the screen & roof.

Haven't fitted straps but i do make sure it's closed properly if absolutely anyone touches my car.

[mab01uk]

 

Bonnet straps date right back to the early days of motoring.......like this Bentley below:-
 
 

RAC rules at one time stated that supercharged cars had to have bonnet straps. Why I don't know, but that's what the blue book said.

 

 

Maybe it was for safety reasons to help restrain the rotors of an exploding supercharger from hitting spectators, etc?

[mab01uk]

[tiger99]

I had a bonnet fly open at speed on the motorway, actually going down Stokenchurch Hill flat out, the place where a humble 998 will reach its true potential. It was not nice. The leading edge roof gutter was bent and of course the bonnet destroyed. The cause was that the catch was adjusted to hold it down too tightly and never fully engaged. The safety catch is ineffective.

I am not sure about the legality of most bonnet straps, as many have sharp protrusions. Try to get IVA compatible items from a kit car supplier, then you have a satisfactory answer for Plod if they stop you.

[Midas Mk1]

Bloody hell, bonnet straps with sharp protrusions?

Think you'll find a stainless grille is alot sharper than any buckles or straps I've fitted..

Scary mongery must be a habit you just can't kick..

Edited by Midas Mk1, 01 November 2016 - 09:55 PM.