bonnet alignment DIY fix

[slowhand99]

Back on topic............:focus:
I'm guessing this alignment issue could have something to do with the 'hood' being opened and closed a dozen times between production and delivery.

Not sure what mine will look like after it's had 2 feet of snow on it :eyebulge:

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[Monty]

If you look closely at the curve of the bonnet and the bumper, they don't actually match. It's a fundamental design/manufacturing flaw that short of bending the bonnet into shape we can't do much about.

The alignment fix (this thread) isn't actually a proper fix as such, it just gives the impression of a much better panel fit. By raising the centre, the entire bonnet also raises, so unfortunately, you get slightly bigger gaps at the sides. To the eye though, this looks a lot better. The difference between 'gap and no-gap' is obviously but the 'gap and slightly bigger gap' is harder to perceive.

On balance, I think it looks a lot better after the 'fix' than the 'pinched-in' look a lot of our cars came with. I think I've kind of convinced myself that there's a little bit of 'bending into shape' that goes on as well.

 

[Centurion07]

I get how the vans work however they got people in them. Civilians with a heightened sense of importance. Wouldn't put it past them to note the back plate as it passed.
And seriously, the traffic cops up here are unbelievable. None of that "nice car, but get a front plate fitted" malarkey. It'd be "here's a ticket for the plate now let's have a look at what else you've got...".
All this said I'm very likely to try out running with the plate in the boot...

Some vans do indeed have cameras at the front to catch your rear plate as you go past.

 

[croyde]

Bookmarked as mine appeared ok on pickup but at 1400 miles it looks pinched in.

Must be the air pressure at warp speed

 

[Monty]

Noticed something else when it was really windy, going down the motorway the other day. The bonnet was really vibrating with the wind and speed. I know this is an issue with the car, but I'm sure it was worse than before.

Thinking about it, raising the bonnet a couple of mm will make it sit looser on the two rubber stops each side, so it might be more prone to flapping about. The rubber stoppers are easily adjusted (just turn), so I think I'll adjust these to make a tighter fit, when I get chance. Just something else to be aware of.

 

[CapitanPug]

Noticed something else when it was really windy, going down the motorway the other day. The bonnet was really vibrating with the wind and speed. I know this is an issue with the car, but I'm sure it was worse than before.

Thinking about it, raising the bonnet a couple of mm will make it sit looser on the two rubber stops each side, so it might be more prone to flapping about. The rubber stoppers are easily adjusted (just turn), so I think I'll adjust these to make a tighter fit, when I get chance. Just something else to be aware of.

I noticed the bonnet lifting in the wind on motorway this week too. Almost pulled in to check that I hadn't left it in the popped position! :doh:

 

[Monty]

I noticed the bonnet lifting in the wind on motorway this week too. Almost pulled in to check that I hadn't left it in the popped position! :doh:

I actually did pull over the first time I experienced the flappy bonnet effect. Takes some getting used to. I suppose you've got a huge bonnet just held on by a single relatively small old-style latch in the middle. It's going to happen. Watched that "Faster Horse" video on Netflix today and obviously every cent really counted. Two latches (like other cars have) would have clearly been seen as over engineering.

I also wondered whether it might be worse on an EB, due to having more space in the engine bay for the wind to get under?

 

[SteveS]

I also wondered whether it might be worse on an EB, due to having more space in the engine bay for the wind to get under?

Harsh ;)

 

[Monty]

Harsh ;)

Not meant to be an "ha ha look at the EBs puny engine" post. Mine's an EB and a smaller/lighter engine is in many ways a positive (weight distribution, handling etc.).

However, there's a relatively large amount of space between the front of the car and the engine block, so wondered if the EB might suffer from 'trapped wind' more than the GT.

 

[Big_G]

I also wondered whether it might be worse on an EB, due to having more space in the engine bay for the wind to get under?

Nope, we have a couple of small elves living either side of where the V would be holding the hood down. Works quite well.

 

[Monty]

Nope, we have a couple of small elves living either side of where the V would be holding the hood down. Works quite well.

Mine need to beef up a bit more at the gym then. They aren't doing a very good job!

 

[WayBlack]

Hi All

Only just got my S550 MUS just under 4 weeks ago, I too have this Bonnet alignment issue, it is actually out of alignment at the offside rear and nearside front wings also, probably as much as 5mm.

Had nothing but hassle getting Ford UK to own this issue, 5 dealerships & counting....Full story here

http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?73273-My-New-S550-and-a-few-problems

After a promising conversation with TCH Derby yesterday I might be getting my car in for the Bonnet and Puddle lamp warranty work soon, fingers crossed!

Q: Is there any further update on this issue from anyone else, and how bad is the bonnet flapping as I will raise this as a concern with Ford also?

TIA

 

[SSC]

Pity they had to remove the bonnet vents, the air passing thru would certainly help reduce pressure from below on the bonnet. Stupid EU rules :frusty:

 

[Centurion07]

...how bad is the bonnet flapping as I will raise this as a concern with Ford also?

TIA

Some do it, some don't. I've not noticed it on mine at all.

 

[Manders Mustang]

Some do it, some don't. I've not noticed it on mine at all.

Drive faster and look between the power lines :lol:!

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