Closing the front bonnet

[waspe]

Hi guys

I was reading a "for sale" ad for a 3.2 Carrerra and it referred to a slight indentation in the front hood, "possibly caused by incorrect closing". It reminded me that when I was taking delivery of my 987S, the sales person told me to avoid clsoing the front by pushing on the Porsche emblem, which was apparently the accepted method on pre aluminium hood cars. Instead I was instructed to push down on the outside edges of the hood to engage the lock.

Two points: one I couldn't help but wonder whether I have become an obsessive compulsive about this car, worrying about how to close the hood, and, two, whether I was obssessed or not, is there a correct and an incorrect way of closing the front hood?

Please put me out of my anguish!

 

[Alex Postan]

I think that if you think that you are thinking that you might be doing it wrong, then it it is time to think again. I think that is right. I think. But then, thinking afresh, have another think.

My front lid seems awkward to close too.

 

[Tool Pants]

Whatever....

 

[waspe]

I guess that's one way...

 

[Tool Pants]

I tell people not to push on the crest because the mounting pins can break off over time. Then they come to me to have them soldered back on.

You push below the crest, right where the latch is.

Some sales people tell you to push on the crest because you do not get finger prints on the paint.

I have not seen with my own eyes a dent in a 996/986 steel trunk trunk lid from pressing on the crest. But with the aluminum used on the 997/987 it makes even less sense to press on the crest.

 

[thboxster]

When I picked up my 986 I was told to close the fornt by pressing the crest. When picking up my 987 I was told to press below it, as TP says, effectively right above the catch.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I looked underneath mine when I got it (986) and worked out where the strengthening ribs are. I push there (below the badge, pretty much at the leading edge of the bonnet). You do get hand-edge prints... So I keep a microfibre cloth in a sandwich bag, and a little quick detailer (superdrug do a great little travel spray bottle for about 50p that you can fill) in the door pocket.
When the car is dirty the handprint doesn't matter!

 

[Tool Pants]

And the good book says....

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Good grief Jeff - you're up early!


From: California
Status: online

 

[Rob Edwards]

I agree with those sentiments - I was told push crest on 986 and push below the crest on the 987/997, and it has worked fine for me (notwithstanding the odd handprint and Mark's nifty cure for that!).[]
Rob

 

[Guest]

Do press in the middle of the front edge, whether it's on the crest or below.. do NOT press off-center or you can very easily dent the hood. Worse, since it may only be a very slight indentation, it might be impossible to correct it since the hood is made of aluminium.