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Does anyone have photos of the bolts from the M7 STB creating the "nipples" on the hood?
I have the STB arriving Monday because I need the reinforcement for mushrooming (ie to prevent mushrooming before it starts) and figured I may as well go with the full STB since it wasn't much more. I still haven't decided if I will install the whole thing but seeing pictures of the bolt protrusions will help me make up my mind depending on how bad they are.
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2005 Astro Black R50 - Sports, Premium, and Cold Weather Packages
Mods: M7 Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates, Eibach 19mm Rear Sway Bar, 16" Rota Slipstreams
OK, here are two pics, it's hard to see them. It's in bubble warp for storage. If you tilt the screen you can see them. When I still had the OEM on my MINI most people never noticed them. However mine is red and I bet the AB will show up more. I have been told that you can get lower profile bolts for the brace. I would also remove the under bonnet padding. I know a few have done it without any issues of heat damage to paint, but that is still a risk.
Last edited by AutoXCooper.com; 08-04-2008 at 07:10 PM.
Thanks for the pictures. Is there any noise difference in the cabin without the lining? So it's definetly just the bolt causing the bumps? And any ideas on where to get the low profile bolts?
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2005 Astro Black R50 - Sports, Premium, and Cold Weather Packages
Mods: M7 Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates, Eibach 19mm Rear Sway Bar, 16" Rota Slipstreams
I have an 05' MC with the M7 STB installed. I have no clearence issues with the brace mounting bolts. My issue is it raised the rear of the bonnet (nearest windshield) about 1/4" it's noticable if you look for it. I've had it installed for about 4 months now and no noises. I still have the bonnet liner in place (I don't want to remove it) and I believe that is what is raising my bonnet up. My brace bolts don't come near the bonnet (I'm not sure why) unlike alot of others owners do. I would install both (plates and brace) follow the install instructions (especialy soaking the liner with water and close the bonnet and let sit over night part) and see how things turn out. BTW if you have any mushrooming (I thought I had none) the reinforcement plates will not be lying flat when you place them on the towers (they will wobble). It took over 2 hours (with a 2lbs hammer and a piece of 2x4 stud) to get the towers flat again, but I'm glad I did. The fit was perfect and no wobble no matter where you put pressure on the plate. Hope this info helps.
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Life moves pretty fast...Driving a MINI..slows everything down but you!
