I bought an M7 Strut Bar (STB) last week. The install is straight-forward. MINI, somehow, makes no accomodation for the strut bar (not even the JCW version) on the under-bonnet insulation pad (IP). The M7 STB's height causes the back of the bonnet to be pushed up.

It was suggested that I thoroughly soak the contact area of the STB to IP by spraying distilled water from a plastic spray bottle. Then I should place plastic over the STB and close the bonnet. This, in theory, would compress the IP sufficiently to permit the bonnet to close completely. Well, this didn't work for me. The cotton felt of the IP is very dense and the fabric that covers the IP seems to resist the penetration of the water, to a great extent.

Peter at M7 suggested that I remove the IP and using a utility knife, cut the black cover material on the back of the IP - along the impression lines that the STB made, and remove the compressed cotton insulation in the area of the STB via the slits the rear of the pad. I made two parallel slits - about 2.5' apart, along the area where the STB contacts the IP. I pulled the cotton felt out of the IP by hand and also using a needle-nose plier where the material is very compressed. I set the IP over the engine compartment and could then feel where I needed to remove more insulation, by pressing the IP to the STB.

After a few test bonnet closings, I used heavy black duct tape to mend the slits on the back of the IP, and then re-installed the IP to the underside of the bonnet. VOILA! This worked great. The IP looks untouched and the bonnet closes properly, now.

 

I took my underhood pad off and tossed it into the garage about eight months or a year ago.

Nothing bad's happened as a result.

 

I'm glad to hear you've worked it out to your satisfaction. I did the soak & slam. It helped a lot, but it's not perfect. I've grown used to it & now I don't even notice it.

 

haven't there been reports of paint on the bonnet discoloring with this pad removed?

 

I've not heard of one case. I believe the reason the pad is there is to act as a sound deadener. There isn't enough heat to discolor the paint. If there is your car is probably on fire.

 

Glad it worked for you. I went the JCW bar way and had no problems, nor a need to remove anything. It was more expensive.

 

over time, that sort of heat can kill your paint. if you drive it right.

 

Sorry, but I don't buy that. I've had lots of cars without anything under the hood & have never had paint issues. Guess I just can't drive right.

 

AntiqueCarNut, how did you reinstall the insulation pad? How does it attach?

 

There are little plastic doodads that hold it to the hood. If you take a look under the bonnet they are easy to see. The pad is very easy to remove & reinstall.

 

I helped with an install of a upper strut tower bar a few months ago. Once the bar was in place, I covered the top of it with baby powder and gently closed the bonnet. When we opened the bonnet, we could easily see where contact was made and we trimmed away bits of the liner until the fit was right and no more powder was transferred.

 

i would also probably just remove the pad rather than cutting it.

 

Now that's a great tip.

 

I pulled the pad on mine when I first installed the bar. At least on my car much of the area under the pad wasn't painted with body color. Just an ugly primer. That is why I put the pad back on & did the soak & slam.

 

I might think about using chalk on the bar to leave the mark. No chance of spilled talcum in the engine bay.