Craven STD's...any hood rubbing?
 

I have some Craven STD [strut tower defenders] on order, but was reading that the similar M7 product rubs against the hood and can cause some deformation and subsequent paint problems...not sure if this is really a wide-spread problem.

I would like to get some feedback before I install the Craven product in my new Clubman. Anyone with problems out there???

nope :thumbsup:
(pic of c-std in gallery)

Heck, if you are worried when they come in...stick some white-out on the tops ofthe bolts and slowly lower the hood....you'll know, but I don't think they would sell the product..should be good to go.

I have the M7 plates, but I haven't checked for any rubbing issues under the hood...., but I would say some kind of strut tower protection is a must (I installed mine when I bought it). Central Ohio is loaded with potholes and railroad tracks and those M7 plates have been a godsend so far.

Paint problems on the hood? I think you're thinking about two different M7 products. The M7 product that people talk about deforming the hood sometimes is their Strut Tower Brace....not their Strut Tower Defenders. The Strut Tower Defenders (from M7 or Crave) aren't tall enough to cause problems with the hood.

couldnt tell you, my MINI is STD free. :lol:

Mine too. :) I also have new rubber all the way around for extra protection...

just curious, would the JCW strut tower fit over these plates with no rubbing issue?

Why get that when you can have the m7 strut tower bar with integrated STD's? Why get two parts to do the job of one part that is a less expensive alternative?

well sorry, I just ordered my MINI yesterday and I'm looking into parts... that may be a better alternative :) thanks!

Its all good man. If you are looking for something like that, here is what you should look at:

http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/images/stb.jpg

http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...products_id=29

As far as I know they don't make the strut bar yet for the R56, only the Strut Re-Inforcement Plates.

http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...pg&w=300&h=199

http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...roducts_id=120

well, when reading this is what their site says:

" As an added bonus, the M7 R56 SRP Plates are upgradeable! That's right! Just pop off the M7 logo and they will reveal mounting points for a cross bar turning your SRPs into the M7 Strut Tower Brace!"

However, I will probably contact them to see how much it would be to order the upgrade... unless they want you to buy the STB too...

That's good to know! Let us know what you find out.

I've had the m7 strut tower plates for over a month now, and I can confirm that there is no paint rubbing issue with the front bonnet/hood of the vehicle... The strut tower brace (which bolts into the plates) is still not available (work in process I guess)... so Peter, where's my brace???:wink:

" As an added bonus, the M7 R56 SRP Plates are upgradeable! That's right! Just pop off the M7 logo and they will reveal mounting points for a cross bar turning your SRPs into the M7 Strut Tower Brace!"



Could that possibly mean it gives mounting points for the R53 STB to work on the R56's ?

I installed the Craven tower reinforcing plates during the first week after I took delivery....VERY quick install........and NO hood rubbing whatsoever. Maybe these plates aren't necessary, but I wasn't taking the chance with all the potholes around here.

I'd doubt it because of the new chassis and engine, thus different clearances within the engine bay...

ok i heard back from M7

"Hi Andrew...

The bar will come available in the end of July, and the price
difference is STB - plates = $70.
You can pre-order the brace if you call the office.

Peter
M7 Tuning
562-608-8123"

Look like it should be ready soon! :) Now I just have to get my car... scheduled for late august delivery!

Perhaps this should be obvious to someone who works on cars, but I now have my fingers crossed on front alignment.

UNFORTUNATELY; the Craven STD instructions tell you (WITH A CRESCENT WRENCH) to remove the existing fasteners on top of the strut towers as a first step.

They do not mention that this is the restraint for your cars front alignment !!!

Has anyone else run into a problem here?