OK, The only none standard part is the front bonnet sealing strip. Standard on the MK2 (but not MK2b) I have just fitted one. In the picture, the bonnet has yet to be closed on it.
I don`t know why it`s not fitted on the `b`as without it, at speed, rain and road spray comes in all over the top of the engine and its electrics. In particular the battery top is right in line with where the seal is and without one is covered in water.
Then of course It`s salt spray off the motorways in Winter.
So why not fit them to the Mk2b? It`s been suggested at the dealers that it `may` be down to the engine needing cooling. Fair enough, it`s a point of view - but is it cost cutting and saving a few bob on a non essential part.
It`s often said that "Manufacturer knows best" R&D and all that. But is that the engineers or cost cutting dept talking?
It`s been improved previously,by the fine mesh grill over the radiator and it`s difficult to see how the strip is anything other than cost cutting.
At least the battery top will be dry, next `boat race`down the M1.
Thanks for having interest in the pics & question. ;-)
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>>''Manufacturer knows best" R&D
Unfortunately it's so often the manufacturer's accountants that think they know best.
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Should have spotted that, it looks like a length of pipe insulation.
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It`s the original Fiat part for the Mk2.
Edited by oilrag on 22/08/2009 at 11:06
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I am sure it is oily, if a chunk of pipe insulation was in my engine bay no one would recognise it through the 50odd thousand mile patina. You would defiinitely notice a new part though!
Edited by Old Navy on 22/08/2009 at 11:17
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>>But is that the engineers or cost cutting dept talking?
If you left a certain type of engineer to their own devices, you would end up with a car few could afford - they need to be reigned in and controlled.
I'm sure Fiat sensibly took the view that more of its customers would be happy paying for an extra gizmo on the dashboard, central locking perhaps, or posher cloth on the seats than an unglamourous bit of rubber under the bonnet - which clearly wasn't essential.
During the life of a vehicle many manufacturers keep their engineers busy with "cost down" excercises which trim a surprising amount of uneeded and expensive carp from cars.
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During the life of a vehicle many manufacturers keep their engineers busy with "cost down" excercises which trim a surprising amount of uneeded and expensive carp from cars.
From oilrag....'I don`t know why it`s not fitted on the `b`as without it, at speed, rain and road spray comes in all over the top of the engine and its electrics. In particular the battery top is right in line with where the seal is and without one is covered in water.
Then of course It`s salt spray off the motorways in Winter.'
water on engine and electrics?
Id say (over time) that likely to cause problems...
id rather go without a cosmetic 'improvement' and keep with better waterproofing!
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is it the robinsons summer fruit cordial drink dispenser resevoir?
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>>water on engine and electrics?
Are the unmodified cars suffering for the lack of this seal? I doubt it.
Was oilrag's car suffering in any other than a cosmetic way for the lack of this seal?
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OIL being of sage ness , can you recommend the best protection for brake lines, i bought some waxoil clear but i dont want to waste it on brake lines is there a thicker , stickier solution?
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