To Bungee or Not To Bungee?

FIA-ERA · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 10:20 AM

I'm undecided about installing the "bungee" straps and anchors on the back of my FIA. I know all comp cars had them but it is definitely is a no going back after I do this situation. I like the idea of extra support to hold down the trunk latch too. What do you think? Also any suggestions on trunk weather stripping that is thinner. My trunk lid was fitted without and now it's rubbing a little in certain areas. I have the standard weather stripping but it's too thick and raises the trunk lid up!! This is getting frustrating. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks to Bob (ERA) for getting my parts out so quick and all the help! Thanks, Matt.

tkb289 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 11:23 AM

Matt,
If you are undecided as to which way to go, I would fully exhaust other options first before modifying the trunk lid for the bungee kit, as you said, there is no going back.

Since the trunk was fitted without weather stripping, maybe find some thinner adhesive backed foam, and put that just at the places where the trunk lid is rubbing. It won't do much for weather protection like the full weather stripping would, but the trunk lid won't be raised up. You should probably be able to find some single sided adhesive weather stripping in different thicknesses at a local car parts store or hardware store. Get a few feet and experiment, nothing to lose.

If you are going for the all out 'comp' look, then the bungee is the way to go. One other suggestion would be to take a bungee cord and attach it to your car with blue painter's tape to see how it looks on your car (while it's parked of course). Decisions ... decisions!

- Tim

John McMahon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 12:59 PM

Bungee....here is a pic of my old FIA....

1985 CCX · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 03:39 PM

I think it is a nice detail, even 427 comp cars had them..........Can also be a conversation piece as well.

Just more deatil in an otherwise detailed car!

AlexFIA · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 06:36 PM

I had my car delivered without weatherstrip and the trunk lid aligned. I removed the trunk lid when I installed the carpet in the lid and the weather strip, and just re-aligned the lid to fit properly. It actually fits snug and provides a very slight pressure on the latch when it is closed, which helps to ensure it does not wiggle open. The weather strip I received from ERA was a simple half round with no adhesive backing (.25 thick by .50 wide uncompressed and compresses down to about .10). I applied it with some 3M weatherstrip adhesive. You may ask for some hinge shims from ERA if you think you need them (or remove the ones you have if you need to lower the top of the lid).

FIA-ERA · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 07:51 PM

Hey guy's, Thanks for the replies! John, I've always thought your car was right on the money! It was hard to paint my car Red after looking at yours so often. I agree I like the bungee and I will probably go ahead and do it. Like some have said, "it's a conversation piece" and my car is more "comp" looking anyway. Alex, I agree with you too on the shims and possibly adjusting the trunk more. I don't know why but my trunk sits right on the trunk edge and even the regular seals are making it raise up! I don't know what happened to it at the body shop? I'm looking at some other weather stripping that might be thinner. For now I need something to keep it from rubbing the paint off. I don't think sealing the trunk is too important other than when you might wash it or something. If I get suck in the rain, I've got bigger issues than that! Thanks for the pic's and the comments you guy's are great! Matt.