engine cover fastener screw thing...

[Dan500]

Originally Posted by jefferios

Any updates Dan?

Hey Guys, Sorry to not update on here but I`ve been waiting for the "nut" part pictured above. I haven checked my P.O box in about a week so it might be here. The "bolt" is MUCH better than the OEM one.

[sunnyokanagan]

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

The Unifast FASTturn (above) is sort of like what's used in the smart. Ours has a diffent butterfly top piece.


the "bail top" (above, bottom right) Dzus looks like it might be a better fastening solution.

That "bail top" is what we have on the 2004-2006 smarts!

[bluedeuce]

Originally Posted by jwight

Photos? DIY tips? Sounds like a swap worth doing.

Scarcely seems worth the trouble of a DYI writeup. Pull the stock clip off of the car and slide the U-nut in its place with the threaded piece facing down. Pull the little black washer/retainer off the twist piece in the hatch cover and remove the twist piece. Put the hatch cover back in place, then insert the bolt and washer through the hole and turn the bolt by hand to engage the threads on the U-nut. Tighten down snug, but don't go to town on it. Throw the three stock pieces in the trash where they belong.

U-nut (the part sticking up will be facing down when you slide the clip on):

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by bluedeuce

Scarcely seems worth the trouble of a DYI writeup. Pull the stock clip off of the car and slide the U-nut in its place with the threaded piece facing down. Pull the little black washer/retainer off the twist piece in the hatch cover and remove the twist piece. Put the hatch cover back in place, then insert the bolt and washer through the hole and turn the bolt by hand to engage the threads on the U-nut. Tighten down snug, but don't go to town on it. Throw the three stock pieces in the trash where they belong.

U-nut (the part sticking up will be facing down when you slide the clip on):

Yep. Mine's been working fine for about 14 months now. The Dzus set up is a good quick-release for motorcycle fairings--clearly not the best fastener for Smart's engine lid.

[theguywiththelongestname]

I finally figured out it was my technique that was causing the problem. fastening the cover is a two-handed job.

1. replace cover and make sure it is lined up properly re: rear tabs and square with compartment...line up fastener with nut etc...

2. push down on cover (near fastener) with one hand

3. while still pushing down on cover, easily turn Unifast fastener with other hand...it turns smoothly into closed/locked position

if you are expecting to fasten-down the compartment panel with one hand, forget it...the panel needs to be compressed into position before fastener functions properly (think aircraft panel).