Engine compartment cover

[EdwardDennis]

My Dzus engine lid fastener never worked correctly. These type of fasteners are similar to plastic body panel fasteners typically used on motorcycle fairing and bumper applications. They aren't suitable for Smart's engine compartment application.

The dealer replaced my original defective Dzus assembly and still had trouble closing the cover. I ended up tossing it and meandered over to Orchard Supply Hardware to find something better.

I replaced the Dzus crap with an 8mm nut plate (snaps right in the old Dzus plate location**more securely, by the way) and an 8mm flange bolt (M8x25 or X20 is good).

Simply tighten the bolt with fingers until it snugs the engine cover closed. To open, press down slightly on the cover and unscrew the bolt with your fingers. Cost: a couple o' bucks.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by mike-in-sa

I found that if the dzus fasteners were hard to turn then the lid was not alligned right. When the lid is seated properly the fasteners work easy.

ditto, the cover has to be seated properly (usually by making sure it is pushed away from you), and the screw closes easily.

[dbwill]

I hate to be picky, but Dzus fasteners worked well on many airplanes for a great number of years. The quality of the ones on smart might be low but the fasteners work well

[EdwardDennis]

The Dzus might work splendidly in other applications, but as a Smart car engine cover fastener it's pretty dismal. My dealer's floor car models have all of the fasteners removed. They were having problems with them, so the fastening bolts are gone** apparently to allow peekers to easily see the engine without having to wrestle with the fastener.

The other issue is a proper, snug closure of the compartment. A sharp rap atop the closed engine cover will often pop the Dzus fastener loose. I did this on the original and replacement Dzus fasteners that were provided to me.

I seem to recall another post on this board indicating that a new, improved fastener might be in the works. Something more sturdy is in order. My humble observation, of course...

[curtis]

anyone have a clear cover like some of the demo cars in the show-rooms?