Proper way to close a hood

[Netspeed]

I have a friend that just bought a 2001 Boxster S. The dealer person (a supposed Porsche "expert"), told him the best way to close the hood was to push it down so it latches on the secondary and then push the hood all the way closed with his KNEE ! That can't be right or am I wrong?

I always close the hood of my Carrera by pushing on the emblem (it doesn't take much effort).

[Jay Laifman]

Knee! I just use my hand, no problem. It did get stiff for a while, and I sprayed it with some lubricant - inside where the latch is - and it's been fine ever since.

On my 911, I used to push on the emblem too. That's the common answer. But, ever notice how many badges seem to bow up? I finally realized that was from all these guys pushing on their emblem to close it! So, now I just gently push in front of the emblem, towards the front edge.

[Netspeed]

The edge near the bottom of the crest? Good idea....

[cashflyer]

I have the lift shocks off of my hood so that I can drop it from full open position. It gives a very solid slam that resonates throughout the body of the car, letting me know that it is closed securely.




(okay... not really. I actually ease the hood down to until the safety is latched, then press down on the hood gently with a hand on either side of the crest for even pressure.)

[KFC911]

I do the final close on my hood by using both hands to press down on both front corners where the hood is most rigid...why risk loosening the emblem over time?

[tcar]

In the Porsche 911 Handbook (can't remember the exact name), the author says to:

Shut the trunk by lowering the lid and pushing on the emblem, and

Shut the engine hood by pushing down on the air grille.

That's what I've always done.

[Jay Laifman]

Yep. But, like I said, more likely to bend the emblem over time.

Actually, I'm going to try Cashflyer's hand's free method. It's beautiful - totally eliminates the possibility of hands pushing down and denting the hood! :-)

[Netspeed]

Originally posted by Jay Laifman
Yep. But, like I said, more likely to bend the emblem over time.

Actually, I'm going to try Cashflyer's hand's free method. It's beautiful - totally eliminates the possibility of hands pushing down and denting the hood! :-)

I tried that method....now I have an aerodynamically concave hood!

It gives a new meaning the term "slopenose"!

[DARISC]

I close my 911 hood by dropping it from maybe 8" open (I'd have to go measure) mainly because that's the way only way I've ever seen Porsche tech.s close them. My gas springs are good and this method still works because you don't have to drop it from very high.

Come to think about it, Iv'e only had the lid up maybe 4 times in the 2+ years I've owned the car.

[EarlyPorsche]

On my 1966 and my 2006 911's I close it by gently latching the first latch and then PUSHING ON THE CREST. You will never bend the crest, if it requires that much force to close the bonnet then you need to adjust your stops.

[silverc4s]

Originally posted by KC911
I do the final close on my hood by using both hands to press down on both front corners where the hood is most rigid...why risk loosening the emblem over time?

This is exactly as I was taught by the first owner of my first 911, back in about 1985 or so.

He also said that the deck lid closure should ONLY be done by pressing on the grille. Especially the Aluminum decklids. I am sure that later deckilds with various types of tail on board pretty much close themselves.

Whenever you see an older 911 (longhood) with ripples in the front bonnet - you can be sure it's from improper closure techniques. Rear the same, IMHO...

[Wil Ferch]

Best place I've found( for the front "trunk") is about 2-3 inches along each side of the emblem. Never the emblem itself...the mounting posts will break over time.

- Wil

[Tyson Schmidt]

Telekinesis.

Leaves no smudges!

[TRE Cup]

There are two other accepted methods to close front deck lids. Here is the single person example

[TRE Cup]

The two person approach

[Netspeed]

Originally posted by TRE Cup
There are two other accepted methods to close front deck lids. Here is the single person example

True but Tyson's method will not leave a smudge (not that I'd mind)

[TRE Cup]

The rear takes a different approach as demonstrated here

[Netspeed]

Who's the girl on the rigght side of the car? She's GORGEOUS! (apologies if she's a wife/girlfriend/daughter/aunt)

[TRE Cup]

oops ! misted the monitor
here it is:

[DARISC]

Originally posted by Tyson Schmidt
Telekinesis.

Leaves no smudges!

I used to do that but "the force" no longer be with me .

Seriously, from a physics standpoint, dropping the lid from the right height creates the same downward thrust as pushing down on the lid, with no danger of deforming the lid, no?