Hello everyone
I'm having troubles fitting a new bellows to my motor. I can fit one end and clamp down, but I have to stretch the bellows to make it span the distance to the other end - this has proved too be very difficult.
Should the bellows have to be stretched to span the distance between the car body and motor? if so, whats the trick to fit it.
OR
Do I have a dud and should buy a new one?
The one I have now is much more softer that the old one ( went hard over time? ) - which didn't seem to have to be stretched to cover the gap.
I have also attached a photo - can anyone tell me the purpose of the moulded sleeve that sits on the top at each end?
Thanks

you should not have to stretch the bellows when the are on they really should keep their concertina shape when they are on,as for the tabs they should have a slit in them that's for the strap to sit in

thanks Robb- I think I'll buy a new one - I can't imagine it should be this difficult. There were 2 of us on the job this afternoon - it's the stretching to cover the gap between motor and car body , and then trying to clamp it down, that was problematic.( Might be possible if the exhaust was removed so that a pair of hands could get full access to the lower side of the relevant opening to hold in placed until clamped. not real keen to do this)
Any ideas of where to buy a decent new one in Oz? Would like to use the Christmas break to fit it rather than wait weeks for it to come from states.

hey mate you wont need to remove the exhaust to get it on , what part of oz are you in you should be able to pick one up anywhere that is decent

just a thought when you do find one take your old one with you to compare them.

I just bought a new one from Mick Motors for when I change the engine over in my Notch, about $35 plus postage. I had put one of their new bellows on my recently written off Squareback about six or so months ago, went on easy! Unfortunately it got destroyed in the accident.

Jed

Make sure your not trying to put it on upside down. Might sound silly but they definely go on easier one way compared to the other.

lots of swearing!

take a pic of the issue and the bellows

Cheers for the replies.
Thanks Grey 57 - I think you might be onto something there and your suggestion is worth a follow up - I have been trying to fit it with the moulded tab uppermost - I'll give it a shot the other way round.

Fitted bellows with tab side underneath - 5 minute job - went on easy. Problem solved. Thanks Grey 57.