The 'E' Type Forum

Evening all users, I'm a new prospective E type owner, and have my eyes on a 1973 Series 3 FHC, which I've been to view and would like the views/observations of members to a couple of queries before I commit.

I'm mostly happy with the body, panel gaps are good, bulkhead fine, doors good and a lot of the underseal is intact and survived the magnet tests all over. The only thing though was at the rear of both sills in front of the rear wheels next to where the radius arms are bolted on the cotton wadding was visible that's within the rear wing. Now I don't for one minute think this will be the only bit I'll find when I take the underseal off, I wondered how involved this repair will be and any tips to do it. It's only an area of about 6 sq inches and no more. DIY job?

There will be more questions I'm sure, which I'll place in the correct forums, particularly about the engine which I need to identify the issue with, and replacement of the braking system, but they can wait!

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Mike : the cotton wadding sounds most peculiar to me. I have never seen any E, of any series, with anything included in the hollow spaces . I advise getting an expert to look at it, as it sounds like a bodged repair to me - or alternatively you are looking at the carpet through a hole ![/b] . I am afraid also that if there is any rot, it will not be confined to a small area - these cars rot through from inside to outside and what looks alright on the outside may be very rusty inside the hollow sections

Dear Christopher,

By 1973, there was plenty of fibreglass wadding in the bulkhead sides and the rear wheel arches by the radio speakers. The question to ask is whether this is visible through irregular holes and exposed due to corrosion or via a drain hole or somesuch in an otherwise sound tub.

kind regards
Marek

Hi The cavities at the back were filled with a white cotton wool substance by 1973, i removed it all from mine in 1981 as I realised it wasnt going to help. That area always rots if the car isnt well waxoyled and mine started going there. Be prepared for a fairly big area of rot to fix, if the rest is good it may not be too catastrophic. Its odd that its visible from outside the car though!