The 'E' Type Forum

Not really an "upgrade" as such, and probably an idea you've all thought of already, but I thought I'd share it anyway
Basically, I was getting fed up with the lower edge of the mudshield rubbing down to metal where it closes past the rubber strips under the bonnet. I'd replaced the rubber strips, pop riveting new ones on in the hope that they would be softer. I've put vaseline on the strips to prevent them rubbing. I've tried bending the plates the rubber rivets onto in a bit. But always, the lower edges wear down quickly to bare metal.
I noticed it wasn't just me; virtually every E I looked at had metal rubbed off to a greater or lesser extent.
So, simple solution I think. Re-painted the shields yet again, then simply put helicopter tape along the lower edge of the shields where they pass the rubber strips. Doesn't really show unless you look closely, and after numerous opening and closing of the bonnet, still no wear.
Few pics below; you can see the edge of the tape a couple of inches above the bottom edge if you look carefully.

Clever thinking batman !!

I don't have helicopter tape, but I do have a roll of a 3M product (clear film) that is meant for door sills and rear plastic bumpers, to prevent scratches.

It'll do the job :D

You do realise that if either of these tricks work and it becomes desirable - nay, expected - to remove all traces of actually having been driven, Trailer queens will be able to pass as real cars and the world will shift on its axis?

Pete

Ah, but the earth's axis DOES shift. During a cycle that averages about 40,000 years, the tilt of the axis varies between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees.
This affects summer and winter temperatures.
But if you look at my car, you'll see that it's very much driven! 1700 miles over the Pyrenees just 6 weeks ago. And 9,000 miles in the last 2 years.
I just don't like bare metal anywhere!
Quite like the idea of a trailer Queen though; most women I know don't know how to tow a trailer.

I was thinking about letting my freshly repainted panels rub through to shiny bare metal, and then seal with the 3M clear tape !

Patina, proof of being driven, no trailer queen rubbish, and no surface rust :D

Richard did the same thing with the 4.2, bit of prop tape along the edge. Works well and saves a lot of hassle