The 'E' Type Forum

Hi All,
My project car came with rear bumpers already fitted, but the front ones were still in their sealed bags. I also have what I presume were the originals. I compared the two the other day and found that not only were the brackets very different, but the bracket nearest the centre is in totally the wrong place for my car (late 63 Coupe)
Also the curvature of the bumpers, both old and new, is completely wrong. My bonnet seems to have a much flatter curve (both sides) than any of the bumpers I have. It’s obvious I’m going to have to do a lot of work on whichever bumpers I use and have them rechromed, and from what I’ve read, this is normal. My main question is regarding the bracket position. We’re these changed in production? Did the previous owner purchase the wrong bumpers? Should I source a new pair, unchromed, and if so from who?
Many thanks. Alan

Ropariva wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 4:01 am

In your picture above, I believe only the middle bumper is correct for a 3.8 car. During 4.2 production, Jaguar introduced revised front and rear bumpers with cut-outs on the lower edge that permitted access to the securing bolts from the outside of the car. For the front bumpers, this meant in theory that there was no need to remove the headlamp covers and scoops.

On the middle bumper, there should be screw threads on each of the brackets which means they were designed to be secured from inside the bonnet front cavity.

Hi Alan. If you have bought a project the front bumpers required are whatever matches your bonnet. I went through this recently with my 67. Turns out I had 3.8 front wings and a modified centre section. There is a difference in the mount spacing between the 3.8 and 4.2. Chances are that if there are no mounting brackets and nuts on your bonnet it is a 3.8 but it could have been modified in the past. If there are mounting brackets and nuts on the bonnet it is likely a 4.2 but that could also have been modified. You need to choose whichever bumper blade fits your bonnet spacing and then order replacements that match. I purchased from SNGB and they fit almost perfectly but you cannot count on that. I would order the chromed ones and check the fit with the assurance that you can exchange them for unchromed ones if need be. Be aware that the angle at which the blades are mounted will change the fit to the body so you have to check carefully.

One last thought. You can call the order desk at Sngb and request the measurement between the mounting points for the 4.2 and 3.8 blades. They are very helpful. Once again there is no guarantee that your bonnet has not been modified and nothing fits but some random aftermarket blade from the past at which point you would need to set your bonnet back to the correct spacing.
Good luck.