The 'E' Type Forum

….or should I replace with new panels?

These internal panels (2 headlight diaphragms, 2 mud guards and the tray that sits under the mouth) are off of my never restored 1962 FHC. As you can see from the pictures they only have surface rust (I’ve chemically stripped the paint and under seal but haven’t removed the surface rust yet) but there are ripples in a number of the panels.

I’m restoring as much of the car as I can myself so labour is free. So question is do I restore these panels to a factory new standard (I’m thinking an English wheel with a flat lower wheel will take the ripples out) or should I just replace them?

Also in the left hand side headlamp diaphragm panel the cut out for the main electrical plug looks like it’s been cut out with an acetylene torch?!? That can’t be factory?

Mike, I’d suggest you look at the value of your time vs the cost of replacements. It’s easy to say my time costs nothing, but several hours of repair work that could be more usefully put towards other work should be considered. It all adds up to days lost in getting the car restored. Ask me how I know
Consider where you’d buy new parts from.
A suggestion is Hutson’s https://www.hutsonmoco.co.uk/bonnet-panels

Geoff

I just removed the left headlight diaphragm to look for electrical issues.
It was a PITA to have it reinstalled.
I guess that a new one will be even more difficult to adjust in place (putting it back and having the bolts fitting).
My advice is to keep/restore the original pieces unless they are in really bad condition.

I’ve been down both routes. On one car I had to buy mostly new panels and they all fit pretty well including the complex headlight panels. However ALL new panels needed fettling. On another car I tried to re-use all the original panels. I spent many hours getting them as best I could. When painted and finished, the panels in clear view (heater duct panel, inner wheel arches) were quite obvious where repairs had been needed and so in the end, these were replaced.

What I always do now is try and keep all panels that people can’t get close to and see imperfections, and panels that are such as the heater panel and inner wheel arches replace with new. The headlight panels are usually painted with stone chip and so repairs are easily disguised. The front nose tray, definitely repair.

Thanks for the advice. I’ve now taken a closer look at the panels and taken the carb ducting apart (what seemed like hundreds of spot welds to drill out.

The good news is there’s none of the usual rust damage, it’s only surface rust. The bad news is there’s damage to all the internal panels from an accident I presume in the 70’s or 80’s. The centre section of the bonnet is all good but I think it’s been replaced as the internal brackets are both glued in the middle and spot welded at the ends, which I think is a sign of a British Leyland era replacement?

Anyway all the interior panels need some cosmetic work so I’m going to strip them apart, buy myself an English Wheel and see if I can remove the ripples/damage. If that doesn’t work I’ll try making the replacement panels myself (the ducting flat panels, tray in nose, the headlight diaphragms but will reused the circular bits and spot welded back into my new flat panels, mud guards). Finally if I fail at that then I’ll buy replacements but that’s £1K worth of panels so will try and save as much as I can but be conscious the visible ones have to look factory fresh when finished.

Did I see an English wheel in the sale of the CMC stock?
https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auct ... 1000c74944

Good luck sorting out those parts

Geoff

I spent a couple years reviving my bonnet on a '62. It probably should have been scrapped - but it turned out very nice with much persistence. If you suspect there was collision damage, be sure your bonnet frame is perfect or you will chase your tail. Be prepared to fix the collective errors and tolerances of other repair jobs when you reassemble. Get a cheap tripod laser.
Chuck at Monocoque Metal works has great articles and parts if need be.
https://www.monocoque-metalworks.com/main/

Just discovered this on my left hand wing

Formerly an OBL panel?

bitsobrits wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 03, 2026 8:23 pm

Formerly an OBL panel?

Yes it is, remnants of OBL mechanism, welded wing brackets, deeper headlamp glass recess and curly bracket at front of the wing