The 'E' Type Forum

Hoping fellow roadster owners can help with checking a measurement? I'm looking to replace the screen tension rod top boss on my car. The repro item I have sourced is some 3mm narrower than the (presumably) original item that is currently fitted. As a result it would require shimming to fit between the lugs fitted at the top of the screen. My original measures 17.1mm across - can anyone check the same dimension on their car?

The part would appear common for S1/S2 cars, so I'm assuming it's just another variable repro item, but I'd like to check. Attached images show the important difference in width. There are othe differences, but this is the most critical with respect to fitting.

Hi Richard
The internal gap between the lugs on my S2 is 17mm. I think its original.
Cheers, Colin

Perfect Colin, thanks.

Just as an aside, when I purchased my repro item the threads on the side fixings were wrong and had to be re tapped.

Well, I managed to source another good original part, and it confirms that the repro item is not even close, dimensionally. The threads are correct, but that is about it. The supplier is being very good about it, and will be feeding back to the manufacturer. It still amazes me that a part can be reproduced to a very high quality standard, but with such little regard to the actual fit.

Hi Richard
I have come across this so many times in my rebuild. Whilst I am grateful that these items are still being made it is so frustrating when you have to retap, weld or re-drill so many items that are so far out, a 5 minute job ends up taking an hour. I now re-use originals whenever they are remotely serviceable even if it takes a bit of time. I share your pain!
Regards Colin

It seems to be common in the classic car and motorcycle replacement spare parts arena that the reproduction items are not the same. Surely when the supplier goes out to tender, the exact original spec is what’s s required whether it be to drawings or reverse engineered. It’s not rocket science.