The 'E' Type Forum

I need to get both outer sills removed from my OTS to get some welding on the inner sills and new sill stiffener panels installed. As well I need to get both inner and outer rear wheel arch panels replaced some other minor work.

With removing the sill panels the work will need to be done by someone who is familiar with e-types so that the tub does not get twisted. I will remove the engine, gearbox, rear end and front suspension and the tub will be delivered on a trolley.

Not looking for concourse as the rest of the car is no where near that standard and never will be so looking for someone who is competent to do the work but not over do it.

Recommendation of suitable repairers on the east coast of Australia would be appreciated.

Thanks

Garry

Hi Garry,

I didn't use any restorers in Australia (or the UK for that matter), however, both the Healey Factory and Glenn Olsen always get rave reviews from the members - however, both are pricey, justifiably I believe, as they normally produce concours standard work. V & A Spiteri are also normally well recommended, but again I have no personal experience.

A company I have recently heard of is Downshire Motors, they advertise in the local magazine; I don't know anything about them, but it might be worth contacting them, I have no contact details to hand, but could probably find it if you need. One of the register guys is about to have some work done there so I can find out how that goes if you like.

Andy Long, who runs the local E-type register may have some ideas, but I know he finds it difficult to recommend, because there are always good and bad stories about all companies. He can be contacted through the JCCV website I think, if not, pm me and I'll try to put you in touch,

Regards,

Simon

Thanks Simon,

I did have Glenn Olsen on the radar - I spoke him some time ago and was happy that he makes a lot of his own panels etc but yes I did come away thinking that he was a restorer and more interested in the full restoration job rather than just a plain old panel shop.

The work could really be done by any old panel shop but they are not likely to understand the importance of structural integrity. I was tempted to brace up the tub as has been highlighted on a few forums and get the mig out and do the work myself but my abilities are really quite basic.

I will make a few calls to others you have mentioned and see what happens.

Cheers

Garry

No worries Garry.

The work is tricky because the panels are large and very visible. You have to think about a lot of things, including the bonnet fit, door fit, any repair required in the wheel wells and arches, the state of the floors and what condition the inner sills are in. Further you might want to consider extra bracing, probably particularly on the LWB series 3 convertible. If you go to a local panel shop choose very carefully. There is also the choice of filler vs lead loading - you will need quite a bit just to restore to original contours and may need to paint the doors after the work because all the joints and gaps in that area are achieved with some filling and filing even on the original production. I did it myself but a rotisserie was a virtually essential tool, sadly I sold it to come down under.

By the time the sills are done and the paint matched across rear wing, sills, bonnet and doors you have virtually restored the car anyway - especially an OTS!

Good luck,

Regards,

Simon

You are spot on - all those things to consider. One local option I do have is the wife of a Jaguar Club member who has a e-type. She had a panel shop and knows e-types but I am not sure whether she still owns the business or not - something I have to chase up.

One option would be to leave the sills on and cut access hatches in the outer sills (the outer sills are very good) and replace the stiffener panels through these cutouts.

The rest of the car is basically OK - the issues all happened in the first 10 years in the life of the car when it lived in the UK. 24 years ago when I repaired the drivers side rear sill closing panel I got see the rear sill stiffener was dodgy but it has held up.

I could continue and no do anything but I would prefer to get it sorted before I spend quite a few $$ on paint.

Thanks for you comments.

Cheers

Garry