The 'E' Type Forum

Hi,

Now here's something for consideration perhaps?

What would it take to convert an S3 open light to a 1.5 open version? In my eyes a S3 looks best retaining its open lights rather than going for a mock S1 closed conversion. But I do think a 1.5 open light which protrudes out less from its socket looks better than a S2/3 version that protrudes out further by 2 inches. I know the S2/S3 light set up also modified the angle of the inner tunnel to prevent the lights reflecting off the side walls. Presumably no need to modify the inner light walls - and can just leave as is? Obviously the chrome strip fittings on top of the light would need to be changed.

But would this be an easy conversion (S3/2 to 1.5) or is it a tricky job and not worth pursuing?

Sadly not a prayer with oem components unless you want to TIG weld in the difference in metalwork and then resppray the bonnet. The s1 bonnet open headlight opening is in a different place than the s2/s3. Going the other way is feasible if you want to cut away the metal from the s1 bonnet and then the s2/s3 scoops will then fit.

With my conversion, if you don't like the headlight covers, then the conversion can be carried out with headlight covers filed back so that the headlight will sit externally where you want it to sit and I can supply heavier gauge scoops which will butt against the bonnet bodywork.

kind regards
Marek

Hi Marek,

Thanks for your feedback. The initial reaction I received from some specialist Jaguar garages was that it would be a fairly easy conversion and requiring some modification of the bonnet to fit the 1.5 lights - but nothing untoward. But your feeling is that it is more complicated - can you give some more insight on why please. Thanks.

Put bluntly, the s2/s3 headlight hole is bigger than the corresponding hole in the s1 bonnet and it is in a different place. The scoops are thus a different shape as will be the chrome.

Take a look at the Metal Monocoques website for their metal inserts to convert a later bonnet to early oem style covered headlights. This will give you an idea of how much smaller the s1 headlight openings are than the ones you currently have and where you will need to add extra metal to a s2/s3 bonnet to make it have openings which are in the same place and same shape as that of a s1 bonnet, be that to convert to the covered or open styled s1 headlights. Once you have done that, the s1 exterior scoop will fit as will the new chrome, after you have resprayed the bonnet. Anyone who thinks that is all straightforward is welcome to try it.

The big advantage of a kit is that you can simply unbolt the bits and put the original parts back on any time you like.

Feel free to use a real name if you want to correspond.

kind regards
Marek

If you hold all three styles of sugar scoop next to each other, you'll see the S1.5 scoops are quite different. Therefore the bonnet metal will have to be cut away/added to in various places in order to make them fit (and probably the diaphragms too.)

Yes, to a full body shop it's not radical surgery but it certainly ain't trivial. Meanwhile, it's in their interest to create significant work.

Hello Marek !
Are you offering a kit for the XV12 Series III for covered lights ?
Regards Wolfgang Gatza

What is an XV12 series3?

Is that an etype v12 series3 or is that s3 xj12?

My kit is for the etype.

kind regards
Marek

It was a writing mistake. I have a red EV12 Series III, like the one on the picture.
Regards Wolfgang Gatza

Ahh - I see.

Yes I make a kit for the s2 and s3 etypes.
Contact me via private message or email if you want to know more.

kind regards
Marek

MarekH wrote:Put bluntly, the s2/s3 headlight hole is bigger than the corresponding hole in the s1 bonnet and it is in a different place. The scoops are thus a different shape as will be the chrome.

Take a look at the Metal Monocoques website for their metal inserts to convert a later bonnet to early oem style covered headlights. This will give you an idea of how much smaller the s1 headlight openings are than the ones you currently have and where you will need to add extra metal to a s2/s3 bonnet to make it have openings which are in the same place and same shape as that of a s1 bonnet, be that to convert to the covered or open styled s1 headlights. Once you have done that, the s1 exterior scoop will fit as will the new chrome, after you have resprayed the bonnet. Anyone who thinks that is all straightforward is welcome to try it.

The big advantage of a kit is that you can simply unbolt the bits and put the original parts back on any time you like.

Feel free to use a real name if you want to correspond.

kind regards
Marek

Thanks Marek for the insight - its clear and appreciated. There's more to it than I realised. A pity but best to leave the lights as they are. Just thought it might make for an interesting / worthwhile modification - but not at any cost.

Hi Marek, what is the cost of converting a Series 3 to covered headlights? Thank you Geoff. I live in Lincolnshire and don't know if it can be done independently, or if the car needs to be brought to you? Location? My Email is; wilma.gammon@sky.com

Dear Geoff,
I'll send you an email response directly when I have a bit more time this weekend.
kind regards
Marek

FYI, my avatar shows Marek's kit installed on an S3.