Rear hatch drain tube

[Airborne62]

Greetings all,
Working on a 62 FHC restoration (885517) in Northern VA
Accumulating questions as I tear the old girl apart and find surprises the PO has left me...

I am curious as to the correct configuration (or photos) of the drain area on the rear hatch. Mine looks a bit messy - just want to know if it is correct. Appears to be just a short metal tube welded in under the drain hole.
Also, my hatch hinges were very sloppy. Should these be smooth and tight tolerance, or have play in them for fitment?

A few pictures...
Thanks - great forum!
Joe





Drain area

[christopher storey]

It is a complex structure , and I am afraid that yours looks as though it has been bodged as we say in the UK . This is what the outside face should look like before the outer panel is attached



and this is the same structure viewed from inside



Yours looks as though the outer skin and inner structure are not welded together, and what that hook thing is I don't know

[Mark Gordon]

Hi, Joe. Glad to see that we have another member who's located in N. VA. Just where in N. VA do you live?

[Moeregaard]

Joe, it appears that your E-Type has been incorrectly repaired following a shunt to the rear end. A portion of the inner panel has been cut away, most likely to allow the outer panel to be beaten back into position more easily. An improper repair can also make fitting the spare wheel in its well difficult.

I can see where the boot-lid stay's receiver has been reattached via a small piece of sheet metal screwed to what's left of your inner panel. The early stays are secured with two screws located under the rear hatch seal. The drain tube is simply brazed to the seal channel and again right above the number plate. It will not be visible from inside the car.

[Airborne62]

Thanks for the replies and the very useful photos/info. I assumed it had been butchered a bit. Just add it to my list of repairs. I am sure there are a few more surprises hiding under the paint job, but overall it is an solid numbers matching car.

Engine frame needs some TLC and brazing - hopefully can be saved.

Mark, I am up in Great Falls

[PeterCrespin]

This appears to be an early 62 and is therefore quite correct and valuable being indeed roughly built as they all were prior to Oct 62. The inside base of the hatch opening is rough and unfinished from the factory and there are riveted patches on the inner c posts etc. so all is good, no box ging.

'Keep Calm and Carry On'

Pete
(Just across the Potomac)

[Moeregaard]

Interesting point, Pete. Since I have no experience with very early E-Types, I figured what I saw was was just a poor repair. What did send me down the wrong path are what appear to be self-tapping screws retaining the boot-lid stay.

[Airborne62]

Thanks Pete - certainly glad to have you take a look at the car if you are ever in the area. I am undecided on finish and mods at this point.
- Joe

[PeterCrespin]

PM me your details Joe and I should be able to come over.

You have a flat bulkhead early car and many parts such as the missing grab handle chrome brackets and missing chrome & black trim pieces at the ends of the dash are correct, as is the mess at the back of the hatch. Not sure about self-tappers but probably fine too.

Your IRS will be different, your fuel flap, rear glass, glovebox (one-piece fiberglass) hatch hinges (steel not alloy) and all manner of details that the guys with later cars will see as 'different' and therefore unwittingly tell you are 'wrong', except they aren't and it would be a shame to 'modernize' them.

Pete