Body Repairs

A large part of the E-type bodyshell is the bonnet. They corrode quite badly along the folded edges where the wing panels and centre section meet, with a chrome plated bead between. The wired edges along the bottom of the panel and around the wheelarches are a good haven for rust as moisture gets trapped in here. These sections are difficult to repair and it is usually more cost effective to fit a new bonnet. However, fitting a new bonnet is not just a matter of unbolting one and bolting on another. They have to be tailored to suit the car and this may simply be a matter of using shims on the pivot mountings, or it may involve trimming the back edge of the bonnet panel.

The front tubular sub-frames also suffer from corrosion. They are made of a particular type of steel and, bearing in mind the structural importance of these frames, repairing them is a specialist task. As above, it is probably more cost effective and safer to replace the frames.

The level of work needed on the monocoque obviously varies depending on the condition. It is, however, true to say that in most cases that work will be extensive. It is best to start by carefully shot-blasting the shell. I say 'carefully' because too coarse a treatment can easily do more harm than good. This shot-blasting will strip the paint and filler, remove the corroded metal and clean up the surrounding metal and panels in general. In can be a demoralising experience for many cars that have been described as having excellent shells, once shot-blasted, reveal their true state which may be more akin to a string vest! However, one has to bite the bullet because this is not the sort of job you want to do again in your lifetime.

Being a monocoque, the panels are structural and the strength of the tub depends on the state of every panel. When cutting out larger areas of metal or removing complete panels, it is important to bear in mind that you may get some distortion in the remainder if this remainder is not held in a jig and/or braced with temporary struts. This is more of a problem with the Roadster, for the roof of the Fixed Head gives more rigidity to its structure.

So you need to proceed with caution and careful planning, rather than wholesale hacking. Alternatively, you can go to one of the specialist restorers who specialise in rebuilding bodyshells. They will, or should, have dedicated assembly jigs which maintain the dimensional integrity of the shell if and when most of the panels have been cut off. In this way, they can rebuild your shell or more often build a new shell around your old bulkhead. Providing you go to a good company with many years' experience, this is the best way to proceed.

Incidentally, it is absolutely vital for whoever is doing the work to 'try-fit' such items as bumpers, headlamp chromes (particularly Series 1 models) and sidelights. These can need 'tailoring' either by filing or modifying the items or by shaping the body to suit. The last thing you want is to have to do this when the items have been chromed or the body has been painted.