{"id":3830,"date":"2012-09-08T09:53:32","date_gmt":"2012-09-08T13:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.monocoque-metalworks.com\/main\/?p=3830"},"modified":"2015-02-18T13:11:12","modified_gmt":"2015-02-18T18:11:12","slug":"series-1-5-e-type-bonnet-center-section-restoration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monocoque-metalworks.com\/main\/2012\/09\/series-1-5-e-type-bonnet-center-section-restoration\/","title":{"rendered":"Series 1.5 E-Type Bonnet Center Section restoration"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’re replacing the 2+2 body shell with a short-wheelbase coupe, but we are keeping the original 1968 bonnet – though it will be converted to Series 1 covered headlights just like the one we did last week.<\/p>\n

This car looked great when it came in – almost too good – and it was.\u00a0 I think the previous restoration was “high level amateur”.\u00a0 While the pieces were VERY rust free, crash damage had been only moderately repaired, and the solution to everything was wholesale coverage with a thick layer of filler.<\/p>\n

Actually…\u00a0 I guess it wasn’t THAT bad of a solution if it truly was an amateur job – kind of an old-school hot rod approach, and a home-built solution to multiple layers of professional high-build primer, block sanded (which is really the way to go nowadays…).\u00a0 It sure was a pain getting it all off though – what a chore!<\/p>\n

After the filler was all ground out, and the panels blasted bare, the center section revealed some real ugliness with dent-puller holes that were crudely welded up with a MIG welder.\u00a0 We spend alot of time welding up dent-puller holes, but not like this!\u00a0 The angry grinding of the little MIG knobs was the worst part – the metal was very thin, and getting all of this out of there revealed some much bigger holes to deal with – complete with paper thin edges – AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH – what a mess!<\/p>\n

This is worst case scenario, and for a while it was touch and go as far as being able to weld up and planish the holes, or having to wheel up a patch and replace the whole area.\u00a0 We got it though – have a look at the carnage – and the solution!<\/p>\n