XKE S2 OTS Bonnet

[TRDejaVu]

At the front of each wheel well is a quite large panel with a dished shape piece. Removal gives access to the back of the headlights and the assorted wiring.

On mine:
- The lower and "inside" side edges are attached to main structure with large cross head self tapping screws.

- Along the top edge the inside is attached to an angled flange with the same large self tappers.

- The top edge "outside" and around to the "outside" side edge is attached to an angled flange with nuts and bolts.

My questions are:
- Are the 2 angled flanges meant to be attached (welded, bonded?) to the inside of the bonnet skin?

- If so, why are the "outside" ones nut and bolted? This makes it much more difficult to gain access to wiring etc. inside the cavity.

Hopefully that all makes sense.

Thanks

 

[Marvin Gruber]

As best I remember on S2 bonnet. You access the wiring thru the headlight cavity or by removing the bottom panel in the mouth. The big panel I believe you are talking about underneath does require quite a bit of work to remove.

Marv

 

[TRDejaVu]

Thanks Marv. The panels I mentioned were not in great shape so I sourced a couple of very good used replacements. I am currently changing them out, hence the structural mounting questions.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

There are mounting strips that are glued/bonded to the fenders and center section that the round topped panel bolts into. Years ago when I redid the bonnet on my 68, I used a slow curing epoxy to set the mounting strips in. So far so good that none of the strips have turned loose.

Marv

 

[TRDejaVu]

Thanks again Marv. So if I understand you correctly then these panels provide some of the bonnet's structural rigidity and are not designed to be removed for wiring access.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

They do double duty so to speak.

Marv