In reply to a message from 66alfa_gtv sent Thu 2 Jul 2015:
More than half the S1� cars in XKEDATA that feature photos
of the bonnet have been converted to covered headlights. I
think around 20% of the S1� cars too. I’ve seriously
considered doing the conversion as well, thinking better of
it and leaving well enough alone. I’ve owned my car for 33
years. I don’t object to your preference for covered
headlights nor your plans to do a conversion. Go ahead. It’s
your car, after all. But do you really not expect pushback
from those of us who own and prefer the open headlight
variant S1 cars when you post how much you dislike them?
The best conversion kit I’m aware of is offered by Chuck
Hadley of Monocoque Metalworks. You’ll need to source the
chrome and glass from one of the usuals but Hadley’s kit
will give you a bonnet that’s virtually identical to the S1.
Regardless, I have to agree with Chuck Hadley’s assessment
of the S1 vs S1 headlight treatment:
''A couple of years ago, I had 2 dead bonnets sitting outside
of the shop for a couple weeks, waiting to be taken apart to
save the inner valances. One was a '63 and one was a '68.
And after seeing them every day side by side, I determined
that the '68 just had a better shape overall. And with their
body-colored scoop, and minimal trim, ‘68s probably have the
best lines around the headlamps. So, actually, I can see why
they ditched the covered headlights for safety reasons, and
I think they did a pretty good job with the ‘68.’’
Series 1 Covered Headlamp Conversion Flanges | Monocoque Metalworks> I’m a product designer, so it’s tough for me to look at
the uncovered lights and learn to accept them.
–
The original message included these comments:
shape with everything I wanted (except those damn lights).
It’s the only detail I’m not happy with, so to say I don’t
appreciate the car is hugely inaccurate.
–
Nick Saltarelli '68 Cdn mkt E-type S1� OTS, '54 XK120SE OTS
Niagara, Ontario, Canada
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