Covered Headlamp Conversion - Complete Kit - Series 3
This is our popular conversion kit that allows you to convert your Series 3 open-headlamp E-Type bonnet to FACTORY SERIES 1 SPECS - which will then accept all stock factory Series 1 covered headlamp components.
Our kit comes with a pair of special Series 1/3 "hybrid" headlamp diaphragm panels, standard Series 1 headlamp scoops (with a stronger rear edge/lip), and 4 of our conversion flanges. On the Series 3 kit, both the conversion flanges AND the hybrid headlamp diaphragms are the key to the conversion and the special parts you can only get here...
The conversion flanges are pieces that are identical to the lip that holds the headlamp glass on a Series 1 car - they are basically the same piece you would get if you cut the stepped flange that holds the headlamp glass out of an original Series 1 bonnet. Here, we cut back the Series 1 bonnet about 1/4'", trim down our flanges a bit, and butt-weld them in with a TIG welder and then planish and grind the weld. However, the flanges are delivered with a 3/4" lip on the outer edge, over 90% of my customers who purchase these simply overlap the flanges with the existing skin of their bonnet - on the underside - and tack them around the edges. This works very well and requires very little filler and finishing if done properly.
Series 3 - on Series 3 cars - you MUST repaint the bonnet - there is NO WAY around it! The Series 3 headlamp hole in the center section portion is MUCH bigger than the Series 1 and 1.5 hole, it is actually identical to the Series 2 hole. That is why the Series 2 & 3 center section flanges that we provide are "fat" down in the lower corner. When you complete the conversion, there will be a portion of the conversion flanges that is well outside of the chrome Series 1 headlamp glass finisher. This section will need a little filler after welding in the flanges, smoothing, and paint
Another point on the Series 3 conversion kits is that the headlamp diaphragm panel is a special "hybrid" panel that is only available from Monocoque Metalworks. Unlike the Series 2 kits, where we provide you with a stock Series 1 headlamp diaphragm panel, on Series 3 kits, we give you a special diaphragm, that has the outer size and shape of a Series 3 diaphragm, but with all of the headlamp bucket mounting provisions of a Series 1 diaphragm. Have no fear - we have sold several of the Series 3 kits that have been successfully installed, and the design is correct and works well!
After the flanges are in place, the diaphragms and scoops are simple bolt-in items just like a stock Series 1. If you purchase the kit, I can send more detailed "instructions" - really, it's just a collection of my responses to customers who wrote in with questions in the past, though again, 90% of them just do the work - it's pretty obvious what needs to be done. My notes also include part numbers for the headlamp glass, chrome, rubber, and Series 1 flat-back headlamp buckets. All of these parts can be purchased from the usual suppliers, and costs about $1,000 USD for everything, including shipping.
The panels in this kit are delivered in fresh, bare steel coated in a light oil for rust-prevention, simply wipe down with solvent before priming.
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NOTE: Ask us about our unbreakable PETG (similar to, but better than Lexan...) covered headlamp lenses. They are a great addition to this kit - they will allow you to attach the Series 1 chrome surrounds more uniformly, and they cost MUCH less than the reproduction glass lenses.
In addition, the original factory glass lenses have a very small "Triple-X" logo on them that is barely noticeable - and not at all from just a few feet away, whereas the reproductions have a different, and HIUGE logo that is very distracting... Our PETG lenses have NO logo - making them look much more correct overall...
