Is this normal?

[dasadrew]

I assumed it was damage from a previous owner, but I ask the dumb question because:

a) the Stag in the Practical Classics Stag Restoration book has EXACTLY the same bend
b) I can't find any evidence of a collision at the front
c) the bend puts the that valance strip at exactly the same angle as the auto box radiator mounts
d) no amount of pushing or stretching will get the valance to "pop back" into an unbent form

Is it maybe a British Leyland foot massage job to prepare the body for a radiator?

Drew

[GDPR]

imported post

Well mine isn't....

But in fairness it's not the original

Russ

[Guest]

imported post

Neither of mine are like that with what appears to be a definate crease. Both of my Stags have a even curve at that point

Dave L

[chopperman]

imported post

My white Stag has this dent, after I ran into the back of a Volvo. Kink still there!

[Andrew S]

imported post

Hi Drew, maybe someone hastried to tow or pull your car

[Andy Rundell]

imported post

Mine is like Dave L's - although not so clean and shiney

........Andy

[dasadrew]

imported post

Andrew S wrote:

Hi Drew, maybe someone hastried to tow or pull your car

That sounds very plausible, looking at how there are no towing hooks and how that bit presents itself! Probably what happened to the Practical Classics Stag too, hence the identical shape.

Would also explain why there is no other damage or deformation in sight.

Thanks! Has put my mind at rest. Getting it back into shape is another matter - front valance is in too good a condition otherwise to replace.

Drew

[StagnJag]

imported post

dasadrew wrote:

Andrew S wrote:

Hi Drew, maybe someone hastried to tow or pull your car

That sounds very plausible, looking at how there are no towing hooks and how that bit presents itself! Probably what happened to the Practical Classics Stag too, hence the identical shape.

Would also explain why there is no other damage or deformation in sight.

Thanks! Has put my mind at rest. Getting it back into shape is another matter - front valance is in too good a condition otherwise to replace.

Drew

You won't see it down there anyway. If the paint is intact, I would leave it, unless you are looking for a pristine car.

Just my two pennies worth!

Rgds

Dave

[dasadrew]

imported post

Car will be stripped, dipped, and painted anyway, so I'll see if I can do something to it.

[GDPR]

imported post

Looks like the sort of damage if you were to drop the Rad while fitting.......

[dasadrew]

imported post

Yes, but only if your radiator is made of Uranium 235!

[GDPR]

imported post

You mean yours isn't?:shock:

I thought that was the only material that could shunt the heat from a Stag V8..... plus it leaves a lovely glow to fix the engine at night

[dasadrew]

imported post

come to think of it, perhaps my Stag has a super lightweight radiator. I bought a Supergill from a UK shop a couple of weeks backand the proprietor estimated it would cost £250 postage to Germany, so perhaps the pukka ones do have the atomic weight of Plutonium!