1968 headlight opening reinforcements

[John B.]

I'm continuing to repair 45 years of abuse to the body of my October built 68. The forward portion of the top surround from about the middle of the wheel wells forward was replaced at some point before I owned the car. The fenders don't show any signs of damage repair and appear to be original to the car. Not sure how the nose got damaged to the point that it required replacement, but it is definitely a replacement piece. The repair seems to be well done and everything lined up nicely, so since my car is going to be a driver I chose not to spend the time and money to replace the surround. However, I noticed in the Sermersheim's catalog that they sell inner and outer reinforcing strips that appear to be bonded to either side of the headlight openings. I could not find them in the AIM. There is no indication that they were installed after the repair panel was installed. There is no sign of cracks or other stress related problems in that area. So, should they be there on an early 68? Do they serve any significant purpose? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, does anyone have a picture that shows exactly where they are located?

Thanks in advance for your help,

John

[Michael M.]

Re: 1968 headlight opening reinforcements

I asked this same question maybe a few months ago. If you do a search on my name you'll find it. They were not on my early '68. I am replacing my surround and I am adding them in. They provide support to the headlight openings minimizing cracking.

[John B.]

Re: 1968 headlight opening reinforcements

Michael, Thanks. I did do some searches without finding anything before I posted. Guess I didn't do a very thorough job. Not sure if I'll add them or not. I drove the car for about 10 years before starting this frame off. While I've had to fix a lot of minor fiberglass damage, the area around the headlight openings was not an area that has required any attention. Appears from your posts that you and I are on a similar adventure with our 68's. I'm getting close to putting mine back on the frame to get everything lined up, blocked out and painted.

Regards,

John