Lagondaforum

Subject: LG45 DHC boot opening

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The original rear numberplate panel that goes below the boot lid had been replaced by a fairly crude assenbly on my car. When the boot lid is closed there is a gap between the inside of the lid and the boot floor (the boot floor may not be original either). A gap to the outside in the boot doesn't seem like a good idea.

A while ago I looked under the rear of an LG45 saloon and there was a curved panel that ran from side to side - the top edge of the panel seemed to be under the floor and lower edge fixed behind the numberplate panel just above the numberlate position. This would catch anything that fell from the boot through the gap I imagine.

Can anyone confirm this and let me know how it all fixes. Or tell me how else this gap was dealt with. Some photos/diagrams would be great if possible.

Thanks
David

Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Hi David, my LG45 is stored 8 miles away at the moment and I can't go and take close-up photos for you. However, attached are a load of photos from before, during, and after my restoration that might just help you. Quality is a bit poor because of the file size limitations of the forum. If you want higher definition versions then please email me or telephone. images shared as 3 posts.

Regards,

David

Thumbnails of attached images:

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Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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More images

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Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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and another couple

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Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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David
Many thanks for the photos. I will email you with a request for a few hi-res images that you kindly offered.
I can't see any sign of a curved panel that I described underneath in your photos. Not to say the cars were all the same? See sketch.

Thumbnails of attached images:

Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Now I understand. No, my car didn’t have one of those. Mine is an early S1 body number 12054 and I don’t have a gap for things to fall through.

Unless you can gain access to it to retrieve anything that dropped through I’m not sure I see the point in such a thing. Personally, I’d close the gap up instead.

David

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Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Thanks. Maybe the boot floor needs adjusting. The floor is probably not original as well as the number plate panel so difficult to know what isn't right or if anything is missing. The petrol tank had a dent in the back so I imagine the number plate panel was destroyed when that happened.
Various types of rear number plate seem to have been used. I need to create a number plate panel like the attached photo with only external photos as reference. I don't imagine finding a discarded panel as a pattern is very likely so any info - photos/diagrams welcome.

David

Thumbnails of attached images:

Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Hi David,
That number plate/light unit appears identical to the one fitted to my V12, other than the style of the "D" light lenses and lens frames. These light units were made by Lucas, and were fitted to many cars prewar and postwar ... indeed my brother's 1949 Triumph Roadster had the identical unit. I have a spare in very poor condition which you could borrow to copy if nothing closer to home turns up ... I could bring it to this year's AG, covid allowing.
Laurence

Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Hi Laurence,
Thanks for your reply. I have found a light box that I have repaired and is usable. It's the surrounding panel that is the problem. I suppose I could invent what is behind and unseen but thought I'd first try and get it how it was originally. I'd prefer to have it correct if possible.

David

Subject: Re: LG45 DHC boot opening

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Understood. Unfortunately I daresay the construction on my V12 dhc is different, especially as it is a late one. There are quite a few LG45 dhcs ... why not email/telephone members in the list, surely one would be happy to photo the relevant areas for you?
Laurence