Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

[url]

I'm ashamed to admit but mine do not.

This was the engine bay of a Triumph TR2/3 at a classic car show last week.
Breathtaking was the only word that came to my mind when the car's owner kindly opened the bonnet for many of us to see.

To be fair I have never really tried to achieve this level or even approached it.
Clean and looking well maintained is what I have tried to achieve (the Series 2 Land Rover's scruffy engine bay excepted) but I admire the perfectionism achieved by fastidious owners.

How does one achieve this standard of detail?

Do any of you?[/url]
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[ChrisD]

I haven't polished the carbs (in fact I haven't polished any of it - the rocker cover came that way) but not far off! Mostly just cleaning, painting and some stainless overbraid for very modest outlay.
Ford Precrossflow in my Sprite.

[badhuis]

If you are really into this, then the TR engine is not THAT good. It would not do well on a jury inspection.
The home made box on the LH inner wing looks cheap, as do the modern blue and red colours on hose fasteners / air filters. HT lead caps on the dizzy cap are dirty. Home made LT connection to distributor. Dirty / rust under the bonnet fastener on LH inner wing. Battery is not clamped?

But I wish my cars looks that clean under the bonnet!

[MikeEdwards]

That top one is borderline "too much", but other than the modern "bling" it's pretty good.

I like a nice clean engine bay, but I think I'd rather see it original and clean - OK, the alloy rocker cover isn't bad but the coloured pipe connectors detract IMO.

[Riley Blue]

Polishing the engine bay until it gleams is not my idea of classic car enjoyment but each to their own I suppose.

[baconsdozen]

Mine doesn't look like either of them.
It's got a V8 for starters.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

[geonot]

Mines looks like this

[img][/img]

[JohnDale]

I suppose it depends on how far you wish to go - clean & tidy suits me.



Cheers,JD.
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1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

[Rick]

I don't think I'll ever post an under-bonnet photo again, after seeing these examples

RJ
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[john-saab]

My cars don't look like that under the bonnet because I use them for more than a trip to the show and back. I keep them clean but cleaning them to that standard takes away any originality and i like to see a car "warts and all" rather than full of shiny aftermarket parts fresh from the box.
That's my opinion..if you don't agree than that's great..if we all thought the same it would be a dull world.
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Rust Junky & oil addict.

[baconsdozen]

Or..................


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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

[mid]

i like a clean engine bay but dont go over the top with it... i'm not one for shiny hose clamps and chromed covers etc, i prefer them standard.

however if you want to see clean engine bay's check out what the VAG custom boys get up to...

[Riley Blue]

Mine and I'm proud of every blemish!

[ChrisD]

I like a clean engine even in a year-round daily driver too - my Merc.
I confess I had a bit of overbraid left and succumbed!
The stuff is actually useful too - protects hoses from abrasion and from kinks going around sharp bends etc.

[peter scott]

I like them with the patina of age but in serviceable condition.

Peter.


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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon