Protection plates - Underside chassis behind front wheels

[AndyNZ]

Hi folks,

There seem to be some differences in the area marked up in these photos as to how the area on the undercarriage behind the front wheels should be.

The repair panels from W&N don't have these 'protection plates' (as I call them) so presumably need to be fabricated and fitted. Other cars that I've seen (including restored) on the underside of don't always have them.

I'm guessing that the fjord blue example is the correct structure for this area?

 

[Wes]

Walked out to my 72 RHD CS, that has them on both sides. Pretty sure my 72 CSL does as well.
I think we had to fabricate as they weren't on the W&N panels. Suspect cars that have had repairs in the past perhaps didn't bother to re-fabricate?

 

[Oldbmwcoupes]

I agree, it strikes me as an omission in restoration. I’m going to check both of my cars tomorrow as a curiosity. My 71 2800 cs had never been restored. My 72 3.0 is a mess on the other hand

 

[eriknetherlands]

I've researched this in detail. I've looked at many cars, and indeed when cars are still in their original rusty form, they often still have them.
Some nicely original cars also carried these plates.
The Fjord blue car looks original.
It matches the condition of the BMW museum car as well.

Purpose of the plates were to pull the bodies through the Karmann production facility. Right side is squared. On the left side it has an additional flange, making it "L" shaped; they have an extra flange to protect the brake and fuel lines.
They are quite a rust trap, creating a cavity just behind the front wheel. Moisture and dirt galore.

Indeed restorations sometimes leave them out either out of lack of knowledge, or because it's just one less thing to make, and one less thing that can rust.

Regards,

 

[Thomas76]

I've researched this in detail. I've looked at many cars, and indeed when cars are still in their original rusty form, they often still have them.
Some nicely original cars also carried these plates.
The Fjord blue car looks original.
It matches the condition of the BMW museum car as well.

Purpose of the plates were to pull the bodies through the Karmann production facility. Right side is squared. On the left side it has an additional flange, making it "L" shaped; they have an extra flange to protect the brake and fuel lines.
They are quite a rust trap, creating a cavity just behind the front wheel. Moisture and dirt galore.

Indeed restorations sometimes leave them out either out of lack of knowledge, or because it's just one less thing to make, and one less thing that can rust.

Regards,

Fascinating about how they were used as pulling plates!