WTB E3 Metal Headlight Surrounds

[CSteve]

I have never seen these "brushed aluminum?" headlight surrounds before but would be interested in a pair for my 72 Bavaria. Anyone know when they were an option? if they were an option.


thanks,

steve

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

I think what you are seeing are the headlight grills for 1971 and earlier E3s. They were painted silver. Later were painted black.

 

[CSteve]

Dick, did the factory paint them or was this an "after market" addition? I am somewhat interested if they are factory, but I fear they are too much bling for me.

 

[TomHom]

.....let's start with these for the right side. Painted, new, but with marks from storage.

 

[HB Chris]

They are molded in the silver and black, they don’t appear painted to me. My 70 2800 has them, did 71 also use silver?

 

[CSteve]

Chris, your thoughts since you owned them about my concern about "too much bling?"

 

[jmackro]

I fear they are too much bling for me.

Many cars have a fully chromed grille extending across the whole front end.

If your e3 is painted in a darker color (like the one in your avatar) I would think that a silver grill would look sharp. On a white or polaris car, perhaps not so much.

Still, purists might criticize them as non-original on a '72.

 

[CSteve]

Thanks jmackro, I am trending towards your position . And yes, my 72 is Agave. I already have a piece of chrome on the trunk deck below the lock/button that was only on the '68-'70 2500s and 2800s. As long as a part was factory original to any year E3 I will consider it.

Steve

 

[HB Chris]

They are not chrome Steve. Same as e9 just cast in silver plastic. I have gotten used to them on my 2800 even though it is Polaris.

 

[jmackro]

I have gotten used to them on my 2800 even though it is Polaris.

Chris:

My "On a white or polaris car, perhaps not so much" remark certainly wasn't intended to call your baby ugly. You and Steve have different objectives:

- Your 2800 is very original, so regardless of the car's body color, the silver side grilles are essential to preserving that originality.
- Steve is looking to customize his '72. In my opinion, re-painting a later car's grilles to silver would be more effective on a darker colored car, if originality is not a concern.

 

[HB Chris]

Jay, I never thought you were implying that. They stand out more on a darker color.

 

[bavbob]

Steve, Mr. Original here. These do not belong on OUR 72 Bavaria. Your light bulb is perfect, dont try to make a better one.

 

[CSteve]

Thanks Chris. And I will bow to bavBob on this one.