refitting F1 panel without disconnecting top radiator hose?

[MackemPete]

Its been so long since I took it off I can't remember how I did it. Need to put it back on now, I'm sure I've fitted it without disconnecting the top hose. Is there some secret combination of pushing and pulling that I've forgotten.

Is there any advantage to leaving it off. I.e. more cooling air in engine bay? Reduced bonnet lift?

[Byker28i]

I take the airhoses off but that's it, put the left side in first, past the cooling hose.

[GT6k]

Yes it does go back on easily, I have even done it without taking the air hoses off but that is a bit tight and flexes the panel more than i would like. With the air hoses off it slips down on the drivers side and then bending the hose out of the way and the panel front edge slightly it will drop into place on the passenger side. I can't really say what its effect on air flow is.

[GT6k]

Beat me to it, there you go two answers two different ways of doing it.

[MackemPete]

Cheers guys I'll give it another go. Putting the left side in first makes the right side fowl on the water rail... Hmm I'm prob being a nugget

[morebeanz]

MackemPete said:

Cheers guys I'll give it another go. Putting the left side in first makes the right side fowl on the water rail... Hmm I'm prob being a nugget

No, you're not, I can't get mine back in without taking an airbox off, although it is the newer variety...

[mattrosersv]

MackemPete said:

Cheers guys I'll give it another go. Putting the left side in first makes the right side fowl on the water rail... Hmm I'm prob being a nugget

Mine is an early 4.2 and does the same, it does not just drop in. It does go in but requires a bit of gentle bending.

Matt

[N7GTX]

mattrosersv said:

MackemPete said:

Cheers guys I'll give it another go. Putting the left side in first makes the right side fowl on the water rail... Hmm I'm prob being a nugget

Mine is an early 4.2 and does the same, it does not just drop in. It does go in but requires a bit of gentle bending.

Matt

^^^^^^ this for me too.

[MackemPete]

I ended up having to lever up the thermostat. This pushed radiator top hose up and allowed me to pull it further out of the way. Still flexed a lot more that I was happy with.

Least its all done now, 4 months worth of restoration\ recommissioning and its finally done. Just in time as its MOT tomorrow.

[jamieduff1981]

I haven't found a way to get mine on or off without removing the water hoses. I've got scratches on my inner wings from trying as well as paint cracking on the panel itself from bending it too much.