Series 3 Closeout / Toepanel Question
 

I have noticed that all reproduction bulkhead RH and LH closeout panels for Series 3 2+2 V-12 Coupes have a hole at the top center for some sort of "hose" or "duct" to attach to. ALSO, the upper corner has another hole which is blocked off (mine had this hole though). Where do these hose / ducts go? Since mine came closed off I am going to modify the reproduction to fit and close it off, but I was just curious where the duct went to? I have an early production date January 1971 and car number "1S70489". Other Series 3 restorations I have seen show them using the current repro panel so maybe later models used that hole?? Thanks for any insight, I appreciate. I have included two pics, mine and the reproduction.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...632ef4b1c0.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...f56f565642.jpg

If anyone is curious, I had someone inform me that the big hole is for fresh air intake that was introduced on later model Series 3. I will modify my panel to replicate the original and close it off. The upper corner hole is the steering column hole he said.

-Douglas

In addition to the perforated toe panels, there were provisions for airflow in the bonnet, collectors mounted to the forward frame rails, and duct cutouts in the wheelwell valances. Never seen an Slll without all that, do you have pictures of the vehicle assembled, or of the underside of the bonnet? As an aside, that's a lot of tinworm in those panels, hope the rest of the tub is not the same.

RBR the fresh air vents were introduced at Chassis Numbers 1S1236 and 1S20173 (OTS) 1S51056 and 1S72682 (2+2). CDs of the Russ book are available on line and regarded as a Bible for the V 12 E type. Best of luck.

Didn't mean to question their existence, just that I've never seen an early enough car. Apologies to all.

None necessary. What is sometimes seen is the addition of the vents to early cars. Some you can not tell from factory at a glance and some are hack jobs.

Sorry for the late reply but thanks for the responses. Yes, mine is early serial number 1S70489. RBR, no thank goodness the tin worm is mainly isolated to the front panel areas. I did have to put a front RH Floor and do some minor repair patches to the LH floor. I dont have any current pics as a lot of pieces are still in storage on the bonnet. It seems I have seen one or two other ones online while doing some extensive search. Again, thanks to both of you for the responses. Appreciate!