Unknown stamping on a hood

[PBH]

Hi everyone... Its Paul from Sydney Aus here... Im about to buy a 280SL and it doesnt have the original hood on it... it does have a hood with numbers on it , but they dont correspond to the body number...

It has 165 - 2 stamped on it... does anyone know what these numbers correspond too... especially the -2???  i tried to add photo but wouldnt post...

165 isnt the body number , but interestingly it is a combination of these numbers!!!

any comments or insights appreciated.  Paul

[Duncan200]

Hi Paul,

If you’re certain the bonnet has been replaced then it has been replaced with a bonnet from another car.

The experience with my car is that the bonnet had been replaced after an accident well before my ownership as it had no body number stamped on it.

It was in such bad shape (8mm of body filler in spots) and beyond repair, I had to find a NOS bonnet out of Germany and grind its edges to fit. You’re lucky the donor car’s bonnet fitted nicely as I’m sure you’re aware, these cars were hand built and the bonnets were shaped to fit each individual car.

I’ve attached a pic of the sad state of my car prior to me restoring it. You can see the bonnet edge in top. The more I dug, the worse it got.

Doug

[AdelaidePagoda]

All numbers should match exactly. If they don’t, as Duncan200 suggests, it is a replacement bonnet. Not that this is a deal breaker, but you should also check the weld spots in the front quarter panels as they have may also been replaced if the car was involved in an accident that required the bonnet to be replaced.

The (usually three) numbers should match exactly and not be a combination of the body numbers.

Perhaps post some photos of the car so we can help you assess it for other more serious faults, or praise. It may also help you negotiate on the price. 

[PBH]

thanks for the responses... the side fender spot welds are all evident right up to near the rear of headlights... but there is no doubt its a replacement hood... and there has been a replacement front grill and the front spot welds that is should be able to feel in the metal crossmember above the grill are not there, so its definetly had a ding at the front , but not a bad one as the side fenders are original... but the hood stamping is unusual having a -2 after the 3 numbers... I was wondering if this meant it was a replacement... Im trying to attach a photo but isnt letting me only 2.6MB

[PeterW113]

Could the hyphen be a badly stamped 4?