Body Session 19: Restoration of CRG163’s rear number plate section 56 years on

Body Session 19: Restoration of CRG163’s original rear number plate section 56 years on

The restoration of CRG163’s rear number plate configuration marks a wonderful moments when the vehicle returns to its beginnings fifty six years ago.  This now completes the vehicle’s original appearance from all those years ago together with e complimenting original waist light apertures that came to view back in 2025 and the fabrication of two new ones.

After the original rear number plate configuration was lost to modification and accident damage at some early point in the vehicle’s operational life, the correct configuration has now been reinstated with absolute care, representing a reconnection with its original identity.

Restoring CRG163’s rear number plate section to its original configuration returns the vehicle to how it would have appeared when new all those years ago in 1970.

The moment carries significance beyond the component itself. The reinstatement of the original rear number plate configuration acts as a milestone in the vehicle’s restoration. For CRG163, it is a step that honours its past and reinforces the care, research, and respect underpinning the entire restoration journey.

The box section housing that hold the number plate bracket and holding bolt on the bottom offside rear of the the vehicle is cleaned in preparation for the box section to be placed back in place.

The box section is now re-inserted into place having been cleaned and prepared.

The panel above the rear boot section is prepared to be placed back on the vehicle.

In the same way as the lower rear offside box section that holds the vehicle’s rear bumper caused many issues in removing the large bumper bolt which forced the removal of the box section, the same thing becomes the case with the nearside rear box section.  Many hours are spent applying heat to the section and bolt (diolch/thank you Dewi!) before we hammer the bolt from each side until it begins to loosen and pushed through.

The new fabricated panel that sits across the rear of the vehicle, above the boot and housing the original number plate section and aluminium frame is now put in place.  The rear number plate aluminium frame is continuously tested in place to make sure everything fits perfectly.

Another angle of the new fabricated panel in place and new aluminium number plate frame.  The old panel had a hole on the offside from accident damage at some point and as such a new panel had to be created.  Suddenly the rear of the vehicle looks very clean.  The screws above the number plate are temporary until the vehicle’s brightwork is reinstalled at a later stage.

The large offside rear corner panel that houses the vehicle’s rear offside light unit is put in place.

Another image of the new rear panel and new rear number plate frame in place.

A wider image of the rear of the vehicle with panels in place.

A side image of the vehicle’s offside rear section and emergency door.  The lower panel that houses the foot step and panel under the emergency door are temporarily in place pending the fitment of the rear and offside rear corner panel first.  This is in order to ensure that all panels fit perfectly first having straightened sections underneath from previous accident damage during the vehicle’s operational life. 

Another angle of the offside rear of the vehicle with rear and corner panels fitted and step panel and that under the emergency door in their temporary positions pending final fitment.

The search continues for other parts.

More details from the web link below. ⤵️⤵️

https://www.crosville.net/can-you-help