Rolls-Royce Phantom III - bodywork: wings

 

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PIII n/s/f wing The nearside front wing.  As can be seen in the photograph, egde strength on the greater length of this, and the other wings, is derived from a one inch curved flange rather than by wire-rolling.  Only the leading edges of the front wings, and the trailing edges on the rear, were wire-rolled.  There was no evidence of any catalytic corrosion but, after nearly 70 years of use, it was felt prudent to replace the wire with stainless steel.  About 2 inches of the leading edge was cut away, reformed and welded back into place - you can't see the join.
PIII n/s/f wheel socket The spare wheel well on the same wing.  Both front wings suffered from blocked drain holes that lead to corrosion that was cut out and repaired.  The wells are fabricated from steel that was welded to the aluminium (!)  There was only a tiny area of corrosion at the forward end as shown here.
PIII rear wing repair sections The rear wings after repair.  Not only was it necessary to replace the wire-rolled sections but also the holes where the Lucas rear lights had been screwed on.  It was considered better to renew the complete sections rather than try to weld and fill the numerous holes.
PIII n/s/r wing Nearside rear wing part way through the repair.
PIII o/s/r trial fit Offside rear quarter during one of the many trial fits to ensure correct alignment.  Note that the door is now flush with the frame where it passes over the wing.  The rear, outer edge of the running board had to be extended by about 1.5 inches so that it matched the nearside: an asymmetry that had probably been there from new.
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