characteristic 'indents' on body - beside chrome bezel for headlamps

[john.mancini]

Good point Mike! Parts are getting so expensive. Finding a "left or right" headlight assembly could have been a nightmare. Yes, so many original cars have their "notches" erased or filled in when the car is re-painted. Original inner fender welds are probably a better indicator of original fenders. It's just a bonus when the "notches" are there. Getting back to the original question about the dimensions of theses "notches", the many examples that I have seen can vary tremendously in length and depth. Almost anything goes, I guess.

[MikeSimon]

IMHO, it is all about timing: If the car was repaired/restored during the first 10-12 years of its life and the notches aren't here, no big deal. As long as it is properly documented and there is no question that something was done to the car and it is not presented as "original". If the car was repaired/restored recently, basically, the same applies plus it would be a positive point that an effort was made during the "repair" to stick to original appearance. The bottom line for me would be if a car is for sale and it is questionable if any work was done and the notches would help to determine this.