The Jaguar Experience Build Journals

1956 Jaguar MK 1

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:48:57 -0500

Steven Cosgrove's Journal --

I've owned this 1956 Jag 2.4 since 1995. My Dad owned it previously and gave it to me a few months before he died. It's been in the family for 57 years. I brought it to Germany with me for a work assignment for 4 year and participated in the Wiesbaden Old-Timers Rallye for each of those years, 1996 to 2000. We moved back to the Seattle area where I drove the Jag semi-regularly. In October 2023, we retired to France, where we currently live. The Jaguar is in storage in Gig Harbor, Washington, and I'm now working on shipping here. Looking for advice on shippers! Steve Cosgrove

<Jag with Nikki Bainbridge Island>	<car 0091>	<cos4>
<cos2>

Posted 2024-04-22 09:48:57 by Steven Cosgrove

January Progress

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:14:37 -0600

Valerie Stabenow's Journal --

Bonnet is apart, some dolly/hammer work done. Waiting for Martin Robey's new lower valance. Frame checked for straightness. Visited yesterday, 2/21/24. Martin Robey valance arrived and looks to fit right up, little if any fettling. Steering rack and other related components cleaned, repaired (seals, bushings, etc.) and back on the car. Moving along nicely.

<Bonnet sections in primer>	<frontFramePF>	<racksusp1>
<RackArms>

Posted 2024-01-26 12:14:37 by Valerie Stabenow

Up Til Now

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:10:16 -0600

Valerie Stabenow's Journal --

I've had this car since 1989, an E-type coupe like the ones I originally saw in New Yorker Magazine ads. We've had many adventures together over the years. In August of 2023, I was adjusting the carburetors and then, not being mindful, had a stupid accident where the car rolled into the garage cabinets. The bonnet was up, but the damage was done. Fortunately, have good insurance and the shop where I redid the exterior in 1994, took on the repairs. Mr. E is there now. Recent shop updates indicate no serious birdcage or frame damage. Bonnet is back from dipstrip and moving forward.

<FullFront>	<ValanceLeft>	<HLRight>
<HLleft>

Posted 2023-12-26 12:10:16 by Valerie Stabenow

12/12/23

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:26:04 -0600

White XKE S3 --

I had to try and remove it

Posted 2023-12-12 07:26:04 by Adam Voelckers

Update On Penukaloo '99 XK8 Convertable.

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:57:59 -0500

Tim Rogers's Journal --

Added a hoodscoop. Just temporay install now. The summer here in Houston was very Hot. And my driving style saw 90 mph every day. So the fans stayed on after parking and engine off. That project is on hols for now, the final install but the temporary mount is looking and funcuning great. Because windshield wipers stopped working. Have not made time to unplug the wiper motor to test yet. Instead I bought a 2001 Ford F150 so I can drive on rainy days. Taking photos is on my list.

Posted 2022-10-11 07:57:59 by Tim Rogers

Tale Of 2 XK8 Convertibles

Mon, 09 May 2022 19:54:51 -0500

Tim Rogers's Journal --

Both these need repairs, of course, the '99 and '02. I'll not start with complete boring history, how, why, when. Instead, I'll list current, future, past repairs. '99 black, I'll call Penukaloo on request, Is a shear pleasure to drive everyday. 1. Suspension squeaks. I have not lifted her up yet, so future inspection will include WD-40, then new struts. 2. Top. Leaks fluid, breaking down outer plastic covers of hydraulic lines to pump. Works fine when fluid added. But leaks again after a dozen or so activations. I suspect the reason was former owner activating with tonneau cover locked done repeatedly. Someone threw the tonneau cover in trash before I bought the car. Bought the Pentosin CHF 11s which is a thin oil, then ordered 1 gallon of Esco 10901 hydraulic fluid from JB Tools, which is a good spot for Risoline fuel injector cleaner 4700 Hy-per additive which I bought also. The back seat removal and repair of actuator arms is on my list of projects, but will keep adding fluid until I do make time for repair. 3. Check Engine light on when bought. Car had spent most of it's life in storage being started once per week in garage. More history of course, but... So I paid $300 to get O2 upstream sensor changed because of the code, and my inexperience working on Jaguars. Good money spent, long conversation with a man called Cornelius in Houston, worth the money just to get that talk about his expertise. Possible causes for the white hot sensor With the O2 sensor replaced, the air/fuel computer mixture was working. Now I get codes for lean, indicating dirty fuel injectors, hence the need for the Risolene additive. But the car runs like the $65,000 as it is first broken in! Still getting codes after two gas treatments. Preparing to clean fuel injectors with removal soon if 1 more additive doesn't stop the codes for running lean at times. 4. Upgrading lighting. This is a '99, with a tape player instead of an mp3. So the lights are dimmer than they should be. I changed out the brites to led conversions, and the small T10 to a green led with lens for effect. About to change out the H1 halogen low beam accessed in front of the wheel well, but the spring holding it is difficult. I will make another attempt this week. I could not find a suitable led, so new halogens will work. The fog light are inside the outermost side of the case accessed by the top cover under the hood, I think. Have not been able to get to those yet, but I will eventually. Have other lighting projects in mind, but these are the main driving lights I am working on now. The blue '02 is same XK8 convertible. The top works perfectly! But the rest of the car is almost a basket case. 1. It barely runs. I replaced all 8 ignition coils and plugs. Cleaned 4 injectors, then took out the other 4. I think someone put in 4 bad injectors on purpose. Possible reason is that good injectors did not improve engine performance. I bought a set of 8 refurbished Denso injectors, and am setting up to clean, then test before I install the final 4. I suspect that this will not fix the problem though, since I expected the coils to fix the problem also. I am probably looking at a valve timing issue, either with the belt area, or with the individual valve adjustments. I am already planning to add this to my list of projects as soon as I reinstall the injectors. 2. No sense in fixing other problems if the engine ain't right. So brakes, suspension, rear left backside body damage, passenger side window fix, a list of other problems are not even on my list of projects to do, yet. My first entry, I do not know when I will post a follow up.

Posted 2022-05-09 19:54:51 by Tim Rogers

New Membership Payment System

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:42:03 -0500

The Webmaster Zone --

Hi everyone, Very glad to announce, after many weeks of work, that the all new membership payment system is up and running! [b]Click on the "My Account" menu at the top of the page, then select any of the Supporting Membership options.[/b] [b]Key features:[/b] 1. Credit cards are accepted directly through the Stripe payment processor. [b]No more PayPal.[/b] (Existing Paypal membership subscriptions will continue to work until cancelled.) 2. New 3, 6, and 12 month subscription options instead of only annually. 3. One click billing/card updates and easy subscription cancellation right from the Membership page. 4. All membership payment and management functions now work on smartphones and tablets too. If you have any questions or comments, please click "Contact Support" at the bottom of any page. Regards, Skye Nott Webmaster, Autoshrine.com

<My Account - Buy a Supporting Membership screenshot>

Posted 2021-04-19 15:42:03 by Skye Nott

Totally Dead Jaguar Xj6

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:53:52 -0500

John Burrows's Journal Jaguar Xj6 1977 --

I bought this car about 3 years ago intending to drive it. It has no rust and beautifull red paint and perfect chrome.The engine is a Chevy 350 with a rebuilt transmission, new carpets new headliner new exhaust , no damage on the interior and the original chrome wheels,but one night while installing a new battery I hooked up the cables backwards. I couldn’t figure out how to fix it and still haven’t. So I stored it in my pole barn with concrete floor and metal walls and roof. I have taken it outside and washed it and does look great. I wonder if anyone can suggest how to fix it. I know a jaguar with the Chevy engine is considered only half jaguar, but I bought it online and found the Chevy engine afterwards. I would still love to drive it. So any help would be much appreciated. I also just bought a 1977 jaguar xj6 l with the correct engine and the color is yellow. It has a new battery but when I turn the key the battery charge guage shows the needle just barely creeping up into the red range and nothing happens when I turn the key. The headlights and radio work but the engine doesent turn over so if anybody can help me with this I would be very grateful. I bought it after it was stored since 2012 with a dead battery. Now with it home and new battery , no go. I have discovered that it has a new high torque starter installed. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the problem. I ran a wire from the pos post of the battery to the starter relay and it activated but no turn over. I am going to dismantle it and clean the interior posts like I saw being done on u tube today in case the contacts inside are dirty or corroded. Now I will go and register it.

Posted 2020-08-07 09:53:52 by John Burrows

How It All Started

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:15:32 -0500

Michael Rogers's Journal --

Many years ago in silicone valley I noticed a somewhat forlorn Mk-VIII sitting in a gas station, upon inquiry it was for sale. The owner had gotten it from his brother in Hollywood who had bought it off a studio lot where props from movies were dumped upon completion. The car was straight but lacking maintenance, The paint was oxidised. the leather dried and cracked in front, Amurikuns don't all seem to know how to maintain leather, My family loved it so we all had a polishing party to revive the finish, Everything was returned to new but for the installation of H-8' SU's much larger ARB's and a 3:54 gearset more suited for roads here. Over the years I've had two E types, a 120 and 140, a Mk-VII roadster, a XJ-6 and now a late S and three Mk-1's. After reading how frail the new jags are with all their 'wonderful' high teck I'm retreating to building my personnel MK-1. Needless to say, I have tonnes of Jag bits and all the tools etc and now the time to do this. recently I dug out a factory S head for the 140 or 150 which has all the time consuming fettleing of the porting a three carb manifold set up and a late model 4,2 engine with seemingly no wear, I've received the new valves and such to refurb this treasure and will haul the head to the shop for their machining. The cars are straight and not rusty but for the floors, seems I'm going to get lots of practice in blasting the floor rusty bits and welding new metal in--that will keep me off the streets! I finished a blasting chamber this afternoon so will buy a gun tomorrow to make bits pretty~~.

<MY JAG MK-VIII>

Posted 2020-06-11 02:15:32 by Michael Rogers

Xj6 Front Suspension

Tue, 05 May 2020 23:31:36 -0500

John Jagger's Journal --

looking for tips to remove a seized lower control arm pivot pin , its seized in the cross member , thank you in advance .

Posted 2020-05-05 23:31:36 by John Jagger

Joining Club

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 15:55:47 -0500

Philip Washburn's Journal --

I have loved jags since seeing one in the 68 car show ! my Dad bought a small am radio which was a model of an xke with glass covered headlights. then in 1999 i bought for a 1200 bid xj6 sovereign it had 160,000 but kilometer not miles only 100,000 miles put 120,000 on it now myself and at 300,000 kilo i lost reverse: a used trany from a parts car I bought . alas this trans goes after not long an crack in the casing that caused leaking. W hats i guy to do? I could put the reverse clutch from replacement in original trans which only lost reverse. NO MAKE IT A STICK!! did i mention the dana possy rear end She came with or TWR steering wheel?? Sitting on bell housing clutch petal kit and flywheel and the rest wonder 5 or 6 to go with the the160 mph speedo . I have also posted photos enjoy!

Posted 2019-04-06 15:55:47 by Philip Washburn

Staking Them Up

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 21:36:29 -0500

Joseph Giesler's Journal --

My first entry from 2011 said that I was new to the Jaguar Experience. I have just recently purchased my 4th Jaguar. I have a love for the Convertible XK8's. However, my Vanden Plas is pretty nice. I love driving them. Showing them and just looking at them. They are a fine Mark and I enjoy the Experience.

Posted 2018-07-31 21:36:29 by Joseph Giesler

More Of The Story, So Far...

Thu, 17 May 2018 16:57:54 -0500

S940061...'Liza Doolittle Becoming My Fair Lady --

It's been almost five years since the last update here. Five years in an old Jaguar's life turned out to mean a new fuel tank, a new fuel pump, a new steering shaft coupler, resurfacing the head, new valves and guides for the unleaded world, a new paint job over new body-work including cutting out some rust from the areas just behind the rear wheel cutouts, proper installations of the ready-to-fall-out front and rear windscreens. The new color is the same as the old, old color. It is now a nameless (and not easily described) rendition of what you get when you apply Golden Sand and then let it age on the car for 38 years. It's golden (sort of) in sunlight, and silvery under the clouds and fog of coastal California. The original equipment full spats highlight the fact that this is an early 'Mark 1' 2.4 Litre Saloon, one of only 2464 LHD's so built.

<1956 Jaguar 2.4 Litre Saloon, aka the Mark 1, fresh from the paint booth.>

<did you notice the SPATS!?...it's a '56 Jaguar 2.4 Litre and it has its spats...hope we don't get a flat tire...the spats are difficult to get back into place on the car.>

Posted 2018-05-17 16:57:54 by Steve Thornton

New Secure Web Server Is Online

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:06:12 -0600

The Webmaster Zone --

Update - Tuesday Feb 27 The web servers was down from 10:00pm to 1:30am for maintenance which took much longer than expected. Normal operation has resumed, sorry for the delay. [hr] [b]KNOWN ISSUES[/b] The following bugs are being worked on right now, no need to report them again: [b]Delivery to yahoo.com and verizon email addresses is slow[/b] - looks ok now [s]member and events map broken[/s] fixed [s]attaching images to forum posts error[/s] fixed [s]uploading images to registry/profile error[/s] fixed [s]Cannot post in the forums[/s] fixed [s]Forum smilies not showing[/s] fixed [hr] Hello, On Wednesday Feb 22 at 2:20 PM Pacific Time, the main front-end web server for this website and all the websites in the [url=http://www.autoshrine.com/]AutoShrine Network[/url] went down. Technicians were dispatched, but the server would no longer power on, probably due to a motherboard or power supply failure. This was just one of five servers that serve this website to millions of visitors. There have been intermittent problems with this particular machine for a while - I was planning on replacing it next month. No data was lost, as I had already moved the database to a new machine several months ago. I've been working long days since it went down to restore service as quickly as possible. Since I had to build a new front-end web server from scratch anyway, I've taken this opportunity to upgrade the underlying technology to improve security and add features. The new server is also more fault tolerant. One major improvement is the new web server supports encryption. No more warnings about insecure passwords when you sign in, and it allows me to add new payment technology to the website. Your web browser should now indicate "Secure" or show a lock icon to indicate this website is encrypted. All old, insecure links should be automatically redirected to the new secure pages. Since many components of the web server have changed, there may be new bugs, broken features, or performance issues. It's going to take a few weeks to get everything back to normal. [b]If you paid for a Supporting Membership between Wednesday Feb 20 and Thursday Feb 22, please check your Home Page and Payment History to verify they were processed properly.[/b] (both can be found under the "My Account" menu in the black navigation bar across the top of the website) If you find anything on the website is not working the way it was before, please open a support ticket by clicking "Website problem? [b]Send us a message[/b]" at the bottom of any page. Thanks for your patience, Skye Nott Webmaster

Posted 2018-02-22 15:06:12 by Skye Nott

Back Online After Database Failure

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 10:59:14 -0600

The Webmaster Zone --

Hello everyone, Due to a complete failure of the database server, we went down yesterday at about 4PM Pacific Time. With a bit of ingenuity and a bit of luck, I was able to recover all data and provisioned a new server overnight. Everything should be working normally now, with no posts or other data lost. Ironically, it happened while I was working on a better system to back up the database. Thank you for your patience. Skye Nott Webmaster

Posted 2017-12-05 10:59:14 by Skye Nott

Alcohol Poisoning

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:07:52 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

when i was in high school, in the early 80s, i learned that i could legally distill alcohol for automotive use. i researched it thoroughly, but decided not to pursue it. it required licensing, and the still of course, which had to pass strict guidelines which were no problem, the problem was lack of funds.....it was pretty expensive. I knew that racers used alcohol, i knew the military used it to cool aircraft engines and add power on take off and at altitude.....what i didn't know was the effect it has on carbs and fuel lines. with the advent of gas station ethanol, i learned just what it does. we are lucky here in washington state, you can buy ethanol free fuel, but its pretty expensive. if you've read my posts before, you know i dont drive my car too much in the winter, so it sits for a while when its snowy.so, this spring, with fresh fuel in the tanks, and a fully charged battery, car ran like sh*t. tracking down a carb kit was a nightmare because the tag with the carb number on it is long gone. so i had to guess and hope i got the right kit. no returns if opened.... i knew id use some of the stuff, and at 25 bucks, i took the chance. i didnt take any pictures of the disassembly, i didnt think of it at the time...i just wanted it running the way it should. taking the top cover off, (its a rochester quadrajet), i was shocked at the amount of damage caused by the alcohol in the fuel. ive been hearing horror stories for a while now, but since my heap ran as well it did, i gave it no thought. but, after sitting all winter and some of the spring, (rotten tires) it was pretty bad inside the carb. after i was done cleaning poking and scraping, i had a spray paint cap half full of detritus from inside the float bowl and chambers. it looked like the aluminium was being eaten away. and it has been. while this particular carb doesnt leak, its not the best either. at first it wouldnt idle at all after the carb heated up.. so i just kept running it letting it do what ever it wanted, and now 2 months later, its almost as smooth as ever, but still not quite right. ive noticed gas from my early car days was a bit oily, todays gas is not. so i started putting some 2 cycle oil in the gas, not enough to be smoky or foul the plugs, just enough to make it oily.3 ounces or so to ten gallons of fuel i guess...i do it by eye. but ive learned now that ethanol is hard on rubber fuel lines.... jags have some long fuel hoses....o how i want fuel injection.......

<IMAG0745>

<my jagrolet 350>

<IMAG0680-1>

Posted 2017-09-24 19:07:52 by harris d

JaguarMagazine June 2017

Wed, 31 May 2017 05:34:36 -0500

Luca Manni's Journal --

my name on cover page + 6 pages inside

<cover page June 2017>	<LUCA0 - Copia>	<LUCA1 - Copia>
<LUCA2 - Copia>

Posted 2017-05-31 05:34:36 by Luca Manni

Private Message Limits Increased

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 15:29:12 -0500

The Webmaster Zone --

Hello everyone, Now that the database upgrade is nearing completion, and I finally have the ability to do "hot backups" without taking the website offline for maintenance, I'd like to give everyone a little bonus. Effective immediately, all Private Message (PM) storage limits are now doubled Free Members: 500 -> 1,000 Silver Members: 750 -> 1,500 Gold Members: 1,000 -> 2,000 Platinum Members: 1,500 -> 3,000 Hope this makes everyone's life a little easier, especially for you vendors out there that use PMs a lot! Thanks for your support, Skye Nott Webmaster

Posted 2017-04-02 15:29:12 by Skye Nott

167128DN

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 08:28:45 -0500

1964 MK2 Car # 167128DN --

A very serious search for a MK2 began in 1985. After visiting many countries and examining numerous MK2s I found this one in Dearborn, Michigan, but 15 years had passed and it was spring of 2000. This Jaguar was owned by the President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company, Jac Nasser. It was his favorite old car so I spent another 10 years waiting to become the next owner. In July 2010 I pryed it away and became the current owner. Full history from new including delivery documents, V5, plates and tools.

<IMG 0020>

<IMG 0038>

Posted 2017-04-01 08:28:45 by richard bondy

Next Database Upgrade Feb 17 2017

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 15:53:24 -0600

The Webmaster Zone --

The new database servers are performing well under load, so I'll be continuing the database conversion process to the new layout for all websites, which will pave the way for better replication and backup systems. Please expect to see the "Scheduled maintenance" message on Friday night, February 17, 2017 starting at 9:00 PM Pacific time. I expect the work to take 4-6 hours as I want to take a full backup of the system for safety before making any changes. Once the websites are back up, there should be no visible difference in the operation or performance of the website. Schedule: Jan 4 - HealeyExp, CycleKart, all non-forum tables (all sites) Feb 10 - TriumphExp forums (posts, attachments, search db) Feb 17 (planned) - MGExp forums, all other website forums Thanks, Skye Nott Webmaster [url=http://www.autoshrine.com/]AutoShrine.com[/url]

Posted 2017-02-09 15:53:24 by Skye Nott

Emergency Database Upgrade & What's Next

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 20:41:25 -0600

The Webmaster Zone --

Hello everyone, You've probably noticed that this website has had some unplanned downtime lately. I'm not sure about the exact cause, it's probably an intermittent hardware failure as the techs keep finding the main server powered off at the console. I've been rebooting and repairing the database as needed to keep things running, while making plans to transition to brand new servers with updated database, webserver, and firewall software. The good news is I've already run the migration plan on some of my smaller websites, and it's working brilliantly. The bad news is that the frequency of crashes on the old server seem to be increasing, so I'm going to have to accelerate the transition schedule for all the websites and do a lot of the changes, well, right now. That's what all the downtime today (Jan 4) has been about. By the time you're reading this, the website will be running off new transactional database servers - which means no more biweekly downtime to do backups, better security, stability, replication support, and better support for new features in the future. This is only the first, but probably the biggest, step in the plan to update the hardware & software platform this website runs on. [b]Unfortunately due to the emergency database move, I haven't been able to fully test compatibility and scaling. There may be some bugs or slowness to iron out over the next few days. If you encounter a bug or error message, please copy the error message and email me with a description of what you were doing. There's a link to email me (the webmaster) at the bottom of every page.[/b] A little bit of background about me, and this website, as I tend to operate behind the scenes: This website is part of the [url=http://www.autoshrine.com/]AutoShrine Network[/url], a group of 20+ auto enthusiast websites that I've created over the last 10 years that now serves 2.5 million pageviews to 250,000 unique visitors every month and is completely free to access. I wrote most of the code from scratch (I used to be a software engineer) and I'm the sole owner and operator of the whole operation. You may not know that many car forums on the Internet are owned by two large corporations, both of which have approached me with offers, but I turned them down as I don't believe they would deliver the same kind of quality online club experience for you. In addition to webmaster duties, coding new features, html/css/javascript design for desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and sysadmin duties like provisioning servers, creating backup plans, security, monitoring, and system upgrades, I also provide personal support to 80,000+ registered members, review edit and publish calendar events, review edit and publish tech articles in the library, manage all the social media pages for each site (80+ feeds), and moderate the forums. That's the short list. It's often more than a full time job, and I've been on call 24/7 for years, but I'm very happy to provide something that useful to so many people and keeps so many cool old cars (and karts and trucks and scooters) on the road. I thank all of you for your contributions whether it's posting answers to question or financial support, and I promise to continue to provide access to all features and information on this website, to anyone in the world, without charge. I can provide the platform, but it's YOU that makes this a community. If you haven't already, please consider becoming a [url=http://%HTTP_HOST%/membership]Supporting Member[/url]. 100% of proceeds go towards operating and improving this website. The new database servers alone cost an additional $300/month. I've got great plans for new and improved features in 2017, and I'd love to be able to contract out some work - like finishing writing the Help Topics, and catching up on editing tech library articles - so I can focus on the big stuff. But for the next few months, it's going to be all about finishing the new servers & software platform! Thanks in advance for your patience through this upgrade process. Skye Nott Webmaster

Posted 2017-01-04 20:41:25 by Skye Nott

Finally Started

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 16:56:27 -0600

69 E-Type Coupe Resurrection --

I finally got my 69 Coupe started today. It was one of those "should start right up" cars when I bought it, even though it had been sitting for a couple of years, but I've had a few woes. I put some Marvel Mystery Oil in all the cylinders and turned it by hand every day for about a week before trying to use the starter. First the starter wasn't getting enough power to turn over the engine. That turned out to be a bad ground. I bought a new ground strap, ran it around the passenger side motor mount, and the starter turned. Once the starter turned, I didn't see any oil pressure. Previous owner said the sender was going bad before he parked it. So I ordered a new one. Then the Great Flood of 2016 happened here in Baton Rouge, and my attention was diverted for most of the next couple of months. I did put the new sender on one day and it didn't work either. Grounded wire made the gauge go to 60+, but connected to the sender, gauge showed nothing while cranking (plugs still out at that point) So I adapted a mechanical gauge to put on it, and it showed 45 psi while cranking. I figured the first sender was bad, so sent it back and got a second one. Same thing. Gauge showed nothing. Doublechecked with mechanical gauge, still 45 psi, so put the sender back on, and decided I'd sort it out later. Next was an ignition problem - intermittent spark. After several days of troubleshooting, testing volts and ohms in the system, looking up specs on the coil, I decided to start changing parts. Fortunately, the first thing I changed was the distributor cap with an old spare I had, and it fired right up. Turns out the spring loaded electrode in the middle of the cap was getting stuck in the up position and not contacting the rotor. So now she runs. Next thing to tackle is bleeding the brakes, replacing the corroded aluminum float switches, and refilling with fresh fluid. I'll post again when I get that done and go for a test drive..

Posted 2016-11-09 16:56:27 by Rick Huber

My Car In JAGUAR MAGAZINE ITALY

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 02:22:35 -0500

Luca Manni's Journal --

https://issuu.com/landitalia/docs/jagmag03_low you can read about my XKR ( and all upgrades ) at page 44 and about my visit at Don Law Racing at page 68

<14695531 1293777337322908 1215886956648755841 n (1)>

Posted 2016-11-02 02:22:35 by Luca Manni

Electrical Problem Jaguar Keep V12

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:38:46 -0500

Richard G's Journal --

Not getting power to two of the fuses behind the dashboard. Is there a fuse able link somewhere and what does it look like?

Posted 2016-09-12 20:38:46 by Richard G

Concours Competition

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 14:35:41 -0500

Jack Kay's Journal --

I am pleased to report that my Series II E-Type - OTS won 1st Place in the Driven Division at the Susquehanna Valley Jaguar Club competition held at Sunset Park in York, PA on May 28th. First time ever entered and hope to be able to participate in future events as well. Great Club with nice group of members.

Posted 2016-06-07 14:35:41 by Jack Kay

The Jaguar Thing, How Did It Start For You?

Sat, 21 May 2016 11:39:04 -0500

Duane Grady's Journal --

My Sentimental Jaguar Journey. By Duane Grady Well then its official, I am a "Jaguar pusher", at least according to my mother in law, because I have converted my whole family. I am in fact a proud papa with four delightful kids, all grown up now and well into the “20 somethin’s”. All of us were together crowded into our happy little home, until one by one the offspring left to make their own lives. Recently our son moved out and I am typing this from my office that used to be his bedroom. We love our kids but we’ve changed the locks and they can’t come back! LOL. All of the kids are Jaguar nuts and so is their mother and it’s all my fault. In fact we had not been dating more than a couple of months when the future "MrsV12" was in my garage n a freezing cold November Saturday night laying under my grey XJ12 with me, working on it and getting Jaguar grease under her gorgeous nails straight from the bottom of a V12 engine. That by the way is when I knew I had to keep her. To this day "MrsV12" is a driving force (pun intended) for building our collection, this year she wants to add an E-Type and a Series 1 XJ 12 and a Norton Commando. We have a line on a 47 MK IV DHC that she hears about and wants to pursue, but we really want a certain club members 1950 MKV Jaguar sedan badly and now she tells me she loves the XJ220! She actually got mad at me for not telling her about the XJ220, and I should start making room for these cars after all we have to put them somewhere... not to make anyone envious but this is shocking stuff! How many cars must I buy in order to maintain matrimonial harmony!! I am just going to have to put my foot down one day... on the accelerator. I did infect MrsV12 fairly early I must say, maybe it was my charming wit but she loves Jaguars as much as I do, has become the club secretary as well as a Concours judge. My two biological daughters have always loved Jags having grown up with Jags in the drive as long as they can remember and attending every annual Jag club Concours we could. My oldest daughter got to drive the green ‘87 XJ-12 on her 15th birthday, she was shocked when I told her to get in behind the wheel let me tell you. (Uhh by the way, it was an empty parking lot I am not totally whacked out) Anyway her little sister whenever she was given the chance to do school essays on topics of her choice, chose Jaguar cars, on her own no nudging from me! Our only boy is the oldest and he is 26, when he was 22 got his first car ever, a rough around the edges but low mileage XJ40, even though he never even showed any interest in cars till very close to his birthday. Though he was my step son then and though I have known him since he was a year old. As it goes with boy’s it took a while for me to grow on him and for him to want to accept me as an example of any kind in his life. Since then we have had a full adoption of all the kids so even as adults there are no more “step kids” they are all ours. I have four adult kids who call me “Dad”! Up till about two years ago he didn't give a hoot about cars; they weren't even on his radar and he really knew nothing about cars and cared even less. He has been working with me in my construction business during summers since 2005 when he was 16 and I know that we bonded a little bit then but still, no car stuff at all. Oh he went around with me in both of the XJ-12’s and the XJ-S all of the cars in fact but nothing really sunk in at all. Gradually we got closer and closer and one day he started asking about cars. He came to a few “cruise nights” with me and having owned around 500 vehicles more or less, I pointed out the cars I haven’t owned. (The list is shorter). He started asking about Jaguars specifically. Then he wanted some basics to do with engines, and on and on. He saw my enthusiasm and how my whole demeanor would change when we were in the presence of an interesting Jaguar. I love telling stories about Jaguar cars and significant engines and he was a constant victim. Then in spring of 2010 when I took out the XJ-S for the first trip of the year I had the top down going through our little forest driveway to the street and he was walking out to catch a bus to work. I pulled over and offered him a ride and twenty minutes later when I dropped him off he was talking cars. Voila! It was as if a light got turned on inside him. He had become interested and I was happy for it. He had become or more accurately, decided to become a “car guy” and later on specifically a Jaguar guy. Well you cannot ask for more than that, as a step parent you are sometimes the monster or most times when you are into a teenager’s life you are the “awkward middle aged guy who married mom, who thinks he is going to run my life blah blah blah”. My second youngest daughter, well I won’t tell the back story here but my former step daughter (his sister obviously) was first to legally change her last name to mine. I ask you does it get any better than that? Well, if she became a Jaguar anorak like the rest of us, yes it could be perfect, but five out of six ain’t bad. Besides she does like Jag’s, just not enough to kill to get one that’s all, but we think she might come around. She lives in New York City now and every time she spots a Jag or any British car or an interesting car, she emails me to say she misses home. What a sweet kid! These days for any kid to want to follow in their father’s footsteps is rare. Rarer still is for a father and son to actually share a hobby or a pastime. It happens sure, but when it does it is notable. So here is a stepson who had taken an interest and developed a parental bond with me. Truth is he felt like my boy long before he got the Jag, and he didn’t need to get that Jag to make me proud of him either. But the fact that he chose it speaks to me just as loud as his sister being the first one to change her name to mine, makes me just swell up with pride really. My Youngest (biological) daughter was under cars with me when she was old enough to crawl. My oldest daughter was terrified of running motorcycles but my youngest had to be held back, she wanted to touch the hot engine. A bit different that one. So there’s no question as to where my family got their jaguar predilections, the source was me. So what about me, where did I get the bug? I want to preface my final point with my personal E-Type story and in fact the entire reason for this story being written at all, as well as the reason I am a Jaguar fan today. In my early teens Jag’s were not on my radar at all. Mustang’s and Camaro’s were, John Milner’s Deuce Coupe was top of my list and Corvettes were a mild interest. It took a man who would become special and ultimately have a major impact on my life to bring Jag’s to the forefront of my automotive dreams, here is that story. I was 16 years old in the mid-seventies and I had a brand new learner’s permit. I had an older friend in the neighborhood who had taken to mentoring me and he was kind of a local hero and like a big brother to many kids my age. My father had died when I was 14 and I really was starting to drift a bit in life at that point so I am glad my friend was there. He took note and special interest in my family and we really felt special. What I didn’t understand at the time was that he did the same thing for dozens of families. When you were in his presence all the attention was on you. He listened well and had a way of making anyone feel a bit lifted when he spoke with them. He also had a willow green 73 E-Type fixed head Coupe (automatic trans). It was nearly new in fact and he let me drive it with my learners permit, and here begins the rest of the story. He took me to a deserted rural road north of Toronto (Steeles Ave if you can imagine) and put me in that Connolly leather driver’s seat and after a brief tour of the controls told me put in gear and floor it, I did. He told me to keep my foot to the mat until he said to let up. I got very nervous when we got close to a hundred MPH, and he said to me “OK stand on the brakes”. When I did he yelled “HARDER” I actually lifted myself out of the seat literally standing on that pedal, and it came to a very smooth straight stop. Then he said “OK now you know what the car can do, let’s go for a drive.” I couldn’t believe what he had just let me do. It almost brings tears to me now thinking about what a trust that was... what a teenage RUSH that was! My life was changed forever, and the fact that anyone would trust a 16-year-old kid to do that is astounding to me in retrospect. The 50th anniversary of the E-Type was very special to me because of my story and I need to get one to add to our collection as a salute to my friend who started it all. Anyway I fell in love with Jaguars that day and have yearned incessantly to collect as many Jags as I can afford to buy and keep. That same older friend died of skin cancer the following year when I was 17 and his was the first funeral I ever attended. Today that number exceeds 50 funerals and I have to say, it brought perspective to the whole thing and what is really important in life. I still remember the moment that I knew I needed to own a Jaguar and I know where and when the seed was planted. That is why it is important to me to know that my four children but especially my son has respected me and wanted to honour me by making a choice that would identify with me. All of my kids and even my wife the apprentice Concours judge love Jags because of me. I passed on the passion from my friend who helped me through my teenage years. This is more of a personal thing because at the end of the day or your life, cars are not really going to be that important. The people you have affected in your life will be. I am glad I can say I have used my passion for good and to benefit those around me. I don’t think everyone will have a story like I have, but for every one of you, there was a day when you knew that you wanted a Jag. So that is what I am asking you to remember here, how and even when did it start for you? Duane Grady Toronto. When working under your Jaguar be certain to secure it well. While there is a measure of prestige involved in being crushed to death by a Jaguar, especially a V-12, bear in mind the results are rather permanent.

Posted 2016-05-21 11:39:04 by Duane Grady

Completing The Resto Started By The PO

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:06:55 -0600

ROBERT BAYERS's Journal --

Drivetrain: Engine: 140-150 psi compression; 40 psi oil pressure. New engine mounts. Transmission: new gaskets. Linkage rebuilt (8/2017) Clutch: new master cylinder & clutch housing oil seal Rear end: New mounts, differential pinion seal & gaskets. New oil filter block/gasket; new spin on filter conversion (10/2015) Suspension: General: all new rubber boots & bushings Front: Total rebuild, new ball joints, bushings, etc., anti-roll bar bushes Rear: new mounts Shocks all in excellent condition with mew bushes Steering: new lower u joint, tie rod ends and track rod bushings & bellows; alignment (9/2015) Brakes: Front: new brake rotors, lines, pads, rebuilt calipers w/stainless steel pistons (9/2015) Rear: calipers recently rebuilt; recent rotors & pads Master cylinder rebuild/new reaction valve (9/2015) System bled (10/2015) Fuel System: Tank cleaned and rustproofed. Carburetors newly rebuilt, tuned and synched (10/2015). Ported vacuum added to front carburetor, Ignition: New distributor cap, rotor, wiring (8/2015) Distributor was converted by British Vacuum Unit to vacuum advance type, with new springs, weights and timing recurved to 1967 Series 1 specs for better performance and mileage (10/2015) New pertronix Flamethrower 40,0000 V coil (9/15) New Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition (10/15) Electrical: New bonnet harness New engine harness New alternator harness: slightly reworked to accommodate 3 wire alternator. Replaced dash harness (1997) Replaced clock (1997) Replaced switch panel (1997) Replaced temp gauge (1997) Replaced fuse block (1997) New Optima Red Top gel cell battery (11/2015) Battery shut off Lucas 3 wire replacement 60A alternator (date unknown). Wiring bypassed unnecessary voltage regulator, warning light controller and alternator relay all resulting in these problematic components being eliminated from circuitry Cooling: New 16” diam electric fan wired to ignition (8/2015) OEM fan set removed & included. Running condition. New alloy radiator: 50% more efficient (9/2015) Original radiator (leaking) included New cooling hoses (9/2015) New heater core (9/2015) System flushed (100/2015) Tires: New 205 75R/15 narrowline white walls (8/2015) Exterior: Old English White paint: new (11/2014) New GAHH blue top and tack strips,seals etc. (04/2016) New Aldridge tan hood cover (04/2016) Completely rechromed or new brightwork. New chrome cantrail channels & seals Luggage rack: period correct Armco style All new body seals Interior: OSJI/MIC interior installed 04/2015 All new Tan seats, door panels, console, etc. leather, vinyl, wool carpet, interior & trunk (04/2015) New Dynamat sound deadening OEM Kangol/Jaguar seat belts New Lloyd Truberber carpeted mats (8/2015) New sun visors (7/2015) Replaced dash top (1992) Installed new offset brake pedal for better foot clearance Luggage Compartment: new wood floor panel; new biscuit hardura finish. Porsche 944 alloy scissor jack, non-correct basic tool roll set. Radio: New period correct Retrosound AM/FM/Ipod, Bluetooth with mic, speakers. Air Conditioning: Condensor & evaporator removed from car; all components included with sale: condenser, compressor, evaporator, hoses & drier.. Exhaust: New all stainless steel exhaust system Drivetrain: New gear reduction starter (8/2017)

<FRONT SUSPENSION & BRAKES 1>	<NEW 16in FAN & ALLOY RADIATOR 1>	<NEW HEATER BOX & CORE 1>
<REBUILT IRS NEW REAR BRAKES 1>

Posted 2015-12-10 18:06:55 by ROBERT BAYERS

+

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 20:49:45 -0600

1970 E Type 2+2 --

+

Posted 2015-12-02 20:49:45 by Dale C

Remembrances

Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:56:51 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

I sit here, thinking about an up-coming road trip in october, and caught my self thinking, 'why jaguar'? at 17/18 i knew what jaguars were, didn't know a lot about them, just knew they were awesome motorcars. I've said it here before, but, i was drawn to the xjs first, (i love the long low lines), and the xkss. In 1985 i could have bought a 1954 xk140 that had seen a pretty big obstacle on its left front for 3,000.....the engine and trans were fresh, and waiting to go back in the car.....the top and interior were just trashed. I passed it up, not having the required vehicle to tow it away with. 5 years earlier, i used to see an old xk 120 (in an open front) shed on the route we took to school. didnt know what sort of jag, found out later), but i knew it was an old jag. its fate was the shed collapsed on it destroying it. I went there one day to ask about it, if they still had it out back, no it was gone. that's when i leaned what it was. So, for me, it was the classic good looks these cars, and all jags, possess, but as a young man, i was drawn to the 2 door cars. i wanted an xj6c for years. and you know what? they're cheap still.........

<autowp.ru jaguar xk120 roadster 27>

<Jaguar XK140(cropped)>

<jg1960xk150coupe38922092>

Posted 2015-09-05 20:56:51 by harris d

June 11 1955 Remembered

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 19:53:37 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

every year around this time, (it was 6 days ago, i know), i think about the lemans tragedy that happened in 1955......

<jaguar d-type 1955 pictures 1>

Posted 2015-06-17 19:53:37 by harris d

Chain Replacement

Thu, 07 May 2015 07:09:08 -0500

Robert Moore's Journal --

This is my chain replacement project.

<Old lower timing chain>

<Old tensioner, new chain>

Posted 2015-05-07 07:09:08 by Robert Moore

Hello, Nice To Meetcha

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 08:39:04 -0600

Robert Shipley's Journal --

Just joined. Alerted to existence of this forum by friend in England I have yet to meet face-to-face, but who has graciously saved my bacon several times already. I owe him about a day's production of a medium-sized brewery! As noted in profile, am presently living in Rome, Italy, whence we recently returned so the wife could slave away 60 hr weeks in World Food Programme, in devout hopes of being able to retire in about 3 yrs. I've been retarded for many years thanks to age difference) Am a member of several car clubs, including 3 in Italy - most recently joined La Manovella, oldest club in Rome and am trying to register the car thru ASI, Italian old-car registry. Have owned mostly mid-price collector cars - Ferrari (1), Aston-Martin (1), Jags (5) Porsches (5), Alfa (5), Fiat (2), and 33 VW bugs! Know enough to get into serious trouble with most due to being a shade-tree mechanic (former VW/356 Porsche shop) and an A&P mechanic. Plenty of time to piss away writing emails & like to learn new stuff as well as send same along to people in need (network). Have already received useful information in registering the Mk2 on this site - perhaps I can return the favor. Cheers!

Posted 2015-03-01 08:39:04 by Robert Shipley

Best Car Ever

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:09:37 -0600

A Cool Blue Cat --

Well today (even though the weather was'nt ideal), i re-licesenced the cool blue cat and gassed it up and drove it out for a while. that ventures total cost was close to 150usd....gas is 1.65 a gallon, not bad, but they will be taxing it again, so it will be 2.50 or more by summer... the license was 100usd alone....they added taxes to that too. maybe i should start a gas rebellion...no no, im kidding! just kidding, really! any way, i hav'nt had the car out since last september, (i've stopped driving it in winter unless its absolutley necessary), and i had to gat a new battery too...i did that a few weeks ago, knowing i'll need it. but yesterday, my mother calls me, says help! my car is dead! it was the alternator.... which is 150 or so, but since i cant find a place to re-build them anymore, and mom has a limited income, i got it from my friendly dismantlers. 45usd sure beats 150! and while its not new or even re-built, it has a 6 month warrenty. Today was not a day i wanted to be working on any car, but for my mom how can i say no, right? So shes happy, im always happy when i can drive the jag anyways, even though i got it stuck whilst turning around.. lol...but i did discover i have a limited-slip differential, which explains a few things from when i first got this car....I had been driving a honda civic for years, and being front drive, i had sort of forgotten how rear wheel drive is, (except for burn-outs...heheh, i don't do burn outs in this car, it will quite easily, but i don't), and when i realized it wasn't moving foward, i got out to see how deep it was. Iit was'nt bad so i got some gravel and put it ahead of the right rear tire, thinking it is the main driving tire, and in most cases, it is, but it still would'nt go. so i looked at both sides, and realized both tires were spinning, i added gravel to both sides, and floored it in low gear..took a few seconds, but it worked, and when i hit the pavement, both tires were grabbin asphalt. of course i didnt let it rip, tires are way too spendy to just ruin by being silly. and it was as smooth as ever before. As I said, it explains a few things that occured in bad weather driving. It can and will grab and go for sure. it never ceases to amaze me. Best car i ever had!!

Posted 2015-02-02 16:09:37 by harris d

Cycle Karting

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 19:12:26 -0600

A Cool Blue Cat --

This last summer there was a cycle kart meeting in the not too far off town of tieton washington....I didnt know about it until a week ago though.. Now, i've been interested in building a cycle kart for quite awhile now, and watching the tieton video, (on youtube), i thought hey!! no jaguars!! so....hmmm....that got me thinking.....people do the bimmers, fiats, bugattis, and all sorts of neat stuff, but i've never seen a jag at all. And believe me, i've looked at a ton of kart photos over the years, let me tell you! ( i think there is or was a cycle kart registry around here some where..although i didnt dig too deeply, it was right in 'front' the last time i made a posting. any how back to the thinking part... An ss100 or a swallow would be ideal as a kart, if i had the money to do a c type, or a d type, in aluminium, i would! Cycle karts have the engine in the rear, but i see no reason with some careful planning, why it couldnt be mid-ships, a la xj-13......hmmmmm.. now that would be a kart to see!! peace all happy late new year!!!

<a cyclekart fraame and engine>

<mostly done kart>

<a nice example of the style>

Posted 2015-01-27 19:12:26 by harris d

72 XKE V12 Vaccuum Hose Diagram

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 09:19:02 -0600

Richard Lauderback's Journal --

Looking for a copy of the vacuum hose lay out for a '72 XKE V12. 4 hoses from the thermostatic vacuum sensor and hoses from the air cleaner. Thanks

Posted 2014-11-02 09:19:02 by Richard Lauderback

72 XJ6 Can Opener

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:20:35 -0500

Dana Burt's Journal --

My long since ex wife used to enjoy drinking lunches with other narcissistic wanna be rich head cases. A peculiar outcome of one such soiree was proof of how fine British steel is. As she was driving away from the fine and laudable social event she made a sudden and un-signaled lane change to the right. Alas, a poor miscreant driving a Honda appliance was there at the unfortunate and same time. Not appreciating the importance of this divine creature-my wife-not the XJ, had the temerity to continue driving forward as she converged upon his lowly vehicle. Being a 72 the Jag had the original sans rubber bumpers which present a finely honed reverse crescent trailing back around the front fender with a very sharp and apparently very hardened point. I kid you not, the appliance on wheels got opened end from end including door pillars. What a sight. The poor owner was, as my long long long ago ex intimated (verily I doth paraphrase), near tears and at a complete loss for words. I was just very relieved that she had managed to actually pay a few bills which, miraculously, included the insurance. I am sure that she simply exchanged info and got the hell out of there because there was no ticket nor bill for bail or other such financial inconveniences. Pretty women had that effect on hippies back in the day. Oh, the Jag? Back at the shop, I removed the offending scimitar, put it into a press and presto, fine as new. Really. No other wear or tear visible. Not even the old " Who can tell at one hundred feet and fifty MPH". Just pristine. Like new and all that implies.

Posted 2014-10-17 02:20:35 by Dane B

Needed!

Sat, 09 Aug 2014 16:43:39 -0500

Anita Alexander's Journal --

You probably won't believe this (I know I didn't) but the rubber seal on the drivers side back quarter window has been stolen and I need to replace it as it lets in water into the boot!.can anyone help??

Posted 2014-08-09 16:43:39 by Anita Alexander

Update

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:02:17 -0500

John Hall's Journal --

It's been a very busy year for me with my cars. I have just added an X300 in truly pristine condition. Unmarked inside and out with only 53,000km. The photo shows it with my older XJ40 which is also in excellent order. Both cars are fully registered and used daily by either my wife or myself. She prefers the XJ40. Since my last blog the XJ40 has been repainted in its original Bordeaux Red and looks fabulous. It has also had both rear and front suspensions reconditioned and four new tyres. It has now done 180,000km (112,000 miles) I still do my own servicing and both cars have had all the fluids and filters renewed this year.

Posted 2014-08-05 18:02:17 by John Hall

Feeling Fast And Smooth

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:01:38 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

a few days ago, i was visiting with some friends that live about 45 minutes away from me. (thats not the meat of this post though), I left in the early afternoon, and traffic wasn't too bad, just cars bunched up together here and there. now, i dislike that, alot. i found that most people here are jerks when it comes to driving, but most are anyway. thats not the meat of this post either. After i left my friends house, and was within 10 minutes of my home, (you have to exit the freeway, and merge to another hi-way), I noticed a jerk (for the lack of a nicer word), very close behind me as i approched the exit. Now this particular exit consists of an ess, first section goes left, second goes right. the speed is a stately 40 mph thru this ess. at its end, it enters a hiway, which is immediatly 55 mph. and just after that is where i turn off to home. Now as i said, someone was following really close, (which i also dislike), and i decided to put the jaguar racing heritage into play right then. now, with 100 more horsepower and 100 ft pnds of tourqe on tap than stock, its really easy to go very fast very quickly..I suppose the people in the following car figured , oh look, its an old beater! hah! the jokes' on them isnt it? well, at the the first section of ess, i went half throttle at once, i could really feel the car working, which is something i havnt done really with this car, and it felt really really good. as i exited the left hand section, and entered the right hand section, (and these esses are long too), i looked behind, and boy racer or who ever they were, was not there....now i already said the speed limit in this section is 40, and theres no way i'll do over that in the rain or snow, but it was nice and dry this time. i let the car do what it wanted, and then i had to slow for my left turn home. there was traffic coming, so i had to sit, and i looked behind me , still no 'follower'. i turned giving no more thought to that, waiting my turn, , the followers pulled in behind me, and got out of the car. uh oh....well it wasnt bad, because they said hey, i like this car, i think i know this car, did you buy it from so and so? i sais thank you, and no , from vancouver wn. oh, i thought it was our old car. how fast were you going around that corner they asked, and i said 'are you the police'? i figured if they were i was in trouble because i had been going more than double the posted limit on the exit down at the end of the esses, i was going almost 90. no fuss, no muss, no tire sqeal, no sliding, (which amazed me really..cos my tires arent the best they could be). And so the point of all this is this: i love the fast smoothness of this car, and the way it feels doing what its meant to do. it just gets better and better everytime i drive it. Postscript:: i dont want everyone to think i beat this car to death, i don't. i usually baby it. but that racing heritage come out and said go! so i did and it felt oh so good!!

<not my jag, but a nice one anyway>

Posted 2014-06-17 13:01:38 by harris d

No Car Bias

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 02:57:49 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

Today i went to a local car show for the first time, (it's a regular local event), And as i pulled up to park, the attendant asked me if i was going to show the jag. I had assumed this was an american only show, but he said no, it's open to any cool old car. I politely declined to enter the show, but told him i will return next year. I had thought (incorrectly, i might add) it was just him that liked the jag. I walked around, took a bucnch of pictures, and was pleasently suprised to see several non american cars there. Alot of old volkswagens, and to my suprise, an old bmw coupe, 1600 maybe or a 2000...( not sure as im not a beemer guy and i saw no badging on it, as it was under going a driving resto). And of course with the old school hot rod thing in full tilt boogie these days, those were plentiful. I do like older american hot rods, and gassers alot, But the cars that really stand out to me are the ones that look mostly stock, but maybe have a hidden secret, like mine does. I can go on and on about lumps, but to these guys today, A chevy powered jag was different and cool. Even though i had parked in the lot adjacent to the show, i still got questions about it. Mostly about how does the engine fit? Is it a kit? And how fast is that thing? And my favorite, two gas caps? Why? I love them all to be truthful. No car bias what so ever.

Posted 2014-06-15 02:57:49 by harris d

Lowered X350

Sun, 25 May 2014 07:28:46 -0500

Lawrence Reyes's Journal --

Tinkered a bit with my Height Sensors and found that the Suspension can be adjusted by moving the brackets up or down. Note: I purchased the Mongoose cable and the SDD/IDS software but the software can not communicate with the vehicle.

<Lowered Suspension>

<Normal Suspension Height>

Posted 2014-05-25 07:28:46 by Lawrence Reyes

The Journey So Far

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 05:52:07 -0500

Reg Lowe's Journal --

Hello Jaguar fans, as this is my first attempt at writing please forgive any boring bits. I have always loved Jaguars from the classic era i.e. '50s to '60s but have been put off by the problem of tin worm. As a long time Morgan owner, I also have a love of vintage looking cars so when the chance came along to combine the 3 elements, XK engine, vintage looks and no rust, I jumped at the chance of a factory built Suffolk SS100. It is a brilliant car, surprisingly comfortable although a bit tight in the winter with flying jackets being required and, of course, the sound of that engine's base note roaring away topped off with the sound of air being sucked in the unfiltered SU's is totally addictive. I guess the worst part is filling it with petrol, no not the consumption which is a very reasonable 23mpg, no it's the time it takes talking to people about the car--------shame !!!!

Posted 2014-03-11 05:52:07 by reg lowe

Lesson Learned

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:48:46 -0600

A Cool Blue Cat --

You know... i've been thinking about how I felt regarding cars the last few days, And I realized something I never had before.......way back when, when i first noticed jags in general, i went for the xjs. The xj6 was and always will be a beautiful car, but because it had four doors, it was'nt to my taste. I was also more of a muscle car afficionado, soon to be replaced by vw fever, and then muscle car mania again. It was'nt until i got a bit older, that I began to appreciate Jaguars style and engineering again. I admit that the v-12 was really what i wanted, and in my 20s, i had no idea jag made a 12 cylinder saloon......pretty narrow focus there. The reason i am jabbering about this is that where ever i go, alot of people say: man! that's a nice old car! It does'nt matter that it's a four door car, not one bit. nor that it's not a v-12.. Lesson learned. Here's something else i find funny and get alot of..... (it's mostly from women gas station workers too), when i say the pump number, they usually say, oh the little, (or small), blue car at pump so and so? Now I don't know why I find that so amusing, but I do. I guess they say that because it's such a low slung car. And since there are so many giant sized suvees around now, I can't expect them to know it is really a 4000 pound car. Even though it seems small to them. Another lesson learned? yep! peace all!

Posted 2014-02-25 22:48:46 by harris d

Mix And Match W/jag

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:52:18 -0600

Quentin Clark's Journal --

hey everybody...I'm new around here but I need some help. I've owned a cupla jags in the past. an 82 xjs and a 91 xjs. they were identical. both black hard tops. I called them "his and hers". when they ran great they were wonderful. first the 82 caught fire and I bought the 91 to get replacement parts for the other one. then discovered that the 91 was very savable and we fixed it up. drove it for approx. 20k mi. and it caught fire in the same way as the 82. wound up selling both to a jag guy in mass. for short $$$ and they went down the road. nothing rode and cornered like those cars and I never forgot it.

so, now, I'm building a 54 ford f-100 pick up and I don't want to bang around in it. so, I bought a 72 jag 4 dr to harvest the irs and ifs. I removed them both and had them sand blasted. then right to the paint shop for primer and paint. so, now my mechanic is fitting it to my truck frame and I need to know what is the measurement from outer plate that has the wheel lugs to the outside of the other plate. I need both front and rear measurements. then i'll get the truck box & fender numbers and see how close we are and what wheels and tire sizes will work

thanks in advance for your help
qmanconfused

Posted 2014-01-06 16:52:18 by quentin clark

JEC Stand At NEC Classic Car Exhibition

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 13:37:20 -0600

Fred Bone's Journal --

Had a great time on the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club stand, met a lot of interesting people and viewed a lot of interesting cars

<S Type owned by East Sussex Member>

<Classic NEC 2014 (62)>

Posted 2013-11-18 13:37:20 by Fred Bone

Winter Is Here

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 15:21:04 -0600

A Cool Blue Cat --

Been a while since i made a post...
Winter is here, in a big way, when i got up this morning and looked out the window, it was white out there from fresh snow.
I live about 80 miles from the border of canada, in washigton state,
so thats kind of far north,(to my friends in florida any way)
i was surprised that it did snow, the weather people say it is supposed to be a cold snowless winter. yeah, right.
here's a pic of cool blue from this morning.

<only half bad!>

Posted 2013-11-05 15:21:04 by harris d

1985 JAGUAR XJS-V-12

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 16:57:27 -0500

Edward Bowe's Journal --

THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO GET THE CYLINDER HEAD OFF THE RIGHT BANK OF THE VISTA CRUISE- DONATED THE CAR TO PUBLIC TELEVISION AZ.

<GOING AND GONE-VISTA CRUISER>

Posted 2013-10-12 16:57:27 by Edward Bowe

Updates ForFritz

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 13:42:59 -0500

Miklos & Sebastian Kiraly's Journal --

Currently the mileage is now clocking 110K Had to have him towed once for a frozen caliper but with new front calipers and new front brake lines he's good as new. Getting ready for winter here so will not be driving him much. Items to be done soon are properly dying the front seats and steering wheel to make it look like new again. Found a rear window screen and installed it. Looks great.

Posted 2013-10-11 13:42:59 by Miklos & Sebastian Kiraly

Genesis

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:41:30 -0500

Jonathan Rudzki's Journal --

I am a car guy, I got that from Dad. As with most of us, life gets in the way, and we do what we can with what we have. Bills, kids, and general every day stuff all takes time. For a very long time I kept my very first car. I bought it when I was 15 years old, and working part time while in high school. It was a fatihful companion when I got my license, and my intentions were always to keep it and restore it. That never happened. And then one day I got the call that the storage facility I was keeping my future hobby was flooded, and the car with it - well, that was that. It was already rusted, and not worth a damn, but it was mine. So, I sent it to the junk yard in the sky, and moved on with life. Fast forward a year or so, and my wife and I are looking on Craig's list. This is a hobby of mine regardless. I cant get over how many cool cars are out there, and how much potential is wasted. I saw a Jag for sale. I know nothing about these vehicles, and I was not really interested. However, the wife was. And to make a long story short - my birthday gift was a 1986 Jaguar Vanden Plaz, black with a bone colored interior. A deal was made, and the car dropped off at my house. Soon, I was underneath draining the oil - when to my complete shock - out came a bucket of water. Then, a little oil. Not good. It was soon determined that the engine was hopelessly seized - at some point the head gasket did what Jag head gaskets do - and then it was parked full of water. No way that AJ was going to come back without an overhaul. I sourced a used engine and started researching. The next thing you know I am working on what I like to call a "Mechanical Overhaul". I am not a body guy, but I can work through most systems logically. Plus, the forums these days are simply awesome. Just spend a few hours looking at the wealth of information out there - and you are empowered to dig in. And that is where I am at currently. I have a nice used engine on a stand - that I am told runs very well. However, I am not dropping it in until I go through every other system. And the end of this - I want a daily driver that is reliable. So far I have overhauled the front end suspension, removed and cleaned/coated the fuel tanks, removed the final drive. If your interested - I will keep you updated. I love sharing knowledge - so if you have a question - I am always willing to help - if I can. I learn something new every week. The history of this car, and the engineering behind it grabs my attention. It has become my stress relief, my hobby, my hiding spot, and a girl free zone - since there are three in the house. I dont have much money, I dont have all the time that I would like. However, I can slowly move through the systems - rebuild what I can - replace what I need to - and everything I touch goes back on "Clean". That in itself - removing 20 plus years of crud - takes all sorts of time.

<Pulled out the old AJ.>

Posted 2013-09-30 14:41:30 by Jonathan Rudzki

BE COOL Radiator

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 08:08:24 -0500

Brian Lavey's Journal --

Received my BE COOL aluminum radiator Saturday, the 31st. I also received the custom made T-piece to tie-in the two top radiator hoses to a single radiator inlet. This will convert my setup from a pass & a half to a single pass cooling system.

<The Radiator>

<The "T" pipe>

Posted 2013-09-02 08:08:24 by Brian Lavey

Overheating Issues

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 17:38:28 -0500

Brian Lavey's Journal --

As of late I have also experienced overheating issues. The radiator fan clutch was bad. That has been replaced. As long as we were under the bonnet we replaced the thermostats also. Slight improvement. However it is still overheating at highway speeds. Cleaned out the debris between the external oil cooler, air conditioning coil and the radiator. Still overheating. I believe my radiator is partially plugged. After reading Kirby Palm's advise in his manual I contacted the people at BE COOL and it sounds as though they have just what I reed to update to a single pass aluminum radiator.

Posted 2013-08-20 17:38:28 by Brian Lavey

Idling Issues

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 17:07:12 -0500

Brian Lavey's Journal --

New Idle Air Valve installed. Car starts and runs beautifully while the engine is cold. The Idle Air Valve is pictured between the two radiator hoses and the gaskets and below the two thermostats.

<Parts>

Posted 2013-08-20 17:07:12 by Brian Lavey

Idling Issues

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 22:23:50 -0500

Brian Lavey's Journal --

Took the 89 xjs down to the Auto Clinic in Neenah, Wisconsin today. My car refused to idle when cold. It is so comforting to have an experienced Jaguar mechanic listen to you and easily identify the issue instead of scratching his head in bewilderment like the local mechanics in my area. Bad Idle Air Valve.

Posted 2013-08-08 22:23:50 by Brian Lavey

Rear End & Brakes

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 21:47:37 -0500

Glend Ford's Journal --

I have found the information that I needed to pre-load the rearend

<Droped the Window unit.>

<DSC08276>

<DSC08301>

Posted 2013-07-26 21:47:37 by Pro Crast

Magnafique Mark I

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:41:23 -0500

Roger Butt's Journal --

Albert Betts' Jaguar - UXF363 - prepared at his Clapham-based (and later Southall-based) AWB workshop. The Magna wheels were painted to match the two-tone paintwork. The car survives and was a recent winner at the Goodwood Revival meeting.

<Albert Betts Jaguar>

<Brian Spicer's E-Type>

Posted 2013-06-18 14:41:23 by Roger Butt

More Improvements Of The Invisible Kind

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:29:10 -0500

S940061...'Liza Doolittle Becoming My Fair Lady --

It's a bad news/good news kind of story...the oil pressure at near-zero...definitely bad news...the good thing was that the failure in the oil system only occurred when then engine was shut down, so pressure held until then...then when started up again, no pressure...turns out the oil-pressure relief valve had been installed backwards...it was bypassing on the next start, and only ran a few seconds as the problem became apparent...so, we got a new oil pump, new, properly installed relief valve, changed out all the engine bearings because one got scuffed in the incident, and took care of the rust and rot in the left-front frame member above the suspension...bad news becomes good work needed and done...life with a 50+ year old car, eh?...
We are throwing down the gauntlet...is this the oldest 1956 LHD Mark 1 still rolling under its own power?...We think it could be...anybody know an older one?...hello, Australia...France...

<DSCF1609>

Posted 2013-06-07 11:29:10 by Steve Thornton

1994 XJ6 Air Conditioner

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:42:18 -0500

Donald Lowery's Journal --

Took it to an air cond. repair shop. Works fine when outside temperature is no higher than 85 degrees F. A check showed compressor was not performing very good. Quoted $1852.00 USD for replacing compressor and dryer. Found out this repair shop is NOT good.

Looking for better repair shop. Found one in Metairie, Louisiana. They are booked solid at all times for 3 weeks ahead. Went ahead and made appointment.

Posted 2013-05-26 10:42:18 by Donald Lowery

Mg Motoring

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:10:21 -0500

Scott Symons's Journal --

I cant beleive that its been year since my last post, how time flies,was able to get the gt out yesterday,still running great. May the 9th was my 40th year of owning this car,and the driving experience never gets old,what a car! Hope all my fellow mg drivers are able to enjoy these great cars, enjoy your summer

Posted 2013-05-18 07:10:21 by Scott Symons

The History Of My XJ40

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:41:19 -0500

Bill HERON's Journal --

This is the story of my second and current Jaguar. I owned a white XJ6 (1976) 4.2 L before this one. I got this one third hand through a private sale in 1998.It was purchased in Brisbane QLD Australia after being bought brand new from Gold Coast motors on the QLD Gold Coast in 1990. I have owned it ever since. It did stirling work for me in my home town of Brisbane and as I had already spent an eye - watering amount of money maintaining my wife and I decided NOT to sell it in Australia, but to bring it to Thailand with us when we retired. I will post more about that in later journal entries. As for now I am preparing "the Mia Noy" as it is affectionately known for an historic journey...To drive across the KWAI RIVER BRIDGE in Kanchanaburi. If you have seen the movie you will know that the "Bridge over the River Kwai"is a railway bridge..and that is it's main function, even today. However Thai villagers in the area have laid planks across the entire length of the bridge for motorbike and utility truck use. The Thai military have also added planking and fastenings so that they can quickly move light patrol vehicles into the area (Kanchanaburi province borders Burma along it's entire western perimiter) for reconnisance and border protection. If we are successful we will be THE FIRST JAGUAR in history to cross the Kwai River Bridge. Please play some Colonel Bogie music at this stage...More later

Posted 2013-04-15 05:41:19 by Bill HERON

Scale Model Issues

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:40:17 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

i am a model builder...have been since i was 7 i guess. my cousin is 12 years older, and when he left for college, he gave me all his model stuff. there was alot of it, i used it for many years, and had quite a lot left over, but now it's gone..been gone a very long time.
models used to be cheap, now they're 20 bucks, at least. i realize
that oil is used in in the production process, and that has gradually
increased the price of the kits.
I've recentley been looking on e-bay for a 'junkyard' to buy, and 100 bucks for the right one seems mighty fair to me.
but, some of these people, (well most anyway), have this stuff
priced waaaaay too high. i mean, 20 dollars for a 1/25 scale v-8 engine? geezus wept! i can understand wanting a good price for a built and finished model kit, but the prices for these basic parts and 'junk' border on piracy! i mean, if you have 100 parts and pieces, and you want 100 dollars for them as a whole, well, thats fair. but c'mon now,20 bucks for something tht may not be all there, and unbuilt to boot? PLEASE!

p.s. jaguar kits are pretty scarce in 1/24 and 1/25 scale, unless it's an xj 220 or diecast.

Posted 2013-03-21 23:40:17 by harris d

Old Friend

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:58:03 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

in october of this past year, i was driving over a mountain pass, and it was cold, snowing and more than a little treacherous.
plus, i was probably driving too fast for the conditions.
no car, and no tire, is good on ice. in an instant, after going about halfway up,i started to slide toward the guard rail. with a feeling of an immenent crash, i countered the slide, but kept the power on, without braking, and jaguars' high performance and legendary roadholding ability saved me and itself. i did slow down some and continued my journey with out further incidence. i firmly believe that had it been any other car i've ever owned, there would have been a crash.

i have'nt driven it since november, and that was an in town trip,
nothing of any real time or distance. the doctors say i'm supposed to limit my time behind the wheel for now, and i agree with them, it's been pretty cold here this winter,so i decided to let the jag stretch it's legs so to speak. the antifreeze is perfect, and i recently did an oil and filter change, and i was concerned about the battery, but it is still good,so i put in some fresh gas (with my secret ingredient), and took it out for a while.
being out of the car for a period of time dulled my sense of it's character. every one has a good friend who they really like, and enjoy being around.
this car is like that for me. after my 'absence', i once again smell the smell of an old british car....leather, wool, slightly oily and
maybe a little petrol too. the way i fit in the seat, the way the controls are intutive (for me, any way), feels like an old endearing friend.

Posted 2013-03-13 05:58:03 by harris d

Terms Of Absence

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:54:13 -0500

A Cool Blue Cat --

i have'nt posted any thing for a while be cause i found out i was sick. by sick i don't mean crazy, or the bad flu, or even cancer.
i had a tumor removed from the base of my skull, where it had been
growing for about 8 years. what causes it to grow is unknown,there is no cure either, except to remove it.
and 10 hours of surgery later, it's mostly gone. they could't get all of it,because at some point they said how much is too much?
go diggin around in there too much, and i'd be a zombie or dead.

i told myself i'd own a jag before i die, and i kept that promise.
and since i'm not going home just yet, i'm going to continue to enjoy
the fruits of my labor and patientce

thank you all for making this a cool place for me and my car.

Posted 2013-03-11 22:54:13 by harris d

My 1994 XJ6/40 Jaguar

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:17:13 -0600

Donald Lowery's Journal --

One last problem...The Broken Door handles. I have a long history of replacing them to great expense. I had a company that RECONDITIONS the door handles and puts in metal parts inside the little mystery box that holds the plastic parts that Jaguar was errant in putting in the 1980-1998 series. But, I lost the name of that fine company. Do you know their name or phone number? If so, please send it to my email? magicohmeohmy@aim.com

Thanks to everyone that helped me. Successes as follows: I found a great mechanic. I fixed the Air Conditioning and Heating myself. The mechanic fixed many other things, one of which you may be interested in...I replaced the entire front end, rods, steering, and ball joints only about 10,000 miles ago and it went loud, loose and bad. The genuine Jaguar front end parts were pre-lubricated and went dry after a few years of this hot weather and wore out to the point of making noise of the strips or bumps in the road. I had the great mechanic replace them, but here is the great part...He was capable enought to drill and tap and install new grease zerks, grease fittings to be lubricated from now on. It will give me longer life, easier steering, absolutely NO noise, so quiet you wouldn't believe, like new. Wooo Hooo !!!

Next week I embark on improving my already great sound system.

Posted 2013-03-04 16:17:13 by Donald Lowery

My 1994 XJ6 Jaguar

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:01:53 -0600

Donald Lowery's Journal --

Maxed out credit card again. $1600. Tune up, Front end parts replaced, ball joints and steering, all improved, stopped the noise over bumps too, using trickle charger more often to prevent drain on battery, replaced rubber drive shaft transition part to rear end (it was split, old rubber), new windshield spray nozzle assembly, front end alignment, got grease zerks put into all front end ball joints (custom job by great mechanic James). Put in new bushing on front shock.
Developed new problems: Oil leaking on concrete under engine (first time ever), Had an explosion of the gas tank as I was filling with gasoline, Have a "new noise" occurring at 45 mph, emergency flasher lights not working, and other misc smaller problems.

Posted 2013-03-04 16:01:53 by Donald Lowery

Tremec T5 Gearbox /mk2 Jag

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:53:53 -0600

Simon Gray's Journal --

I have recently had a tremec 5 speed box fitted. The original 4 speed
with o/d was tired and although the purists amongst you are probably
aghast,I thought the new box would increase the driving experience.
Apart from altering the transmission tunnel slightly,fitting a 90
degree on the speedo cable,and altering the rear box mounting bracket,
the new box fitted very well.By dropping the front subframe mounting,
disconnecting the track rod ends,it was not necessary to remove the
engine/box.

Posted 2013-02-23 09:53:53 by simon gray

Blue Smoke

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:25:06 -0600

Edward Szmolnik's Journal --

I noticed that my XJ40 was blowing blue smoke on start up only. All the experts advised that my problem was worn valve stem seals.
My instructions to my Jaguar mechanic were "off with his head" and replace the seals.
Sure enough the experts were correct. Whilst the head was removed the rest of the engine was closely examined for wear.
Amazingly, this 4.0 litre engine had minimal wear with the hone marks still visible.
Although this engine has now travelled in excess of 300,000 klms, the signs are good for an additional 200,000 klms to be travelled.

Posted 2013-02-11 20:25:06 by Edward Szmolnik

Jag Update -say Maintenance (3xs)

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:55:53 -0600

Roland Gotzke's Journal --

I'm having a lot of fixes done to the car instead. It's all basic maintenance that previous owners have scrimped on and screwed things up or just the run of the mill stuff that has worn out. Stuff getting done - plugs changed (just done a year ago by previous owner - all gapped to different measures, various different types of plugs, not meant for this car) fuel injection harness, oil sending unit wiring, compression test - 180 lbs across the board.. master cylinder rebuild, rear brakes and bushings, front shocks. After this I should be able to ride relatively care free this coming summer.

Posted 2013-02-08 08:55:53 by Roland G

My XJ6 Rear End

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:19:40 -0600

Glend Ford's Journal --

I have a positive traction rear for my 1986 XJ6 I have replaced the race and bearings on the two rear drive axles. There is a crush sleeve between the front and rear bearings in the shaft. I need to know the torque measurements for the shaft to ensure the correct pre load for the crush sleeve, and any other torque specs for the drive train because I intend to rebuild the whole drive train wile I have the window out of the car. Can anyone help me?

thanks in advance;
ProCrast

<357 Jag Power Lock>

<Removal Rear Shaft>

<Removal Bearing & Crush Sleeve>

Posted 2013-01-14 17:19:40 by Pro Crast

My XJ6 Build

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:09:43 -0600

Glend Ford's Journal --

I at this moment own a 1986 XJ6. I love the car’s design, the ride and handling Is everything that I could ask for, however I am an American and that six has a lot to be desired. So at the risk of being “Dart Vader” in the eyes of Jaguar purest, I simply must have power along with the obvious beauty and handing of the car. So I have built a 385 Stroker to fill my need for power.

<Engine Build>	<Engine Breakin>	<385 Complete at Shop>
<Bare Block>

Posted 2013-01-12 19:09:43 by Pro Crast

Repairs And Upgrades

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:26:20 -0600

Rhett Redelings's Journal --

First wave:
Re-cored radiator
replaced fan clutch
upgraded thermostat to 180 degree (from stock 190 degree unit) unit.
replaced steering rack
replaced rear brake pads
replaced tires with appropriate size/speed-rated tires
replaced valve cover and cam shaft seals
replaced all belts
replaced all fuel injector hoses and clamps
replaced all fluids
had distributor overhauled with synthetic motor oil per Kirby Palm's Book
Replaced spark plugs
Replaced bonnet struts

Second wave:
Reseal windscreen(s) and replace A pillar chrome -Done
Fix horn -Done
Fix grounding problem, left side high beams -Done
New fuel float -Done
Replace transmission mount spring/bushings with poly bushes - DONE
Adjust/tighten right side bonnet latch - DONE
Replace original main fan before it cracks and rips open the front of the car - DONE
Replace A/C R134 service port that is pimpling bonnet - DONE
Replace both O2 sensors
Fix high/low beam switching problem
Address fuel/exhaust smell in boot
Replace fuel lines from boot
Address hot start/rough idle issue
Replace steering bushings with polyurethane upgrades.
Replace shocks and shock bushings
Remove Radio Shack circa 1989 radar detector
Have small dents on bonnet fixed

Posted 2012-12-10 17:26:20 by Rhett Redelings

BEVERLY HILL BILLY

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:42:30 -0600

Edward Bowe's Journal --

I added the 1987 XJS with the Chevy 350 engine on the registry effective 12/3/2012. Three more to go.

Posted 2012-12-03 10:42:30 by Edward Bowe

1994 XJ6/XJ40

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:11:04 -0600

Donald Lowery's Journal --

The difficulty in finding and keeping a good mechanic and/or a good repair facility is one of the biggest problems of my life with regard to automobiles. I have reached the age of 74 and physically cannot do the things I once could do. As a retired mechanical engineer, i have the knowledge, but not the physical ability.

Posted 2012-11-12 18:11:04 by Donald Lowery

1994 XJ6/XJ40

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:04:59 -0600

Donald Lowery's Journal --

Large list of items to fix again. Leaked water into floorboard at driver's side foot area. about a half inch deep. May be a defective heater core or a core o-ring leak. Brakes are sluggish. May be the master cylinder or related hydraulic. Three of four external door handles are broken and can't get in car easily. Only one that works is the passenger side. Driver's side front is not available. Found a company that rebuilds them with steel parts that do not break like the original plastic part. At $300 a door handle (counting installation) is a real bummer. Forgot the name of the company that does the repair and return. It was about 8 months ago and just lost the name. Bummer. Other items to fix...Air Conditioner never did get air through vents. Other miscellaneous items...electrical drain replaced about a dozen batteries over the years. Cannot get rid of useless security system. Computer problems everytime a battery is replaced. And on goes the list. I think I have spent at least $15,000 in parts, materials, and labor over these years to bring it to this. That is in addition to purchase price.

Posted 2012-11-12 18:04:59 by Donald Lowery

VDP Info

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:18:02 -0600

Lawrence Reyes's Journal --

I never paid attention to the "MPG" readings till last month, I used the VDP for trips to the next town twice a day for a week. At 75mph it indicated 25mpg of fuel economy. I tried at 80mph, and it showed the same. I think it is odd that at 70mph, it indicates 24mpg. The route is between Saint Robert, Mo and Lebanon, MO. Interstate 44. It is predominantly hilly with a few level areas.

<Fuel economy>

Posted 2012-11-08 04:18:02 by Lawrence Reyes

Updated Engine Intake

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:32:36 -0600

Lawrence Reyes's Journal --

Removed and cleaned the intake components. Was planning on installing a "Cold-Air" system, but cannot find a true "Cold-Air" system on the market for a VDP. The "Factory Install" is currently the better system. I painted it with "Eastwood" #1283Z Reflective Aluminum, to assist in reflecting heat from the engine compartment. I might also do the same to my Wife's X-Type.

<Intake update>	<IMAG1369>	<IMAG1366>
<IMAG1364>

Posted 2012-11-08 03:32:36 by Lawrence Reyes