Parm
Respect The Sound System
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ronan
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You knew if you seen a jag in any of the 60's, 70's or 80's british cop shows, there was going to be a chase.
Walter (wally) Hassan, who was one of the designers of the xk engine was an extremely interesting bloke, who started on the shop floor as a sweeper upper, worked as an engine fitter, worked as a mechanic to W.O. Bentley, and of course worked for years with jaguar. Something i suggest wouldn't be possible today.
Swift&Bold
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The first rule of car restoration young Seb: Don't start one unless you have a decent sum of cash behind you.
With the best will in the world you cannot fight time nor the elements, you have to stay on top of it just to keep it from deteriorating and you have to know when to let go.
I wish you luck with it.
With the best will in the world you cannot fight time nor the elements, you have to stay on top of it just to keep it from deteriorating and you have to know when to let go.
I wish you luck with it.
Parm
Respect The Sound System
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This interesting observation Sir is so very true. These days we have young kids who dont even know how to wipe thier silly little bottoms strutting thier stuff and telling every one what to do.
Bring back the old days I say
ronan
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This is so true, its a big car and parts are going to be expensive, a lot of body welding is likely, and how are you going to get it sprayed ? I've never done a car, but have restored a few bikes, and when i sit down with a pencil and paper, work out whats involved, the parts needed, make a list and go online to get a rough idea of the costs involved, it can be a shock. I can only imagine doing the same thing for a large car like the jag could be a real kick in the fork.
jagxjs1992
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Well funds will always be tough but in a garage there is no rush 
I would like by at least the time I graduate to have the best car in the world road legal
I would like by at least the time I graduate to have the best car in the world road legal
Swift&Bold
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A garage will help but it won't reverse or stop what's already there. When you start stripping it you'll need the space for the body shell, parts, engine and an area to work in.
Your panels have already been ravaged internally by decades of water ingress and will continue to corrode even whilst slowly drying out under cover, they will never dry fully unless you separate them and store it in a heated, humidity free garage and that will then only slow the process. The XJS was never known for it's corrosion protection so you'll be spending a huge amount of time fabricating new panels or time and money (which you are limited in) sourcing decent replacements. it's wiring loom connections are also notoriously bad so Jaguar electrics will become an acquired skill.
2 years to do your 'A' Levels and 3 years minimum at Uni with very little funds time, experience, mechanical/fabrication/spraying skills or tools? Those are the facts.
An example:
I am recommissioning a 2005 car on my driveway with a respected reputation for corrosion resistance and reliability. I work on it just about daily from midday to around 5 o/c on my drive. I have many of the tools I need (and many I don't), have spare cash, a largely mechanical background and acceptable knowledge and skill level. I can pick up new skills quickly and can find a way around tasks. I've had it 2 years and only just got the chassis to a level I am happy with; the engine is out but still needs overhauling, the bodywork needs sorting and it still needs a respray. I'm looking at this time next year to complete if I'm honest with myself, that's 3 years in total with my available time and funds just on a recommission.
I'm trying to be honest without being too disparaging of the task you have ahead of you. I'd honestly love to see you carry on with it but the odds are too well stacked against you Seb. I love the XJS but it's a car for the experienced restorer. Enter into it with your eyes wide open mate.
Your panels have already been ravaged internally by decades of water ingress and will continue to corrode even whilst slowly drying out under cover, they will never dry fully unless you separate them and store it in a heated, humidity free garage and that will then only slow the process. The XJS was never known for it's corrosion protection so you'll be spending a huge amount of time fabricating new panels or time and money (which you are limited in) sourcing decent replacements. it's wiring loom connections are also notoriously bad so Jaguar electrics will become an acquired skill.
2 years to do your 'A' Levels and 3 years minimum at Uni with very little funds time, experience, mechanical/fabrication/spraying skills or tools? Those are the facts.
An example:
I am recommissioning a 2005 car on my driveway with a respected reputation for corrosion resistance and reliability. I work on it just about daily from midday to around 5 o/c on my drive. I have many of the tools I need (and many I don't), have spare cash, a largely mechanical background and acceptable knowledge and skill level. I can pick up new skills quickly and can find a way around tasks. I've had it 2 years and only just got the chassis to a level I am happy with; the engine is out but still needs overhauling, the bodywork needs sorting and it still needs a respray. I'm looking at this time next year to complete if I'm honest with myself, that's 3 years in total with my available time and funds just on a recommission.
I'm trying to be honest without being too disparaging of the task you have ahead of you. I'd honestly love to see you carry on with it but the odds are too well stacked against you Seb. I love the XJS but it's a car for the experienced restorer. Enter into it with your eyes wide open mate.
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Screwdriver
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Those space shuttles were complicated little buggers mind. Was Challenger as badly damaged as it looked?
S.
Swift&Bold
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....mine was!
I am fussy though and started the chassis this year in March.
I am fussy though and started the chassis this year in March.
jagxjs1992
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A garage won't stop rust but it buys me 100x more time. Couple that with healthy doses of waxoyl and a dehumidifier and all is okay.
Anyway folks: if there is some rust indicative of some huge repair far beyond most people's skill and inconceivable for me then tell me. But right now that's not the message I have for the scuttle and I have the money for a new subframe which otherwise would be one of those "too much". I had too much "sell" on retro rides and it was this forum that made me want to keep my car. So politely, unless you legitimately think that this is too much (like too much) please keep the "sell" comments to yourself.
Besides, my XJS is not an XJ-S which is important in terms of rust proofing and frankly it shows.
Anyway folks: if there is some rust indicative of some huge repair far beyond most people's skill and inconceivable for me then tell me. But right now that's not the message I have for the scuttle and I have the money for a new subframe which otherwise would be one of those "too much". I had too much "sell" on retro rides and it was this forum that made me want to keep my car. So politely, unless you legitimately think that this is too much (like too much) please keep the "sell" comments to yourself.
Besides, my XJS is not an XJ-S which is important in terms of rust proofing and frankly it shows.
jagxjs1992
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Yeah pdg I suppose if all else fails it was interesting. But my grandparents are incredibly patient people trust me. They are going to huge lengths to get me a garage so I think they know what they're in for. They once drove for 2 hours to cut the grass around my car when it was at the field. I don't thank them enough.
And I won't find girls because ... well it won't happen xD So my hobbies in life: XJS, computing, cooking and maths. Can't go too wrong with that? And with a garage I'd feel "content" with life as well because I'd have all my mini projects and bits and bobs simmering in the background without hurting me.
The most likely thing to happen is I run out of money, I grant you. But I gotta hope I stay afloat, that's all.
And I won't find girls because ... well it won't happen xD So my hobbies in life: XJS, computing, cooking and maths. Can't go too wrong with that? And with a garage I'd feel "content" with life as well because I'd have all my mini projects and bits and bobs simmering in the background without hurting me.
The most likely thing to happen is I run out of money, I grant you. But I gotta hope I stay afloat, that's all.
the snooper
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Just dive in seb you'll learn loads along the way and make mistakes, and if you succeed you'll have a huge grin when it passes the mot
roofman
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yep i agree and iff you fail then you can pass on your experiences to another young kid who wont listen to experienced people
live life matey.
Swift&Bold
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If it were that simple there would be garages all over the country crammed with old fords, jags and Astons.
Good luck anyway, I'll watch this renovation with interest.
I legitimately think it's too much for you, if I was in your position it would be for me.
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cumbriasteve
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A lot of experienced members have given their views and I agree with them regarding the restoration.... BUT the OP is determined this is the car for him and he is going to do it, fair play to him.
He may fail or he may succeed, either way is going to be a valuable lesson.
I think it's important members now accept his decision and do what they are good at, help him with the restoration, it's going to be an interesting one to say the least
He may fail or he may succeed, either way is going to be a valuable lesson.
I think it's important members now accept his decision and do what they are good at, help him with the restoration, it's going to be an interesting one to say the least
the snooper
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how can you make that assumption ? at 15 -16 I bought a MK 1 Capri with a rotten floor no front valance inner wings gone in places strut tops, sills I paid 20 quid for it, welded it up with an arc welder I paid 16 quid for not to mention the mechanical work I did on it and soon as I passed my test put it in for mot a couple of bits more welding and it passed so I was on the road, we cant judge peoples ability on a forum just because they are new at it and ask questions, everyone starts somewhere and once he gets going could well be a natural at it
Swift&Bold
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I make that "assumption" having seen Sebs' youtube channel.
jagxjs1992
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Yeah well I do have my social, learning and coordination ... "disadvantages" but I am also very good at anything I perfect. I decided to pick up playing a difficult computer game and I started out abysmal but now, I'm pretty decent: I'm 90th percentile at the game. Took me longer than others but I've got to a stage where I can beat a lot more people than I lose to.
I'm 100% sure you didn't become good at welding overnight, and you don't know how much I have come on since the early days of my XJS. And I know I'm right about the garage. With most of the water gone, there is little in the way of rust causing. There are cars that live outside with no cover that will still last a reasonable amount of time before rust gets worse. Fact is that rust isn't some reaction like bloody Trinitrotoluene; it's more like a hydrogen peroxide decomposing without a catalyst ... unless you introduce electrolytes in which case it's more like hydrogen peroxide with potassium permanganate.
I'm 100% sure you didn't become good at welding overnight, and you don't know how much I have come on since the early days of my XJS. And I know I'm right about the garage. With most of the water gone, there is little in the way of rust causing. There are cars that live outside with no cover that will still last a reasonable amount of time before rust gets worse. Fact is that rust isn't some reaction like bloody Trinitrotoluene; it's more like a hydrogen peroxide decomposing without a catalyst ... unless you introduce electrolytes in which case it's more like hydrogen peroxide with potassium permanganate.
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