New E-Type Owner Seeking Advice

[69S22+2]

Recently purchased a 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 2+2 with manual transmission and I would appreciate guidance from more experienced owners. The car was purchased via BaT and will be delivered to a British specialist shop in a few days. The planned work is new tires, transmission and diff fluid changes (all other fluids done just prior to sell) and a carb calibration. My plan is to immediately take the car from the shop on a 1500 mile roadtrip. While this may be foolish, I love to drive my classic cars, not just look at them in the garage. My question: other than the above listed work and a general inspection, what should I have the shop do prior to me driving 1500 miles? And other than tools and a AAA membership, what should I be doing to prepare for this trip? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. - Jim, Moab UT

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Would be sure to check on the cooling system and fans for a start.

 

[69S22+2]

Would be sure to check on the cooling system and fans for a start.

Great idea. I appreciate it.

 

[Dale]

I bought my XK sight unseen from a"dealer". I had them put new Continentals on before they shipped it. I neglected to insist they balance and align it. 1500 miles and the fronts were shot. Your guys will know better, but check.

 

[Basil]

I have a 67 Series I roadster. In addition to what Grantura and Dale mentioned, check the alternator and battery and definitely inspect and top up the brake and clutch fluids. Make sure the master cylinder and the wheel (and clutch) cylinders are not leaking.

 

[69S22+2]

I bought my XK sight unseen from a"dealer". I had them put new Continentals on before they shipped it. I neglected to insist they balance and align it. 1500 miles and the fronts were shot. Your guys will know better, but check.

Thank you for sharing your story. Lesson well learned. I’ll call the shop right now!

 

[69S22+2]

I have a 67 Series I roadster. In addition to what Grantura and Dale mentioned, check the alternator and battery and definitely inspect and top up the brake and clutch fluids. Make sure the master cylinder and the wheel (and clutch) cylinders are not leaking.

Added to the list. Thank you very much.

 

[Basil]

Added to the list. Thank you very much.

Do you have any pictures of your E-type that you could share?

 

[69S22+2]

 

[69S22+2]

Do you have any pictures of your E-type that you could share?

Do you have any pictures of your E-type that you could share?

Here is one. Having issues posting others (file to large). Ideas?

The tires in the pic are much to small (20”) vs the 26” diameter of the 185/15’s being installed now.

 

[Basil]

Here is one. Having issues posting others (file to large). Ideas?

Yeah, just resize the image so it is less than 4MB. Lots of ways to resize images depending on your operating system. Just Google hoe to resize pictures if you're not sure.

 

[Basil]

The tires in the pic are much to small (20”) vs the 26” diameter of the 185/15’s being installed now.

The wheels do look on the small side, otherwise nice looking Jag!

 

[Grantura_MKI]

I think it is the tyres, not the wheels.

 

[69S22+2]

I think it is the tyres, not the wheels.

Definitely the tires. New Michelin 185/15 XVS tires are being fitted this week to restore the car to its proper proportions.

 

[69S22+2]

Yeah, just resize the image so it is less than 4MB. Lots of ways to resize images depending on your operating system. Just Google hoe to resize pictures if you're not sure.

Thanks for the help, Basil. I think I got it!