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Jaguar MK1 restorations

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LarryK

LarryK

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How many reading this column are in the process of restoring or have restored a MK1. I am restoring a 1958 3.4L Auto and was curious to how many are working now. I started in 1999 and had a hiatus for a fe years and started again 3 years ago. Now in totally empty shell and ready for blasting and welding. I have second MK1 in the wings for parts, especially perfect windows. I have owned this one since 1976, rebuilt the motor and broke it in then it sat 23 years before I started. I will refresh engine and tranny before it is done.
 
always wanted one. settled for a MK2.

Looked at a whole bunch of MK1's over the decades, all far too far gone on the rear for me.
Where the end of the leaf springs set up into the chassis...and all around that.
 
The one I am doing now has the rust on areas behind wheels. Driver floorboard worst as maybe a windshield leak. Underneath is better than most with no real rot, just surface rust. Have all replacement panels now to cut and paste :smile:greedy_dollars:smile:.
 
I am in the process of restoring a 1960 MK2. I originally bought the car in 1980 from the original owner, drove it for two years and sold it to a friend who removed all of the interior wood with the intention of restoring it and lost interest. The car sat for the next 33 years rotting in the hot California sun until I reacquired it in 2015. I am in the process of restoring it now. One resource I have found to be invaluable is the Jaguar Forum. I have been able to learn a great deal about parts, methods, things to look out for, etc. on the forum. Good luck with the restoration.
 
Ted:
My brother in law lived in Maryland for a time. He called me to say he bought a Jag for me. So, I pulled a trailer of furniture to Maryland (in-laws wedding gift furniture) and went to see Jag. He paid $125 for two.MK2s which I parted out and brought home. Still have all the parts, doors,head chrome etc., in case I need for MK1. Good luck to you, also. I do have some wood trim, would have to search for it. Good doors, glass, bonnet and rear deck. Not perfect but maybe doable.
Larry
 
Thanks for letting me know about the parts you have for the MK2. My car is about 99% complete and I don't know what may be missing or in need of replacement until I start putting it back together, hopefully early next year. I can also pass your information along to other MK2 restorers that I have contact with. Nice to see the list of your collection of British cars. I guess once we are bitten by the bug, we can't stop. I have only six British cars. Two are restored, the Jag is about 75% complete and I have three others waiting for restoration.
 
Our local classic car club had its annual luncheon at a posh French restaurant Sunday. In the lot was a Mk. II 4.2. Grey, like new. Inside, one of the members, a former British race driver, claimed it was a replica. Anyone have knowledge of that? Looked beautiful to me.
 
Probably refering to the 4.2 , which is a newer replacement to the MKII. Only near car to replicate the MKII is the Japanese Mitsouka Viewt which is sold as a replica but with Japanese engine.
 
There appears to be at least two more replica Mark IIs - Ian Callum's and Coombs. Callum's will set you back about L350,000.00.
 
It will be a very spectacular project, I would like to have a MK1 to be able to restore it, I would like to see how it looks, please upload pictures when it is finished.
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I had to replace the normal glass in the MK1 with security glass.
 
I have a 56 MkI I've had in storage for several years. I've been waiting to work on it until I got a lift for my garage. The lift was installed a couple of months ago so I have no excuse now. Other than the three other cars needing work first. :smile:
 
If you need patch panels, call Martin Robey. If you are not set up for International calls, email list first, then call, only 15 cents a minute. Never cost me near $1. Shipping not bad and quicker than any US supplier as they buy from them too, save on price and double shipping. I bought everything from rockers to floor panels to front and rear wheel well panels.
 
LarryK said:
How many reading this column are in the process of restoring or have restored a MK1. I am restoring a 1958 3.4L Auto and was curious to how many are working now. I started in 1999 and had a hiatus for a fe years and started again 3 years ago. Now in totally empty shell and ready for blasting and welding. I have second MK1 in the wings for parts, especially perfect windows. I have owned this one since 1976, rebuilt the motor and broke it in then it sat 23 years before I started. I will refresh engine and tranny before it is done.
Click to expand...
Do you happen to have pics of the center dash wiring ? I'm doing a 59 MK1 and getting stuck on the light switch wires
 
Both my Marks are completely disassembled and new wiring harnesses in box on shelf. I did take certain pics. I will have to look and see. Might take me a day or so.
 
MAK: I have no pictures of my wiring before pulling. Only pic I have is of this knot that goes thru the firewall. There are free wiring diagrams available, have search for diagrams for your car. They will be color traceable. Sorry.
 
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I have the 1959 Jaguar MK1 Saloon (no engine or transmission when purchased), I have a new 4.3Liter Chevy V6 and 700R4 tranny sitting on the bench. I have rebuilt the heater and windscreen motor and they are ready to be installed. I have left the interior bare bones also as I am now about to attempt to install the wiring harness. Big mistake by me was removing ALL components from the car before taking any photos! Rats! I also bought the Fuse Box from Classic Technologies which going to be a great upgrade when I figure out the wiring. Bill Wright gave me some hints on fitting this new harness, but doing the actual install is going to take quite a bit study and trial and error. I have the original wiring diagrams plus some that are not MK1 exclusive (XK150 early is close). I am an old guy, retired, and I started this project 20 years ago. Little did I consider that building a car, let alone a Jaguar MK1, was going to be such a challenge. As I am way deep in this beautiful car, I must push on and muddle through. Only hope I can outlast Father Time to the finish line. Moss Motors, SNG Barratt, E-bay, plus a couple of UK vendors, have been my sources so far for parts, new and used. Besides the wiring project, getting a great paint job, is next on my list. Any Jag MK1 owners with hints or photos of the wiring harness install would would be most grateful.
Sidney, Klanath Falls, Oregon.
 
Been on mine since 1999. Finally have what I need except bumpers. Wiring diagram is in the manuals. Bought a wiring pre made harness Colors on British cars basically the same. Only picture I have is the knot going thru firewall. Old guy too, with developed heart problem, hoping to complete. MK1 is no harder than other old cars except for one off parts that exclusively fit MK1.
 
MAK said:
Do you happen to have pics of the center dash wiring ? I'm doing a 59 MK1 and getting stuck on the light switch wires
Click to expand...
I have the XK 150 early wiring book (bought from Moss Motors). Most relevant to me is the wiring of the dash gauges and switches which I can copy the entire book and mail to you, no worries. Moss does not cover the MK1 very well and has no wiring book for the MK1. I am new to this website and not familiar with putting photos up, though I can probably learn given time. Be happy though to copy the XK book and mail to you.
 
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