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Jaguar spares, when all else fails..........

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bmurphy7369

bmurphy7369

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Has anyone ever heard of James Dean, I recently ran across a part he had and he called me after I emailed him... I couldn't believe the knowledge and the available spare parts he had. His name is James Dean (real name I assume!) and is in Florida. His email is jaguru@bellsouth.net and he has everything I need and have not been able to find from the parts houses. I guess he's been an enthusiast and restoration expert for Jaguars for many years, may be a member here, not sure. If so, thank you James for taking the time to search for my parts and for the advice you offered on where to begin the restoration. I recommend that if the Moss, XK's Unlimited et al. Catalogues don't have what you need, email this gentleman. jaguru@bellsouth.net I believe, if that is wrong I'll post a correction. The post on the loss of Special Interest Parts and all the replies reminded me that I had forgot to mention this source. Hope this helps anyone who has that elusive part issue!

Brian /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
Thanks Brian. I found very quickley how rare hens teeth really are, starting in on this MkVIII.
I will probably wind up contacting him before all is done.
 
Tony knows a guy in Huntsville that deals in old Jag parts too. Worth an ask anyway.
 
No problem, you'll enjoy his enthusiasm I'm sure. Turns out he's a character too... he once tricked Prince Charles' guards and managed to drive onto a polo field during a prize give-away, pretending that his car, a Vanden Plas Limo, was part of the ceremony! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif Haven't had the nerve yet to ask him, but read about the event in an old "Sun" article... I guess the crowd enjoyed the car show, but the prince wasn't as amused. Anyway, funny guy, and give him a shout, he will prob have a selection for you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
This Dean guy advertises continually on Ebay. I have found that his used parts were generally more expensive than new ones from all the regular vendors. He was advertising a 1/2 sheet metal wheel arch for 3X what Barratt was selling the whole arch.

I have found that if you are looking for unusual and rare parts -- this guy usually has them https://www.classicandsportscarparts.com/ He is in Columbia, SC. I have been to his 9 acres of Jags and other British parts and he found every thing I was looking for. He is a bit of a character but knows Jags. He has been working on them for 50 years!!!

Webserve
 
Hello webserve, Yes I suppose some prices are high, comparatively, but the point is that there is a knowledgeable person with parts that he has invested in with many years of personal work on restoration projects, and he is only one example. Thanks for bringing another to light, I'll check out their site too. I would imagine that unsold items on ebay could end up as negotiable deals by phone down the road.... just the way that business works, but demand is limited to the enthusiasts, and James' being a seller and a seasoned enthusiast, makes it easier for me to know I am getting what I need, price is always an afterthought and hardly ever written in stone in the used parts business.
 
Brian,
I don't necessarily disagree -- but with the advent of the internet, the world of Jaguar parts has become VERY competitive and so far, most of the parts I have needed have been readily available. It isn't like 1973 when I was looking for parts for my Mark II and I could not find a dealer much less the parts I needed.

I look at it this way -- every dollar I save is $2 less I have to earn and a dollar I can spend on another part for one of my 3 Jags. It is far better to have the dollars in my pocket rather than someone else's -- as long as I am getting Jaguar quality parts.

Besides, when one has ear-marked $25,000 for a re-build you have to make sure early on that you are careful shopping for parts or that $25,000 will easily turn into $50,000.

For example, I just found ORIGINAL Jaguar Amblahyde for my S-Type. $50 a yard. I also found the original felt for the back of the seats. Another $50 for the remnant -- but I know the stuff is original. This hobby does get costly!!

Webserve.
 
Note from James Dean; Thanks for the compliment, Brian. At your suggestion, I just joined the forum, using my (non ebay) Other email jamesdean@jaguru.net. (Which is easy to remember) I monitor both that, and jaguru@bellsouth.net so use either one. I have an ebay store (Old English Motor Company), with pictures, but I would encourage anyone to just contact me with your needs, and I will send parts pictures.. My phone numbers are also easy to remember; 1954JAGUARS actually forwards to my cell 1954JAGPART, as does my Tollfree , 1 877 524 8787 (US Only). You will always get me. I started a British repair/restoration shop in Ft. Lauderdale over 30 years ago(and was in Cambridge, Mass. before that), when there was a British car behind every gas station. I bought hundreds of these, over the years, parted the rough ones, and hoarded everything. Downtown development forced me to move to a smaller warehouse, and realize that I had a million parts stacked to the 18 foot ceilings, for most British cars 1948-1988. I bought a computer, and began to offer these for sale. I have always realized the international nature of British cars, and strive to share both my decades of knowledge and rare parts, around the world. This month I am boxing Vanden Plas Princess Windshields, and a Jaguar gearbox to ship to Australia. I just shipped Etype parts to Bolivia; which involved a lot of advice, to the man who rescued the FHC from the South American redneck, who had fitted a Toyota engine. I value repeat customers; so contact me, even if you only need advice; next time, you'll need parts.I have parts and experience from Spitfires to Rolls Royce, a lot of Jaguar, and rare marques, as well. I own an XJC, so could help Brian, but have owned or restored and parted out most other British cars .Please contact me, I look forward to helping solve your problem.Thank you, thejaguru, James Dean
 
Welcome, James! You may find this forum to be a great place to hang out. Most active one I've found and certainly the best as far as passing info to those new to British motoring. Don't be a stranger!

Wish I'd had this info a few months ago: a friend in New Zealand needed some early E-type bits. We found 'em but I expect he's gonna need other things. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I'm just "up the road" in Tampa. I frequent Miami/Lauderdale and am intent on contacting you for a visit when next we're in the area!
 
Your welcome - Glad you like 'em.
 
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