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New to the Jaguar scene- could use some help

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cooknshine

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Hello, everyone! I recently bought a barn-find 1964 XKE coupe 3.8L Jaguar(my first)that was my friend's who died. I've been restoring muscle cars all my life, and even though I had a Jaguar myself in my early 20's, I'm unfamiliar with their restoration. Therefore, I could use some information on restoration dos and don'ts with this car. I rode in this car 30-some years ago and it's been sitting unused in a garage since 1980 and I want to do it justice. I am more than capable of all aspects of the restoration process, with the right information. Can you recommend a book for me for restoration which would give me parts and pictures of original conditions? Can someone recommend a supply house for quality parts? Is there new old-stock available or used original parts? I would prefer original parts.

For example, is it ok to change the interior color? I have been doing research online and haven't found anything about that. I've originally a red interior with dark blue exterior- something I find really unattractive!

I've also been trying to research the VIN code and I'm having difficulty with that, too. I would love to be able to talk to someone knowledgable in this area to try to figure out exactly what this car is. My friend who died believed this was a very special car, for some reason. Back in 1977 he sold a real nice Jag XK to get this one. When I first saw it, I thought he was crazy- why would he do this?

Luckily, Ragtops and Roadsters directed me to this forum as well as some great parts sites (XKS Unlimited and SNGBarrett) and I've been on the Jaguar Heritage Trust site. I'm going to need some parts like marker light lenses, driver's side on the bonnet (deer strike)previous owner attempted to fix with arc welder (swiss cheese!). I would appreciate someone giving me some insight as to how to go about this restoration the best way. I would even appreciate phone numbers to talk to someone in person because I'm pretty much computer illiterate and it's actually my fiance who is helping me out with all of this. I prefer talking on the phone-I'm old school.
 
Welcome to our forum! I have a 67 E-Type (The correct term by the way) roadster. Mine is Silver Opalescent Blue. The original interior color was light grey. It look "ok" but wasn't really outstanding. I did some research and found that for the time period my car was made, there were two possible interior colors for the Silver-Blue cars: Light Grey and Navy Blue. I decided to install a Navy-Blue interior since it was still period correct, but looked a lot better in my opinion. So, I guess what I'm saying is, if you're going to change the interior color, I'd recommend trying to stay with a color that is correct for the color of the car.
 
Thanks for this information! This helps. What about changing the exterior color of the car? Does the same apply? For example, I could do the red interior and paint the outside silver or black. I know that changing the exterior color on one of my original muscle cars is a big no-no.
 
Well, I guess it depoends on what your purpose for your restoration is. If you're concerned about winning a concours, I would not change from original. If you just plan to drive and show the car, but are not concerned about winning a concours, then I see no problem personally with changing the color, although I would still recommend sticking with a period correct color for the car. In the end, it's your car and you have to do what makes you happy.
 
As long as the color change is done thoroughly ( very involved) and professionally with a Jaguar period available color I don't think it has a bad effect on resale. I have a 67 that I'm changing from the factory original "beige" . Jag-Lovers is a great online forum with an E type thread also. Good Luck ! Kevin
 
If you are thinking of showing the car and are going to change the color, then you will need to remove everything from the engine compartment to paint the engine bay. Sounds like a truck load of work to me.
 
Kevin and Steve (as well as Basil);

Thanks for all the info. Can anyone recommend a manual or literature with detailed information as to disassembly and reassembly as this car is in parts? Also, where would I find the factory exterior/interior color information? I'll have to check out Jag-Lovers.

The other thing is what's the availability and ballpark price on a right front fender? The one I have has been badly repaired and looks like swiss cheese. Can anyone tell me if there's old stock or used stock available and where would I look (phone numbers, if possible)?

I'm a sheet metal and paint guy. I've been doing that kind of work 30+ years. I would much prefer original steel rather than after-market. I have restored many muscle cars and street rods. I know that old stock is better than remanufactured parts. Are there any original parts available?

Call me if you have any leads for me. As I mentioned in the first thread,I would appreciate phone numbers to talk to someone in person because I'm pretty much computer illiterate and it's actually my fiance who is helping me out with all of this. I prefer talking on the phone-I'm old school and I hate computers.

shop (410) 287-5742 (day)
business (410) 287-5100 (leave a message with Kirsten or Tom)(day)
home (610) 384-1891 (evening or anytime)

If I'm not either place, please leave a message and I will return your call.

I appreciate all the help because I want to do this right!

Larry
 
Welcome, Larry, but you really need to post specific questions over on the Jaguar forum to get proper responses to your questions. Lots of knowledge over there, as well as camaraderie.

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Welcome to the Forum!
 
Hello Cooknshine,

Your post is interesting I started my restoration (1967 Daimler Sovereign) as a purist but soon I had to modify my thinking. Got the head off and it was really shot to pieces sourced a couple of correct heads in Breakers Yards but they were worse. Finally decided to fit a XJ 4.2 head to my old Jag 420 it fits and runs well but now I have no concourse entry. (But that speaks volumes for the original engine design 1983 fits a 1967) On rebuild the engine was so tight my refurbished Starter with a new battery would not crank the engine fast enough. Now its got a High Torque Starter works really well but again lost the concourse plot. My view is do the machine justice with with care and respect and it will repay all your efforts with a great ride. As far as interior and leather I opted to stay with original. New carpet and a 'WOOLIES' leather revival kit and its now splendid. Wood was OK and in the main I have left it, but have now acquired a spare dash board (clocks switches and wood). With this I will be experimenting with wood refurbishment.

Concourse costs a bomb but what a thrill if you can afford it see https://www.classicjaguar.com/db.html. That's some restoration, unfortunately not mine. If you put the URL into Google and Search you'll get that site plus plus. Go see and enjoy the Jag.

Best regards

Colin
 
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