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Whitworth Sockets

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tk421

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Hey all. I'm looking forward to buying a '80s, '90s or maybe early '00s Jag. XJ6, XJ8, XJS. My question is what kind of sockets would I need for the car?

I've read that on a Leyland Jag, you can have Metric, American, and Whitworth bolts on a single car. Realistically, I'm going to end up with a Ford era Jag, from around '85 - 02. Most I can spend is $6000. I'm also going to get an air compresser and socket set. So, does anyone know what kind of bolts were on Jags of this era, or should I get ahold of all three types?

Also, if anyone has any info on Whitworth socket-makers, or has any old Craftsman sockets/wrenches, I'd be appreciative.
 
I don't think any Jaguars ever used Whitworth hardware. I also don't remember any time that Leyland was involved in Jaguar, but I'm not sure of all the history. I have read quite a bit on the XK era as well as many books on XJS. My 94 v12 coupe for sure has both Metric and SAE hardware. For a while, I had to maintain two complete shops, one where I was building my replica and the other at home. I would up with a lot of duplicate sockets, open end wrenches and such. Most of the tools are either Snap-On, Craftsman or Gear-Wrench. I bought used items when I could find good quality or new if I was desperate.
 
Jaguar was part of the Leyland Group with its various names from the late 60s sometime (68?) until spun off in 84 and bought by bought by Ford in '89.

Very early Jaguars, long before the period of your interest, had BSF and Whitworth nuts and bolts. Depending on the car, you'll need Metric and UN (or SAE if you prefer) though there may be the odd one around, carbs or electrical usually, that are old-style threads. Starter solenoids I seem to remember can be strange, for example.
 
Thanks for the info. I was getting nervous when looking at the prices of Whitworth impact sockets. 17 pounds for 1 single socket is a little disturbing.

But the name of a famous British tool maker (King-Dick), was amusing :smile:.

Again, thanks for the info. I can't wait to buy a Jag and then run off to Sears to get tools.
 
Welcome!

Try scrounging flea markets and yard sales for tools. You'll be surprised what winds up in some of those.

As for the Rudge-Whitworth, BSF, etc... not since the late '50's~ early '60's cars. But you will find a combo of metric and SAE, as Roger and Steve have said.
 
Pawn shops are a good source around here, but you have to browse pretty regularly to catch the good stuff when it comes out of pawn.
 
Roger said:
Jaguar was part of the Leyland Group with its various names from the late 60s sometime (68?) until spun off in 84 and bought by bought by Ford in '89.
Click to expand...

Roger,
That time period would include the Series III E-Type, Series I and II, XJ6 as well as the first decade of the XJS. I don't recall any of those cars having any indications of BL on the parts, badges or repair manuals. Were they only under the control of BL or was BL active in the manufacture of Jaguars?
 
equiprx said:
Roger said:
Jaguar was part of the Leyland Group with its various names from the late 60s sometime (68?) until spun off in 84 and bought by bought by Ford in '89.
Click to expand...
Were they only under the control of BL or was BL active in the manufacture of Jaguars?
Click to expand...

I'd love to know this as well. I'd imagine that Jag would be far more in-house than any other BL marque, since it was high-end. I know all the engines and designs were in-house.

I'm not a fan of large conglomerates of car companies. Why do we have to have to have 3 levels of Crown Victoria? I don't see the point of making a Lincoln Town Car, a Crown Vic, and a Mercury Grand Marquis, and it's all the same car.

Atleast designers are growing some testicular fortitude now (Chrysler mostly).
 
I would be looking for a spool of Whitworth thread also :yesnod:
 
Hi There tk421,

"Welcome" to the Wonderful World of LBCs. Best wishes in your quest to find the Whitworth Tools your looking for.

I have to guess you`ve already announced yourself in the "Jaguar Forum".

Have Fun,

Russ
 
I don't believe there was much "cross-pollination" between the various groups in the BLMH empire. What was BMC pretty much stayed that way, so did Standard-Triumph, Jaguar, etc.
There were notable exceptions; the 1500 engine in the Spridget being one that many members here will recognise.
Remember, this was a political merger, initiated by Harold Wilson, chaired by Stokes. May the fires burn hot for them!
 
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