Tad late - hmmm - define tad ...

[garfield915]

So I joined here a year ago - yeh you heard a year ago - wasn't aware of these forums.

Anyhow I have two Jaguars. A 1987 XJS Coupe V12 and a 2008 SV8 (crazy rare) which I've owned for many years, the XJS only a year.

When I got the XJS I thought it would be a simple resurrection - change some fluids, hoses etc, alas such was the extent of my ignorance.

So whilst resurrecting I found corrosion on the inner wings, those that know these cars will know where that went. So far I've replaced the front subframe and also repaired not only the inner front wings but the damper turrets.

So far I'm about to remove the engine because bolts broke in the thermostat housings and associated water rails / supports - the seals in them were rock hard and one of them actually broke - it didn't flex or bend it broke.

To anyone coming here seeking wisdom for resurrecting an old Jaguar - I offer only this - make sure your bank account is significantly positive, that you can tolerate challenge, don't expect to get away with putting nothing in, putting an old Jaguar back into roadworthy condition will cost a LOT of money and challenge your willpower, resourcefulness and patience to new levels. I have burned an amount of hours, spent as much on tools as I did the car itself and every simple job simply leads to another spend and even more hours - don't expect waking up a cat to be simple or straightforward, if you want details drop me a line.

So anyhow I'm here - and introducing myself - albeit a bit on the tardy side.

[davidr]

Hello and welcome! Better late than never!
It sounds like you have an interesting story to tell so please share some pictures and your experiences.
Yes you're right about the time, sweat, blood and tears required to bring one of these cars back to life - not to mention the investment! Many of us on here have that experience but, far from being scarred by it we have gone on to do it again.
It will be worth it. There is no other experience like sitting behind a well-sorted V12.
Keep us posted. You will find knowledge, help, encouragement and moral support here!
Best wishes
David Randall

[petermallett308]

Yes I've heard the stories. My XJS needs some work but I'm waiting for the winter, however I have budgeted for disappointment. On the plus side, I tend to drive it just for the sake of it. Keep looking for places to go.

[garfield915]

I tend to do my scale models in winter, I struggle with arthritis and that just ain't no fun at all when the hands get cold, hell it ain't no fun when they aren't.

I swore when I got this car that I wasn't going to end up with another collection of car parts, that it was going to be a rolling refurb, so much for that - it hasn't had wheels for the last 9 months ...