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Hello Lads
I have just bought a 1997 Titanium xk8 with paramount refinements and am totally new to the JEC and this forum!
Just having new cam tensioning chains done by west riding jaguar and they're giving her the once over for water pump, gearbox etc.
I am happy with the car but looking on the side of preventative maintenance as a precaution. She has done 73,000 gen miles and backed up with jag md history. My only problem so far is an annoying rattle on passenger door and the aerial not extending / retracting fully.
I would be interested to hear any pointers from youy guys about what to be wary of and any other probs encountered
Regards Stu K

Welcome Stuart

Sounds like a nice XK you've found, how about some pics?

You might want to get the wishbone bushes checked as these do wear and affect ride quality.

The aerial may need to be replaced, (had that done recently as well), or you can try to clean it carefully using WD40 in an upward motion.

Sorry can't help with the door rattle

Stu.
You can buy a new replacement (telescopic part) aerial on E-bay for about 20 UKP. I've just had to change my second one(!) due to brain-failure / low garage door. It takes about 8 minutes to swap if you follow the instructions. (Although I did have to dress the lower male fitting a tad to get it to slide into the housing). However, as Sharfrs2 states - a wipe with WD40 may well do the trick.
I also agree with his comments regarding the front suspension bushes. Mine were badly worn AND rusted in.

The door trim can be removed without too much difficulty especially if you can get away with peering in with just the top pulled away. (I found 20 pence in mine - paid for the broken connector feeding the mirror!).

Good luck - and do try to curb the urge to grin at your reflection in shop windows...
Michael

and do try to curb the urge to grin at your reflection in shop windows...


But that's the best bit about ownership

Being stuck in traffic and suddenly seeing your car reflected in a shop window

You don't need to see your reflection to get the grin satisfaction , just driving the XK gives you that

Hi Stuart, welcome to the forum. Join the happy band of grinners . You'll find a new level of car ownership experience - as they say in modern jargon. Enjoy

Hi Everyone
Thanks for all your helpful replies, i have noticed that my aerial is not fully extending and will have a crack at this job myself.
As regards other work i've just had the cam tensioning chains, and door rattle sorted at West Riding Jaguar, the lads are also to replace the bottom ball joint and are pricing up a stainless exhaust from David Manners.
All in all mucho expense but terribly big cheesy grin factor!!!

Hi Stuart,
Be warned that if brisk cornering feeds your grin, bottom ball joints will be regular replacement items. They will last just a touch longer than a set of tyres.
Mike.