Bodyshell bolts

[painter]

I have recently had a check over (and under) my XK8 pre a long journey (which I never made due to findings) and wonder if anybody has info. on the following.
1) The dreaded floor pan now seems to have deteriorated, even though Jag inspections 12 months and 18 months ago found this area to be sound! In order to demonstrate the point they have torn away the outer skin and left a large hole to inner skin.
Is it really necessary to weld this area? my Heath Robinson instincts tend to favour a new plate and pop rivets/waxoil rather than disturb/damage the cill plates (which I believe is necessary to weld these).
2) The chassis fixing bolts (4 No.) securing the body shell to chassis have rusted/deteriorated to the extent of 'possible MOT failure'. This apparently incurs 7-8 hrs labour (total £800.00 ish) and engine/gearbox jacked up to release chassis.
(why didn't they use stainless in these situations?)
Does anybody know of a good Jag. specialist in the West Country. I may be getting neurotic but I feel that Jag. dealerships no longer want old models on the road and service accordingly. I have noticed damage to my car on the last two visits but difficult to prove. Also engine running does not sound as good after last two services.

[BestGear]

I am very sorry to hear of this... and cannot add anything.

If you di dget a chance to take some pictures, I am sure it would be appreciated by everyone - and make an excellent future reference.

Its the first time I have heard of rust in this location.

I compiled a rust guide for the Xk8 a year or so ago, so would add this into the guide.

David

[painter]

Unfortunately I don't have facilities to get close and personal under the car, and rely on the service inspections. I don't even know where these bolts are, but told not uncommon for them to need replacing on older cars. Mine is 96, and purchased in Jersey so salt environment probably hasn't helped. Are there any specialist Jag. workshops in the south west? It would be nice to get an alternative price

[aproctor]

have you thought about contacting David Marks, the JEC guru on all things mechanical, I know Nottingham may be some way away from you, but it is sometimes worth the effort to get the best service.

Alan Proctor

[painter]

Well, took the plunge and left the car with local dealership for 2 weeks whilst on hols to have the MOT, suspension mountings, new rear springs, front brakes, mounting bushes, drivers floor pan, clean off underbody and waxoyl + removal of shopping dents (many) along one side and re spray/laquer. £2,300 later and although the work hadn't been completed when I returned it has now, and far more confident about using in wet conditions. Slowly getting to the point where the car is approaching vgc for the year and encouraged to finish the project.
Failed due to emissions on MOT but the adjustment made seems to have brought the car to life. Far more positive and gear changes when expected, perhaps a leaner mix has improved the set up. (straight through exhaust)
One thing that was a concern, at some point the direction indicator lense had been broken and 'gunged' on. Whilst spraying this was removed and replaced but not seating correctly, and exposes the double skin section behind the front wheel. Inside this looks clean and painted but could not see the bottom welded joint with outer skin (having this checked with fibre optic viewer soon). Does this double skin section have a drain point, or does any water that gets in via the direction indicator sit there and corrode?
Wish I had been there to take some photos as progressed but I am sure most members have seen these bits many times before.
Having solved most of the electrical (ECU/battery) problems I am now beginning to fully appreciate driving this car. The Jag stays - everything else may have to be sold but the Jag stays

[mike020150]

No gain without pain! It's a common car problem. At least you will end up with an XK8 that puts a smile rather than a grimace on your face. Good luck. Mike.