Impressed with jag build quality

[JAGAZ]

I`m totally impressed with my 420 build quality while rebuilding the front sub-frame assembly .After 42 years and 70k it all came apart with no trouble what so ever,more than can be said for my 02 plate chrysler pt cruiser with 48k on the clock ,which has needed every suspension bush to be replaced in the last 12 months and on which many of the bolts have sheared and had to be drilled and re-tapped.The bushes on the jag were still okay but i`m fitting new while i`m repainting it,god i love this car.

[smiffy]

Hi Jagaz
My sentiments entirely, though my car is 'only' a Mk 2 2.4L. My only irritation is rusted split pins and a marginal lack of room in the engine bay. Nice car to work on though, and the 40-odd year old rubber is in pretty good nick.
Best wishes, Dave

[JAGAZ]

No need to say "only" a mk2 240, in my opinion they are as good as any mk2.The engines are sweet and like to have their legs well and truly stretched.I`ve found that the lesser regarded models such as ours are often the more rewarding to drive,and we don`t have to spend a fortune to get one .cheers,Howard.

[stuarthardy]

Hi guys

I love my 420 as well. I've had it 10 years and, unfortunately its laid up now due to tin worm enforced MOT failure. Can't afford time or money to put it right whilst still rebuilding the E-Type. Really missing it, though.

I think the thing with the classic Jaguar's is that they were built in a time when engineering was more basic and things were over-engineered to ensure longevity. Our cars have lots of parts each performing a single function whereas modern cars have much fewer parts carrying a far greater number of tasks and all designed to the absolute minimum acceptable material content.

Did you count the parts when you stripped the front suspension? I can't remember how many it was when I did mine but it was a lot and it cost a fortune to overhaul. Compared to the 12 or so major parts in a Ford Zodiac's Macpherson strut set up its no surprise that you need deep pockets to do one of our cars justice. Its also why the Jaguars with the IRS had the finest ride of all throughout the late 1960's and most of the 1970's.

I make no apologies for not having a 3.8 MOD Mk2. They are wonderful cars and well sorted ones really sparkle on the track but around town they are not as easy to live with as a 420 with PAS. On long hauls the 420 is much more comfortable and can easily keep up with a 3.8 Mk2 on pretty much anything other than B roads.

I guess the Mk2 has the race pedigree and that's what makes the difference. Still, there's room for all of us out there.

Regards
Stuart