hidden rot

[painter]

I recently took my 96 XK8 into Newton Abbot Jag. specialists (S&P autos) to investigate a vibration @ 70mph. Whilst there I asked them to remove the front wheel arch covers/inspect and waxoyl. As the car is in very good condition I had no reason to expect a problem. The following sequence of photographs indicates what they found around the subframe support and passenger side footwell. Unfortunately they did not take photos of the repair work but all was welded up and waxoyled on completion. Will send these in groups of three as max. attachments. Also found the bonded suspension bush each side was split, and the throttle only opening halfway so sluggish performance. Drive and performance have been transformed. Vibration was much reduced but to eliminate means new diff. so will have to wait for that one.

[painter]

more photos

[painter]

and more tin worm

[painter]

and yet more

[painter]

and the last three!
Whilst there I also saw a 2003 model XK8 with the same problem. Worth getting those wheel arch covers off if you haven't already and take a deep breath before inspection. Very pleased with the work carried out and will be returning to S&P for some final work before the car is A1.
(sorry for such a long post)

[mike020150]

Thanks for some good pics of the high risk rot issues on any XK8. The subframe mounts are a failure issue which owners often overlook when trying to solve vibration problems. Good luck with your diff repairs. No doubt the car will feel fantastic once you've got it running smoothly again. Mike.

[dennisv8]

A similar problem for me with my 1999 xk8 which I thought was in very good condition apart from some minor bubbles of rust around the rear wheel arches. Booked it into Spraytech in Penryn, Cornwall ( they had been recommended by the independent Jag specialist I use for mechanical work ) and the next day they rang me, saying I had better go and have a look at what they had uncovered. When I saw the extent of the rot I was horrified, the rear sub frame mountings were almost rusted out which probably explains the vibration I was getting from the rear. A previous repair of the wheel arches was a completely botched job with pieces of metal just glued in place ( this was done before I owned the car ) There was also corrosion all along the inner sills, seat mounting and seat belt mounting points. The garage couldn't see why the car had passed it's MOT last year as it was in a dangerous condition and rust to that extent couldn't have occurred in 11 months. The upshot is that what I thought would be minor body work has turned into a £3500 job, ouch !

[mike020150]

Much sympathy for the pain in your wallet. Yet again, it does show how careful anyone has to be when buying cars of this age. Mike.

[painter]

Hello DennisV8,
very expensive find, but better found by Spraytech than on the motorway. (Independent wouldn't be G & D motors by any chance? if so worthy of a plug if permissible as great service and has the expertise to work on these old treasures). I imagine these old XK8s must be getting a bit thin on the ground (I don't mean rust) and parts are becoming difficult to find. Most that are left will be around because properly maintained, at great cost, so even now still in good condition. May be worth starting a pool of second hand parts by local owners to provide some confidence for the future. Mine is 1996 and has had quite a lot of bodywork renovation, a new engine, 2nd gearbox rebuild, new aircon compressor/condenser, wiring looms, wing mirror motors, springs and shocks, brake calipers, rear half shafts, V mounts, bushes etc.. etc.. and I still have to fit a new diff. and get the rear bumper assembly mounts sorted and at some stage a respray. Still love driving it though and very little compares.

[oldtimer]

This corrosion problem has been forever thus.

I've often dreamed of a sheep dip full of Wax Oil that one could slowly drive through.

Now there's a thought!

[painter]

or perhaps pay somebody to drive it through!

[dennisv8]

Hi Painter,
The independent is indeed G & D motors in Falmouth and I'm more than happy to give them a plug. Greg is always very helpful and really knows his stuff. Went to look at my XK at Spraytech yesterday and they have the rear subframe out and all the interior so they can do the welding underneath. They are having to fabricate many pieces to weld on and seem to be doing a fantastic job. I have managed to source a 1999 XK being broken ( it's done 60,000 miles ) so I have bought the gearbox and am having it shipped to G & D so Greg can fit it to mine when the bodywork is finished as mine has done 138,000 miles and is on it's last legs - I get a very heavy jolt when pulling away. I know I am taking a chance with a second hand gearbox but after forking out all that dosh on the bodywork I just can't afford a recon unit at the moment. Fingers crossed it will be ok.

[Tonyinmeva]

My 1999 xk8 has an advisory on mot regarding corrosion on the front chassis member which runs under the radiator. does anyone know if you can buy a replacement part to weld in, ?
thanks Tony

[mike020150]

Not that it helps much but I'm afraid that Jaguar no longer appears to list an under radiator cross member. Mike.

[painter]

Try XJK, they sometimes are able to source good items from local breakers, not all XK8s corrode in the same areas (although most do at the same rate)