1975 Jaguar XJ Coupe 6.0 V12

[CharlesdeGaulle]

A breakers will have them; 'Just XJS' or someone similar. Can't do links from work, but they're readily searchable.

[craigjm]

Mailed him cheers cdg

[craigjm]

The long awaited day has arrived.... Off to XJ Restorations in Eastbourne for work to begin. Will keep this thread updated with pics and progress

[craigjm]

The story finally begins....

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Very exciting. Do keep us updated with progress.

[craigjm]

Will do. XJ Restorations will have it on their Facebook page too

[craigjm]

Work begins and immediately we find a bodge as the paint is stripped from the rear panels. The wheel arch conversion was done very poorly.....





Pics are of the drivers side so we can assume the passenger side is just as bad. Such poor workmanship and a previous owner paid good money for it.

[C.A.R.]

Is it definitely going to be black then? Sorry if I missed the critical post stating so!

I've always liked Jaguar 'Monza Red' as per the XJ220 shots. Nice deep colour which I think would really suit a classic shape.

[craigjm]

It is yeah its going to be Obsidian Black Metallic. Thats if there is any of it left once all the paint is off

I like that colour on the XJ220s too

[craigjm]

[TooMany2cvs]

craigjm said:

Old Jag in "rotten and bodged" shock.

[skeeterm5]

Is the state of the car worse than you thought when you bought it or did you have a good idea about the state?

S

[craigjm]

I was expecting something because its an old Jag but not to this extent. Still just means the project has to be prioritised and I may not be able to do everything in one go. Lets get it structurally perfect and painted and go from there.

[HaylingJag]

sh*tter Craig,
i know thats a heartbreaker. Mine was the same when we started to open that up but you have to go with it and get it structually sound so it will still be around in another 40 years. Good luck with the build, i will be keeping my eye on this,

Darren

[craigjm]

Cheers Darren, it wasn't unexpected but puts me a couple of grand over budget but you're right get it right now and it will be around for many more years to come. It is nearly 41 years old after all. Its just a shame a previous owner was fleeced by £2700 according to the records for the terrible rear arch conversion.

[anonymous-user]

Hang in there feller, it's about this time you start to get that feeling ... 'should I cut my losses?', but as you said the car is 41 years old and plenty of other 41 year old cars will be worse off than this one. Keep the faith and save her.... this is going to be the best car on Pistonheads in my book! If all else fails crowdfund the resto

[craigjm]

Well in the next few days all of the horrors will be uncovered. After that it will be pretty much plain sailing. Might jst have to prioritise some of the upgrades or loan the money and say **** it you only live once. We will see.

They are extremely rare for a reason

[craigjm]

Off to the trimmers

[Jim AK]

TooMany2cvs said:

Old Jag in "rotten and bodged" shock.

Love the enthusiasm!

Good luck OP. The car will be something else when done.

I'd be down the 'Live once' route, even though I can already hear SWMBO saying the opposite!!

FWIW I did the same with an early 20th century boat & although I did manage it without debt it took too long to complete.

No SWMBO then either....... Probably why too!!

[craigjm]

At least the roof isnt three tonnes of filler