The Curfew XJ-S - V12 manual
Discussion
Another quick update....not going to reveal the new car just yet, other than to say its not old and it is yellow.
However, the R-S is starting to look like an R-S again. There has been a huge delay on the new carpet set being delivered (more than double the original estimate, now), and it is in a queue to have some interior trim sorted out before that goes back in.
Been using the Daimler a little, and as ever it just impresses me more and more. Truly love this car.
Went down to Goodwood on the Thursday. I won't post any photos as we've all already seen them. Love the Emira, and would happily own one I think. Also very excited to see the MC20 and the Artura looks pretty special too. Had a nice drive there and back
and followed this lovely little Elise for many miles up the M25/A13. Looked and sounded fantastic.
I went to the second Takona meet in Sawbridgeworth on Sunday. Decided to take the 6.5l XJ-S as I had missed the Wimbledon meet recently. Battery was low, but started up, started driving and knew that the gauge wasn't perking up as it should. Turned round after 5 miles, got half way back and it ran out of power, so had to wait for a spare jump pack to be brought up so I could drive it home. It seems to be an intermittent alternator fault which I suffered last year, and yet it hasn't been a problem recently. That'll be investigated next week, as I would actually like to take it somewhere!
So instead I took the Vantage, and it was actually nice to get it out for a run. Its booked in for a service later this month, and was planning to use it more than that, but it was a good stand in to have, and it reminded me that I do enjoy using it. Also, Frank's first time in it, and I'm not sure he was overly impressed. Lovely meet though, with lots of nice cars and people, so well recommended!
Finally, went over 220,000 miles in the daily XJS at the end of last week, and now on 220,565.
However, the R-S is starting to look like an R-S again. There has been a huge delay on the new carpet set being delivered (more than double the original estimate, now), and it is in a queue to have some interior trim sorted out before that goes back in.
Been using the Daimler a little, and as ever it just impresses me more and more. Truly love this car.
Went down to Goodwood on the Thursday. I won't post any photos as we've all already seen them. Love the Emira, and would happily own one I think. Also very excited to see the MC20 and the Artura looks pretty special too. Had a nice drive there and back
and followed this lovely little Elise for many miles up the M25/A13. Looked and sounded fantastic.I went to the second Takona meet in Sawbridgeworth on Sunday. Decided to take the 6.5l XJ-S as I had missed the Wimbledon meet recently. Battery was low, but started up, started driving and knew that the gauge wasn't perking up as it should. Turned round after 5 miles, got half way back and it ran out of power, so had to wait for a spare jump pack to be brought up so I could drive it home. It seems to be an intermittent alternator fault which I suffered last year, and yet it hasn't been a problem recently. That'll be investigated next week, as I would actually like to take it somewhere!
So instead I took the Vantage, and it was actually nice to get it out for a run. Its booked in for a service later this month, and was planning to use it more than that, but it was a good stand in to have, and it reminded me that I do enjoy using it. Also, Frank's first time in it, and I'm not sure he was overly impressed. Lovely meet though, with lots of nice cars and people, so well recommended!
Finally, went over 220,000 miles in the daily XJS at the end of last week, and now on 220,565.
Haha, as much as that is the temptation for me (the attacking part, as I’m great at disassembly/destruction), I’m sure that this isn’t a financially viable project. The most sensible thing would be to remove the engine and gearbox and scrap the rest.
Me being me though, would like to carefully remove the interior, brace it from the inside as best as is possible, and have it blasted. There is a lot of visible rust as you can see, with the sills and floor pans shot, but it would be nice to be able to salvage it. Just imagine how many hundreds of hours of welding could be in that, and imagine the cost!
Still want to do it
Me being me though, would like to carefully remove the interior, brace it from the inside as best as is possible, and have it blasted. There is a lot of visible rust as you can see, with the sills and floor pans shot, but it would be nice to be able to salvage it. Just imagine how many hundreds of hours of welding could be in that, and imagine the cost!
Still want to do it
I'd love to say I've got the skills to do it all myself! I break things now and again, and I can do minor stuff to get myself out of trouble, but generally I leave it all to one of our very patient workshop guys. It is the benefit of having a workshop that I almost get the best of both worlds. It still costs a lot, but less than it would. Plus it means its easier for me to get under the car with him and have a chat about what needs doing and how I want it done (and he puts up with my crazy ideas such as the one we're about to start on the Curfew Jag). I'd like to think I've got a reasonable amount of knowledge about how everything works and goes together, but just not much practical experience. After all, my favourite tool is a sledgehammer, which isn't much use for restoring cars
Right, so another reasonable sized update..... I'll try and do it chronologically rather than by vehicle.
First up was the first DoL Classics and Cake for a while, and the first time I managed to convince my dad to come, and bring something of his. This old Chevy hasn't been that far in a couple of decades, and we had a couple of issues (mainly due to a loose earth (and Frank having an upset stomach all over my phone)). Lovely to take it, and he really enjoyed it. Well worth considering it for anyone who likes cars, dogs, coffee, pizza, wine etc.
The wheels finally went back on the Curfew Jag, so that it could be moved onto a ramp for the rest of the repairs. It looked very weird for a while
Put the original grille back on the 190e, after painting it as I didn't want it to be quite standard. Took a few tweaks to get it there, but I do like how mean it now looks.
J258 decided it didn't need its manifold gaskets any more, so blew through those so they needed replacing. Also replaced the alternator pulley as it was squeaking and driving me nuts.
The Curfew Jag on a ramp and with its wheel back off, and also the damage that was caused. When the wheel took off, the trailing arm basically ripped out of its mount, which wasn't helped by rust in the area. This has all been cut out and repaired now.
Took the Aston out a bit (mainly to visit my Grandma, as she's needed more help recently). Also used the other yellow car, which she prefers as its pretty.
The 6.5 litre XJ-S has had an intermittent issue of dying as if its not charging. When fully charged it seemed fine, so I 'limped' it into work (whilst my dad did the same with the Chevy), and it turned out that the alternator regulator had given up. Fortunately not heinously expensive and SNG had the parts sorted easily.
The big piece of filler that had been hanging off of the arch on the Curfew Jag for the past year, the one which I had been avoiding pulling off (the arches are mostly filler, its just the way it was built), had a rough repair. Soon to be painted....
There is a bigger plan for modifying the Curfew Jag, mostly centring around the exhaust. The side exits are completely fake, and the real exhaust has been chopped in half, as you can see. It is a bit noisy (which I don't mind), but there is also the worry that exhaust gases can get into the cabin. The idea is to have a full length exhaust, but a hidden one. That will be happening over the coming weeks, as soon as I can find suitable sized back boxes....
The XJR-S is going back together with the bodykit back on, and the windscreens went back in yesterday. The carpet has been delayed time and again, and I'm still waiting for my slot to get the rest of the interior sorted.
Took the Vantage to get serviced. Cambridge really were excellent, and nice and friendly to deal with. Sounds silly, but it has gone a little way to repair how I feel about this particular car and makes me actually want to use it.
Rescued my rustiest, and rarest, XJ-S from where its been left for years. Video above shows how bad it is...
Took the 6.5 litre to the Wimbledon 'Southside' meet (first Sunday of the month at 8.30am for anyone interested), and then on to Duke of London for classics and cake. Love driving this car, and it is just happy doing anything generally, whether pootling around or being thrown down B-roads. Got 18mpg too, which wasn't too bad considering half the mileage was spent in London in 2nd gear.
Getting nearly up to date.... Soapy's engine is all back together after some reasonably serious expenditure with Oneill's Vintage Ford (who have been absolutely great at getting parts out to me and providing useful advice). We've had a gasket set, new head bolts (48 of them at a cost of £150ish!), 2 carb rebuild kits for the Strombergs, a new clutch and associated parts, oil and some other bits and bobs. Really looking forward to hearing it run again, and so hopeful that I'll be able to get it on the road.
Finally, I'm going to the Duke of London hill climb at Shelsley Walsh this weekend. I had hoped to take the Curfew Jag, but that wasn't done. I briefly considered pulling my little 1602 out of storage but thats a silly idea, and so settled on the 6.5 litre XJ-S, which decided to throw its power steering fluid out last night... so thats off the cards. Considering its a classic hill climb both yellow cars are out as they're modern. The 190e I don't trust enough to do the 400+ mile weekend without seriously aggravating me, so its either the Porsche or J258, and I'm still undecided as to which.
First up was the first DoL Classics and Cake for a while, and the first time I managed to convince my dad to come, and bring something of his. This old Chevy hasn't been that far in a couple of decades, and we had a couple of issues (mainly due to a loose earth (and Frank having an upset stomach all over my phone)). Lovely to take it, and he really enjoyed it. Well worth considering it for anyone who likes cars, dogs, coffee, pizza, wine etc.
The wheels finally went back on the Curfew Jag, so that it could be moved onto a ramp for the rest of the repairs. It looked very weird for a while
Put the original grille back on the 190e, after painting it as I didn't want it to be quite standard. Took a few tweaks to get it there, but I do like how mean it now looks.
J258 decided it didn't need its manifold gaskets any more, so blew through those so they needed replacing. Also replaced the alternator pulley as it was squeaking and driving me nuts.
The Curfew Jag on a ramp and with its wheel back off, and also the damage that was caused. When the wheel took off, the trailing arm basically ripped out of its mount, which wasn't helped by rust in the area. This has all been cut out and repaired now.
Took the Aston out a bit (mainly to visit my Grandma, as she's needed more help recently). Also used the other yellow car, which she prefers as its pretty.
The 6.5 litre XJ-S has had an intermittent issue of dying as if its not charging. When fully charged it seemed fine, so I 'limped' it into work (whilst my dad did the same with the Chevy), and it turned out that the alternator regulator had given up. Fortunately not heinously expensive and SNG had the parts sorted easily.
The big piece of filler that had been hanging off of the arch on the Curfew Jag for the past year, the one which I had been avoiding pulling off (the arches are mostly filler, its just the way it was built), had a rough repair. Soon to be painted....
There is a bigger plan for modifying the Curfew Jag, mostly centring around the exhaust. The side exits are completely fake, and the real exhaust has been chopped in half, as you can see. It is a bit noisy (which I don't mind), but there is also the worry that exhaust gases can get into the cabin. The idea is to have a full length exhaust, but a hidden one. That will be happening over the coming weeks, as soon as I can find suitable sized back boxes....
The XJR-S is going back together with the bodykit back on, and the windscreens went back in yesterday. The carpet has been delayed time and again, and I'm still waiting for my slot to get the rest of the interior sorted.
Took the Vantage to get serviced. Cambridge really were excellent, and nice and friendly to deal with. Sounds silly, but it has gone a little way to repair how I feel about this particular car and makes me actually want to use it.
Rescued my rustiest, and rarest, XJ-S from where its been left for years. Video above shows how bad it is...
Took the 6.5 litre to the Wimbledon 'Southside' meet (first Sunday of the month at 8.30am for anyone interested), and then on to Duke of London for classics and cake. Love driving this car, and it is just happy doing anything generally, whether pootling around or being thrown down B-roads. Got 18mpg too, which wasn't too bad considering half the mileage was spent in London in 2nd gear.
Getting nearly up to date.... Soapy's engine is all back together after some reasonably serious expenditure with Oneill's Vintage Ford (who have been absolutely great at getting parts out to me and providing useful advice). We've had a gasket set, new head bolts (48 of them at a cost of £150ish!), 2 carb rebuild kits for the Strombergs, a new clutch and associated parts, oil and some other bits and bobs. Really looking forward to hearing it run again, and so hopeful that I'll be able to get it on the road.
Finally, I'm going to the Duke of London hill climb at Shelsley Walsh this weekend. I had hoped to take the Curfew Jag, but that wasn't done. I briefly considered pulling my little 1602 out of storage but thats a silly idea, and so settled on the 6.5 litre XJ-S, which decided to throw its power steering fluid out last night... so thats off the cards. Considering its a classic hill climb both yellow cars are out as they're modern. The 190e I don't trust enough to do the 400+ mile weekend without seriously aggravating me, so its either the Porsche or J258, and I'm still undecided as to which.
Last weekend (as in not the weekend just gone, the one before that), I was fortunate enough to go along to the Duke of London hill climb weekend at Shelsley Walsh. I'd never done a hill climb, and although I had a bit of an idea of what to expect, it turned out even better.
Things went wrong before I even left, with car plans failing, I ended up on plan D/E which was my old 911. I'd wanted to take the Curfew, but none of the modifications have been done, then I considered my little 1602, but it was blocked in by a dead trailer, and trying to do a 400+ mile weekend in an old car that hasn't been touched for a couple of years probably isn't sensible. I turned to the 6.5L XJ-S and that decided it was the perfect time for the steering rack to leak. I briefly considered taking either of the yellow cars, but both are neither classic nor supercar. The 911 is like an old friend for me, one of the cars I've owned for the longest, spent the most time in, enjoyed the most and find trustworthy. It didn't really get an outing last year (or much the year before), but it was MOTd, serviced and ready to go, with the only issue being what looked like a wet weekend on the cards.
I left early on Saturday morning, as DoL is a couple of hours from me. As it was I ended up getting blown everywhere on the M25, and most of the North Circ felt flooded. However, this car is just fine with a bit of a puddle, so no problems there. I got to DoL slightly later than planned (practically on time), and found very few people there, which left plenty of time for a coffee.
The drive to Shelsley via Daylesford Farm was brilliant, a properly eclectic bunch of cars and people all just enjoying the drive, the scenery and good roads. For quite a large chunk of it we lost almost everyone and just followed a Vantage that was also part of the group and it was just lovely along some really nice roads.
After arrival we were invited to have a look around Morgan's museum and shop, as the new CXT would be joining in the next day. I've never been to Morgan, and though I've always liked the cars I've never really desired to own one. The museum really is a fantastic place to visit though, and I liked the little area for people to have a go and sketch a car. I haven't sketched a car (nor had a desire to), since University killed every design instinct I have (thanks Cov). However, for a little rough sketch I enjoyed this, so thought it worth sharing
The CXT at the museum
After following the CXT and a variety of other very nice cars back to Shelsley I got a chance to sit in the passenger side as it was being moved around for photos, and with that air box in the leather case on the side it sounds absolutely filthy! Major want for one of these, it's just such a bonkers little car, and I hope that Morgan manage to find a way to produce more of them at a more reasonable price.
On the Sunday it was my chance to have a go at the hill climb. I'd been told that there was only one big bend, which turns. out not to be strictly true
and it was even steeper than I had expected. The first run felt smooth, though with room for improvement. The second run wasn't so good. Then, with time for lunch I wasn't too worried about more runs, having that fear of getting carried away. However, a very nice photographer from Type 7 asked me for a passenger ride and that was all the encouragement needed, and it turned out to be the best run of the day for me. The car was absolutely brilliant, and I was adequate. Going up the hill had helped to remind me just why I love this car so much and enjoy driving it. It loves being wrung out and sounds brilliant when you do rev it out. There was another run after that, with another photographer, which was also good fun.
Next three photos are by Andrew Green (@picturecornerwheels on IG)
A couple of the cars from the event...
I didn't rush to leave as I was enjoying talking to people too much, and I left in a very good mood after a great weekend with friends. I can't remember having had a better time for a long time. I got back to the M40, had a pit stop at Oxford Services and left for the rest of the drive eager to get home as I'd heard my niece was about to be born.
I didn't get very much further, as in the outside lane at motorway speeds I heard that dreaded whoop whoop whoop sound of a rapidly deflating tyre... Fortunately the car was perfectly stable and I was able to get over to the hard shoulder and stop safely. It was warm, sunny and with clear views of traffic, so about as low risk as I could hope for for a motorway stop. The only bad thing was that I didn't have any tools, the car has one of those rubbish pop up inflatable spare tyres (which was bolted in), and no compressor, so no wheel change for me. I had snacks though, and a few people from the hill climb stopped to try and help me, which was really nice. I ended up being recovered a couple of hours later by the nearest resource, taken back to Oxford Services and then collected by one of my own guys shortly after who'd left as soon as I'd called. I ended up getting home late, but even a knackered tyre couldn't take the shine off of the weekend, which is still making me smile now.
In other news, we drilled into the arch of the Curfew Jag to see if we could remove any material to stop them scrubbing (they're super thick). If you look in this photo, you can see the hole, the bottom material being plastic, and above that is filler, which is well over 5cm thick in places....
I've also been using the Vantage a bit more....
Things went wrong before I even left, with car plans failing, I ended up on plan D/E which was my old 911. I'd wanted to take the Curfew, but none of the modifications have been done, then I considered my little 1602, but it was blocked in by a dead trailer, and trying to do a 400+ mile weekend in an old car that hasn't been touched for a couple of years probably isn't sensible. I turned to the 6.5L XJ-S and that decided it was the perfect time for the steering rack to leak. I briefly considered taking either of the yellow cars, but both are neither classic nor supercar. The 911 is like an old friend for me, one of the cars I've owned for the longest, spent the most time in, enjoyed the most and find trustworthy. It didn't really get an outing last year (or much the year before), but it was MOTd, serviced and ready to go, with the only issue being what looked like a wet weekend on the cards.
I left early on Saturday morning, as DoL is a couple of hours from me. As it was I ended up getting blown everywhere on the M25, and most of the North Circ felt flooded. However, this car is just fine with a bit of a puddle, so no problems there. I got to DoL slightly later than planned (practically on time), and found very few people there, which left plenty of time for a coffee.
The drive to Shelsley via Daylesford Farm was brilliant, a properly eclectic bunch of cars and people all just enjoying the drive, the scenery and good roads. For quite a large chunk of it we lost almost everyone and just followed a Vantage that was also part of the group and it was just lovely along some really nice roads.
After arrival we were invited to have a look around Morgan's museum and shop, as the new CXT would be joining in the next day. I've never been to Morgan, and though I've always liked the cars I've never really desired to own one. The museum really is a fantastic place to visit though, and I liked the little area for people to have a go and sketch a car. I haven't sketched a car (nor had a desire to), since University killed every design instinct I have (thanks Cov). However, for a little rough sketch I enjoyed this, so thought it worth sharing
The CXT at the museum
After following the CXT and a variety of other very nice cars back to Shelsley I got a chance to sit in the passenger side as it was being moved around for photos, and with that air box in the leather case on the side it sounds absolutely filthy! Major want for one of these, it's just such a bonkers little car, and I hope that Morgan manage to find a way to produce more of them at a more reasonable price.
On the Sunday it was my chance to have a go at the hill climb. I'd been told that there was only one big bend, which turns. out not to be strictly true
and it was even steeper than I had expected. The first run felt smooth, though with room for improvement. The second run wasn't so good. Then, with time for lunch I wasn't too worried about more runs, having that fear of getting carried away. However, a very nice photographer from Type 7 asked me for a passenger ride and that was all the encouragement needed, and it turned out to be the best run of the day for me. The car was absolutely brilliant, and I was adequate. Going up the hill had helped to remind me just why I love this car so much and enjoy driving it. It loves being wrung out and sounds brilliant when you do rev it out. There was another run after that, with another photographer, which was also good fun. Next three photos are by Andrew Green (@picturecornerwheels on IG)
A couple of the cars from the event...
I didn't rush to leave as I was enjoying talking to people too much, and I left in a very good mood after a great weekend with friends. I can't remember having had a better time for a long time. I got back to the M40, had a pit stop at Oxford Services and left for the rest of the drive eager to get home as I'd heard my niece was about to be born.
I didn't get very much further, as in the outside lane at motorway speeds I heard that dreaded whoop whoop whoop sound of a rapidly deflating tyre... Fortunately the car was perfectly stable and I was able to get over to the hard shoulder and stop safely. It was warm, sunny and with clear views of traffic, so about as low risk as I could hope for for a motorway stop. The only bad thing was that I didn't have any tools, the car has one of those rubbish pop up inflatable spare tyres (which was bolted in), and no compressor, so no wheel change for me. I had snacks though, and a few people from the hill climb stopped to try and help me, which was really nice. I ended up being recovered a couple of hours later by the nearest resource, taken back to Oxford Services and then collected by one of my own guys shortly after who'd left as soon as I'd called. I ended up getting home late, but even a knackered tyre couldn't take the shine off of the weekend, which is still making me smile now.
In other news, we drilled into the arch of the Curfew Jag to see if we could remove any material to stop them scrubbing (they're super thick). If you look in this photo, you can see the hole, the bottom material being plastic, and above that is filler, which is well over 5cm thick in places....
I've also been using the Vantage a bit more....
lukeharding said:
There is a bigger plan for modifying the Curfew Jag, mostly centring around the exhaust. The side exits are completely fake, and the real exhaust has been chopped in half, as you can see. It is a bit noisy (which I don't mind), but there is also the worry that exhaust gases can get into the cabin. The idea is to have a full length exhaust, but a hidden one. That will be happening over the coming weeks, as soon as I can find suitable sized back boxes....
I know what you've said about the sills etc, but there must be a way, and I think you're the guy to find that way. Please don't let us down.
Not too much to report....
Soapy is now up and running - with a video to follow soon.
The daily XJS was off the road for a short while with a noisy wheel bearing....took a while to get it in and done, as its been chockablock here
So I've been using the Aston as a daily (Frank hasn't been too impressed). However I've been really enjoying it, surprisingly.
Oh, and I took my new car on a charity run down to Goodwood to support a young guy who has been battling cancer, and is trying to raised money for stem cell transplants. Not sure if the mods will allow me to link to his just giving page though! It was a nice chance to actually use it and bond with it.
Soapy is now up and running - with a video to follow soon.
The daily XJS was off the road for a short while with a noisy wheel bearing....took a while to get it in and done, as its been chockablock here
So I've been using the Aston as a daily (Frank hasn't been too impressed). However I've been really enjoying it, surprisingly.
Oh, and I took my new car on a charity run down to Goodwood to support a young guy who has been battling cancer, and is trying to raised money for stem cell transplants. Not sure if the mods will allow me to link to his just giving page though! It was a nice chance to actually use it and bond with it.
For anyone who wanted to see the video of Soapy running (for the second time post rebuild), here it is. There are some adjustments to be made to the timing and fuelling, but I can't say how happy it made me to see and hear this running for my own eyes. There has been a fair amount of time and expense to get it to this point, but worth it. Soon we'll get it up on the ramp to try and find a chassis number and see what modifications need to be made to make it road legal. Funnily enough my other flathead is also in the workshop at the moment, for a few small jobs so I can take that out and use it a little, though it is a very different car!
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