Just bought an Interceptor, needs some work
Discussion
HI,
As per title, its a Jensen interceptor ii, and whilst I have not driven it or even seen it yet ( im in the USA and the car is still in England), im lining up the known jobs/issues that the garage advised would be required to be done in order to make it fully roadworthy and quoted costs so if i wish i could have it all fixed before I import it over to the US if I wished, and had the funds..
Im trying to weigh up whats worth taking advantage of whilst its in England and what I can do in the US myself. Given the car wont be on the road until spring for me (due to too much salt on the roads in the US over winter) I will have 4 or so months to work on it myself once i get it, add to the fact that after purchase, import and taxes id really like to save some cash, plus i would rather learn and do jobs myself in general but...
Ill list the jobs, the quote to fix, and I would love someone to opinion if its a horrid job/ specialist tool required so let them do it for the money, or if its ok/may take time but fully doable from home, also take into consideration if the parts are generic and should be able to be sourced in US or if they have to come from Jensen/ Martin Robey only, in which case id need the hassle and costs of importing those parts over.
Finally also happy to hear opinions on the choices when doing the work and if upgrades at this point makes sense (note im not a 'it must be exactly the same as it came out of the showroom' type of guy, im happy for positive modern upgrades to the car, especially mechanical upgrades….
Brakes
Garage, all calipers renovated, all brake lines replaced, brake servo and master cylinder renovated as well as hand brake stripped and brake pads replaced. Labour 56 hours @ 95 ph plus VAT) plus around GBP1,250 in parts.
So It requires a full brake system overhaul, is it better to simply replace the calipers with Fossey ones rather than renovate, how well does it stop with stock V the upgraded vented disks and alloy calipers? Is the move up to 17ich wheels for the beast size brakes to fit worth while (im 50.50 on the 17incher wheels, prefer to decide and get them later but this may force an earlier purchase if im redoing the brakes now and the large ones really make an important difference in stopping power)
Is there anything else you would change whilst doing this job/ take advantage whilst the brakes and other bits are not attached?
DIY or pay? (im rather hoping DIY doable on this one!)
Steering
Steering coupler, quoted 2 hours labor for this and just 25GBP for the item, not much to add other than , is it a painful 2hours with special equipment or simple home garage job?
Suspension
Top and bottom bushes and prescollon washers, 20hours plus 85GBP in parts
I assume poly is much better on bushes, 20 hours seems a lot but what do I know!
Is it worth doing more suspension change over given the time it takes I assume to strip down?
Fuel line
Reroute, lag and fit heat sleeves on fuel line, 8 hours plus 400 for parts
So would be over 1200 USD but might be worth the pros look at this one due to the danger setting fire to the car when its hot if I cock it up!
Silencer
Replace front silencer mount and silencer rubber mounts 10 hours GBP60parts
One final piece, the headliner, it currently has a custom one which sits too low and id prefer to put the original back in, they have not quoted that , anyone renewed it before, ordinarily these things are a pain as I understand it, I assume the Jensen one is the same? Or again, fully DIY doable with some patience or pay and not get the pain?
Long text I know, hoping an interceptor enthusiast has read it and can give some guidance, re my ability for DIY, limited proven in practice, but with forums, youtube and determination im not too fazed, It helps my neighbors are also car mad self mechanics, that said, if something is REALLY tricky, then it might be worth me paying for that bit to be done. But to be clear, im a doer (designed and project managed the build of my house with zero experience, fully remodeled the current one myself with the same experience
As per title, its a Jensen interceptor ii, and whilst I have not driven it or even seen it yet ( im in the USA and the car is still in England), im lining up the known jobs/issues that the garage advised would be required to be done in order to make it fully roadworthy and quoted costs so if i wish i could have it all fixed before I import it over to the US if I wished, and had the funds..
Im trying to weigh up whats worth taking advantage of whilst its in England and what I can do in the US myself. Given the car wont be on the road until spring for me (due to too much salt on the roads in the US over winter) I will have 4 or so months to work on it myself once i get it, add to the fact that after purchase, import and taxes id really like to save some cash, plus i would rather learn and do jobs myself in general but...
Ill list the jobs, the quote to fix, and I would love someone to opinion if its a horrid job/ specialist tool required so let them do it for the money, or if its ok/may take time but fully doable from home, also take into consideration if the parts are generic and should be able to be sourced in US or if they have to come from Jensen/ Martin Robey only, in which case id need the hassle and costs of importing those parts over.
Finally also happy to hear opinions on the choices when doing the work and if upgrades at this point makes sense (note im not a 'it must be exactly the same as it came out of the showroom' type of guy, im happy for positive modern upgrades to the car, especially mechanical upgrades….
Brakes
Garage, all calipers renovated, all brake lines replaced, brake servo and master cylinder renovated as well as hand brake stripped and brake pads replaced. Labour 56 hours @ 95 ph plus VAT) plus around GBP1,250 in parts.
So It requires a full brake system overhaul, is it better to simply replace the calipers with Fossey ones rather than renovate, how well does it stop with stock V the upgraded vented disks and alloy calipers? Is the move up to 17ich wheels for the beast size brakes to fit worth while (im 50.50 on the 17incher wheels, prefer to decide and get them later but this may force an earlier purchase if im redoing the brakes now and the large ones really make an important difference in stopping power)
Is there anything else you would change whilst doing this job/ take advantage whilst the brakes and other bits are not attached?
DIY or pay? (im rather hoping DIY doable on this one!)
Steering
Steering coupler, quoted 2 hours labor for this and just 25GBP for the item, not much to add other than , is it a painful 2hours with special equipment or simple home garage job?
Suspension
Top and bottom bushes and prescollon washers, 20hours plus 85GBP in parts
I assume poly is much better on bushes, 20 hours seems a lot but what do I know!
Is it worth doing more suspension change over given the time it takes I assume to strip down?
Fuel line
Reroute, lag and fit heat sleeves on fuel line, 8 hours plus 400 for parts
So would be over 1200 USD but might be worth the pros look at this one due to the danger setting fire to the car when its hot if I cock it up!
Silencer
Replace front silencer mount and silencer rubber mounts 10 hours GBP60parts
One final piece, the headliner, it currently has a custom one which sits too low and id prefer to put the original back in, they have not quoted that , anyone renewed it before, ordinarily these things are a pain as I understand it, I assume the Jensen one is the same? Or again, fully DIY doable with some patience or pay and not get the pain?
Long text I know, hoping an interceptor enthusiast has read it and can give some guidance, re my ability for DIY, limited proven in practice, but with forums, youtube and determination im not too fazed, It helps my neighbors are also car mad self mechanics, that said, if something is REALLY tricky, then it might be worth me paying for that bit to be done. But to be clear, im a doer (designed and project managed the build of my house with zero experience, fully remodeled the current one myself with the same experience
All those faults are of minor inconvenience; your biggest (and most expensive) problem will be rust! The Interceptor is very prone to corrosion and given the nature of the beast it is very time consuming for body and chassis repairs. Body panels never fitted even when the factory were fitting them; each need to be fettled with skill or the finished product looks awful to the trained eye.
Edited to add that I’ve obviously no idea who is supplying you those hours and parts prices, but much of it looks pure fantasy. If you are capable of doing relatively straightforward jobs yourself then do that.
Edited to add that I’ve obviously no idea who is supplying you those hours and parts prices, but much of it looks pure fantasy. If you are capable of doing relatively straightforward jobs yourself then do that.
Edited by FlyVintage on Thursday 30th October 20:17
Budget $50k-100k for the bodywork, depending on what standard of work you'd like. If you're unlucky, it'll cost more.
Yes, ancillary components are reasonable, but they're prone to overheating so the cooling system needs an upgrade too.
It'll be an awesome project if you can afford it - a unique example of Italian style, American muscle and British optimism!
Yes, ancillary components are reasonable, but they're prone to overheating so the cooling system needs an upgrade too.
It'll be an awesome project if you can afford it - a unique example of Italian style, American muscle and British optimism!
Peeping Turtle said:
Brakes
Garage, all calipers renovated, all brake lines replaced, brake servo and master cylinder renovated as well as hand brake stripped and brake pads replaced. Labour 56 hours @ 95 ph plus VAT) plus around GBP1,250 in parts.
This is a ridiculous price, labour-wise. £5320 labour! Parts price seems about right. I would not spend that sort of money on a standard system, the standard brakes are OK if you drive gently, but it's a very heavy car. As you say yourself, spend the money on a brake upgrade with the 17" wheels. The 17" wheels are great, give you a great choice of modern tyres, and hardly look any different from the 15" originals. But of course, if yours is a Mk 2, then you may wish to stay with the original Rostyles, which look very classy.Garage, all calipers renovated, all brake lines replaced, brake servo and master cylinder renovated as well as hand brake stripped and brake pads replaced. Labour 56 hours @ 95 ph plus VAT) plus around GBP1,250 in parts.
Peeping Turtle said:
Steering coupler, quoted 2 hours labor for this and just 25GBP for the item, not much to add other than , is it a painful 2hours with special equipment or simple home garage job?
The steering column uni-joint is a bit fiddly, but you can do it yourself. But personally, I'd pay the two hours labour and 25-quid part.Peeping Turtle said:
Top and bottom bushes and prescollon washers, 20hours plus 85GBP in parts
I assume poly is much better on bushes, 20 hours seems a lot but what do I know!
Is it worth doing more suspension change over given the time it takes I assume to strip down?
Yes, I'd get new dampers fitted and top and bottom ball joints. It "should" only add the parts cost, as they will be removing these items to do the wishbone bushes anyway. You may want to fit new front springs as well, but (unlike modern cars), these old springs last forever, and new springs will affect the front ride height (make it higher), which is not a good look. The Prescollan washers are added to each side of the wishbone bushes, and add to the NVH refinement. But they are probably missing now, or broken/cracked, so it's a job that will need doing.I assume poly is much better on bushes, 20 hours seems a lot but what do I know!
Is it worth doing more suspension change over given the time it takes I assume to strip down?
Peeping Turtle said:
Fuel line: Reroute, lag and fit heat sleeves on fuel line, 8 hours plus 400 for parts
Labour charge is "about" right (I'd probably quote 6 hours), but what is the £400 in parts for?Peeping Turtle said:
Silencer: Replace front silencer mount and silencer rubber mounts 10 hours GBP60parts
No. The two silencers are suspended on mounts above. 3 hours max.Peeping Turtle said:
One final piece, the headliner, it currently has a custom one which sits too low and id prefer to put the original back in, they have not quoted that , anyone renewed it before, ordinarily these things are a pain as I understand it, I assume the Jensen one is the same? Or again, fully DIY doable with some patience or pay and not get the pain?
Get this done by a trimmer in the US. It's easy enough, just a sewn, quilted vinyl with foam backing glued directly onto the roof panel.As has been mentioned above, rust is your main problem. Find out from the sellers any body-restoration history. The biggest issue is the big, hefty chassis side-members which fit behind the cosmetic steel outer sills, which are in turn covered by the outer stainless-steel sill covers. Remember, the Interceptor basically has a separate chassis (as the GRP-bodied C-V8) with a fully-welded steel body on top of it. These side-members are an important part of this separate chassis, and tie the front and rear bulkheads together and offer massive side crash protection. They rust very badly but are largely hidden. It can cost £10K to get these replaced with the resulting outer body repair and paintwork which is also required to actually get at the side-members.
To conclude, there were more Interceptors exported to the US than were ever sold in the UK. Plenty of good ones over there, less rust problems, and LHD! At least, engine and gearbox-wise, you will be well covered in the US.
Elderly said:
When you import it into the USA, will there be a high percentage tariff imposed?
If so, wouldn t it be financially much better to have the work done once the car is in the US?
You would not be paying a tariff on the car s value added by the UK labour costs?
Yes, I was thinking that as well plus is there's a problem with any work you cannot return it for rectification. Mechanical bits should be easy for a good american workshop. Keep us posted.If so, wouldn t it be financially much better to have the work done once the car is in the US?
You would not be paying a tariff on the car s value added by the UK labour costs?
As an aside, with a user name like that shouldn't you have bought a Gordon-Keeble?
Sebring440 said:
To conclude, there were more Interceptors exported to the US than were ever sold in the UK. Plenty of good ones over there, less rust problems, and LHD! At least, engine and gearbox-wise, you will be well covered in the US.
Indeed.Slightly perplexed that OP is importing, what I presume is a RHD Interceptor to the US, when there are plenty over there, and likely in many cases can be sourced from a dry state......unless living in USA is not a permanent case, and OP intends bringing car back to UK when he/she returns to UK?
aeropilot said:
Indeed.
Slightly perplexed that OP is importing, what I presume is a RHD Interceptor to the US, when there are plenty over there, and likely in many cases can be sourced from a dry state......unless living in USA is not a permanent case, and OP intends bringing car back to UK when he/she returns to UK?
Indeed, Interceptor prices in the USA are not high, see https://bringatrailer.com/jensen/interceptor/Slightly perplexed that OP is importing, what I presume is a RHD Interceptor to the US, when there are plenty over there, and likely in many cases can be sourced from a dry state......unless living in USA is not a permanent case, and OP intends bringing car back to UK when he/she returns to UK?
You are probably underwater on this car even if it was free!
I do a few restorations for customers and some your side of the pond who aim to import the car back over to Canada once completed.
I think the labour you have been quoted is, quite frankly profiteering. That is a high rate and they are quoting very high labour times. A week and a half to strip and replace the brake components.... I'd loose my job if I did that!
I think you need to re evaluate and find someone else. You'd easily save the cost of a trip over to arrange another restorer to do the job.
These are lovely cars but don't loose your shirt over it.
Ben
I think the labour you have been quoted is, quite frankly profiteering. That is a high rate and they are quoting very high labour times. A week and a half to strip and replace the brake components.... I'd loose my job if I did that!
I think you need to re evaluate and find someone else. You'd easily save the cost of a trip over to arrange another restorer to do the job.
These are lovely cars but don't loose your shirt over it.
Ben
I have worked on these lovely old motors, for Rejen then Jenson Service so have driven and worked on a few. Some good advice above, imo the best “upgrade” you can do is replace the suspension, poly bush all round and fit new rear leaf’s which if original will be sagged, as mentioned front coils normally ok.
Once done, and all else is up together, they are a surprisingly nice car to drive, having driven period Astons and Jags, the Interceptor, IMO of course, is a much nicer drive, MPG not great though!
Obviously, RUST is the major factor if doable on a sensible budget.
Enjoy
Once done, and all else is up together, they are a surprisingly nice car to drive, having driven period Astons and Jags, the Interceptor, IMO of course, is a much nicer drive, MPG not great though!
Obviously, RUST is the major factor if doable on a sensible budget.
Enjoy
First of all want to say thanks for all the helpful answers on here, I will wait for the car to be delivered home then embark on understanding brakes and suspension changes using these tips as a start.
Thanks Seebring440 , ill take that advise and get then to sort that steering column part
As to other speculation on ever its worth while or not, partly I don't have an answer until its been imported as certainly its a risk, but the car has had a full body and interior renovation in 2016. Mechanically seems to have been left original.
This is the precise condition I would like to get an interceptor (well fully restored with 100k thrown in it would be nice but I don't have the funds for one of those even taking the owners loss into consideration) I can (or attempt to) do something mechanically(especially as im in the US where the engine and drive train are common), but body work on these would be beyond my confidence and im not going to be sowing leather seats together either.
Once I have her in the garage ill do a once over and let you know...
Thanks Seebring440 , ill take that advise and get then to sort that steering column part
As to other speculation on ever its worth while or not, partly I don't have an answer until its been imported as certainly its a risk, but the car has had a full body and interior renovation in 2016. Mechanically seems to have been left original.
This is the precise condition I would like to get an interceptor (well fully restored with 100k thrown in it would be nice but I don't have the funds for one of those even taking the owners loss into consideration) I can (or attempt to) do something mechanically(especially as im in the US where the engine and drive train are common), but body work on these would be beyond my confidence and im not going to be sowing leather seats together either.
Once I have her in the garage ill do a once over and let you know...
Have a look at joining JOC forum @ https://joc.org.uk/ lots of help to be had there.
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