XJR 350 Portfolio Wheels/Brakes Advice Please

[jonny finance]

Had a Jag itch that is getting scratched have done a deal on a nice low mileage car. Looked at a few 4.2 XJR's with most of the 2003 to 2005 cars I viewed having the usual blister reactions which mostly seemed to be at the rear??
Upped the budget and picking up a 2006/2007 Portfolio car with low miles, whilst the panels and bodywork appear very good the alloys are knackered and will need refurbing..

The wheels are the 20" Callisto which seem soft as hell and have blisters all over them. The finish is similar to the E39 M5 rim which was finished in a satin chrome alloy look which I had great difficulty getting refurbished obtaining the correct finish..

Has anyone got any recommendations ref a good restorer with this particular alloy in mind? Looking for a perfect job..

Also the brake calipers looked a little 'bare' with just a metal alloy finish. Not sure but I recall the other cars I looked at (2003-2005) having a painted finish?? even though the Brembo brake is used throughout did they have different calipers on the later cars or maybe the Portfolio in particular. Have searched the web for a close up but no joy!!

many thanks

[Jaguar steve]

Any more on the blister reactions you mentioned? - this seems to be a X350 problem which I'm trying to find out more about.

[jonny finance]

Jaguar steve said:

Any more on the blister reactions you mentioned? - this seems to be a X350 problem which I'm trying to find out more about.

I at first considered the X350 'right up my street' - 400bhp, stunning looks mixing traditional with modern etc and also being made from aluminium.

I then was somewhat shocked to find most of the cars around the 2003 - 2005 with seemingly reaction marks ranging from tiny star shaped micro blisters upto downright large bubbly scabs with the paint literally coming away!!

There seems no one place where this reaction takes place but the bootlid does appear popular! - Also seen it on the doors, pillars, rear windscreen surround and also rear panels. Odd but nothing up front..

I am personally now in the X350 reaction spotting club and can't help having a look if I see one parked up etc..

As mentioned have found a nice car registered Dec 2006 with no marks present. The wheels however are a different story, the lacquer blistering is not surprising though as the previous owner does seem to have had a fondness with the pavements!!

[Dodgey_Rog]

Just picked up a 2006 XJR, the wheels are fine, although the calipers are looking slightly tatty with corrosion. Thought about having them tarted up so they look neater through the Callisto's.

Thought about Racing Green calipers with the XJ in Silver and the R in Red? Would look understated and not too loud, i've ignored the people who suggested we have them done in Red or Yellow, its a Jag FFS!!!

Interested to learn more about the corrosion on the wheels though, I'll watch this space and read the warranty doc too.....