1973 Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Discussion
Hi folks, been interested in the Interceptor on and off for a few years now and decided it was about time I took the plunge!
Spotted this one for sale not too far away which turned out to be a good solid car, low ownership, older restoration and what I believe to be good potential to develop......
It's a 1973 MkIII J series with the usual 7.2 Chrysler engine and auto box. There's a few recommissioning jobs to do for a fresh MOT including a good general service, change the gearbox sump pan gasket and sort out the manifold to downpipe joint to nearside which needs attention.
Still has the original 8 track fitted (not working) and the interior is very nice with a bit of patina visible......
Really looking forward to getting the car usable and hopefully enjoying a few runs out before the autumn/winter sets in!
The car has had just four long term owners and does seem to have been well cared for if a little under used over the past few years.
Sorry the photos aren't much good, these are just from the original advert but more will follow when I get the car cleaned up and on the road!
Spotted this one for sale not too far away which turned out to be a good solid car, low ownership, older restoration and what I believe to be good potential to develop......
It's a 1973 MkIII J series with the usual 7.2 Chrysler engine and auto box. There's a few recommissioning jobs to do for a fresh MOT including a good general service, change the gearbox sump pan gasket and sort out the manifold to downpipe joint to nearside which needs attention.
Still has the original 8 track fitted (not working) and the interior is very nice with a bit of patina visible......
Really looking forward to getting the car usable and hopefully enjoying a few runs out before the autumn/winter sets in!
The car has had just four long term owners and does seem to have been well cared for if a little under used over the past few years.
Sorry the photos aren't much good, these are just from the original advert but more will follow when I get the car cleaned up and on the road!
Cheers !
One thing that did impress me was the condition of the underside. When I had a good look underneath, I was pleased to see there were no gaping holes, no dodgy welding and not covered in surface rust. Suspension and running gear is clean and painted and floor pans etc sensibly protected without being caked in think underseal.
[url
|https://thumbsnap.com/gCMTZkoB[/url]
Must straighten up that front number plate !
Plenty of scope to use and improve. Ultimately I thought if I don't get myself into an Interceptor now it would most likely never happen with the way process seem to be going!
One thing that did impress me was the condition of the underside. When I had a good look underneath, I was pleased to see there were no gaping holes, no dodgy welding and not covered in surface rust. Suspension and running gear is clean and painted and floor pans etc sensibly protected without being caked in think underseal.
[url
|https://thumbsnap.com/gCMTZkoB[/url]Must straighten up that front number plate !
Plenty of scope to use and improve. Ultimately I thought if I don't get myself into an Interceptor now it would most likely never happen with the way process seem to be going!
Thanks all for the positive comments, I'm enjoying some light tinkering on the car before it goes into trusted local garage for a thorough going over and then straight in for MOT.
However I have drawn up a list and started gathering parts for the following areas which I think either warrant attention now or are regarded as preventive maintenance:
Cooling System
To flush radiator and engine block.
To replace heater hoses x3 and bottom hoses x 2 which look like they are deteriorating
Gearbox
To remove sump pan, check and work mounting flange flat (leaking)
Change gearbox filter.
Refit sump with new gasket
Exhaust
To investigate and cure leak on nearside exhaust manifold / downpipe
Fuel System
To replace inline fuel filter - mounted on underside of car near transmission tunnel
Check carburettor cold start mechanism - choke flaps not closing (shown below to right of image) making cold starts difficult.
Ignition system
To replace spark plugs
(Distributor cap and plug leads recently changed)
Other Servicing
To change engine oil (20/50) and oil filter
To change rocker cover gaskets and generally clean engine block and bay up
Replace air filter element
General check over & MOT
To check over function and condition of brakes / steering / suspension for safety.
To carry out any additional work necessary for MOT and submit for test.
Once completed the project will enter "shakedown" mode which basically means using it, checking it over, using it again and keeping the RAC card handy !
Will update during the repairs phase !
Eddieslofart said:
Looks very familiar, is Jeff Spicer one of the owners, would be from the 80's, long shot ask i know, but he had a white one, and i had a chocolate brown one, fondly christened the turd.
I actually took on a second part time job so i could put fuel in it !
Jeff Spicer not on the list of owners. I have the original build file from Jensen and it was initially owned by a Mr Wilatt of Gloucestershire then a Mr Jenkins, director of a building company in Aberystwyth. Next on the list was a Mr James of Stoke On Trent who I believe was also in the building trade. Prior to me a local Dr owned the car for five years but did very little mileage between MOT's. Plenty of evidence of servicing and maintenance work throughout.I actually took on a second part time job so i could put fuel in it !
However I have drawn up a list and started gathering parts for the following areas which I think either warrant attention now or are regarded as preventive maintenance:
Cooling System
To flush radiator and engine block.
To replace heater hoses x3 and bottom hoses x 2 which look like they are deteriorating
Gearbox
To remove sump pan, check and work mounting flange flat (leaking)
Change gearbox filter.
Refit sump with new gasket
Exhaust
To investigate and cure leak on nearside exhaust manifold / downpipe
Fuel System
To replace inline fuel filter - mounted on underside of car near transmission tunnel
Check carburettor cold start mechanism - choke flaps not closing (shown below to right of image) making cold starts difficult.
Ignition system
To replace spark plugs
(Distributor cap and plug leads recently changed)
Other Servicing
To change engine oil (20/50) and oil filter
To change rocker cover gaskets and generally clean engine block and bay up
Replace air filter element
General check over & MOT
To check over function and condition of brakes / steering / suspension for safety.
To carry out any additional work necessary for MOT and submit for test.
Once completed the project will enter "shakedown" mode which basically means using it, checking it over, using it again and keeping the RAC card handy !
Will update during the repairs phase !
Dr Interceptor said:
Excellent purchase sir, but then I may be slightly biased.
I will find for you the details of a chap based down in Bristol, you can send off your eight track player to him, and not only will it return fully functional, but he'll also convert it to FM.
Anything else you need, I can highly recommend Appleyards for parts - they have pretty much anything you could ever need on the shelf, and it all turns up in the post in the next day.
http://jensen.co.uk/
Any questions also, I'll be happy to help...
Thanks very much for the details on the 8 track repair and conversion. I'd be very interested in FM and also a line in for iPod / iPhone music. That will keep it looking original and those 8 track units certainly look the part !I will find for you the details of a chap based down in Bristol, you can send off your eight track player to him, and not only will it return fully functional, but he'll also convert it to FM.
Anything else you need, I can highly recommend Appleyards for parts - they have pretty much anything you could ever need on the shelf, and it all turns up in the post in the next day.
http://jensen.co.uk/
Any questions also, I'll be happy to help...
Parts wise I appreciate the recommendation. On this occasssion I've used Martin Robeys, I ordered yesterday and the courier has attempted delivery today however I missed them. My car has been in at Appleyards for some servicing and repair work in 2012 and I know they have an excellent reputation.
Just in limbo now waiting for next Tuesday when I am getting the car transported in for work to start and hopefully an MOT and usable car will result!
Andy thanks for the heads up re the carbs. According to the history file it was a secondhand unit fitted back in 2012 by Appleyards when the car was with them for various jobs doing. Will be interesting to see if it's actually possible to get the choke functioning.
I have questioned whether the fuel delivery is adequate and suspected there may be a restriction in the filter (inline mounted under the car) or the mechanical pump is past its best. One ordered a new filter, pump and pushrod in any case so those will be changed.
Most cars even without choke ought to fire up with some careful coaxing but after being stood a few days this will only come to life after half a cupful of fuel is fed into the carb!
I have questioned whether the fuel delivery is adequate and suspected there may be a restriction in the filter (inline mounted under the car) or the mechanical pump is past its best. One ordered a new filter, pump and pushrod in any case so those will be changed.
Most cars even without choke ought to fire up with some careful coaxing but after being stood a few days this will only come to life after half a cupful of fuel is fed into the carb!
Andy-IM said:
It's most likely that the Quadrajet is off something like a smallblock Chevy and parts for those carbs are becoming more of a challenge to obtain. I suspect therefore that your fuel delivery may be down to incorrect jetting for your much larger application. The basic carb has adequate design capacity though at around 750 cfm.
If the above is the case then it may be easier in the long run to consider replacing the carb with something you can maintain more easily (Holley / Edelbrock) though your manifold spread-bore configuration will limit choices unless you replace that too.
Andy
Thanks Andy I'll look into the carb situation and do some research into possible replacements. Would be nice to initially run the car as is and see what performance is like and if I can get the cold start sorted ok....If the above is the case then it may be easier in the long run to consider replacing the carb with something you can maintain more easily (Holley / Edelbrock) though your manifold spread-bore configuration will limit choices unless you replace that too.
Andy
Some progress today......pulled together the spares stash ready for recommissioning works:
En route, certainly attracted some attention from a few passers by, probably thinking its cheaper to have the car moved around on a low loader that keeping it topped up with juice!
Landed and awaiting some fettling to recommission, service and fresh MOT, will keep the thread updated........
List of jobs being worked through and no doubt a few more things will come to light along the way. Done less than 200 miles since last MOT was carried out in July 2016 and there are invoices for a full check and brake overhaul so hopefully not too many skeletons!!
Main objective is getting the car usable and enjoyable.
Considering going down the route of Evans waterless coolant, any thoughts as I've seen there are some who rate the stuff and others not so keen.........
En route, certainly attracted some attention from a few passers by, probably thinking its cheaper to have the car moved around on a low loader that keeping it topped up with juice!
Landed and awaiting some fettling to recommission, service and fresh MOT, will keep the thread updated........
List of jobs being worked through and no doubt a few more things will come to light along the way. Done less than 200 miles since last MOT was carried out in July 2016 and there are invoices for a full check and brake overhaul so hopefully not too many skeletons!!
Main objective is getting the car usable and enjoyable.
Considering going down the route of Evans waterless coolant, any thoughts as I've seen there are some who rate the stuff and others not so keen.........
Edited by bigfella70 on Tuesday 29th August 19:52
sassanach0 said:
Considering going down the route of Evans waterless coolant,.......................why?
Several attributes that seem to be claimed are lower pressure within the system, better cooling, avoidance of corrosion, blah blah........ I'm having the radiator , block and matrix flushed and some desscaler type solution run through to clear as much sediment as possible as the car hasn't done many miles over the last few years and I'm assuming the presence of some sediment within the system.I haven't driven the car properly yet other than on private land around some units so can't comment on effectiveness of the cooling system - other than a few of the hoses need changing and a heater hose gave up last week by coincidence when I ran the car up to normal temp.
I'm not usually a fan of gimmicky type additives and despite some of the claims I have also read that the Evans stuff does not flow as well as water/anti-freeze and does not have the same cooling capacity hence interested to hear any thoughts and experiences with this coolant.
My thoughts are to go with standard water/antifreeze mix but I'm open to opinions either way!
Cheers.
Edited by bigfella70 on Tuesday 29th August 22:17
theadman said:
That would be great, thanks.
Sorry to disrupt the thread! Bigfella, that Interceptor looks pretty cool too. I remember my first (and only) ride in one - magic carpet on steroids!! It just reeled in the horizon with no drama at all. Good luck with the MOT.
Theadman no problem at all you are welcome !Sorry to disrupt the thread! Bigfella, that Interceptor looks pretty cool too. I remember my first (and only) ride in one - magic carpet on steroids!! It just reeled in the horizon with no drama at all. Good luck with the MOT.
Looking forward to reeling in the horizon and think I will give the Evans coolant a miss and stick to normal antifreeze mix.....
sideways man said:
Awesome car, much jealousy from me.
The interceptor was the first car I sat in and used the electric windows, being aged about 10 when they were current. My dad was a mechanic for GKN and the big boss had one as a company car.
Also used to walk past one on the way to school....... I think it belonged to the guy who drove the local coal lorry as they were always parked next to each other.
Great memories there!The interceptor was the first car I sat in and used the electric windows, being aged about 10 when they were current. My dad was a mechanic for GKN and the big boss had one as a company car.
Also used to walk past one on the way to school....... I think it belonged to the guy who drove the local coal lorry as they were always parked next to each other.
My first recollection of electric windows at a similar age was a series 1 Jag XJ6 which belonged to a mate of my dads. He used to keep it alive by tacking offcuts from a washing machine carcass onto the sills and floorpan which were disintegrating as they tended to do in the late 70's!
Whilst the car is being worked on I decided to give the original steering wheel a clean up:
These steering wheels aren't the most attractive or popular but it's good to have the original wheel in case I wanted to "go original".
The current fitment is a wood rimmed Moto-Lita:
Nice wheel however I think I'd prefer a leather rim item which would look more in keeping with the interior. Will see how I get in with the current item once the car's back with me and on the road.
Harald1974 said:
A little late to the party , but here we go :-)
Slightly biased , but I am with BreadVan as the Mark 2 is definitely the best of the bunch . Lowest surviving rate at 213 left in the world ( out of 1218 built ) , 6.3 liter high compression engine without the USA smog stuff fitted resulting in high power output at 335 bhp so properly fast by modern standards . The early production ones ( as mine / 19th Mark 2 produced ) have a lot of styling parts of the Mark 1 .
Mark 2's were also the first with airconditioning ( not a feature in the Mark 1 ) , a feature you can definitely appreciate in hot weather ...
Supersonic Velvet ...
Getting properly special and atm still within reach with 'normal' prices as opposed to its direct contemporary rivals of the time ( Aston DBS , Maserati Ghibli , Lamborghini Islero , Ferrari Daytona ...
You could have had 3 Jaguar E types for the price of an Interceptor in 1969 ...
You only have to look at the celebrity list of former owners to know this car was pretty special even in its time .
The only disadvantage was the fact that it had no motorsport heritage , hence the low prices for years and following neglect by then owners to maintain them properly . This results in the low survival rate for Mark 1 and especially Mark 2's as opposed to say Aston DBS .
But .... prices are climbing upwards very quickly as people find out they are really super cars to drive and reliable if taken care of properly .
I myself had the chance to drive and choose between the Jensen and an Aston DBS ( when prices were not yet silly as per today ) and honestly must say the Jensen was a far better driver . Not even talking about the of the engine which as some might know was a bullet proof Chrysler V8 in the Jensen with spare parts and upgrades galore at normal prices , as opposed to Aston's 'fragile' and exclusive engine ( read : expensive ) parts . Still love the look of the DBS , but can only say it really is a big and heavy car compared to the Jensen .
Jensen was ahead of its game at the time ( see Interceptor FF : the first real 4x4 luxury GT 25 years ahead of Audi with their quattro 'vorsprung durch technik' marketing lie ... ) . Interceptor MK2 had 335 bhp as standard as opposed to 285 bhp for the Aston . And that was in standard trim . You could even get a Jensen SP ( Six Pack ) , a souped up hotrodded version of the Interceptor with factory standard 385 bhp . The fastest saloon money could buy at the time .
And if all this doesn't convince you , wait until you here starting one up with straight through backpipes as mine . Makes my rainy day into a sunny one every time .
Happy to answer your questions .
As already stated join the Jensen forum . It is really a close circle of enthousiasts ; not the usual chit chat club of boy racers . At 43 yrs old I think I am th youngest lad there ;-)
Cheers , Harald
Harald that is one very impressive looking Mk II, thanks for sharing. I agree that the Mk II is highly desirable and interesting to hear your comparison with the AM V8. I missed the boat on those back in 2013/14 when prices went haywire. E.g. a lovely 1978 model in Cumberland Grey for sale privately at 29k, snapped up by an investor and a matter of weeks later was back on the market at 44k.
Slightly biased , but I am with BreadVan as the Mark 2 is definitely the best of the bunch . Lowest surviving rate at 213 left in the world ( out of 1218 built ) , 6.3 liter high compression engine without the USA smog stuff fitted resulting in high power output at 335 bhp so properly fast by modern standards . The early production ones ( as mine / 19th Mark 2 produced ) have a lot of styling parts of the Mark 1 .
Mark 2's were also the first with airconditioning ( not a feature in the Mark 1 ) , a feature you can definitely appreciate in hot weather ...
Supersonic Velvet ...
Getting properly special and atm still within reach with 'normal' prices as opposed to its direct contemporary rivals of the time ( Aston DBS , Maserati Ghibli , Lamborghini Islero , Ferrari Daytona ...
You could have had 3 Jaguar E types for the price of an Interceptor in 1969 ...
You only have to look at the celebrity list of former owners to know this car was pretty special even in its time .
The only disadvantage was the fact that it had no motorsport heritage , hence the low prices for years and following neglect by then owners to maintain them properly . This results in the low survival rate for Mark 1 and especially Mark 2's as opposed to say Aston DBS .
But .... prices are climbing upwards very quickly as people find out they are really super cars to drive and reliable if taken care of properly .
I myself had the chance to drive and choose between the Jensen and an Aston DBS ( when prices were not yet silly as per today ) and honestly must say the Jensen was a far better driver . Not even talking about the of the engine which as some might know was a bullet proof Chrysler V8 in the Jensen with spare parts and upgrades galore at normal prices , as opposed to Aston's 'fragile' and exclusive engine ( read : expensive ) parts . Still love the look of the DBS , but can only say it really is a big and heavy car compared to the Jensen .
Jensen was ahead of its game at the time ( see Interceptor FF : the first real 4x4 luxury GT 25 years ahead of Audi with their quattro 'vorsprung durch technik' marketing lie ... ) . Interceptor MK2 had 335 bhp as standard as opposed to 285 bhp for the Aston . And that was in standard trim . You could even get a Jensen SP ( Six Pack ) , a souped up hotrodded version of the Interceptor with factory standard 385 bhp . The fastest saloon money could buy at the time .
And if all this doesn't convince you , wait until you here starting one up with straight through backpipes as mine . Makes my rainy day into a sunny one every time .
Happy to answer your questions .
As already stated join the Jensen forum . It is really a close circle of enthousiasts ; not the usual chit chat club of boy racers . At 43 yrs old I think I am th youngest lad there ;-)
Cheers , Harald
Spares prices are great, £60 for a water pump v £900 on an AM V8 !
I joined the Jensen owners club at the NEC show last November. Really friendly and helpful Club and active forum.
Think I just managed to get my foot on the ladder in time with my Mk III. It's at a level I'm comfortable with investment wise with plenty of capacity to improve and develop.
Hi folks, thought it was time for an update on progress with the Interceptor.
Really pleased with progress, the car is receiving some much needed attention aimed at recommissioning for reliable use.
Water pump housing has been removed and the broken bolt extracted from the thermostat housing.
This in turn has revealed a couple of corroded pipes that need changing along with the state of the thermostat cover. Has the appearance of something salvaged from the Titanic rather than the engine bay of a 1973 Interceptor!
View of the engine bay with various ancillaries stripped. Alarmingly it was discovered that the crank pulley bolt was loose!
A few general shots which pick out various things that need attending to and parts to order:
Propshaft oil seal to change.
Speedo drive oil seal also leaking
Both manifold gaskets need changing and downpipe joints require attention to sure leaks. Manifolds can be fun to remove as the studs pass through the water jacket on these 440 Chrysler engines! I'm very fortunate that the guys working on the car know these engines inside out and are doing a very thorough job.
Alternator belt tensioner pulley is worn and needs replacing.
Great to see these issues being uncovered and addressed. Will keep the thread updated with latest developments. Latest decision is..............engine coming out ! More news to follow!
Really pleased with progress, the car is receiving some much needed attention aimed at recommissioning for reliable use.
Water pump housing has been removed and the broken bolt extracted from the thermostat housing.
This in turn has revealed a couple of corroded pipes that need changing along with the state of the thermostat cover. Has the appearance of something salvaged from the Titanic rather than the engine bay of a 1973 Interceptor!
View of the engine bay with various ancillaries stripped. Alarmingly it was discovered that the crank pulley bolt was loose!
A few general shots which pick out various things that need attending to and parts to order:
Propshaft oil seal to change.
Speedo drive oil seal also leaking
Both manifold gaskets need changing and downpipe joints require attention to sure leaks. Manifolds can be fun to remove as the studs pass through the water jacket on these 440 Chrysler engines! I'm very fortunate that the guys working on the car know these engines inside out and are doing a very thorough job.
Alternator belt tensioner pulley is worn and needs replacing.
Great to see these issues being uncovered and addressed. Will keep the thread updated with latest developments. Latest decision is..............engine coming out ! More news to follow!
Edited by bigfella70 on Saturday 16th September 07:45
Thanks!
Lots of developments on the project and more photos will follow hopefully tomorrow.
Engine is now out and the following work is being progressed:
Heads removed (traces of silicone visible at rear of engine where the heads mate to the block, didn't want to chance any issues.
Exhaust manifolds removed and studs / gaskets to be replaced
Slight wear on cam lobes and followers- camshaft kit ordered and these will be replaced whilst engine is out for good measure
Block will be cleaned externally and water galleries flushed
Prep and painting of heads and block, reassemble with new gaskets etc
Other miscellaneous jobs noted such as exhaust bracket, brake hose etc
Radiator will be power flushed and new otter switch to be fitted
Worth investing the time money and effort to get the car thoroughly recommissioned , more details to follow..........
Lots of developments on the project and more photos will follow hopefully tomorrow.
Engine is now out and the following work is being progressed:
Heads removed (traces of silicone visible at rear of engine where the heads mate to the block, didn't want to chance any issues.
Exhaust manifolds removed and studs / gaskets to be replaced
Slight wear on cam lobes and followers- camshaft kit ordered and these will be replaced whilst engine is out for good measure
Block will be cleaned externally and water galleries flushed
Prep and painting of heads and block, reassemble with new gaskets etc
Other miscellaneous jobs noted such as exhaust bracket, brake hose etc
Radiator will be power flushed and new otter switch to be fitted
Worth investing the time money and effort to get the car thoroughly recommissioned , more details to follow..........
Ok so it's been about 6 weeks since my last update, busy time but lots been happening with the Interceptor, some photos to cover progress that's been made:
New gasket set fitted along with water pump, new camshaft kit, thermostat housing with new high flow item.
More details to follow...
New gasket set fitted along with water pump, new camshaft kit, thermostat housing with new high flow item.
More details to follow...
Ok almost two months since my last update and lots been happening!
The Interceptor is built back up, new aluminium radiator fitted to complement the Robey twin fans, new waterpump and high flow thermostat. Wanted to go right through the cooling system to ensure tha car is match fit for the summer!
Carter thermoquad carburettor has been rebuilt with a kit supplied by Robeys. This is original figment for the MK III. There are a number of alternative carbs and inlet manifolds but my approach has been to try get everything running to standard spec then consider and improvements down the line....
So everything engine wise built up and block painted prior to installation. Ancillaries built back up including new PAS pump.....
Whole car was given a one with over with regard to suspension and running gear. A few things like rear spring shackle bolts just being made up from threaded bar rather than high tensile were rectified along with new exhaust mounts and various rubber components.
Snagging and MOT followed and the Jensen is now back on the road and running very nicely!
Gauge readings all good and the cooling system is functioning extremely well. On extended Rickover the twin fans will pull the temp down sufficiently to deactivate on the otter switch. There's a manual override built in as well.
Managed a few local runs before gritters were out and about to start breaking the car in after very light use over last few years. Plenty of cosmetic improvements to make along with a few minor electrical jobs but really pleased to have the car back roadworthy and usable !
More to follow in 2018, in the meantime wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!
The Interceptor is built back up, new aluminium radiator fitted to complement the Robey twin fans, new waterpump and high flow thermostat. Wanted to go right through the cooling system to ensure tha car is match fit for the summer!
Carter thermoquad carburettor has been rebuilt with a kit supplied by Robeys. This is original figment for the MK III. There are a number of alternative carbs and inlet manifolds but my approach has been to try get everything running to standard spec then consider and improvements down the line....
So everything engine wise built up and block painted prior to installation. Ancillaries built back up including new PAS pump.....
Whole car was given a one with over with regard to suspension and running gear. A few things like rear spring shackle bolts just being made up from threaded bar rather than high tensile were rectified along with new exhaust mounts and various rubber components.
Snagging and MOT followed and the Jensen is now back on the road and running very nicely!
Gauge readings all good and the cooling system is functioning extremely well. On extended Rickover the twin fans will pull the temp down sufficiently to deactivate on the otter switch. There's a manual override built in as well.
Managed a few local runs before gritters were out and about to start breaking the car in after very light use over last few years. Plenty of cosmetic improvements to make along with a few minor electrical jobs but really pleased to have the car back roadworthy and usable !
More to follow in 2018, in the meantime wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback, much appreciated!
There were a number of issues I'd spotted such as heater and coolant hoses past their best, PAS pump noisy, fans not wired into an otter switch, broken bolt in thermostats cover, end float in water pump, manifold to down-pipe joints leaking etc.
When we got into the weeds it was decided that it would be best to pull the engine (manifold gaskets needed changing and some suspect looking silicone evident at rear of head to block joint). This allowed the heads to be pulled, all assemblies prepped and painted out of the car prior to refitting with new gasket sets.
Carb needed a rebuild, belt tensioner and water pump were shot, camshaft and followers showing slight witness marks hence replaced as precaution. Plus lots of other things such as an aluminium radiator, gearbox service and all running gear checked and any issues addressed. The list went in as often does once you get into these things and adopt the "whilst I'm there" approach.
In essence far more work has been carried out that I would have first anticipated or planned however one underway the more thorough approach made sense. Lots more still to do with minor electrical jobs and some cosmetic improvements but that can be done on a rolling basis.
At this stage the car is far better and the only negative is that my bank balance is rather more dented than first anticipated! Will all be worthwhile though and I class the money spent as a good investment towards future enjoyment !
skeeterm5 said:
Great looking car OP.
The pictures from the start looked like the car was in good condition, did you end up having to do more than you expected to it?
S
To start off with the car was very solid with a nice interior and the engine ran well with great oil pressure. What I'd planned on was a good recommissioning, given that the car had hardly covered any mileage between MOT's for at least the last five years.The pictures from the start looked like the car was in good condition, did you end up having to do more than you expected to it?
S
There were a number of issues I'd spotted such as heater and coolant hoses past their best, PAS pump noisy, fans not wired into an otter switch, broken bolt in thermostats cover, end float in water pump, manifold to down-pipe joints leaking etc.
When we got into the weeds it was decided that it would be best to pull the engine (manifold gaskets needed changing and some suspect looking silicone evident at rear of head to block joint). This allowed the heads to be pulled, all assemblies prepped and painted out of the car prior to refitting with new gasket sets.
Carb needed a rebuild, belt tensioner and water pump were shot, camshaft and followers showing slight witness marks hence replaced as precaution. Plus lots of other things such as an aluminium radiator, gearbox service and all running gear checked and any issues addressed. The list went in as often does once you get into these things and adopt the "whilst I'm there" approach.
In essence far more work has been carried out that I would have first anticipated or planned however one underway the more thorough approach made sense. Lots more still to do with minor electrical jobs and some cosmetic improvements but that can be done on a rolling basis.
At this stage the car is far better and the only negative is that my bank balance is rather more dented than first anticipated! Will all be worthwhile though and I class the money spent as a good investment towards future enjoyment !
Thanks for the reminder and apologies as I've been remiss in updating this thread!
Sadly I arrived at the decision to part with my Interceptor last year owing to other non car related priorities.
I no longer have a classic however I'm hoping later this year to be in a position to return to classic ownership although it may be something slightly more modest such as a Rover P6B / Triumph or MG..........not really decided yet but starting to keep my eye on the market and what's out there. Still miss the Jensen though!
Sadly I arrived at the decision to part with my Interceptor last year owing to other non car related priorities.
I no longer have a classic however I'm hoping later this year to be in a position to return to classic ownership although it may be something slightly more modest such as a Rover P6B / Triumph or MG..........not really decided yet but starting to keep my eye on the market and what's out there. Still miss the Jensen though!
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