Jaguar XJS Resurrection Is Jaguar Forums Member’s New D.I.Y. Project
Longtime member isn’t new to rebuilding classic rides, but he does have one sweet new shop to do it in.
Sure, it’s easy to drop off a project vehicle at some restoration shop and write them a check. But there’s nothing more satisfying (albeit sometimes frustrating) than rebuilding a car yourself. So it’s no surprise that so many members here in the Jaguar Forums prefer to do their own work. That includes o1xjr, who has a bit of experience rebuilding classic Jaguar vehicles. Now, he’s taking on yet another project – this rather clean, classic Jaguar XJS.
“As some of you already know, any project I take on comes to the road as best it can for a home mechanic. The ‘Goose’ is no different. First off, I will be taking the fastest route to get her on the road. Not doing it on the cheap, just getting her where I can drive and enjoy it rather than a long period of downtime. Same as I did with ‘Miss Fireball.’ She is now a fully mechanically sound Series 1 XJ6. Goose needs, at least as far as I know, a rear brake rebuild. Not a big issue. Just a PITA pull down to see where to start. IRS doesn’t scare me, as I have been there with the XJ6.”
Unsurprisingly, many other members are just as enamored with the OP’s amazing workshop as they are his vehicles. So he’s almost forced to give us a few details on it, too.
“The shed is 19m x 7m. It is about $15k over budget, but I have been planning it for 20+ years. I get to build one shed in this lifetime and I’m making the most of that opportunity. I’m done curling up under a car in a double garage with my legs pressing against a brick wall.”
But soon, it was time to get serious. And by serious, we mean buying a slew of new parts for this old Jaguar.
“I ordered parts today without even looking at Goose to see what is needed. Thought I would start with the essentials and go from there. I think what I have ordered will be all I need to get on the road. This includes rear rotors, pads, caliper kit, pistons, hand brake pads, return springs, forks, fork bolts, oil filters, and air filters. And an engine crane to save my back. This is going to force me to start the job. Once I have parts I can’t just leave them sitting on a bench.”
Next, he yanked out the IRS and began cleaning it up. But that’s as far as this old Jaguar project has gotten thus far. Regardless, it’s pretty easy to see that this is going to be one cool rebuild worth following. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned as this XJS comes apart and goes back together!
Photos: Jaguar Forums
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