Cherry Blossom - Restoration 1990 XJS V12
#1621
It really freaked me out, as I thought it might wreck the Pistons in the Steering Rack or mess up the rubber mountings
#1622
'Cherry Blossoms'
The Covers Come Off For The Summer!
The Covers Come Off For The Summer!
After one of the Coldest Winters we have had in the UK for many years
It was time to get my XJS 'Cherry Blossom' out of 'mothballs' for the Summer
During her Winter layup in the Garage, I took the very unusual and some might say 'risky' step of leaving the Soft Top down
Although during that time I checked her over on a regular basis, just to make sure that the Leather was not getting damp or going moldy
And am pleased to say that none of those things happened and in point of fact I would say that because the Air could circulate
She kept even better that She's ever done before, with no signs of any Condensation, so now the only thing to do was take the Covers off
And Start her up! assuming of course She would Start after being in hibernation for about 6 months without being started
As it turned out the Weather was absolutely perfect, the Sun was Shining, it was warm and that's the perfect combination
For what I have 'nicknamed' a Jag day!
The only problem being that I couldn't take her on the road, as She wasn't Taxed and while I would normally Tax her on the first of March
The Weather of late had been so bad, that I decided that it wasn't worth it and so have decided to Tax her on April 1st
So to-day would be a 'Shakedown' to sort out any problems before then and so the first job on the list was to remove the covers
Winter waterproof cover, taking this off felt like Christmas all over again
Maybe I should change her name to 'Dusty'
At this point I was Shaking in sheer anticipation, as this would be the first time that I'd had a proper look at her in months
She is already looking so good that I'm almost in Tears!
She looked so nice that there was really nothing I could say
Wowser! I think that I'm falling in love all over again!
Being caught up in that moment, I just couldn't hack it any longer and had to walk away and make some Tea!
All I needed now was Audrey Hepburn and then we would be going off on another 'Roman Holiday'
Although for now the GF will have to do
But just before I try and Start her up for the first time the first thing is to do some pre-flight checks
On Checking the Power Steering the Dexron in the reservoir had gone down quite a bit
For as of yet I had not fixed the power steering leak I'd had last year
Although it wasn't quite so bad since I changed over to Dexron Fully Synthetic
Down but not out and time to Top Up the Power Steering
Using a Shower Gel dispenser, it was very easy to Top Up the Power Steering with Dexron Fully Synthetic
As for Topping up the Rad, it only took about 100mm
The Rad was almost Full to the Brim with New Coolant, although I then added 100mm more to be sure
Then after Checking both the Oil as well as the Brake Fluid, there was nothing left to do but try and Start her up!
To be continued........
It was time to get my XJS 'Cherry Blossom' out of 'mothballs' for the Summer
During her Winter layup in the Garage, I took the very unusual and some might say 'risky' step of leaving the Soft Top down
Although during that time I checked her over on a regular basis, just to make sure that the Leather was not getting damp or going moldy
And am pleased to say that none of those things happened and in point of fact I would say that because the Air could circulate
She kept even better that She's ever done before, with no signs of any Condensation, so now the only thing to do was take the Covers off
And Start her up! assuming of course She would Start after being in hibernation for about 6 months without being started
As it turned out the Weather was absolutely perfect, the Sun was Shining, it was warm and that's the perfect combination
For what I have 'nicknamed' a Jag day!
The only problem being that I couldn't take her on the road, as She wasn't Taxed and while I would normally Tax her on the first of March
The Weather of late had been so bad, that I decided that it wasn't worth it and so have decided to Tax her on April 1st
So to-day would be a 'Shakedown' to sort out any problems before then and so the first job on the list was to remove the covers
Winter waterproof cover, taking this off felt like Christmas all over again
Maybe I should change her name to 'Dusty'
At this point I was Shaking in sheer anticipation, as this would be the first time that I'd had a proper look at her in months
She is already looking so good that I'm almost in Tears!
She looked so nice that there was really nothing I could say
Wowser! I think that I'm falling in love all over again!
Being caught up in that moment, I just couldn't hack it any longer and had to walk away and make some Tea!
All I needed now was Audrey Hepburn and then we would be going off on another 'Roman Holiday'
Although for now the GF will have to do
But just before I try and Start her up for the first time the first thing is to do some pre-flight checks
On Checking the Power Steering the Dexron in the reservoir had gone down quite a bit
For as of yet I had not fixed the power steering leak I'd had last year
Although it wasn't quite so bad since I changed over to Dexron Fully Synthetic
Down but not out and time to Top Up the Power Steering
Using a Shower Gel dispenser, it was very easy to Top Up the Power Steering with Dexron Fully Synthetic
As for Topping up the Rad, it only took about 100mm
The Rad was almost Full to the Brim with New Coolant, although I then added 100mm more to be sure
Then after Checking both the Oil as well as the Brake Fluid, there was nothing left to do but try and Start her up!
To be continued........
Last edited by orangeblossom; 03-24-2018 at 06:49 PM.
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Greg in France (03-27-2018)
#1623
'Cherry Blossoms'
(Part 2)
Turning the Key to position 1. I suddenly heard a very loud 'Twang' which had me thinking WTF was that!
(Part 2)
Turning the Key to position 1. I suddenly heard a very loud 'Twang' which had me thinking WTF was that!
Having done all the pre-flight checks I walked around to the Boot/Trunk and took out the keys from my pocket
As I held them in my hand a shaft of Sunlight fell on them and seemed to make them sparkle in a satisfying sort of way
And could not have more excited me than if they had been diamonds as I slid the Boot/Trunk Key into the lock
As I lifted up the lid the memories of Summer that had once come and gone came flooding back
But this time we were planning to have more adventures than we'd ever had before but first of all I had to Start her up
The Exide non stock battery was nearly 3 years old and had been standing idle for the past six months throughout the Winter
With no trickle charger or battery maintainer, although She had just as much of a more impressive trick
A Battery dis-carnect switch (isolator) all over ebay for under a Fiver and very simply has to be one of the best things I have ever bought
As with the Battery totally disconnected, I've never known that Battery to ever lose its charge and have this device on all my XJS's
The Gadget with the 'Green Knob' is my Battery dis-carnect switch
Boot/Trunk lights are Shining and its looking good 'so far' but will She Start?
With the Battery re-connected and the lid of the Boot/Trunk closed, I walked around to the drivers side, then having opened up the door
I climbed into the Cabin and sat down upon the seat, where everything looked regal and as expensive as you might expect
Where the heady aroma of Connelly hide mixed in with a little touch of 5 Star Gasoline, was as intoxicating as the Perfect Summers day
And I had the Keys in my hand to that Kingdom of pleasure
As I slid the round ignition key into the Steering Lock, I was so excited I could feel my throat run dry, as I slowly turned it over to position 1.
Where I suddenly heard a very loud 'Twang' which had me thinking WTF was that!
It was the 'Sound of Last Summer' as I'd left the Stereo on and this was the very last Track that we played on the day that we put her away
Where the words had a bitter sweet poignancy that fitted that moment back then as they were doing now
'Live it up' sung by 'Mental As Anything' from 1985 where the 'Wizard of Oz' may remember that this was that 'Feel good' Soundtrack
From Crocodile Dundee
Written and Sung by Andrew 'Greedy' Smith with Martin Plaza/Reg Mombassa/Pete O'dohety and Wayne de Lisle
Reg Mombassa (what a great name!) also designs Artwork for 'Mambo' Surf wear and Stuff
So I will leave you to listen to that, as I've got my Cars to Insure for the Easter Weekend
To be Continued......
As I held them in my hand a shaft of Sunlight fell on them and seemed to make them sparkle in a satisfying sort of way
And could not have more excited me than if they had been diamonds as I slid the Boot/Trunk Key into the lock
As I lifted up the lid the memories of Summer that had once come and gone came flooding back
But this time we were planning to have more adventures than we'd ever had before but first of all I had to Start her up
The Exide non stock battery was nearly 3 years old and had been standing idle for the past six months throughout the Winter
With no trickle charger or battery maintainer, although She had just as much of a more impressive trick
A Battery dis-carnect switch (isolator) all over ebay for under a Fiver and very simply has to be one of the best things I have ever bought
As with the Battery totally disconnected, I've never known that Battery to ever lose its charge and have this device on all my XJS's
The Gadget with the 'Green Knob' is my Battery dis-carnect switch
Boot/Trunk lights are Shining and its looking good 'so far' but will She Start?
With the Battery re-connected and the lid of the Boot/Trunk closed, I walked around to the drivers side, then having opened up the door
I climbed into the Cabin and sat down upon the seat, where everything looked regal and as expensive as you might expect
Where the heady aroma of Connelly hide mixed in with a little touch of 5 Star Gasoline, was as intoxicating as the Perfect Summers day
And I had the Keys in my hand to that Kingdom of pleasure
As I slid the round ignition key into the Steering Lock, I was so excited I could feel my throat run dry, as I slowly turned it over to position 1.
Where I suddenly heard a very loud 'Twang' which had me thinking WTF was that!
It was the 'Sound of Last Summer' as I'd left the Stereo on and this was the very last Track that we played on the day that we put her away
Where the words had a bitter sweet poignancy that fitted that moment back then as they were doing now
'Live it up' sung by 'Mental As Anything' from 1985 where the 'Wizard of Oz' may remember that this was that 'Feel good' Soundtrack
From Crocodile Dundee
Written and Sung by Andrew 'Greedy' Smith with Martin Plaza/Reg Mombassa/Pete O'dohety and Wayne de Lisle
Reg Mombassa (what a great name!) also designs Artwork for 'Mambo' Surf wear and Stuff
So I will leave you to listen to that, as I've got my Cars to Insure for the Easter Weekend
To be Continued......
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Greg in France (03-27-2018)
#1624
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1625
Yep, that's a beauty interior all right. Nice dark wood. Interesting how you have the same black dash and tranny hump aircon vents I do. Mine being an early facelift, I reckon Jaguar just used up their stock on random cars....
Are British winters really so bad you can't drive Jags in them?
Okay, I am a little confused. Why name a very dark red car, Cherry Blossom?
Are British winters really so bad you can't drive Jags in them?
Okay, I am a little confused. Why name a very dark red car, Cherry Blossom?
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1626
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1627
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1628
Hi Someday
As I couldn't get a 'Pink' Car I had to make do with a Red one, the Closest I could get to 'Cherry Blossom'
But then as a 'Fallback position' maybe I was thinking of 'Cherry Blossom' Shoe Polish, which incidentally I use as 'Tyre Black
Which gives the Tyres a very Natural look
As for British Winters, just take a look at the Pic of the Fridge in our Kitchen
I think you're supposed to push a button on it to defrost it but since I couldn't find the Instruction Book
I found it was much quicker with an Axe
Don't try this at Home! when defrosting your Fridge
I've heard of Ice in the Drinks but this was crazy
As I couldn't get a 'Pink' Car I had to make do with a Red one, the Closest I could get to 'Cherry Blossom'
But then as a 'Fallback position' maybe I was thinking of 'Cherry Blossom' Shoe Polish, which incidentally I use as 'Tyre Black
Which gives the Tyres a very Natural look
As for British Winters, just take a look at the Pic of the Fridge in our Kitchen
I think you're supposed to push a button on it to defrost it but since I couldn't find the Instruction Book
I found it was much quicker with an Axe
Don't try this at Home! when defrosting your Fridge
I've heard of Ice in the Drinks but this was crazy
#1629
Ha. So the name came first, then you looked for a car to suit? This might have been better, then....
Though there are plenty of dark red flowers as well. Rose Madder would have made a nice name too. She makes you madder.... If she was a four-door, she'd be the Maroon Saloon. Or, hey, she's your car, so just go with Carmine....
As to your fridge... Yikes. You probably weren't supposed to save money by stocking it with all the snow that fell, you know.
Though there are plenty of dark red flowers as well. Rose Madder would have made a nice name too. She makes you madder.... If she was a four-door, she'd be the Maroon Saloon. Or, hey, she's your car, so just go with Carmine....
As to your fridge... Yikes. You probably weren't supposed to save money by stocking it with all the snow that fell, you know.
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1630
Hi Someday
We did buy a New Fridge!
A really Super duper, duper, duper Fridge but for reasons that escape me we forgot to unplug the old one because the motor just died
Or so we thought, until I tried to open the door, first by using the Handle and then by using a Crowbar like you do!
That Milk was about 3 years old but when it was defrosted, it tasted almost like milk well sort of like Milk anyway
We did buy a New Fridge!
A really Super duper, duper, duper Fridge but for reasons that escape me we forgot to unplug the old one because the motor just died
Or so we thought, until I tried to open the door, first by using the Handle and then by using a Crowbar like you do!
That Milk was about 3 years old but when it was defrosted, it tasted almost like milk well sort of like Milk anyway
#1631
You tasted it? Yikes. That was brave. Or foolish. You're alive, so I guess it wasn't that bad....
I remember once when I moved, I unearthed a box of bottled green tea that had changed completely to black tea. At least it was black-coloured tea.... I didn't taste it, though.
But good to know that fridge isn't your main one.
I remember once when I moved, I unearthed a box of bottled green tea that had changed completely to black tea. At least it was black-coloured tea.... I didn't taste it, though.
But good to know that fridge isn't your main one.
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1632
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1633
After just paying out a Humungous amount of money for Car Insurance, you've really brightened my day!
But I must be missing something as I've never had a Pasty in my life!
Last edited by orangeblossom; 03-28-2018 at 03:55 AM.
#1634
You tasted it? Yikes. That was brave. Or foolish. You're alive, so I guess it wasn't that bad....
I remember once when I moved, I unearthed a box of bottled green tea that had changed completely to black tea. At least it was black-coloured tea.... I didn't taste it, though.
But good to know that fridge isn't your main one.
I remember once when I moved, I unearthed a box of bottled green tea that had changed completely to black tea. At least it was black-coloured tea.... I didn't taste it, though.
But good to know that fridge isn't your main one.
Yeah! but I didn't tell you what happened to next doors Cat.......
#1635
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Some Day, Some Day (03-27-2018)
#1636
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orangeblossom (03-27-2018)
#1637
Hi Steve
I am totally gutted to have missed out on all that, as I seem to have spent the best part of my life eating out of fancy 5 star restaurants
With the occasional Steak and Kidney Pie to try and keep me grounded, which we use to cook on an upturned electric fire
Which eventually got so expensive to run
That it was cheaper to heat them up with an Acetylene Torch, or Gas Axe as I prefer to call it
So if you really want to know who ate all the pies then it was me!
Although I've Googled oodles of Cornish Pasty Makers, the make you mentioned comes out right on Top
And so this afternoon I went down the Pub
In order to try and try one but unfortunately they did not have none of left but said that they might have some in tomorrow
But Might 'doth butter no Parsnips' and so may have to change my local, to another establishment that sells them
Or failing that might have to drive all the way to Cornwall which would hopefully cost me no more than £500 in Petrol if I take the XJS
I'm obsessed with it now and so no other Pasty will do
I am totally gutted to have missed out on all that, as I seem to have spent the best part of my life eating out of fancy 5 star restaurants
With the occasional Steak and Kidney Pie to try and keep me grounded, which we use to cook on an upturned electric fire
Which eventually got so expensive to run
That it was cheaper to heat them up with an Acetylene Torch, or Gas Axe as I prefer to call it
So if you really want to know who ate all the pies then it was me!
Although I've Googled oodles of Cornish Pasty Makers, the make you mentioned comes out right on Top
And so this afternoon I went down the Pub
In order to try and try one but unfortunately they did not have none of left but said that they might have some in tomorrow
But Might 'doth butter no Parsnips' and so may have to change my local, to another establishment that sells them
Or failing that might have to drive all the way to Cornwall which would hopefully cost me no more than £500 in Petrol if I take the XJS
I'm obsessed with it now and so no other Pasty will do
Last edited by orangeblossom; 03-27-2018 at 02:29 PM.
#1638
Here you go, a bit of bed time reading for you.
History - draft | Cornish Pasty Association | Genuine Cornish Pasty : Cornish Pasty Association
History - draft | Cornish Pasty Association | Genuine Cornish Pasty : Cornish Pasty Association
#1639
Steve knoweth of what he speaketh. Go and get one asap, OB. We'll be waiting right here. Some of them were apparently made with meat at one end and jam at the other, so you could have your pud as well. No word on how often the meat and jam ended up being mixed together. Easy food to pack and eat for miners digging for tin, I believe.
500 quid in petrol? I guess you're a fair way from Cornwall then. Either that, or petrol is really REALLY expensive in the UK. Or your car guzzles it. Or all three, of course....
500 quid in petrol? I guess you're a fair way from Cornwall then. Either that, or petrol is really REALLY expensive in the UK. Or your car guzzles it. Or all three, of course....
#1640