I spent quite a bit of time on this and it's pretty much done. Routine maintenance going forward finally. It started as a "car in a field" for about 20 years, then in a garage for another 5 years before I got motivated to finish it up. Runs great, smooth ride and everything works (for now). I did a few upgrades:
1. lighting is to European spec, including side lights in the headlights, front and Reargard fog lights, European lighting switch.
2. added a purpose built light source for the optic cable AC panel lighting, you can actually read the placards
3. USB and aux 12v sources in the positions of the panel dimmer and cigar lighter
4. added a hidden (pull the temp control) recirculate switch to defeat the automatic fresh air selection
5. added the VDP rear console to this standard XJ6 to house the rear USB plug
6. 3D printed utility pockets to replace the ash trays.
7. full wood lamination for the center console and steering wheel.
There may be others that I have now forgotten about.

I also painted the car (no rust to speak of), replaced all the seat leather, did the valves, the engine was fine, and I now drive it daily. I'll attach pictures, or maybe they will be inserted in this thread, I don't quite know how this works.

So this is just show and tell, not solving anyone's problems, but a nice car, nice pictures and well worth the effort in my book.

 

Well worth the effort indeed.

Some very unique upgrades there.

 

pretty cool modern features you added. very creative. neat touch on the steering wheel. and yes, i have the same problem with my dimly lit gauges that i can hardly read at night. don't be surprised if i reach out to you for more detail as to how you brought more light onto the dash. however i have a million other issues to work through first. beautiful work on your car.

 

Well done!

 

Cool Jag, nice work !

Cheers
DD

 

Nice work, it looks a lot like the XJ12 that I just bought. Well done

 

Well chosen and executed upgrades, very nice car.

Dave

 

Fabulous! Now, I feel a bit embarassed about the things that I haven't done on mine ...

 

Great job and I do like the re-purposed ashtray slots.

Graham

 

Did you by any chance redo the seats and did you use a kit? They look great.

 

Hello, Niles,
We Love Show & Tell!! Your car is Stunning.
Now, after all that hard work, you can enjoy the fruits of all your labor and DRIVE THE WHEELS OFF!
(';')

 

If ever an XJ deserved a wooden steering wheel, here it is. Beautiful.

And I do like that it hasn't a leaper up front.

 

I see two things wrong with it that need to be taken care of ASAP!!
1, it’s sitting still!!! Drive that beauty!!
2, it needs a leaper on the hood!!! 🤪Seriously though, beautiful car and great updates!

 

Very nicely done in every respect.

 

Outstanding! What a beautiful job. My project for this winter is reupholstering the seats in my '79. Did you do it yourself? If so, where did you get the kits?

 

Beautifully done and great colors. It has to be very satisfying to enjoy it after all that work. I bet you could sell a lot of those 3D printed utility pockets on here or ebay if inclined.

 

My Wife comments all the time "He has a relationship with his Jaguar". We all join you in that emotion. Great job!

 

Husband Knows if it comes to keeping either him or Nix, I would have to think very long and Very hard.

 

Fantastic job!!! Just beautiful.

May I get the STL files for the 3D printed pockets? I'd love to print some for my Jag.

Cheers!
Jeff H.

 

I’m in Love With My Car

QueenThe machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin'
Аnd the hubcaps all gleam

When I'm holding your wheel
Аll I hear is your gear
With my hand on your grease gun
Oooh, it's like a disease, son

I'm in love with my car
Got a feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy-racer rollbar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal

Told my girl I'd have to forget her
Rather buy me a new carburettor
So, she made tracks, saying
"This is the end now"
"Cars don't talk back"
"They're just four-wheeled friends, now"

When I'm holding your wheel
Аll I hear is your gear
When I'm cruisin' in overdrive
Don't have to listen
To no run-of-the-mill talk jive

I'm in love with my car
(In love with my car, in love with my car)
Got a feel for my automobile

I'm in love with my car
(In love with my car, in love with my car)
String back gloves in my automo-love
Songwriters: Taylor Roger Meddows
For non-commercial use only.
Data from: Musixmatch