Why is it that it seems close to impossible to find parts and accessories for the 1990 XJS but every other year and model has tons on the web????

I can't seem to find an oil dipstick for my XJS. MIne doesn't have a handle or anything to pull it with so it is very annoying to try and fish put the stick every time.

 

Heh heh....one thing you'll have to get used to with an XJS is that there will be times when you gotta call a Jag specialist: Coventry West, Motorcars Ltd, Welsh Jaguar, etc. or even go to the dealer to find what you need.

An oil dipstick for a Jag V12 probably isn't in ultra high demand so many places won't stock it or even list it. But....a specialist can probably special-order one for you or find one somewhere.

Cheers
DD

 

You might try

Elite Auto Parts
818-516-2413
San Fernando

I believe this place is by the airport Van Nuys or Burbank can't remember. I found them on line and they specialize in parting out Jags. I haven't had time to get by there and see what they have.

 

The part number is C44151. A quick Google search finds David manners in the UK has a new one available. Jaguar Parts detail from David Manners Ltd

jagBits has a used one. Jaguar USED DIPSTICK FOR ENGINE OIL - C44151-USED

 

You guys are awesome. Terry, nice to see another '90 XJS from SoCal on here. I'm gonna go to Elite Auto tomorrow and check it out since its only about 15 minutes from my house. I'll let you know how it is.

Otherwise I'll order it from David Manners in the UK. I also noticed they have replacement lenses for the license plate lights. My are yellowed and kind of foggy. Soaked them in degreaser overnight and that helped a lot, but I wouldn't mind having nice and clean lenses. I'm a neat/clean freak. Have you guys every bleached plastic? I wonder if that will work???

 

I used Flitz and toothpaste to polish my lenses.

 

JagVilly, Yes please let me know how it is, I just haven't been able to make time to get by there. Their web site looks pretty promising, but, you never know. It may be a really good source for you if you're that close. I do know that 15 minutes LA time means up to an hour away depending on time of day Sounds like you're really into your car. I still have a couple of issues I want to address, but, nothing pressing. I really enjoy driving it and it still gets a lot of looks for a 22 yr old car.

 

Did that make the whiter or just cleaner?

 

Hey Terry, so I made the trip out to Elite today....and yes, it was more like 30 minutes. Funny thing is I just read your last post and googled the website. Turns out there are 3 businesses all on the same street a few doors apart with the name 'Elite' in it that all have Jag parts...lol. Unaware of this earlier today, I visited "Elite Auto Parts." The staff was really helpful, even ran into an older gent from Iceland who is a Jaguar fanatic... who was just hanging out. I didn't find my oil dipstick, but walked out with much whiter license plate light lenses, a triple bezel for the center console and a hazard switch and bezel for $40. On ebay this would have cost me about $80.

I've only had my XJS two weeks and I'm vowing to make it a sexy weekend car....or my wife will kill me for wasting our cruise money!

 

i use number 7 rubbing compound (which ive heard is lo longer in production) and turtle wax polishing compound to clean my lenses. works like a charm.

 

I only have polished my taillight lenses and front signal lenses so far. I will get around to the reverse light lenses at some point. The yellowing is from UV and should polish out with enough work.

You may want to wet sand with 1200-1500, then polish with paste. And finally apply a UV protector to them. You can buy a headlight restoration kit which will have everything you needs to do the job. Just make sure the one you buy has the UV coating or they will yellow again.

 

Finally bought the oil dipstick online. ....$60...ouch!

 

New bonnet struts are in. Works like a charm. Now I don't have to use little league bat to get under the hood.