I just purchased a 91 Classic Collection Conv. with 24K documented miles. Needs cosmetic attention but seems pretty solid. Needs a new top, headliner, wood trim and minor paint work. No rust, just fading paint. A/C works and car seems mechanically sound.

Where do I begin.... Help...

 

I always start with the mechanical side of things. Get it running right, driving right, basically everything doing what it should, then address the paint and top. Not sure what if any budget you have in mind, but pulling the top radiator cover off, and checking for leaves and debris in between the condenser and the radiator would be a great first step. Maybe changing all fluids, hoses, belts, a new set of plugs, check rotor button and distributor cap. This is a Marelli car, so keeping the plugs replaced regular is a absolute must. To much resistance, and it can develop the Marelli meltdown that these cars are known for. When it comes to the top, I spent well over 1000.00 doing it myself, but buying the best top I could afford.

 

Thanks! Do any conversion kits exist to deal with the Marelli issue?

 

If this car is a documented 24K mile car, I couldn't recommend doing anything but keeping it as original as possible. The Marelli ignition is really a pretty good system, IF maintained properly. Plugs most likely being the most important thing to keep up. There is a "fix" suggested by many. I'm still not sure it is needed. If you change the plugs, keep the car tuned, and by all means stop driving it immediately if it ever feels to go to half power! The Marelli meltdown seems completely avoidable.
There are also front and rear crank sensors. Both of these will need to be replaced at some point in the near future. They aren't really sensors. They are small magnetos that lose their magnitivity(?) over time (and heat) just as any magneto does. They car begins to run rough, and maybe even stops running, and many want to blame Marelli. Yet would never blame the manufacturer of the ignition on their family vehicle if it were 20+ years old and the same "sensor" went bad.

Download "Experience in a Book" by Kirby Palm. Its free, and loaded with practical information on owning one of these cars.

The really low mile XJSs seems to be bring more money than I thought they might. Your best bet is to keep this car as close to original as possible, and enjoy.

 

This is the Fix from 'Safari' and one of the best Posts I have ever seen.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...photos-135024/

 

Don't put a 'Leaper' on it (Lol)

But I just want a Number Plate/Licence Plate, like yours!

Please put up some interior Pics, so that we can all 'Drool' all over them.

 

Thanks for the help and comments. Looks like I'll be doing some distributor work this week...grinding... Is replacing the crank sensors a simple task?

 

Replacing the crank sensors, just like everything else, is a bit "fiddlesome". I tied string to my connector, especially the rear one, and pulled the long pigtail down to me from under the car. I tied the string to the new one, and pulled it back up to where it could be plugged back in.

 

I'm not sure I would replace any sensors (flywheel, crank, coolant, air tempo) unless a problem arises. The chances of creating a new problem are higher than preventing a theoretical future one.

I would replace plugs, wires, rotor and distributor cap. And I would be very very gentle on the engine wiring when disassembling those parts. I would also plan for spark plug removal after spraying them with WD40 (or equivalent) and letting them sit overnight (I broke two plugs that had frozen threads in the head).

I would invest in a Leatherique repair kit, soaking the leather in their rejuvenator will work miracles.

And then I would take off the roof and weld the hatch from a 280Z onto it and turn it into a Shooting Brake.