The perils of 2nd hand car ownership
#1
The perils of 2nd hand car ownership
This thread has been written by reading Vee’s post after getting his XJS back on the road – and still needing his seat repairs. (I am presently sourcing new front seats for mine)
When I brought my XJS – I had the idea of getting a quick roadworthy on it, and then driving it around while I fix up the problems. I knew she had rust – but most of it was hidden, and the bits you could see – I am pretty good with fiberglass and bog. This theory of driving it on the road was quickly thrown out the window by the condition of the front seats.The driver’s seat was obviously (diaphragm) broken, as you practically sat on the floor pan (which was very uncomfortable).
Picture of the drivers seat - very uncomfortable
So the obvious solution was to swap the passenger seat with the drivers seat, as that seat did not seem too bad. In removing the passenger seat – the 16mm plywood board, held on by a couple of screws, did not give me that safe feeling either.
Passenger side seat
But what really made me decide that a quick roadworthy was not in my best interest is the way that the seats were secured to the chassis.2 genuine screws (I presume) and 2 real low quality (and undersized) screws.
This was the drivers side securing bolts - passenger side was similar
After this – I wondered what else has been customized over the years. The thing that really makes me scratch my head is the car was registered on the road until the day it went on the transporter and became mine. So how long the previous owner was driving like this, thankfully it wasn’t involved in an accident.
So my XJS has been stripped (except for the engine bay), the known rust has been repaired correctly. Found a lot of redundant wiring that producers sparks when it brushed up against steel, fuel pump that has no cut out switch as well as other interesting design features that have added over the years
At the end of the day - she is my 40 year plan and I am in no rush to get her back on the road. Every time I see her, a huge smile comes to my face.
Hello Vee – glad you got your car back and on the road – hopefully your seats are not as bad as mine
Cheers
Steve
When I brought my XJS – I had the idea of getting a quick roadworthy on it, and then driving it around while I fix up the problems. I knew she had rust – but most of it was hidden, and the bits you could see – I am pretty good with fiberglass and bog. This theory of driving it on the road was quickly thrown out the window by the condition of the front seats.The driver’s seat was obviously (diaphragm) broken, as you practically sat on the floor pan (which was very uncomfortable).
Picture of the drivers seat - very uncomfortable
So the obvious solution was to swap the passenger seat with the drivers seat, as that seat did not seem too bad. In removing the passenger seat – the 16mm plywood board, held on by a couple of screws, did not give me that safe feeling either.
Passenger side seat
But what really made me decide that a quick roadworthy was not in my best interest is the way that the seats were secured to the chassis.2 genuine screws (I presume) and 2 real low quality (and undersized) screws.
This was the drivers side securing bolts - passenger side was similar
After this – I wondered what else has been customized over the years. The thing that really makes me scratch my head is the car was registered on the road until the day it went on the transporter and became mine. So how long the previous owner was driving like this, thankfully it wasn’t involved in an accident.
So my XJS has been stripped (except for the engine bay), the known rust has been repaired correctly. Found a lot of redundant wiring that producers sparks when it brushed up against steel, fuel pump that has no cut out switch as well as other interesting design features that have added over the years
At the end of the day - she is my 40 year plan and I am in no rush to get her back on the road. Every time I see her, a huge smile comes to my face.
Hello Vee – glad you got your car back and on the road – hopefully your seats are not as bad as mine
Cheers
Steve
The following 3 users liked this post by Bez74:
#2
The following 2 users liked this post by Grant Francis:
Greg in France (02-24-2019),
orangeblossom (02-24-2019)
#3
Thanks for posting. Will certainly keep the forum posted on my findings....wish me luck. Looking at your seats, I hope to God I won’t need half as much as you!
Seat diaphragms are still findable. Should the foam be in poor condition, there are shops that specialize in that sort of thing.
Its great to know that I can swap the passenger and drivers seat so that I’ll always be able to drive the car. My plan is to work on the passenger seat first....you know, work out the kinks and then replace the drivers seat skins. Hopefully no surprises.
Seat diaphragms are still findable. Should the foam be in poor condition, there are shops that specialize in that sort of thing.
Its great to know that I can swap the passenger and drivers seat so that I’ll always be able to drive the car. My plan is to work on the passenger seat first....you know, work out the kinks and then replace the drivers seat skins. Hopefully no surprises.
#5
Hello Ron
Did you have to adjust the mounting brackets of the car to fit the BMW seats or did they just fit. If they just fitted - can you advise what model the BMW was.
Due to the rules here in Australia, if we modify the car seat connections, we have to get them engineered. While I don't mind going down the engineering path, I prefer not too, if I can find some seats that fit, that would be a way around it
Cheers
Steve
Did you have to adjust the mounting brackets of the car to fit the BMW seats or did they just fit. If they just fitted - can you advise what model the BMW was.
Due to the rules here in Australia, if we modify the car seat connections, we have to get them engineered. While I don't mind going down the engineering path, I prefer not too, if I can find some seats that fit, that would be a way around it
Cheers
Steve
#6
Some of these "special people" carry out what they term "upgrades" - a word that fills me with terror whenever I see it has involved butchering the wiring harness or bolting on some embelishment that would certainly have Bill Lyons turning in his grave.
Graham
Graham
#7
Also, may I ask what the additional switches are for that you have in the armrest cubby?
Also looks like you deleted the radio and ash trays.
Trending Topics
#8
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Austin tx and Daytona FL.
Posts: 7,362
Received 1,236 Likes
on
943 Posts
Hello Ron
Did you have to adjust the mounting brackets of the car to fit the BMW seats or did they just fit. If they just fitted - can you advise what model the BMW was.
Due to the rules here in Australia, if we modify the car seat connections, we have to get them engineered. While I don't mind going down the engineering path, I prefer not too, if I can find some seats that fit, that would be a way around it
Cheers
Steve
Did you have to adjust the mounting brackets of the car to fit the BMW seats or did they just fit. If they just fitted - can you advise what model the BMW was.
Due to the rules here in Australia, if we modify the car seat connections, we have to get them engineered. While I don't mind going down the engineering path, I prefer not too, if I can find some seats that fit, that would be a way around it
Cheers
Steve
mounting was very close , altho cant remember fitting back 25yrs ago, cant be complicated i would have remembered it.
ron
Last edited by ronbros; 02-27-2019 at 07:29 PM.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Austin tx and Daytona FL.
Posts: 7,362
Received 1,236 Likes
on
943 Posts
I too would like to know what BMW seat model you used and if there was much modification needed to either the seats or the car for fitment.
Also, may I ask what the additional switches are for that you have in the armrest cubby?
Also looks like you deleted the radio and ash trays.
Also, may I ask what the additional switches are for that you have in the armrest cubby?
Also looks like you deleted the radio and ash trays.
hi carsn, like said dont know which BMW seats came from , bought new still wrapped at a car parts place 25yrs ago!.
consul center switches are for many of the operations , also makes diagnosing each system easier!
Key on , activates panel master relay, each switch has its own relay.
1st toggle on left master power on,blue light lites, all switches armed ,ready,!
far right #4 powers up fuel pumps, primes injectors!
#3 ECU computer ON.
#2 ignition ON.
white button ENGINE START.
knob on small box , for RICH or LEAN adjustments while driving! makes driving interesting !
ron
Last edited by ronbros; 02-27-2019 at 07:32 PM.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pacific Northwest USA
Posts: 24,920
Received 10,979 Likes
on
7,211 Posts
#11
Much the same as here in NZ, any work that takes the car from manufacturers specifications need to be certified by registered guys that can certify that the modifications are safe to go on the road. This can be down to changing the size of the wheels.
#12
Thanks Ron for getting back to me - presently some seat diaphragms for sale on ebay in Australia - seller brought them for his XJS but did not fit his model. I know they changed the seat styles along the manufacturing way (but not sure what year they changed). Keeping my eye on them
As Rob replied, below is the extract from the National code of practice for light vehicle construction and modifications, section LK. 1.3 detail seat mounts. Most seats I have measured up (that has the tilt forward mechanism) are approx 25mm narrower than the original seats. Also cannot go a lot higher than the original seats - otherwise my big head will touch the roof (and fall under 1.5 which indicates minimal dimensions)
I find when I drive the car (with the passenger seat behind the wheel) there is not a lot of support for my neck, so I am just tossing ideas around. Would like a seat that has better neck support, while maintaining head clearance, with minimal design changes. I know - I'm fussy
Cheers
Steve
As Rob replied, below is the extract from the National code of practice for light vehicle construction and modifications, section LK. 1.3 detail seat mounts. Most seats I have measured up (that has the tilt forward mechanism) are approx 25mm narrower than the original seats. Also cannot go a lot higher than the original seats - otherwise my big head will touch the roof (and fall under 1.5 which indicates minimal dimensions)
I find when I drive the car (with the passenger seat behind the wheel) there is not a lot of support for my neck, so I am just tossing ideas around. Would like a seat that has better neck support, while maintaining head clearance, with minimal design changes. I know - I'm fussy
Cheers
Steve
Last edited by Bez74; 02-28-2019 at 01:14 AM.
#13
#14
Thanks Ron for getting back to me - presently some seat diaphragms for sale on ebay in Australia - seller brought them for his XJS but did not fit his model. I know they changed the seat styles along the manufacturing way (but not sure what year they changed). Keeping my eye on them
Cheers
Steve
Cheers
Steve
The following users liked this post:
Bez74 (02-28-2019)
#15
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FS[Australia]: Left Hand and Right hand Front Door Latches
jya
PRIVATE For Sale / Trade or Buy Classifieds
0
04-29-2016 08:31 AM
richzak
XK / XKR ( X150 )
16
10-29-2015 08:22 AM
jagxkrtoofast
XK8 / XKR ( X100 )
7
12-22-2011 02:42 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)