FYI, those are 18" Hydra wheels.

 

​​​​​​Is that a good thing? I have no idea what was available or what they would look like.

The front right has been too intimate with a curb. :-(

 

I like them. I think the 18" drive much better than the 20". It's all a matter of opinion, I think the 20" Detroits are pricey, but the rest are available refurbed reasonably priced.

 

Glad the trip is going well. Good looking kitty!

 

Here's a full set in decent shape. Labeled as for 2010 but they are really Hydras. You could probably get them for less than the $400 asking price since they have been advertised for a couple weeks now.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/wto/6037336968.html

If they were Apollos like mine they would already be in my garage.

 

Thanks but I can see curb rash on at least 2 of those. They are in no better condition that what I have now.

Maybe I'm just picky.

After I get the issues sorted (suspension, CEL, etc.) I will look to see what is available for factory wheels. I can live with the ones I have now.

Speaking of wheels, I should do something about the old X-Type wheels and tires I have taking up room in my garage!

 

You can't overcome physics. A lighter wheel will have better handling. A smaller wheel will have less inertia to overcome even if it is the same weight as a larger wheel.

 

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the club. If you need anything ever, do not hesitate to look us up.

One piece of advice is to find a well regarded independent specialist even if he requires some extra travel. A good one will have all the access to computer services and technical information and in many cases be more competent than the dealer service department.

 

WAFlowers,

You beat me to Addison, I got there about 30 minutes after you left....The Used Car Guy was all beat-up and yelling something about never trading for another Jaguar because of the Crazies that want to buy them.....Said some guy and his wife just left in a Black Jaguar Convertible and they beat him down so far on the price that he thought he was going to have to give the darn thing away to get rid them!!!

You did well!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

bc, you were too slow and we took home the prize!

However I've had Kat less than 4 days and had to phone the insurance company this morning. A stone was thrown up by another vehicle cracking my windshield. It doesn't cost me anything but time and aggravation. GRRR!

 

When you replace the windshield do not allow the installer or insurance company to specify a Fuyao product. They make very good glass for the Asian market cars, however the replacement that they make for the XK8 is horrible, my experience, others and my installer. The Fuyao replacement will have distortion, not seem clear and remind you of an aquarium. The OEM is still available as well as other high quality suppliers and the difference when I removed the Fuyao product was apparent. There is barely any price difference so do not be pressured to use a low grade replacement.

 

What an adventure! Hope you will keep posting as you work your way through the car. Mine is not showing any of these issues yet, but I suspect I'll be doing my suspension too one of these days. I'd appreciate hearing about your choices, sources, and experience.

Congratulations on your car!


Lee...

 

Car is at the Jag dealer for a few days. The last time it was at a dealer was in 2009!

I'm getting the 120K service done, resolve the CEL, diagnose (and probably fix) the air bag warning and Suspension Fault and a few smaller issues. They will also get it fully detailed - wash, clay bar, wax, shampoo carpeting, suck all the crud out of crevices, leather clean and treat, etc. If the service fee is high enough the detailing is "free" ... and I was warned to expect free detailing.

Pretty much everything I could find that needs to be done except the suspension rebuild will be done between now and sometime next week. There is also an outstanding service bulletin for some issue that was never dealt with from years ago.

For the next few days I'm driving a supercharged XE Premium loaner which had only 474 miles on it when I got it. It's nice, but I want my XKR back!

 

It sure is an adventure! Owning a great Jaguar has been a dream of mine since I was about 17; over 40 years ago. And I've always wanted to find a car that needed some restoration and bring it back to its full potential. With my XKR I get to do both without getting too deep into a major restoration.

And every time I see or drive the car I will think of my Dad who passed away last year. It is money from him that is paying for it. I just wish he could be here to see it.

I'm probably going to go to Powerflex and order all the poly bushings there. Welsh top mount.

I haven't yet figured out what else I need or where to get it. My goal is to have all the parts needed in the next 3 weeks and get them installed at the end of April.

Thank you. I'm loving it!

 

I'm glad you beat me to Addison, I think you deserve this treat....BC

 

The saga continues in The longer my car is in the shop the more it is costing me

It appears that after purchasing the car, driving it home and getting all the work done at the Jag dealer except new front shock top mounts (so it is documented to be in factory spec) plus paint restoration detailing and full interior detailing I will be at or just over $14K. I'm a very happy man!

 

I believe I would be happy with this result, too, and think you have done rather well, so far.

Granville