I have been lurking for awhile and reading the lists. I have a 1967 OTS
hiding in the garage that has been patiently waiting on me to get started on
her. It looks like we are going to have a fabulous spring here in Texas and
I can’t wait to roll her out into the driveway and get to work.
This will be my first foray into a British car and I have two basic
questions.
My first question concerns the grounding of the vehicle. I was told by my
father-in-law (from whom we aquired the car from) that the car was positive
ground and the first information I was reading said that the Series 1 and 2
E-Types were positive ground systems, this kind of threw me for a loop as I
have not dealt with this type of system before. Recently, I came across
something that said after the 4.2 engines went in, the system was switched
to negative ground. Yesterday, I was cleaning out the garage and just had
to go fiddle with and admire the Jag some (like sitting behind the wheel
and making ‘vroom vroom’ noises =) ). There is a tag under the bonnet that
says Negative Earth near the battery compartment. So, is my assumption
correct that this is a negative ground system?
Second, the spinners on the wheels are a small, 2 flange type that I have
not been able to find a knock-off wrench for. The original one is
apparently long gone and I have been having difficulty locating a
replacement knock-off for them. Does anyone know of a source for these?
Or, if someone happens to have an extra one laying around, I would be happy
to purchase it from them. If I remember correctly, I saw these referred to
as spinners used on German exports, although I could be totally off base
with that.
I’m sure I will have many more questions in the future, but so far, many of
the things I have wondered about I have seen discussed on this list. I am
really glad to have come across it.
A 67 4.2 should have a negative ground. I saw the spinners you reference listed on ebay about a month ago. They were in fact from a German export vehicle. If the threads are the same, I would recommend changing to the conventional knockoffs.
I could also use some help from the list. I am seriously looking at a 71 XKE on ebay. It is ebay #1812736690. It is listed as a 23900 mile car. RIGHT! But, that being as it may, the photos appear to be either that, or a good restoration. It is also listed as rust free. This is where I get concerned. Is anyone familiar with this car. It is in Stamford Connecticut. (about 4o minutes from Manhatten). I noticed it has already been converted to the tripple su carbs. (good thing). Does anyone notice any other differences from what it was originally? Thanks, Al
A 67 4.2 should have a negative ground. I saw the spinners you reference listed on ebay about a month ago. They were in fact from a German export vehicle. If the threads are the same, I would recommend changing to the conventional knockoffs.
I could also use some help from the list. I am seriously looking at a 71 XKE on ebay. It is ebay #1812736690. It is listed as a 23900 mile car. RIGHT! But, that being as it may, the photos appear to be either that, or a good restoration. It is also listed as rust free. This is where I get concerned. Is anyone familiar with this car. It is in Stamford Connecticut. (about 4o minutes from Manhatten). I noticed it has already been converted to the tripple su carbs. (good thing). Does anyone notice any other differences from what it was originally? Thanks, Al
I can look at this car for you, if you get the owners agreement…
Mike Frank
At 11:46 AM 3/14/02, you wrote:>A 67 4.2 should have a negative ground. I saw the spinners you reference
listed on ebay about a month ago. They were in fact from a German export
vehicle. If the threads are the same, I would recommend changing to the
conventional knockoffs.
I could also use some help from the list. I am seriously looking at a 71
XKE on ebay. It is ebay #1812736690. It is listed as a 23900 mile
car. RIGHT! But, that being as it may, the photos appear to be either
that, or a good restoration. It is also listed as rust free. This is
where I get concerned. Is anyone familiar with this car. It is in
Stamford Connecticut. (about 4o minutes from Manhatten). I noticed it has
already been converted to the tripple su carbs. (good thing). Does
anyone notice any other differences from what it was originally? Thanks, Al
Excellent. I have been reading your advice and am really impressed with your knowledge. I have already talked to Louie (on the phone number listed in the ad) and he suggested I have someone look at it. What more information do you need from me? Al
In a message dated 3/14/02 10:38:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, cptsmashy@charter.net writes:
Second, the spinners on the wheels are a small, 2 flange type that I have
not been able to find a knock-off wrench for. The original one is
apparently long gone and I have been having difficulty locating a
replacement knock-off for them. Does anyone know of a source for these?
Or, if someone happens to have an extra one laying around, I would be happy
to purchase it from them. If I remember correctly, I saw these referred to
as spinners used on German exports, although I could be totally off base
with that.
The spinners you describe sound like the earless model that was supplied to
certain European countries like Germany on 3.8 Series 1 cars. The
federalized Series 2 US cars had a different 3-lobed earless spinner, but not
until much later.
You should have no problem changing the spinners to the nice looking eared
kind, which are also much easier to remove. I did this on my 1970 FHC. I
got the new spinners from British Auto, now SNG Barratt, who had the best
price of all the vendors at that time (about $35 each, as I recall). Call
Tom at 1 800 622 1050.
Is there any reason to think that your car started life in Germany? There
may be other features, such as the starter, that would also be clues. I
believe Germany required a steering column lock starter much earlier than
other countries. Do you have a no-operational starter button on your dash?
“British Auto, now SNG Barratt, who had the best
price of all the vendors at that time (about $35 each, as I recall). Call
Tom at 1 800 622 1050.”
I think British Auto USA is still under that name, but they are a subsidiary
of SNG Barratt.
The standard price for 2 ear knock offs tends to be ~$180/set. You can also
get “correct” looking 3 eared knock offs from some places (XKs unlimited I
know has them). They were never standard on Jags, but the ones I’ve seen
still say Jaguar, etc. just like the originals.
Brandon B. Shriver
Hazleton, PA
“The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!”
'55 XK 140 MC-E OTS
S810189 http://www.knightmares.com/jaguar
'86 Jeep Wagoneer Limited http://www.knightmares.com/wagoneer----- Original Message -----
From: Han85xj6@aol.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 2:30 PM
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Silly newbie questions =)
In a message dated 3/14/02 10:38:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, cptsmashy@charter.net writes:
Second, the spinners on the wheels are a small, 2 flange type that I
have
not been able to find a knock-off wrench for. The original one is
apparently long gone and I have been having difficulty locating a
replacement knock-off for them. Does anyone know of a source for
these?
Or, if someone happens to have an extra one laying around, I would be
happy
to purchase it from them. If I remember correctly, I saw these
referred to
as spinners used on German exports, although I could be totally off
base
with that.
The spinners you describe sound like the earless model that was supplied
to
certain European countries like Germany on 3.8 Series 1 cars. The
federalized Series 2 US cars had a different 3-lobed earless spinner, but
not
until much later.
You should have no problem changing the spinners to the nice looking eared
kind, which are also much easier to remove. I did this on my 1970 FHC. I
got the new spinners from British Auto, now SNG Barratt, who had the best
price of all the vendors at that time (about $35 each, as I recall). Call
Tom at 1 800 622 1050.
Is there any reason to think that your car started life in Germany? There
may be other features, such as the starter, that would also be clues. I
believe Germany required a steering column lock starter much earlier than
other countries. Do you have a no-operational starter button on your
dash?
Your '67 s/b Neg Gnd. Best way to check for sure, is see what battery post
your Ground strap is clamped to… Pos (+) or Neg (-). If the Ground strap is
clamped to Neg (-), it’s Neg Gnd.
The “traditional” eared knock-off spinner will fit your hubs. They are
available from most of the suppliers like British Auto, or XK Unlimited,
Welches, et al.
Cheers,
Chuck Anderson
'64 FHC
890250
Randy wrote:> Hello all,
I have been lurking for awhile and reading the lists. I have a 1967 OTS
hiding in the garage that has been patiently waiting on me to get started on
her. It looks like we are going to have a fabulous spring here in Texas and
I can’t wait to roll her out into the driveway and get to work.
This will be my first foray into a British car and I have two basic
questions.
My first question concerns the grounding of the vehicle. I was told by my
father-in-law (from whom we aquired the car from) that the car was positive
ground and the first information I was reading said that the Series 1 and 2
E-Types were positive ground systems, this kind of threw me for a loop as I
have not dealt with this type of system before. Recently, I came across
something that said after the 4.2 engines went in, the system was switched
to negative ground. Yesterday, I was cleaning out the garage and just had
to go fiddle with and admire the Jag some (like sitting behind the wheel
and making ‘vroom vroom’ noises =) ). There is a tag under the bonnet that
says Negative Earth near the battery compartment. So, is my assumption
correct that this is a negative ground system?
Second, the spinners on the wheels are a small, 2 flange type that I have
not been able to find a knock-off wrench for. The original one is
apparently long gone and I have been having difficulty locating a
replacement knock-off for them. Does anyone know of a source for these?
Or, if someone happens to have an extra one laying around, I would be happy
to purchase it from them. If I remember correctly, I saw these referred to
as spinners used on German exports, although I could be totally off base
with that.
I’m sure I will have many more questions in the future, but so far, many of
the things I have wondered about I have seen discussed on this list. I am
really glad to have come across it.
Randy,
No silly questions here. You’re car is negative ground. It sounds as
though you are describing the standard knock offs to me. Take a look at
Warren’s wheels,
these are the standard “two ear” knock offs. They are designed for a
soft face (copper or lead) hammer to get them loose. There are a couple
of aftermarket wrenches but it seems the consensus is that they aren’t
that great. If you have something other than the type Warren has then
you either have S2 knock offs which came with a wrench and have 3 very
tiny lobes or something I’m not aware of.
pauls 67ots
Hello all,
I have been lurking for awhile and reading the lists. I have a 1967 OTS
hiding in the garage that has been patiently waiting on me to get
started on
her. It looks like we are going to have a fabulous spring here in Texas
and
I can’t wait to roll her out into the driveway and get to work.
This will be my first foray into a British car and I have two basic
questions.
My first question concerns the grounding of the vehicle. I was told by
my
father-in-law (from whom we aquired the car from) that the car was
positive
ground and the first information I was reading said that the Series 1
and 2
E-Types were positive ground systems, this kind of threw me for a loop
as I
have not dealt with this type of system before. Recently, I came across
something that said after the 4.2 engines went in, the system was
switched
to negative ground… So, is my assumption correct that this is a
negative ground system?
Second, the spinners on the wheels are a small, 2 flange type that I
have
not been able to find a knock-off wrench for…
I’m sure I will have many more questions in the future, but so far, many
of
the things I have wondered about I have seen discussed on this list. I
am
really glad to have come across it.
I think the window crank is wrong and they have added a wood panel to the
gauge cluster, no consequence. Sure looks nice. It’s at a dealer I think.
Bill B
At 11:46 AM 3/14/2002 -0500, you wrote:>A 67 4.2 should have a negative ground. I saw the spinners you reference
listed on ebay about a month ago. They were in fact from a German export
vehicle. If the threads are the same, I would recommend changing to the
conventional knockoffs.
I could also use some help from the list. I am seriously looking at a 71
XKE on ebay. It is ebay #1812736690. It is listed as a 23900 mile
car. RIGHT! But, that being as it may, the photos appear to be either
that, or a good restoration. It is also listed as rust free. This is
where I get concerned. Is anyone familiar with this car. It is in
Stamford Connecticut. (about 4o minutes from Manhatten). I noticed it has
already been converted to the tripple su carbs. (good thing). Does
anyone notice any other differences from what it was originally? Thanks, Al
In a message dated 3/14/02 7:18:57 PM Eastern Standard Time, paulsp@SNET.NET
writes:
No silly questions here. You’re car is negative ground. It sounds as
though you are describing the standard knock offs to me. Take a look at
Warren’s wheels,
these are the standard “two ear” knock offs. They are designed for a
soft face (copper or lead) hammer to get them loose. There are a couple
of aftermarket wrenches but it seems the consensus is that they aren’t
that great. If you have something other than the type Warren has then
you either have S2 knock offs which came with a wrench and have 3 very
tiny lobes or something I’m not aware of.
Paul,
You’re right: now silly questions here! And I’m flattered that with all the
cars to choose from you choose mine to illustrate the standard two-ear,
pre-federal knock-offs! Thank you.
From what Randy described, however, it sounds as if he has the early style
two-ear “federalized” type of knockoffs which were provided on cars to some
European countries on the 3.8 E-Types. They used a “wrench” similar to the
one provided with US Series 2 cars, but made to fit the 2-ear early “safe”
knockoffs. (See Haddock, page 90, and compare also page 168.) They are not
interchangeable, because the early ones only had two ears, while the US
federalized ones had 3 ears. I think there’s a small enigma here, which
could probably be solved by tracing the car’s history or tracking down the
previous owners.
The knock off lobes are stubby, the flanges maybe sticking out about an inch
or so. I purchased one of the 3 small lobe wrenches from E-Bay, the lobes
are the same size but only two lobes on my wheels.
As for the history of the car, my father-in-law purchased it in 1974 and we
got it from him in the fall of last year. I have an email into him about
the original owner and if he knows anything about the origins of the car.
Thanks for the replies. =)
Randy---- Original Message -----
From: “paul spurlock” paulsp@SNET.NET
To: “jaguar” e-type@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 6:23 PM
Subject: [E-Type] Silly newbie questions =)
Randy,
No silly questions here. You’re car is negative ground. It sounds as
though you are describing the standard knock offs to me. Take a look at
Warren’s wheels,
these are the standard “two ear” knock offs. They are designed for a
soft face (copper or lead) hammer to get them loose. There are a couple
of aftermarket wrenches but it seems the consensus is that they aren’t
that great. If you have something other than the type Warren has then
you either have S2 knock offs which came with a wrench and have 3 very
tiny lobes or something I’m not aware of.
pauls 67ots
A 67 4.2 should have a negative ground. I saw the spinners you
reference listed on ebay about a month ago. They were in fact from
a German export vehicle. If the threads are the same, I would
recommend changing to the conventional knockoffs.
I could also use some help from the list. I am seriously looking at
a 71 XKE on ebay. It is ebay #1812736690. It is listed as a 23900
mile car. RIGHT!
Yes! I got my eyes on that too! Although I was orginally looking for
an European XJC, then 365GT4 2+2, DBS-V8, but my wife finally put me
back in line, so I’m trying to find a nice ORIGINAL S3 or S2 OTS, but
this FHC got my eye! It has got to be one of the very last ones!
But, that being as it may, the photos appear to be either that, or
a good restoration. It is also listed as rust free. This is where
I get concerned. Is anyone familiar with this car. It is in
Stamford Connecticut. (about 4o minutes from Manhatten). I noticed
it has already been converted to the tripple su carbs. (good
thing). Does anyone notice any other differences from what it was
originally? Thanks, Al
Well my guess was, that if it indeed was original, some Jaguar freak
would have gone and bought it in Europe and self imported it to have
is exactly the way he wanted it, i.e. triple SU’s.
Then again, it might be restored and retrofitted, which would make it
uninteresting in my eyes. Originality is always worth something, it’s
like a time trip. Many restorations seem to be “better than original”!
Cheers,
Pekka
PS. Don’t worry, I simply can’t afford more cars, having the 2+2
already means if I get a second E, it would make more sense to have
an OTS!
Warren,
I had read/seen that there was a different knock off for the German cars
but didn’t put the two ears together. I assumed incorrectly that they
were probably the same 3 lobed ones implemented in different countries
at different times. Now that the facts have so rudely gotten in the way
you have to wonder why weren’t they the same.
pauls 67ots
.
Paul,
You’re right: now silly questions here! And I’m flattered that with all
the
cars to choose from you choose mine to illustrate the standard two-ear,
pre-federal knock-offs! Thank you.
From what Randy described, however, it sounds as if he has the early style
two-ear “federalized” type of knockoffs which were provided on cars to
some
European countries on the 3.8 E-Types. They used a “wrench” similar to
the
one provided with US Series 2 cars, but made to fit the 2-ear early
“safe”
knockoffs. (See Haddock, page 90, and compare also page 168.) They are
not
interchangeable, because the early ones only had two ears, while the US
federalized ones had 3 ears. I think there’s a small enigma here, which
could probably be solved by tracing the car’s history or tracking down
the
previous owners.
Warren,
I had read/seen that there was a different knock off for the German cars
but didn’t put the two ears together. I assumed incorrectly that they
were probably the same 3 lobed ones implemented in different countries
at different times. Now that the facts have so rudely gotten in the way
you have to wonder why weren’t they the same.
pauls 67ots
Well, because just cutting off the two spinner wings was the “fast
and economic” solution they first came to think of, and of course
they had a supply, so someone simply took a tool and cut them off!
So these “German” spinners came first, then eventually the “Series 2”
lobed spinners took over.
Cheers,
Pekka Telivuo, who has a friend with originally fitted “German”
spinners on his OTS �67.
A friend bought a new MkII in 1963 for delivery in Austria,
and it came with this cut-off two eared spinner. It was a
real pain, as the brass tool for removal quickly blunted out, and
had to be held onto the spinner while you struck it. Finally it
cracked across one of the ear hooks, and was useless.
Best to get “regular” two-eared spinners.
Jerry
Jerry Mouton mailto:@mouton Laissez les bons temps rouler!----- Original Message -----
From: “Pekka Telivuo” ptelivuo@ultirender.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Spinners
Hi Paul,
Warren,
I had read/seen that there was a different knock off for the German cars
but didn’t put the two ears together. I assumed incorrectly that they
were probably the same 3 lobed ones implemented in different countries
at different times. Now that the facts have so rudely gotten in the way
you have to wonder why weren’t they the same.
pauls 67ots
Well, because just cutting off the two spinner wings was the “fast
and economic” solution they first came to think of, and of course
they had a supply, so someone simply took a tool and cut them off!
So these “German” spinners came first, then eventually the “Series 2”
lobed spinners took over.
Cheers,
Pekka Telivuo, who has a friend with originally fitted “German”
spinners on his OTS �67.
Pekka,
I should have known it was a cost thing but it wasn’t obvious to me
until you mentioned it!!! That makes perfect sense and actually a
quite elegant solution.
pauls 67ots
Hi Paul,
Warren,
I had read/seen that there was a different knock off for the German cars
but didn’t put the two ears together. I assumed incorrectly that they
were probably the same 3 lobed ones implemented in different countries
at different times. Now that the facts have so rudely gotten in the way
you have to wonder why weren’t they the same.
pauls 67ots
Well, because just cutting off the two spinner wings was the “fast
and economic” solution they first came to think of, and of course
they had a supply, so someone simply took a tool and cut them off!..
<<<<<<<<<<<<From: Pekka Telivuo ptelivuo@ultirender.com
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Spinners
In a message dated 3/15/02 12:40:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, jerry@moutons.org writes:
It was a
real pain, as the brass tool for removal quickly blunted out, and
had to be held onto the spinner while you struck it.
My first connection with the “earless” spinners was when I got new wheels and
tyres for the Bolide. Watching the poor mechanic at the tyre shop trying to
loosen the spinners with the hammer, trying to hold the wrench in place,
sweating bullets as he prayed that he wouldn’t bring the hammer down on my
paintwork, made me order the original style spinners that evening. I, of
course, had to change them out. Even getting the newly installed earless
ones off was real job. The original ones come off by themselves in
comparison! And the car looks better, too.
Hello, I got the eared spinners as soon as car showed up
but also bought the wooden wrench contraption
it works great and you never have to beat on the chrome
the shop who balanced my wheels beat on them with car
on ground and it took alot to get them off then I read in
the owners manual about raising wheel first,much easier
Manuel.----- Original Message -----
From: Han85xj6@aol.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 2:40 PM
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Spinners
In a message dated 3/15/02 12:40:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, jerry@moutons.org writes:
It was a
real pain, as the brass tool for removal quickly blunted out, and
had to be held onto the spinner while you struck it.
My first connection with the “earless” spinners was when I got new wheels
and
tyres for the Bolide. Watching the poor mechanic at the tyre shop trying
to
loosen the spinners with the hammer, trying to hold the wrench in place,
sweating bullets as he prayed that he wouldn’t bring the hammer down on my
paintwork, made me order the original style spinners that evening. I, of
course, had to change them out. Even getting the newly installed earless
ones off was real job. The original ones come off by themselves in
comparison! And the car looks better, too.
