I’m posting a detailed description of the procedures and sequence to install a full interior in a 1971 E-Type Series 2 FHC. I hope it’s helpful to many.
I purchased my car as a completely disassembled pile of parts. So it was a full nut-and-bolt restoration project. For me, the interior was the most time-consuming and difficult part of the restoration. I’m happy to say, the car is now done, and I’m very pleased with the result.
I purchased a complete interior kit for my 1971 Jaguar SII FHC. The quality of the interior materials and components supplied in the kit was very good. However, it would have been tremendously helpful if they included some basic instructions on installation procedures and sequence, and labelled some of the smaller components. This was the first major interior project I have done. I spent many hours examining and photographing other cars, reading books, and exploring Jaguar forums (like ‘Jag-Lovers.com’) for advice on every step.
During my work, I kept running notes on ‘Installation Procedures and Sequence’. I’ve attached a copy in Microsoft Word and PDF formats. I believe it’s very complete. It’s quite long (16 pages). Perhaps it’s something that will be helpful to others. It’s intended to help individuals do most of the interior work themselves, instead of relying on a professional installer. Good luck! Be careful and patient! Have fun!
Over the course of the restoration, I spent 420 hours on the interior. Slow and steady work was required. I worked some days only 15 minutes, some days a few hours. I mentioned that, for me, it was the most time consuming and difficult part of the restoration. Doug
An OTS would be considerably easier. A coupe has some challenging additional pieces - the headliner, the cantrails over the side windows, the trim pieces at the front and back of the headliner, the hatch, and and even the front and rear glass were all challenging.
The 420 hours included stripping and preparing the seats, but not installing the seat covers (I had that done professionally, as the seat leather was expensive, and I knew there were some tricks to getting the seams pulled in properly). And, the 420 hours included a lot of research to figure out each step (my first time doing this). But the results were worth it! And, most of the work was kind of fun.
I must say that this is VERY valuable contribution to this forum.Also the down load gives other layers of information, especially as it makes reference to other restorers expertise , and I was pleased to see the great INFO in Chris Vines website was linked .
I have just finished fitting trim to the sills, as well as all the trim to the rear.Next step I need to fit out the footwells, now that I have the pieces sorted into RHS and LHS.I am not too sure what needs to be glued and what will squeeze into place!?
Great article… wish you did it before I did the whole thing essentially by just “ figuring it out” and asking a few others about things…including a trimmer who specialised in e types many years ago… he was very helpful… just finished all bar the carpets to be installed…maybe tomorrow like your I stop before I stuff up …patience is required.
Cheers
Danny
I must say that this is VERY valuable contribution to this forum.Also the down load gives other layers of information, especially as it makes reference to other restorers expertise , and I was pleased to see the great INFO in Chris Vines website was linked .
I have just finished fitting trim to the sills, as well as all the trim to the rear.Next step I need to fit out the footwells, now that I have the pieces sorted into RHS and LHS.I am not too sure what needs to be glued and what will squeeze into place!?
Hello John.
I’m just about to start interior install on a 69 2+2. I’m in Saskatchewan and trying to source the Weldwood contact adhesive recommended in Douglas’s post and by several other forums and videos I have seen. But haven’t found a source in Canada as yet. Could you tell me if you are using the Weldwood glue, where you were able to get it. Or if you have found something else equal quality to the Weldwood.
Dave, are you anywhere near the border? I’m in Ontario and have the Weldwood glue shipped to Michigan (I’m right on the border) and go pick it up there. I’ve not found it in Canada either. A friend, who is on Jag Lovers as 6 Speed, has done countless hours of contact cement testing and says he’s had the best results so fsr with Lepages. He has not tried Weldwood.
Thanks Frank.
I live an hour west of Regina. So I’m 1.5 hours off the border. Unfortunately once into North Dakota or Montana, I’ve still got about 2 hours drive to any sizeable place to shop. I’ll probably go with the Lagages. The advantage with the Weldwood is it’s sprayable. The Lapages would have to be thinned to spray I think, and I’d want to research if thinning affects to bond strength before I do that. I’ll probably just stay with a brush.
