In reply to a message from teddykan sent Thu 29 Jan 2009:
phorbiuz,
I just entered the world of Jaguars 4 months ago trading my vintage
Mustang convertible for 1975 XJ6 plus cash. I wasn’t looking for a
XJ6, but a gentlemen stopped and made me a reasonable offer.
Before accepting the offer I used this forum to educate myself on
the common problems. Upon inspecting the vehicle, I found it to be
in excellent condition with a few things to sort out. I did my
best to gather all known issues with the car and then research the
cost of repairing them. Luckily all my issues were relatively
inexpensive and more importantly could be done myself. Know your
restoration limitations and what issues you will need to hire out.
As stated in previous posts, if other areas of the car are showing
signs of rust be careful. I looked for areas where the
undercoating may have been fresher than other areas. I pulled the
fresh air vent and found this area to be prestine. Just you
instincts when something doesn’t look right.
So far I’m very happy with the car. The car rides great and gave
me power windows, brakes, and steering along with air conditioning
all of which were not present on my Mustang (except it was a
convertible). I find the XJ6 relatively easy to work on
considering all of the options. I found replacing the upper and
lower ball joints and shocks to be easier than on other cars I’ve
owned.
In reply to a message from phorbiuz sent Thu 29 Jan 2009:
With a 'Sint ‘elens’ accent I suppose phorbiuz translates
as ‘phobias’?
I have a phobia about rust and Jags, but it hasn’t stopped me.
Welcome to the mad house. We use real names here for the most part
and often put our name plus car details automatically into every
post by using the ‘Edit my Profile’ button.
The advice about jacking the car up before you buy is spot on. If
the seller says no, or it buckles,you can walk away. If it survives
you’re off to a good start. If it does jack up, see that the rear
wheel lifts off the ground promptly or the rear suspension cage
mounts may have split.
Don’t EVER get under an old Jag with just a jack for support and
relying on the rubber mounts to keep the rear suspension dangling
safely - they can delaminate without warning, or the jack collapse
or push through the body. We have loo a couple of people on Jag-
Lovers through being under cars when something went wrong. It’s
good to have a phobia about getting under a Jag without multiple
supports.
They are gorgeous cars though and although heavier and dearer to
restore inside and out than a Capri, most of the basic techniques
are the same of course. Get yourself a good set of manuals and
you’re away.
