Over the next few weeks I will be embarking on a long awaited rolling restoration of my own MkII Jaguar which is a 1969 registered 340 model.
Since I am retired and less able bodied I sought the 340 because of its engine size (as good as the 3.8L I think) and it has an automatic transmission and power steering. Since these cars don't come along too often I purchased her before I was quite ready to buy one. However I am glad that I did since I have used her for the last couple of years and find her much more comfortable than my more modern Daimler Sovereign XJV8 (2000 model) since the Daimler sits lower to the ground.
I also waited until I could garage my classic car since I don't want it exposed to the elements unless I am driving her. That's not to say however that I am a 'only sunny days' driver, and am not interested in having the nicest, non driven, Jaguar in the world!
Over the two years or so I have owned the 340 I have had some welding done (for the first MOT') and the automatic gearbox went on me. Fortunately I found a local transmission man (email me for the contact if you wish - based in Devon) who completely rebuilt it for around £400 less than any other quote. Also the petrol tank sprung a leak and has been repaired but longer term I shall seek a replacement, so if you know of a 'GOOD' one then please email me. I keep looking on eBay, so one will turn up sometime. Because of my disability up to now I have all the work below waist height carried out by the owner of Brixham car accessories although this is more difficult at the present time because of Steve's staff issue at the shop. I did drive her to his backyard recently for a service and asked him to remove the bumpers for me. He is good like that! So as long as I don't bend I will be doing some of the work low down by laying flat on the drive. I have done this once (see pictures below) and only got half way around before having to give up. That meant the next day in bed so think of your backs now! The other half will result in the same need to lay down, that's the price of being tight.
So in summary it has just had its service ( done each year irrespective of mileage) leaving the woodwork, outside bodywork, the seats and carpets to do!
Now I hope to release some funds soon by the sale of one of our buy to let properties and that will allow progress at last. I know I can replace the interior for around £2000 (found a trimmer on ebay - see link below) and the woodwork can be done complete for around £xxxx (also found on eBay but fortunately he has his workshop in Devon and not far from me) and the gentleman seems very nice via email, inviting me to his works and spreading the work over a period of time. In other words 'flexible'.
With myself doing the spraying (I will have to sweet talk my brother(s) into helping, especially the rubbing down which will be virtually impossible for me to do) then a budget of around £........ should see a very presentable car and more importantly, usable.
Enough of the talking and here are some pictures of the first part of the work done.
- General shot of the offside
- Extent of the rust on the two offsidr doors
- Rear door rust on the offside - could be caused by water on inside of door
- Front nearside skirt rust
- Where I have good metal around I shall weld the holes then grind off
- Surprised at the amount of good metal - which is NICE!
- When the bumper came off I was surprised that there was a lot of good metal
- There was some rusting though - the nearside rear area around the bumper bolt will need work
- The damage to the rear arch edge was done by me when getting into the garage
- The outside view of rust bubbling on the side yet to be attacked.
- More damage caused by my driving into the garage!
- Another view of the front skirt that will be made good with new metal
Below is the link to the firm I shall be using for my woodwork. They are based in Devon. If the link disappears at some future date don't worry, just email me and I will direct you there.
£95.00
