Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post pics of your car in here
Will01
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Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Hi Guys
Just thought i would also share a few pictures and try and keep the E-Type running and restoration noted down.
My father has owned this for quite a few many years now must be going on 12+ years, and in that time the car has gone through many changes in the way it was driven and worked on.
First off my Dad used for some weekend fun, however it soon came to be used to commute to work in Slough every morning when we lived near Reading, i always remember getting phone calls in the morning saying. I've broken down can you come and pick me up. (I used to own a Mk2 Fiesta 1.1 so i not sure i would have been able to tow it, however normally by the time i got there the car would be running again or i would fix it and let it on its way)
After a good time of commuting to work the car finally started to show signs that it wasn't happy with all this driving and large repairs came in week after week e.g. Diff blew and lost drive to one wheel, the clutch went, engine and other electrical problems. The car then laid up on the drive for more than 5 years (i cannot remember how long exactly) but it always made me feel sad that it was no longer driven.

Unfortunately in this time some mice make home in the back seats and ate some small holes in the leather, and the elements got to it and rusted out all the floors and much of the shell.
It really did look in a sorry state, but then we all made the move up to Scotland and things started to look more promising for the car.
Then i proposed to my girlfriend at the time and decided to tell my Dad that i wanted to drive the E-Type to my wedding which was in 10 months time and we were fast approaching winter.
Also in this time the brake system had decided to completely seize up and we lost all vacuum assist, the clutch seized itself to the flywheel the brake discs were looking very bad indeed. The carbs had also gunked up full of crystalised petrol, i really didn't think i would have enough time but got on regardless. I only had evenings after work and weekends free twice a month as i was travelling down south every 2-3 weeks to see my fiancee who lived in Reading.
Unfortunately for me the garages at the house in Scotland were still full of boxes from the move and the car more or less lived outside whilst i worked on it, right at the time we had the worst year of snow in a very long time.
The first job was to completely dismantle the car of all major running gear and interior but try and leave as much there as possible so as to be semi-realistic to get it fixed.
I will add pictures, but to cut a long story short i did manage to get the car ready with 2 weeks spare before my wedding and get an MOT. The car passed, just but at least it was now on the road. Every possible minute i had spare at that time was then used to fettle and run the car to make sure it would all be ok for the big day.

Unfortunately the brakes still didn't work great and it became a pig to drive, the brake pedal was like a solid brick and took an almighty effort to press and slow the car down and then the ignition system inappropriate up.
It was now too late to buy in any parts, i tried everything i could but the car was really hard to start and drive, but i was going to drive it to my wedding i wasn't about to put all that hard work to waste.
On the way to the wedding the car was running on all 6 cylinders for the first mile but from there on its was running between 4 and 5 cylinders all the way to the wedding venue 15+miles away.
We got there in style(not the cleanest E-Type) but we at least got there. The main thing is it looked the part, the next day after the wedding my Dad took my Father in-law home in the E-Type but it actually kept breaking down which was amusing but hey.

The car is still running now but again is about to go through a big restoration as soon as my Brother has got married.
I will update this thread with all the photos i can find of the Historic work we have carried out and future work we have planned.
Attachments
Before work commenced when the move was made
Before work commenced when the move was made
etype.jpg (60.04 KiB) Viewed 28199 times
When the car started to be stripped down
When the car started to be stripped down
etypebefore.jpg (76.68 KiB) Viewed 28199 times
Engine and transmission have to come out as one, but i found an easier way to remove
Engine and transmission have to come out as one, but i found an easier way to remove
etypemiddle.jpg (98.24 KiB) Viewed 28199 times
Nice interior shot
Nice interior shot
IMAG0179.jpg (198.12 KiB) Viewed 28199 times
Complete again after alot of work was carried out, still not very shiny e.g. wheels and trim but that will come in time
Complete again after alot of work was carried out, still not very shiny e.g. wheels and trim but that will come in time
IMAG0178.jpg (197.56 KiB) Viewed 28199 times
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Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Just a few photos of the E-Type whilst at my wedding.
Attachments
My understanding wife, she her self is a little bit of a petrol head so she loved the E-Type as part of the Wedding
My understanding wife, she her self is a little bit of a petrol head so she loved the E-Type as part of the Wedding
557417_10151040526551172_414981241_n.jpg (116.84 KiB) Viewed 28197 times
Picture with Myself, Best Men and Father/& In-law and E-Type in the background
Picture with Myself, Best Men and Father/& In-law and E-Type in the background
296005_10150276055226172_162848_n.jpg (195.56 KiB) Viewed 28197 times
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Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

As promised i thought i would add a few photos of some of the work we carried out when rebuilding for the wedding.
I have added a picture of the floor, although it didn't look that bad in the photos it was very bad underneath, you can also see the back of the car was in pretty bad shape also. The boot where the fuel tank sat needed alot of cleaning up. I re-made strengthening ribs to fit in the boot, as soon as it was all cleaned up the whole lot was painted up in etch primer, fast build primer and then painted. The floors were then treated to new sound deadening.
Attachments
Floors in bad condition
Floors in bad condition
34156_483728768008_4247590_n.jpg (72.56 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Rear boot area showing bad signs
Rear boot area showing bad signs
168083_10150194680528009_613242_n.jpg (73.78 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Boot floor needing a good clean up
Boot floor needing a good clean up
168184_10150194680708009_2931046_n.jpg (95.85 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
New floor sections being put back in
New floor sections being put back in
168689_10150194680848009_1597774_n.jpg (79.01 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Complete front and rear floor sections welded and primed
Complete front and rear floor sections welded and primed
168993_10150194681108009_4661442_n.jpg (66.12 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Complete front and rear floor sections welded and primed
Complete front and rear floor sections welded and primed
179614_10150194681438009_1041257_n.jpg (66.25 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Both floors complete
Both floors complete
180274_10150194680398009_1519371_n.jpg (72.62 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Adding the paint, after re-fitting cross members
Adding the paint, after re-fitting cross members
215201_10150282699678009_5798340_n.jpg (90.98 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Adding the paint, after re-fitting cross members
Adding the paint, after re-fitting cross members
215201_10150282699678009_5798340_n.jpg (90.98 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Boot floor cleaned up and painted with new strengthening ribs
Boot floor cleaned up and painted with new strengthening ribs
216365_10150282698828009_5082829_n.jpg (74.08 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
Sound deadening pads re-laid
Sound deadening pads re-laid
216369_10150282700093009_4192364_n.jpg (85.07 KiB) Viewed 28169 times
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Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Also add some pictures of the engine and carbs when they came out, this is when i decided to try my hand at rebuilding carbs for the first time!
I ordered up complete new SU rebuild kits and every part was stripped apart and cleaned in the de-greasing tank and then given a good clean and polish.
Re-assembly was a little tricky to make sure the carbs worked correctly, they do need a good proper setup, however they are running on the car ok now. Really need an expert to do it properly when the car is fully finished.

I apologise if this is not quite in order but it was a while ago now.

When removing the engine, which i had done twice before in the past, i decided to adopt my own easier idea for removing engine.
The workshop manuals say remove engine and transmission from the top however, with soo much weight this is very difficult and tricky not to damage other parts. My idea was simply to get the car up high and drop engine underneath. You should be able to see our setup, maybe not what most people would do but is was surprisingly easy to do.
Attachments
Engine being stripped down ready for removal before work carried out
Engine being stripped down ready for removal before work carried out
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Engine being stripped down ready for removal before work carried out
Engine being stripped down ready for removal before work carried out
34156_483728788008_6761888_n.jpg (86.36 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Clutch and transmission removed, we did think there was a problem with the rope seal, however we found it to be in good condition
Clutch and transmission removed, we did think there was a problem with the rope seal, however we found it to be in good condition
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34649_491168268008_1670319_n.jpg
34649_491168268008_1670319_n.jpg (89.58 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Temp workshop that was setup, my old capri visible in the background
Temp workshop that was setup, my old capri visible in the background
34649_491168278008_6959663_n.jpg (73.16 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Carbs
Carbs
40166_10150091456593009_322069_n.jpg (92.03 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Carbs
Carbs
40339_10150091456828009_2101710_n.jpg (93.3 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Engine removal from underneath!
Engine removal from underneath!
34649_491168298008_1387030_n.jpg (74.16 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
34649_491168288008_1362482_n.jpg
34649_491168288008_1362482_n.jpg (76.78 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
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Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Many other parts on the car that had to be removed were also rebuilt e.g. Pedal boxes.
At this time we found the problem why the brakes were not working with vacuum assist, because the car had been sat for soo long the master cylinder had partly seized.
When i was taking a look i removed the vacuum assist unit from front of master cylinder and noticed that the metal pin was not moving forward, therefore it was not operating the vacuum circuit and hence making brake pedal very hard. This proved problamatic when we did rebuild the car, however after driving and some fettling we have now resolved the issue. This mainly involved having to re-build the cylinder and vacuum assist unit.

Putting the engine back in was even more tricky now after carrying out so much work on the car as we had to be vary careful on installation e.g. new paint etc.
You can see pictures of engine and transmission etc going back into position. Its funny but it only took me 3 weekends to completely strip the car, but it took much longer to re-install everything.
Lots of wood was used on re-installation as we didn't want to damage the engine in-case it dropped. They aren't cheap to replace.

Once the engine was in, the interior and ancillaries could start to be re-installed.
Unfortunately when the car was re-built we did come into issues with electrics, although they are now sorted i took the time to fit a Kill switch in the passengers footwell as a temp measure. The battery was discharging quickly when left overnight. Fortunately new cables etc and a small re-wire made a big difference.
Attachments
Accelerator pedal re-built, one of many parts
Accelerator pedal re-built, one of many parts
40339_10150091456838009_2500479_n.jpg (133.95 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Engine and trans being prepared for installation
Engine and trans being prepared for installation
216017_10150282700353009_730920_n.jpg (107.24 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
216705_10150282700523009_6713474_n.jpg
216705_10150282700523009_6713474_n.jpg (98.24 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Lots of bits of wood were required
Lots of bits of wood were required
208534_10150282700638009_7465608_n.jpg (114.42 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
The lift was done in stages, so wood was put under engine incase we had a lift failure.
The lift was done in stages, so wood was put under engine incase we had a lift failure.
208482_10150282700768009_3453582_n.jpg (90.02 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Engine back in :)
Engine back in :)
217729_10150282700903009_7671488_n.jpg (86.47 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Interior starting to be re-fitted
Interior starting to be re-fitted
255015_10150345123108009_8109391_n.jpg (68.85 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Rear bench and seat back in place
Rear bench and seat back in place
247039_10150345123673009_2964750_n.jpg (52.82 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Boot panels re-fitted, although these will be re-conditioned when the car comes apart again
Boot panels re-fitted, although these will be re-conditioned when the car comes apart again
253611_10150345124143009_7691326_n.jpg (58.16 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
After re-installation of electrics a Kill switch was fitted
After re-installation of electrics a Kill switch was fitted
253452_10150345125323009_380540_n.jpg (70.12 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Mascot re-fitted with bonnet
Mascot re-fitted with bonnet
248481_10150352580273009_2892363_n.jpg (74.19 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
Nice view over the long bonnet, looking down the louvres give you a naughty view of the carbs beneath
Nice view over the long bonnet, looking down the louvres give you a naughty view of the carbs beneath
254086_10150352580058009_3702932_n.jpg (96.39 KiB) Viewed 28168 times
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Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Just to update now then with modifications, we have got an electric Kenlowe fan conversion as the original fan is completely useless and these engines do get hot very quickly especially with the tiny radiator they are provided with from the factory.
Other useful and i would argue a safety improvement include Cooper-Craft front brake calipers which help to bring the car to a stop alot quicker than the standard poor calipers. Maybe i will get a chance at somepoint to do a side by side comparison and upload the pictures.
We do intend to upgrade these further in the future to run a vented disc but for now they are more than up to the job.
We also have V12 rear brakes and calipers which we built up into a new axle when the LSD blew.
Braided brake lines will eventually follow next time i flush the brake fluid through.
Otherwise the only other modifications include an electronic ignition kit and some Silicone HT leads which help make the car a little more reliable to start and run. We really did get bored of endlessly changing points and Condensors, so a highly recommended upgrade.
Modifications for the future may include some nice 6 branch manifolds (cannot make up mind if we want long or short manifolds yet, which will be decided if we change carbs), maybe even some triple webbers?
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Brit01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Brit01 »

Really nice to see an old Jag here. Nice work and pics.
Dropping the engine was a good idea. I have that luxury with my Alfa boxer, one person can do easily.

My local mechanic here in S.America has an E-type in restoration. His is fitted with webbers and looks the business!

Good choice on the ignition and extra cooling power. The factory radiator on my small Alfa is undersized so know where you are coming from.

Good luck
Guy Croft
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Guy Croft »

MODEL POST!

Quite simply the nicest post I have ever seen on this site, dear Will.

And, yes I know how long they take to organise,write, upload, caption, check..

I particularly like:

1. E type resto - documented. You don't have to say E Type twice to me,I love them. I saw one the other day when I was driving home in the Rangey and flashed my lights and gave the driver the 'thumbs up' and got the return signal. I did smile and I guess he did too.
2. 'Human element' - I actually get to see PEOPLE!! Your Dad for example! Brilliant! For some curious reason we rarely see faces here. I am ALL FOR THAT.
3. Kilts - nothing finer.
5. Glentrool forest (?).. My mum lived near Turnberry and your locality is an area I know like an old friend.
6. Catherine, smiling and looking so very pretty in her wedding dress. It is particularly nice of you to share that with us. Top Girl!

I am thrilled to hear Catherine shares your passion for metal and power, such a pity that so few girls do!

Members - look and learn - this is what a MODEL POST is.


Sincerely and thanks tons,



G
Guy Croft, owner
spiderrey
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by spiderrey »

A very nice story. I always liked those old Jags.
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70 124 SS
Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

Thanks Guys for your kind comments
Catherine also says thankyou for saying how great she looked on our special day, maybe someday i can persuade her to drive the E-Type? She does seem very scared or apprehensive as she knows first hand how much of a handful the car can get.
My Dad has been a major role in my development as a petrolhead, without his influence i think i would still be driving a little fiesta or something and never getting my hands dirty. Its even better that we can work together to keep these old cars running and enjoy them.
I would love to see my Dad getting this car out on trackday at some point, but we will see.


I had to do a little more work to the E on the weekend, as the rear wheel bearing was feeling a little loose.

I did have great fun trying to get the grease into the wheel bearing assembly, however i am glad i wore rubber gloves as i got covered in grease in the process. The grease has helped a little with the loose feeling wheel bearing, however i am pretty sure this will be a temporary fix as it stills feels a little loose.
The weird thing is, is that the wheel bearings should be kept slightly loose on these old hubs to help prevent bearing failure which is noted down in the manual?
I have heard horrible stories about bearings collapsing and coming off on these old jags and i really don't fancy that happening.
Attachments
Wheel off ready for some grease
Wheel off ready for some grease
IMAG0782.jpg (50.5 KiB) Viewed 27998 times
IMAG0783.jpg
IMAG0783.jpg (48.67 KiB) Viewed 27998 times
Re-packing grease into the little hole (has a dome push in cap) is a real messy job.
Re-packing grease into the little hole (has a dome push in cap) is a real messy job.
IMAG0784.jpg (48.76 KiB) Viewed 27998 times
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badlyworntoy

Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by badlyworntoy »

Will

I totally agree With G.C with regards to the Human elament to everything we do, Its seldom seen on many car forums and it certainly adds warmth and depth to the thread....yup, G.C you should make it Protocol, makes for a better place to be.

I love the Jaguar too will, Although Having spoken to you on the phone and knowing your arn't actually scottish, it stands to reason then why I suppose they Is a E-Type and a Kilt in the same picture, Most Scots I know wouldn't part with the money to run a E never mind buy one in the first place....most of them are happy with an rusty Hillman Imp...........yes I'm trying to be funny, don't shoot.

I love the wheel chocks by the way...very inovative, Like wise is that triple wiper setup standard? I can't recall ever noticing that on other E types.

Keep up the Good work Will on this and your other Projects and thanks for your help recently with the Aux belt engineering for G.C's 2.0 units we'd have really struggled without you.

Take care

Nix
Will01
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Will01 »

I come from a Scottish family so i know what you mean when you talk about Kilts and E-Types. But luckily for me i was brought up south of the Border and it obviously rubbed off on my Dad not to carry on being 'typically tight'.
My Dad first purchased this car a very long time ago when i was still at School as he was going through that Mid-life crisis thing, which was well timed when prices on these old cars where at an all time low. Its surprising to see how much they are worth now in comparison to then.

I glad you like my wheel chocks, my Dad did look at me very weirdly when he saw what i was doing but just let me carry on, they do work very well. There was a real need for these as we had to disconnect the brake system when the car was up in the air and it helped keep the car that bit more secure.
As for the triple wipers that is standard on the E-types, mainly because of the windscreen height and width. They still not great though and the end blade overhangs the windscreen anyway.

No problem about aux belt, I was only glad to be of assistance and I would really love to see your own project in the flesh.
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4v6
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by 4v6 »

What a lovely project Will, I have a great affinity for all the Jaguars as my father had around 13 of the various models over the years, ranging from the absolutely enormous 420G with the fold up trays in the seats and Mk10 models, (reg was MOX 725) half a dozen or so Mk2's of 2.4 to 3.8 litres, an Xj6 4.2 with the rollback fabric roof, Daimler double six with the stromberg carbs and a V12 5.3 Jaguar which I did a lot of restoration work on, I was only 18!
Nothing finer than swapping out the Lucas ACR alternators on the side of the road in the cold and dark in record time cos he couldnt get his big mitts down there to do it.
Your projects struck a definite chord with me as at the age of about 5 years old I was always inside the jags he was using for parts cars and I always used to get the job of stripping out the Smiths clocks, the switches etc and the pushbutton starter was like a magic trick to a kid at that age.
Fanatastic times.
Really good to see it coming together.

Tony.
Tony Warren. GC #96.
Guy Croft
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by Guy Croft »

Thanks for joining this thread Tony!

I wish more would take time as you generously have and read_what_others_have and at least say,


"I enjoyed that, thanks....!"

MEMBERS - HINT


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Guy Croft, owner
4v6
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Re: Jaguar 1968 E-Type 2+2 Series 1 1/2

Post by 4v6 »

Youre most welcome Guy!

I think it should be a rite of passage for all youngsters to spend time just sitting in old Jaguars and drinking in the atmosphere of aged leather and walnut dashes.

I fear Jaguar POL 191R (5.3 litre v12) has been dismantled perhaps as its not been licensed since 1986 as stated on the dvla website.
Shame,it was a nice place to be.
Tony Warren. GC #96.
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