Hey I bought an e-type in boxes | FerrariChat

Hey I bought an e-type in boxes

Discussion in 'British' started by Michael B, Apr 17, 2017.

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  1. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    #1 Michael B, Apr 17, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Long story short. Very good gent sent me in to help out a friend. Friend got into this Jaguar project 15 years ago, did a very good job making progress, then retired & went on to other adventures.

    I step in.

    What did I get? Its a 1971 roadster with factory air and a lovely numbers match 4.3 liter six connected to a numbers match manual transmission, all rebuilt. Bare body on a buck expertly and correctly restored with no shortcuts. Every spot weld correct, every panel perfect with beautiful of the era Jaguar red applied. A brand new complete front bonnet accompanies the chassis. It is still in the crate & remains in factory primer.

    Unrestored suspension included & still intact. All hubs, brakes, etc. All engine frame cage pieces present & accounted for. All of the interior & gauges are here just unrestored. Two tops, all of the misc systems are in boxes unrestored. No wheels. Gone missing over the 15 years. Did not see any door glass, but have not finished inventorying yet. Could be on the tall pallet of old metal pieces that were kept so that they could be perfectly replicated when they were replaced so many years ago.

    Its 95% complete I would say at this point. Down to a stack of old photographs of each part & how it was removed, restored & then replaced.

    Its a daunting task to reassemble but not impossible. And then the completed car could be a absolute joy to behold. Let me keep digging over the next few months & I will report back.
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  2. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
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    Very cool
     
  3. malex

    malex Formula 3
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    Congrats! Are you going to try to do most of the remaining work yourself over time or turn it over to a pro?

    I bought a '66 coupe 2 years ago. It was a restoration that someone started 25 yrs ago but gave up after 5 yrs and it sat untouched in a dry garage (well, "dry" by Florida standards) for the 20 yrs after the previous owner lost interest. My car's body has been restored with all oem Jag sheet metal, but the interior is gutted and the engine compartment is untouched. I also have boxes of parts in my attic and in the car's interior. Some of these parts are unusable garbage while others are restorable (or just need some clean up).

    My car is a bit of a mutt. The block is original to the car but the cylinder head was replaced at some point as was the transmission. Car was originally opalescent silver blue but the previous owner seemed to have a thing for yellow and changed the color to primrose. My plan is to bring it back to original color. I really haven't done much with the car since buying it as other priorities seem to get in the way - mainly my kids' activities. But I've been itching to get started so I'll be watching this thread from time to time to see your progress and hopefully I'll get inspired.
     
  4. msdesignltd

    msdesignltd F1 World Champ
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    #4 msdesignltd, Apr 18, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    Very Rare to get a 4.3 ..Unless the rings are 3 over..and the cylinder liners were Honnned extensively..

    These 71's modified , engine specs with long tube headers and webers...are just the cats meow..congrats..

    Are you keeping the Carmen red??

    Heres what your baby could look like if you choose to retro fit 67 headlights

    Like My 68'
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  5. gtjoey

    gtjoey Formula Junior

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    #5 gtjoey, Apr 18, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Michael B, Good luck as I bought my E type 4.2 ,30 years ago in boxes, back then 6 grand bought the whole thing!
    Its been 30 years of driving around the country and beyond!
    Ive owned practically everything, its the only car I cant sell.
    I still do 6,000 miles per year!
    Yours is the very last of the series 2
    I noticed the reverse alt for a/c and all.
    You might have a chrome ban around the mouth and xj6 side badges
    That original.
    Any questions pm me as many of the folks who made them are now long gone.
    Watch for my new tv show on velocity in September or go to gtjoey.com
    Norman Dewis is the best!
    GTJOEY1314
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  6. gtjoey

    gtjoey Formula Junior

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    #6 gtjoey, Apr 18, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
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  7. Fennicus

    Fennicus Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2015
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    Pekka T.
    Hi,

    Agree. I bought mine 21 years ago, almost $20k and in boxes, what they call a "basket case" in the UK. I was 26 and it was my first car. :D

    And it was a 4.2 L S1 2+2, 1966. 1E76372BW, PO had converted to manual +overdrive which was great. So great that later I had to get a (factory) 4.2L XJ6C manual overdrive. And later also a V12 OTS manual (but no overdrive.)

    I wish you luck, it should be a fun project, but there are a few things to watch out for, like the torsion bar front suspension, the bonnet alignment etc. which are not trivial.

    Cheers,

    Pekka T.
    Fin.
     
  8. gtjoey

    gtjoey Formula Junior

    Aug 12, 2014
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    This thread can go on forever...
    3 08 rear
    triple su's
    1 wire gm alternater
    Dayton 6 inch offsets sealed spoke wheels
    German conversion headlights
    Vented front brakes
    Its the ultimate motorcycle with a roof :)
    GTJOEY1314
     
  9. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    #9 Michael B, Apr 18, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thank you sir. I am looking into both avenues now. I may do as much as possible then get help. Or may take it all the way. I just don't know. But i like the opportunity.

    Whoops. Yes 4.2. I am sorry. It has been rebuilt & has zero miles, but I have no reservations against putting headers on it. I think I will keep it this red. With the replacement bonnet perhaps I don't need to be a stickler for 100% originality.

    Luv that. I will watch for any Velocity show. I pretty much watch them all.

    It is great to hear so many of you started the same way. Its also great to hear the appreciation for the marque. My past history includes a 1962 3.8 FHC that the family sold when I was much younger. This heals that wound slightly. I will keep pouring on the photos to keep you all in the loop.
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  10. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    #10 Michael B, Apr 19, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Did more inventorying. Found all the door glass, and regulators. Lots of bumpers too. I think there are 8 bumpers here... Two factory wood steering wheels. Lost of new stuff including small new bits like lights and large new bits like suspension members. This particular pallet below has plenty going on. Lots to do there. I hung the passenger side door & trunk lid too just to get them out of harms way.

    More as I discover.
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  11. spike308

    spike308 F1 Rookie
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    that is AWESOME!
    looking forward to seeing it!
     
  12. TheMayor

    TheMayor Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Now that looks like fun! What a treat to bring it back to life.

    You're saving a piece of history!
     
  13. Andrew D.

    Andrew D. F1 Rookie

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    I love these cars!
     
  14. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    Thanks again guys. My Son is helping me now. We have a plan. This week we are getting the car over to a E-Type specialist to fit the bonnet (they told us that often times the bonnets are too long & need to be "cut") and finish the paint work. Once it is all one color (bonnet is in primer) we will install the engine & torsion bars (both have to be done at once) and make it a roller. Then we will assemble it to finish.

    I ordered a birth certificate and got it from Jaguar in short order. Everything looks to be in good nick!
     
  15. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    #15 Michael B, May 7, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    #16 Michael B, May 13, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dropped the car off at the Jaguar restoration specialist this weekend. Tucked it in to his spare storage building with a start schedule to be determined. He looked it over & was thrilled that the chassis needed no metal work. That he said will get it in line for prescribed work in short order.

    Nice guys, loads of E-Types there (25?), and lots of impressive credentials.
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  17. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
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    Is that picture from the future? I'm confused.
     
  18. Julia

    Julia F1 Veteran
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    I am guessing that is a different car, same year.

    Very cool project, Michael!
     
  19. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    Don't be confused. That is just a cheers! to what will be.

    Correct & thank you. I am actually looking forward to every aspect. I am getting a lot of support from my Son on this (not to mention you & others support too :)). He is making it more fun.
     
  20. cnpapa24

    cnpapa24 F1 Rookie

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    Great project. Enjoy every step!
     
  21. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
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    Very jealous. I think my next big ticket car will be an e-type-- presuming I have not been priced completely out. I'd be happy with any 6 cylinder variant with a manual.
     
  22. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
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    That is a great plan. While I was talking with the experts at this shop about my '71 he took me over to two "flat floor" early 3.8's. One was just a stack of parts, literally stacked on a pallet about waist high. He says "that is a half million dollar flat floor" with a smile. I felt real fortunate right then that I could even be in the desirable E-Type world at that point.

    I still remember thirty some thousand dollar nice series twos... And earlier good coupes that could be bought without a sacrifice.
     
  23. 360gtracer

    360gtracer Formula 3

    May 18, 2004
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    This leaves a lot of wiggle room - coupe (FHC) or roadster (OTS)? Early 3.8L or later 4.2? Open or closed headlight? Or in between? ;)

    Most were manuals (I believe) - it would probably be harder to find one w/ auto, until you get into the V12s and later MYs.

    Wish I still had my Dad's, I'd let you drive it. But if you're over 5'10" or 5'11", expect headroom issues.

    gp
     
  24. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
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    Now we are on full thread hijack :)

    I think I'd like a coupe maybe prefer the 2+2 depending on timing. I don't really know enough about the series and year variants. I'd be fine with a 4.2 but a closed headlight 3.8 would sure be nice :)

    Probably just a romantic pipe dream as I'm not sure I can live with a true vintage cat.
     
  25. flat_plane_eddie

    flat_plane_eddie F1 Rookie
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