To introduce myself to the group. I bought my 1973 E-type last year. I had not run for several years, and a lot of parts had been removed from the car. I'm (very!!) slowly putting it back together. One of the challenges I'm struggling with is the right size of fasteners, since the fasteners weren't kept together with the parts that were removed. Can anyone tell me what type of fasteners were standard for the E-types in 1973? I've found that some metric fasteners will fit, but don't feel quite right. Do you know of a supplier of these fasteners?

I'm also struggling with how to install the rear side windows - one of the areas I'm short of fasteners. I've replaced the main seal, but now can't work out how to fit the seal on the B post, install the windows itself and secure it with the retainers strip. Any advice on this one?

 

AFAIK in 1973 Jaguar were still using UNF and UNC fasteners. Where it is just a case of securing something with a nut and bolt then metric can be used. For instance I replaced all the bolts & nuts that secured the rear quarter panels on my Jaguar XJ6 Series 3 with the closest metric I could find. However, where there are captive nuts or existing parts with threads these will almost invariably be UNF or UNC. Thread gauges can be bought an if a fastener is measured for diameter with a caliper gauge, plus thread pitch with a thread gauge, the correct thread can be identified.

Which Thread - D. Middleton & Son

I used this supplier a lot many years ago, as I replaced most fasteners with stainless steel. I still have my thread gauge !