​​​​​​Hey guys! Just got into my first Jaguar project car, and I'm excited to dive in. It's a 63 Mark X, with the 3.8. I've done the rust digging, and the passenger front pan is the only rusted one. The engine is also locked up, so I've got it oil soaking for the time being. Any advice? Suggestions before I go deeper?

 

Welcome. One does not see many MK-X cars anywhere these days. Hopefully you have the intake manifold and three SUs stashed somewhere....?

Unlike the smaller saloon cars, parts can be tough to find for your car as there are just so few left in circulation. Good luck with your restoration. It is, after all, the "Official Staff Car of the Kray Twins," no...?

 

I do have the intake and SU carbs, and I filled half of my garage just with parts. The trunk is full of parts, too, but I don't have a set of keys and I can't pick locks. I know I'll have questions on down the line, but from here, I've got a little bit of metalwork, and a whole lot of refreshing to do (brakes and auto trans) No idea about the real history behind the car, I just know that it's dang beautiful. Can't wait to drive my big kitty.

 

A mobile locksmith should be able to get you into the trunk. Most cars of the era had a separate key for the doors and ignition; I think your MK-X should be the same.

Barratt's has a new ignition switch cylinder/barrel, with keys:

https://www.sngbarratt.com/us/?gclid...0Mk%2010%203.8

 

After multiple attempts at getting locksmiths to understand that the jag trunk lock was every bit as vulnerable as any American car of the day, I gave up. Finally ended up removing the rear seats and the rear blower motor box and climbing through the hole to release the trunk latch. Lots of goodies, including 4 complete door glass assemblies, a few gasket sets, and some miscellaneous wood trim. Ready to pull the engine and do a little rust repair before the paint goes on