I know this seems so simple that even my Nana could figure this out, but... trying to replace one of the interior bulbs I cannot determine the secret of how to remove the lens cover. there is a metal rolled spring affair at the bottom center of the cover, when I push this in, the lens cover will become somewhat moveable, but does the lens lift up and away or down and away ? Am I suspose to pry it off with a screwdriver placed where the spring is ? I don't want to break this lens cover as I'm sure they must be about unobtainable after all these years. You would think there might be a sentence or two somewhere in the operating manual or the workshop manual, but ..no. ( Jaguar must have assumed this was so straightward that any fool or their Nana could figure it out ! )

 

I hope Bill Mac looks at this for you. I don't even know what a Mk1 interior light looks like. Do you have a Pic? Similar to Mk2?

 

No, a MK1 light is nothing like a MK2 but it is in approximately the same area as a MK2 interior rear lights. (The MK1 doesn't have any B pillar lights)
Just depress that metal spring clip on the bottom of the lens (I use a flat blade screwdriver) and the lens should be free.
Once the clip has let go you may have to juggle things around because of upholstery hood lining but it should come out easily.
To replace just offer up the top of the lens into the housing and then push the bottom over the clip
I just did this on my MK1 10 minutes ago (I was refreshing my geriatric memory)
Cheers

 

Thanks Bill. I knew you would be the go to man!

 

Thanks so much Bill ! I'll give her another go today ! finger' s crossed..

 

NOPE ! can't get her off. feels like there is another latch up on top behind the roof lining. applied good force with the screwdriver against the spring while prying out with another thin screwdriver from the bottom. won't come out. wiggling and jiggling the thing has no effect. its loose side to side, minimally, but not gonna come off. Go figure .

 

Ok! Your "go figure" is noted
I will dive into my junk pile and see if I can find a MK1 interior light fitting and sus out possible problems.
I do think the panel upholstery lining is interfering and is possibly the culprit as overall it is a very simple system.
I actually remove the light bulbs if I am doing any serious work which requires power on and doors open for a long period
Only takes a few seconds to do and saves flattening the battery.
Will get back soon

 

Bill, I agree that it is most likely a paneling, roof lining problem that is the hangup. That being said, I appreciate your willingness to look into it further, but don't go too deep of a dive; This car has so many major issues before its roadworthy that this little interior light is of low concern . Just frustrated that even trying to fix a minor issue on this car turns into a hassle.

 

Welcome to the world of owning a British car.

 

Schmitty
I am sorry but I cannot locate a Mk1 light housing to try to ascertain what is going on. It appears I have given the spare ones I had away to another MK1 restorer.
I did find a couple of lenses which are basically 1/8 perspex (plexiglass?) and are "handed" ie left and right side.
I am wondering if the wrong lens has been put in the wrong place or even upside down.

Otherwise, I have found heaps of "treasures" while searching. MK8 headlights, MK1 wood window surrounds, XJ6 electrical bits etc. The list is endless

 

Thanks Bill.,, I'll just leave this for another day (year) when there's nothing else to fix. But, Treasure found ! Good for you !