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Hello folks - Thought I'd provide a few shots of the seats / dash / interior work now that the headliner is in. I know that this modified interior will not be to everyone's taste, but the goal for this car is comfortable, reliable, functional and fun, and the original interior lacked a few things that that regard, in my opinion. Seats are 1999 Jaguar XJ8 power seats (very nice match to the original rear set really) Console from same car with aftermarket generic DIN slot replacing the factory radio. Seat belts from Amazon, lol, but they work and fit nicely into the '99 Jaguar belt clips. Dash and wood was "restored" by me - I'm no wood worker, and I did not replace any missing burl veneer - I just worked with what I had, although I did replace the dash pieces with some from another car due to water damage - The new pieces were in need of sanding and restoration so I did my best, but its not "mirror" flawless like original - good enough for a driver.
TilleyJon: Yes, I took a few shots, let me know if they are what you needed. Some of the images are a little distorted because I had to use a fish-eye lens to get everything in.
Having restored a Mark 2 in the 80s I think you have done an excellent job. Even back in the 70/80s it was fairly common to replace the fron seats with XJ ones as the originals didn't give much lateral support. Your car has all the look of an official Jaguar update to the Mark 2 to take it into the 70s, (which of course it never did !). So all the woodwork is there and looking really nice. I'm sure Sir William Lyons is looking benevolently down on you.
TilleyJon: Thanks - it actually turned out better than I had figured. I knew what I was going after but this was the most complete interior restoration / transformation I'd ever attempted, so I was pleased that everything went together. I really lucked out in the seats - I was originally going to use an XJ40 console and seat, but I had a hard time finding good XJ40 seats, and those I did find where a very light fawn color - could be dyed but I always wonder about wear over time. Then these XJ8 seats popped up and I had to make a few changes to the console plans, but overall I think its better.
Fraser Mitchell: Thanks for the compliment! I'm not sure Sir William Lyons would be looking down benevolently, given what I had to do under the hood - lets just say I had to make a few "tweaks" and the equipment under the hood is a little less British these days. All things being equal, I'd have left the XK motor alone, but my MK2 arrived without one and in a sorry state of hap-hazard conversion, so I decided to make it right, if not original.
Nice, one of the better MKII interiors. I put modern seats as well as I just cannot imagine driving without head support. So what is under the hood? I am all for something powerful be it a modified 6 or a V8 as my Jag is definitely not stock. Post some more pics of the rest of the car especially under the hood...
So what is under the hood? I am all for something powerful be it a modified 6 or a V8 as my Jag is definitely not stock.
I considered something a little more "adventurous" at first, but ultimately decided on the venerable and well understood small block Chevy - so hardly original, but given what I started with and the fact that I don't have much experience (nor patience) with computerized systems, the SBC 350 was the way to go. I did go with a 700r4 transmission though. Power-wise, the engine should push 300HP - again that's hardly terrifying power, but I have other cars for that -
Nice job. While I know the new computerized V8's do need to be tuned, etc. there are many people whom can help set that up and it is more of an initial setup then you never need to tweak it. It is a bit of work going to modern fuel injection and computer control but I think it is worth.
Very nice job! I like the integration of the modern seats and console. I thought I might do the same thing if I'm every lucky enough to get an early Jag to rebuild.
Nice job. Nothing wrong with a tastefully done restomod, & yours is definitely one of the better ones I've seen. Right up there with Primaz's car. I particularly like the reading lights in the rear. Are they functional at night? ie Can the rear Passengers use them to read without affecting the Driver's ability to use the rear view mirror?
MK2 Interior transformation
