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I have the possibility to purchase a couple
of original Mk2 recliners with picnic tables. Currently I have XJ6 series 1/2 seat that are very comfortable but have useless headrests (I am 6’3”) and no picnic tables. I know I will probably never use the tables but they are so iconic I really want them. They are complete but in pretty bad shape but I think they would make a really nice restoration project. I can get the pair for 200 Euro, seems like a good deal to me or not?
These are the recliners with the cloth sides not the chrome ones. Do these recliners sit on rails so they can be moved back and forward?
The Mk2 recliners & Picnic Tables are part of the car's character. They are easily rebuilt from dove grey frames up to re-veneering the tables. John Skinner can provide all. The car without tables is a Daimler V8 where they were deleted from day one but had perforated centres of seat upholstery.
They sit on rails and slide back and forward. They are different rails from the XJ seats. They will match the back seat (assuming that's original) better than what you have, though series 1 XJ6 seats, head restraints apart, don't look too out of period. There's a lot of steel in Mk2 seats and they'll probably resist side impacts better than the body of the car.
There are a few negatives to Mk2 seats. They are big and impose on rear seat leg/luggage room. They are wide, so wide they may conflict with seat belt reels on the B-post. They are heavy. They offer little lateral support for spirited driving. Many people, including me, don't find them comfortable for driving significant distances, say more than 100km.
As for the picnic tables, we have used them, mainly because there's nowhere else to put a cup. A cubby box with cup holders on the centre console would be more comfortable and convenient.
Thanks. I installed static seat belts so that should not be a problem. I don’t do too much spirted driving in the Mk2 (I have an XK8 for that). I think I will go for it. If I really dislike them I can always put the XJ seats back in.
I can get a kit will all the parts and do the restoration myself but I see many people shy away from doing it themselves.
I consider myself a competent engineer and I have a decent workshop. I am not in any hurry so I can take my time.
Any reason I shouldn't attempt to do the job myself?
I can't speak for Mk1 seats, but I took the cover off the seat squab of my DD6 to repair a split and put it all back together again without any problem. If you intend to re-use or recycle any of the old leather, I'd suggest you soak it in neatsfoot oil before removing it to avoid it falling in pieces.
Been there; done that.
You may have to replace the foam which is old and probably crumbly.
There are lots of modern foams of various densities to choose from.
Also check the seat base springs as I have found them to have lost tension.
I don't think the original covers are salvageable but preserve them for the pattern.
There is nothing in these simple seats which should confound a competent person.
For a challenge try pulling a Jag X300 seat apart!!
From a kit you will swear now and again. I used pre-made foams from John Skinner. You need to layer different densities of foam. Could not find moulded.
It's not that bad. Listen to Bill re springs or swap left for right with some tweaking.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 10, 2024 at 03:27 PM.
I added foam and wadding to the seat (glued to the old foam with contact adhesive to keep it in place) of my Daimler mainly because the leather looked as though it needed some extra packing. It made the seat more comfortable and raised the occupant by an inch. I can imagine that foam at least two decades older requires replacement. It's probably better to buy pre-cut, but even then I'd be prepared to add some locally if it makes the leather cover sit better or I proves the comfort.
I re foamed my seats a couple of years ago as the original foam was turning to dust. There was a constant covering of yellow foam dust under the seats after every journey. Rather than buying pre formed foam I bought slabs of foam in different thicknesses and then cut it to the shape of the original foam using an electric carving knife. It allowed me to put a little bit of shape into the wings on both the back of the seat and the base to hold me in position more snugly. I was able to reuse the original Ambla seat covers which after 60 years was still in good condition but had to add a felt trim around the base to connect the Ambla to the frame as the original material had started to rot away and tear. Someone had been in there before me and had added lots of pieces to patch up the foam instead of just replacing it all. The back seat foam was just as bad as the fronts so all the seats were done.
You need some room to work, some sewing skills and imagination but I got a lot of satisfaction from doing it all myself. The only specialist tool you need is a pair of Hog ring pliers and lots of Hog rings.
The old foam completely dry and rotten. Tie down material which holds the Ambla to the frame was rotten. This is the old hessian material with the springs poking through. New hessian material fitted. New foams fitted having been cut to shape with an electric carving knife.
Rear seat foam. The old rotten tie down material. New fleece material sew into place.
Upholstery: A Restorer's Guide to the Jaguar MK2 (Mark II) ~ Information from: Thorley, N. (1990) Original Jaguar MkI/MkII – The Restorer’s Guide to MkI, MkII, 240/340 and Daimler V8 – Bay View Books Ltd.
Colour Combos:
As they say at the top there were variations. 240/340 included Dark Blue. There was also a colour called "Heather" on the Mk2 ~ see bottom.
Seat Foams:
Wadding:
Batting:
Heather.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 10, 2024 at 08:44 PM.
Original Mk2 recliners
