does anybody know what type of aluminum jaguar uses-----also the glue or bonding agent ---was at coventry west and they say it,s a big secret--only six or so places in us authorized to work on jaguars ----p.s i,m an amt for an airline-------thanks in advance

I am the original owner of a 2004 XJ8. Back then Jaguar published a "A Special Supplement to Automoble Magazine." The title of the booklet was "Leaping Ahead, The Inside Guide to the All-new Aluminum Jaguar XJ."

The article was written by Don Sherman of that magazine.
2004 Jaguar XJ - Road Test & Review - Automobile Magazine

The adhesive is Dow Betamate 4601 epoxy. They alos used Henrob self-piercing rivets witch flare out inside the bottom layer.

They went to Alcan for sheet aluminum and Alcoa for extrusions information. I will copy the pages from the booklet and post them here in a little while.

Apparently:

"Jaguar uses the 5000 and 6000 series for production of body components.

Body panels are stamped from AA6111 aluminium grade and are bake hardened at 168 deg for dent resistance.

Underbody and superstructures use AA5754 aluminium grade for structural strength."

I scanned and put the article about the Aluminum XJ8's in a pdf booklet and also jpg files. Right now, nothing uploads, so I will try again later.

thanks a lot----------- its funny i and my co-works (even the welders) here at delta tec-ops have never heard of that alloy --------(learning more every day---i guess i need to ask if anybody nows how to weld (weld rod) on a x-350 frame--thanks to you both .i will open a new thread

There are already two TIG welds on the X350 bodyshell, one on each 'D' post about 2/3rds of the way up. There may also be two at the front on the A posts but I have no information on this. The two on the D posts required a left handed welder for one side to speed production !! The welds were then linished after welding to conceal them. I believe in certain light and viewing angles it is possible to see the weld line, although I suspect Jaguar eventually used a bit of filler to conceal the welds.

So welding of the aluminium shells IS possible, as Jaguar have already done it.