My new to me 03 XJR lived in southern California up until last year (did a VIN history check) when the P.O. brought it to Wisconsin. As such it has no rust, none, not a spot. I plan to use it as my daily driver year round which I feel guilty about. I'd park it and drive a beater during the winter but our single car garage is already is home to a rust free Triumph Spitfire (also from Cali). My question for those in the upper Midwest @ NE is other than the usual wash the salt off frequently advice are there specific areas I should pay attention too? Any products to recommend?

Also for the folks in the aforementioned locales I assume Blizzaks are mandatory on this car.

Thanks!

Kevin
Milwaukee, WI

 

Kevin, I would not say that Blizzak's are required. I drive my car year round, but it isn't rust free, I had all of the body rust taken care of, but I have yet to do the floor (it's swiss cheese!). As far as tires (tyres) I have Pirelli P7 A/S M+S on my car, and have preformed flawlessly in all weather conditions so far. I have about 7,000 miles on them, and I love them.

 

I just removed about 2 lbs of mud and leaves from each fender, and this is in California. It collects at the lower rear, behind the plastic shield, where you can't see it. This has the potential to rot out the fender, and the front of the sill box section. Suggest removing the covers, front and rear, regularly, and cleaning out any debris.

Another place I have heard of is the scuttle - there is a large place for water to pool, under the vents. The drains block up, and then rust city.

 

Get the underside clean/dry and coat with Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor
There are other videos of application if you search.
Found the best deal of ebay for the fluid, and for application guns and such http://kellsportproducts.com/fluidfilmkits.html

 

I have to keep the Jag outside since my house does not have a garage; The Jag is rust free but I was wondering if rain water could have an effect on rust on our Jags? I've tried a car cover and I used it for a few months but because of moisture getting trapped inside and on the fabric, I got temporary clear coat issues.

I will also check the fenders tomorrow and see if I have mud,ect.

 

Some of the early X300 cars had problems with the rear wheel well arches ... Jaguar must have fixed that problem as I never see any later cars with rusted arches. The design of the lower front fender does allow dirt to flow behind the panel ... it's important that this area be flushed with water when you give the car a bath if you drive through mud or leaves often .... as long as it's not clogged is will self clean.

 

If you are just talking about storing your car outside for the winter, it will likely be fine. Given the discussion of snow tires, it sounds like you plan to use it as a driver throughout the winter? Given that you are in the salt belt, there is no way you will keep it rust free if used regularly during that time. You might be able to slow it down via various miracle coatings but the salt will win in the end.

 

Cars don't rust from the outside in, they rust from the inside out. The worst enemy is long-term damp, combined with salt from the road.

I think car covers are a bad idea outside, as they simply trap the damp, stopping air from circulating.

 

+1 car cover won't help keep rust off the undercarriage.

When I lived in Omaha, the general theory was you were better off outside (freezing protects to some degree); I also had the undercarriage rinsed at a drive through car wash every other week; but I also had them undercoated. But they were Chevys and a Rabbit.

I think the best solution is to put really good snow tires on all four wheels, drive it, enjoy it, when it rots out, go to LA and get another one. They are practically giving them away. Transfer all the best parts and your new knowledge from the old to the newer.

 

If driven during the winter, I second the suggestion of applying a yearly treatment of Fluidfilm, Rustcheck, Rust Stop etc. oil based undercoating. Canadians seem to have easier access to businesses that provide this service for some reason.