The previous paintwork I had done is now drawing my eye, so I think it's time for the total re-spray. The guy whom did the previous work is excellent, but alas he is a small 2 man operation so things take time. I'm researching other options as I don't want my car tied up for a month+. I have other vehicles but I just don't like any of them gone for that long lol.

 

After the holiday activities I was able to fire up the garage coal stove and continue work on my wifes X308.
I measured and remeasured my AJ27 cylinder heads valve lash for correct shims needed after cleaning and lapping out all the valve surface pits and seat pits, testing the springs, reassembling with new guide seals.

Then I rearranged the existing shims to get as many within spec, all I need now are 10 shims. Seems to me a good spreadsheet might help with that detail if I could find one that records everything and then does the sort. But with a pencil and paper it only took about 20 minutes.

Thanks to BobRoy, I can do a swap of shims as needed from his used stocks in exchange for some $$ and shipping - thanks Bob!

Cheers!

 

Replaced a LH Velo high beam headlight after the holiday jaunt across Wyomings I-80 facing winds of 60mph + gusts of higher speed throwing airborne rocks at my poor 2000 XJ8.
Of note, the OE Velo plastic reflector bowl outside ivory colored plastic seems to be turning to cheese due to age after 18 years.
Carefully Popping out the High Beam from the ball holders in the bracket, the bowl plastic of the old headlight was showing some cracks and crumbling into dust.

 

 

One of my former training mates has a fight @ Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY on Saturday & asked me to attend, so I checked all the majors on the X308 & she's ready to make the 1050 mile round trip !

 

Minor detailing & wood wheel install, she's ready for her 1000+ mile trek !






Of note whilest trying to install the drive side shattered defrost vent's replacement, I broke the center piece (go figure) @ least it's not rattling while I hunt down replacements. Also sprayed the clock spring down w/ WD-40 as I was getting a springy noise after intense turning.

 

Excellent....a huge improvement!

.

 

When I bought mine, it had a busted low beam lens and a fog light lens. Maybe because it's California, I went to the local Pick n Pull and bought one fog light and a set of headlights for the passenger side. I removed the lower trim under the light and 4 bolts later the assembly was installed. The lens were clear and refectors were in great shape. No need to pop the pivot ***** out of their sockets!

 

This car is getting nicer and nicer ... have a great trip!

 

Thanks ! When I was going through my rear end saga I picked up a 2017 Infiniti Q50, it's now neglected lol. Looking forward to putting these new Michelins through their winter paces going through Washington DC. etc.

 

Went to its urban parking place to be my daily driver again while the X350 is in the body shop and discovered some juvenile vandalism. Didn't RR come up with a nifty fix with the disappearing Lady.
As ever, my envies are with those of you who have available garage space.

 

Damn that sucks. We need to bring back the lash!

Hopefully there is no damage to the hood and it just needs a fresh leaper.

 

I took the I-95 route(blue path on map) & made it in 7 hours 53 minutes, car performed flawlessly w/ 28.8 MPG average despite the heavy footing.

 

Excellent that your trip went so well KC, and the Jag performed impeccably, and that is exemplary gas mileage, things must be in good tune.

 

Finally got to replace the LR Hub assembly. The replacement came in, and frankly has more play in the bearing than I'm happy about, but at least the pivot bearings are solid, and once the axle was tightened in, there was far, far less overall play than the old one. And since I needed SOMETHING back together, it did the part. It also came with a rotor in far better condition than the one I had, as well as a complete parking brake assembly, including the cable back to the hookup, so I don't even have to mess with the old to the new mess. Granted, the storm was starting to hit just as I was getting the caliper back on so I tied the parking brake cable out of the way for now, and I'll tackle that when I have a better day to do it. But at least it's back on all four wheels again, and with any luck, less wobbly. After I shovel out tomorrow, I'll find out.

 

Hi King Charles,

On rough roads … my center defrost piece rattles. I'm glad I noticed your post. I didn't know these pieces were available to replace. Still lots to learn!!! Thanks

 

Here you go, I got his price down to $43.55 as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/JAGUAR-XJ8-...T/253813724202

 

After being so pleased with the results from replacing my trunk struts, (Item #18 here....https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...o-list-212776/)
I purchased some new hood struts. I guess someone must have replaced them before, because the improvement wasn't anything like as dramatic as the trunk struts renewal, but the hood does now "take over" from the lift from about half way instead of just the last 10%.

 

27.3 MPG average w/ 1,103 miles in the end.

 

There are few compacts that can match that, and are a lot less fun!