Along with my primary search for a 95-97 XJR, I am also sorta keeping an eye out for an 86 or 87 US spec XJ6 Vanden Plas.

I suspect there aren't any "significant" differences between the 1986 and 1987 (last year of the S III in the USA), but thought I'd ask if there were.

Thanks
Al

 

Very few changes.

A 3-wire heated oxygen sensor was introduced, and the 'oxygen sensor' service reminder lamp was deleted

A new 80 watt radio, the AJ8700, was introduced, 'AJ' being 'Alpine Jaguar'.

On VDP models the vinyl trim above the center control panel matches the interior color instead of being black.

A new paint process was used. I can't remember the details. Perhaps clear over base ...which was called "Thermoplastic"?

That's all I can think of at the moment; and perhaps that's all there was. Somewhere I have the bulletin that describes the changes.

Cheers
DD

 

As far as paint: I have a dealer bulletin (probably posted by you, Doug ) stating that for the 1987 model year, clear-over-base paint was introduced, replacing the "thermoplastic" process paint used up until then. Thermoplastic paint due to its chemistry is supposed to be difficult to paint over successfully.

Also, I seem to recall reading somewhere the claim that Delanaire III climate control replaced Delanaire II starting in '87, with more computerized stuff and fewer moving parts, but my car (built 9/86) does not have it, so I can't say if that is correct or not. Maybe someone here can say.

Regards,
Andrew.

 

I knew someone would clear that up!



Yes and no.

In Aug 1986 the improved Delanaire Mk III system was introduced for the Ser III cars, but *only* those with the V12. Six cylinder cars kept the older Mk II system right up to the end in April 1987

Cheers
DD

 

I can only add that I've read that the Thermoplastic paint system was prone to cracking early in life and that many were repainted early on. Warranty??

My 83 seems to wear it's original Thermoplastic in Grosvenor Brown. At thirty and counting, it is doing well and shines up to a great shine.

I've a scar on the driver door. In brown primer now. I've researched touch up and find it comes in base/clear. Fifty bucks for a spray can. I dunno.

Carl

 

The problem was with the paint process. The robots were applying the paint would start at the sill & go up and over across the horizontal surfaces. The area around the fuel fillers was the most common place, but all the flat surfaces would craze.

 

AHA!!
That explains the Terrible paint on an '86 Xj6 I stripped in a local wrecking yard last Fall! I've never seen such bad turkey-tracked paint! (just happened to be black) It seemed to be factory but I couldn't imagine something that bad coming from any factory paint booth anywhere.

My thought at the time was it had to have sat outside in the blazing sun for decades. It had other problems too, but closer than 50 feet, that paint overshadowed everything!
(';')

 

Thanks for all the great info.

Just as aside, did the Delanaire III system end up more reliable or otherwise better than the Delanaire II system it superseded?

Al

 

I have both. The MkIII is a bit more refined and flexible in operation but there was no improvement in basic funtionality nor reliability. Both systems can be tricky to repair; both suffer from age related problems. When shopping for a used Ser III a fully functioning climate control is a real 'plus'....but of course there's no guarantee it'll remain fully functional forever.

One big advantage to the Mk III system, though, is the the heater core is much, much easier to replace, if/when that repair is needed.

Cheers
DD

 

I can confirm the paint on an '86 Definetly crazes on all the top surfaces. The sides look great on mine but all spider web cracking on roof, trunk, and hood. Most all 86 with original paint look like that.