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New user here so sorry if I'm starting a thread that's been posted here many times. I just re-acquired (for 2x what I sold it for) the 1969 XJ that I restored in 1995, drove in my wedding in 1999 and then had to sell in 2002 (needed money for our first house).
The owner warned me that the rear brakes were out but the entire braking system looks pretty old and corroded to me. I'm not poor but I'm not rich either so I'm looking for an economical way to upgrade the brakes. I won't be driving it like a teenager but I also want it to be able to stop quickly and reliably. Can I easily upgrade to Series III brakes or is there a better option out there? I'm fine wrenching on a car but am not prepared to do any machine work. Thank for any help y'all can provide.
Nice looking car, right color. What happened to the door handles?
83+ Series 3 Sedans or late XJS front is your best bet. You will need the whole spindle though. They'll have newer style neoprene wheel seals too.
Mission creep...If I were you... I'd just get a front IFS from the latest car you can find. The geometry changed starting with Series 2 and the steering got a bit less assist starting with the Series 3 and Later XJS.
Also get an IRS from the latest car you can find too...some of the series 1 brake parts are getting hard to find especially about the back.
Last edited by icsamerica; Aug 22, 2021 at 08:07 PM.
Just a brief note, if you do decide to take the front and rear suspension units from a Series 3 donor car, just be aware that there was a change from Imperial to Metric threads on brake pipe unions and hose fittings mid-way through the production run of the Series 2 cars (around 1974/75 from memory) and so the later S3 parts will need the hoses from the S3 car (especially the hose that goes from the fixed brake line to the IRS unit).
Seen quite a few people caught out on that one over the years when swapping components.
A beautiful car! Glad you got her back.
Hi, nice car and I am also wondering where the doorhandles are?
Anyway, regarding the brakes. I am driving a series 1 on a daily basis. It't the only car we have. I am running the standard brakes, in good condition though. But I don't see any reason to upgrade. It already has discs al around, and with brakes in good condition it just stops very well.
Why would you want to upgrade the brakes? I I were you, I would just restore the original brakes. Should cost no more than some rubbers and a bit of hose/hardline maybe, but all very well available and cheap.
Wilfred88 makes a sound and sensible point and of course, for each person's car their is what is right for them; I certainly respect that. For the sake of balance, it might be useful to weigh these two points... the Series 1 was built on what became known as the "short" (standard) wheelbase and had three piston front brake calipers and 10 inch solid rotors/discs. When Jaguar built the "Long" wheelbase variant of the Series 2, it fitted the front suspension with four piston brake calipers and 12 inch vented front rotors/discs - the rear remained unchanged. Forever known for saving a penny where possible, was it just the extra few inches of rear legroom (and marginal increase in sprung weight) that led Jaguar to adopt more expensive braking components? Personally, I feel that there must have been more reason than that.
All this said, over the years I have worked on and driven countless XJ Series 1-3 cars (in arduous Australian conditions) and never once did I feel that any of them lacked braking ability (even when avaoiding the occasional surprise appearance of a large kangaroo presenting itself in my headlamps!). I a not trying to influence the OP in any way, nor am I challenging anyone's personal preferences fr their cars; all are equally valid and valuable - that is what I love about this site! I am just trying to express some context and provide "food for thought" to the OP.
Agree with Wilfred. Just swap the discs at the front to the ventilated type and make sure all is well with the rear discs.
New discs are reasonably cheap and now much better than the originals fitted.
New pads all round of course.
Re -do the front wheel bearings whilst your'e at it.
I would also look at all the pistons & seals and flush the brake lines.
Changing the rears is a bit of a PITA, but just think how much $$$ you'll save doing it yourself, but don't tell the missus. She'll want dinner out.
What a Beautiful example of a well kept Series 1!
And it's BLACK! (These cars look best in BLACK, and I freely admit my bias)
Welcome to our playroom from ElinorB.
(';')
I also don't see much reason to upgrade. I have a 1965 S type with factory disk brakes all around and they are as good as the factory brakes in my 1984 XJ-6.
It will cost a lot less to rebuild what you have.
I also don't see much reason to upgrade. I have a 1965 S type with factory disk brakes all around and they are as good as the factory brakes in my 1984 XJ-6.
It will cost a lot less to rebuild what you have.
the Series III brakes should be an easy bolt on change. In theory yes an upgrade. The parts should be affordable from a wrecking yard too. I have Series III brakes on my 1972 black XJ6 and I like them but I like the Series III steering more. I’m glad that you found the car that you already invested time into. I’ve just decided to let go of mine - a tough decision https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-jaguar-xj-7/
re: door handles, it was a "thing" in the late 80's/early 90s to shave door handles for a sleeker look (though not usually done on a Jaguar). I'd put them back on if I could (and might still do). It looks sleek but it's totally impractical - thus the open vent window since the door poppers don't work anymore.
Beautiful car, good for you getting her back, damn the cost.
Just wanted to agree with the others, my Series 3's brakes are strong and I wouldn't change them. Maybe the pads if autocrossing, but that's it.
re: door handles, it was a "thing" in the late 80's/early 90s to shave door handles for a sleeker look (though not usually done on a Jaguar). I'd put them back on if I could (and might still do). It looks sleek but it's totally impractical - thus the open vent window since the door poppers don't work anymore.
I see. I reckon you're gonna have a hard time getting the original shapes for the door handles back in the sheet metal. I suppose it's all welded shut at the moment?
I have to say, as a long time Mercedes Benz owner that's owned several from the 60's to the mid 2000's, I was pretty impressed when I saw the size of the front disc calipers on an S1 jaguar. They're about twice the size of those on a Mercedes Benz that's 20 years newer and probably heavier. I'm wondering if an overhaul will solve your problem vs an upgrade. Your brakes should be good.
Brake Upgrades for XJ(6) Series 1
