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Hello to all. I just recently acquired a 1986 Vanden Plas with 43K. Having purchased sight unseen, it was an enormous risk, however worked out fantastic.
I'm new to this car, but not to Jags. Previously, I had a 1999 XJ8 and 2004 XJ8. I also grew up in the car business and we dealt with quite a few Jags, both in sales and service. The first jag we had on the lot was a 1987 Vanden Plas in Bordeaux Red and even though that was over 20 years ago, I still daydream about that car! The first I ever sat in was a 1979 XJ6, and even though I was only about 15 years old, I set forth into convincing my father they were great and more importantly to him (we could make money selling them).
We did just that and sold quite a few. With all the bad press, I do have to say we really didn't have much trouble with them. Sure they required additional service than many other cars, but we were selling Alfas, Fiats, MGs, Saabs, Audis, and VWs, so high service vehicles were the norm. Frankly, we had less trouble with the Jags than all but our Japanese makes.
Anyway, I'm excited to be back in the game...and where I belong with a Series III, not that later "rubbish" :-).
To my other point, I think I would like to freshen my front seats with some dye. I use Leatherique almost exclusively on leather treatment, but Leather World Tech for my dyes. Amazingly durable and have a nice matte finish.
For those of you who have redyed, do any of you have a color code or name for our Vanden Plas leather?
Welcome Doug. I too back-dated to a Series III, in my case from a '97 X300. Definitely wasn't rubbish, brilliant car still missed! Anyhow, these old girls make for an interesting "journey" so have fun! (your low super-low mileage example sounds pretty special..)
Here's a few early pics from the seller. Wife doesn't like the color, however, I DO!! It's in remarkable condition. It's a repaint, very goood but not great, but it's a driver, so at least I won't panic in parking lots. Fortunately, it seems like just about everything is working as it should.
The only changes I'll make is a full top to bottom service of all belts, hoses, fluids, grease, etc. I also want to upgrade to the 1989 XJS steering wheel and perhaps a keyless entry. I've been spoiled by the German's and Swede's over the years and require a thicker wheel!
Other than that I have to address: painfully slow wipers, driver's mirror flopping in the wind, and passenger door that locks but doesn't unlock from the driver's key.
My mirror was doing the same thing. I got very lucky and inspected it with the old "eagle eye" and discovered that it just had to "pop" back into the little tabs and good as new.
So My 2 cents is to try and push it in hard. almost to the point of thinking your going to hurt it(but not beyond that) and it will litterally pop in. there are three popers and two of mine were not engaged.
More often than not partial operation can be turned into full operation by removing the trim panel and lubricating the lock rods and the innards of the door latch itself. Use whatever aerosol lube you like best.
For the latch assembly I always begin with a mild solvent (aerosol brake cleaner, WD40, or similar), generously sprayed, to rinse away caked-on gunk. After that has drip-dried go ahead with the aerosol lubricant. The latch innards are easy to reach once the trim panel is off.
I already ordered the wheel and believe I obtained it at a good price...under $100, but I guess we'll see what it looks like.
The color is antelope and I just love it. It's funny how my color preferences have changed over the years. For the longest time, I was all about RED cars. The first Jag my dad had was Bordeaux Red. My 2004 was Radiance Red. Now I dislike all red cars! I'm all about the more subdued hues, slate greys, silver, beige types. I guess I'm moving into my "old man" phase!
Here's a few early pics from the seller. Wife doesn't like the color, however, I DO!! It's in remarkable condition. It's a repaint, very goood but not great, but it's a driver, so at least I won't panic in parking lots. Fortunately, it seems like just about everything is working as it should.
The only changes I'll make is a full top to bottom service of all belts, hoses, fluids, grease, etc. I also want to upgrade to the 1989 XJS steering wheel and perhaps a keyless entry. I've been spoiled by the German's and Swede's over the years and require a thicker wheel!
Other than that I have to address: painfully slow wipers, driver's mirror flopping in the wind, and passenger door that locks but doesn't unlock from the driver's key.
Added the XJS sport steering wheel yesterday Such a nice upgrade and thanks to the forum I learned about it!
Quick question, does anyone know if there is more than one shade of "doeskin" leather. I had some touch up dye sent and it's much darker than it should be. Just thought one of you might have some insight.
Added the XJS sport steering wheel yesterday Such a nice upgrade and thanks to the forum I learned about it!
Quick question, does anyone know if there is more than one shade of "doeskin" leather. I had some touch up dye sent and it's much darker than it should be. Just thought one of you might have some insight.
If it's new color it gonna be darker than original. Give it at least a couple weeks. Then re assess. You can lighten it easily, but don't atemp it for a couple weeks at a minimum. Give it some time to fade in the sun and weather.
New Vanden Plas Owner and Dye Question
