Correct me if I am wrong, but swapping a Series 1 frontend onto a Series 2 frontend is physically possible if one uses the Series 1 hood, grill, fenders, bumpers, lower valance, etc yes?

I am going to look at a 1971 Series 1 parts car that has had the motor and transmission removed, still available with the sale of the car, and was thinking if I intend on swapping to Euro bumpers on my 1977 coupe, maybe swapping on a complete Series 1 frontend would just as easy and have a unique look. Can't go wrong for $500.00. And I could possible use the original steel wheels, outside mirror that I need, SU Carbs and manifold, radio if still with the car, and other small parts as well.

I know it is all about opinion, but what are the opinions on the look of the Series 1 frontend vs the Series 2 frontend? Mind you I still have US spec bumpers on the coupe and swapping to Euro bumpers would not be inexpensive, but the rubber bumpers have to go one way or another.

Series 1 vs Series 2

 

Sorry, I'm biased towards the SII front end.


My 1975 SII Front End

 

The Daimler grill is a thing of beauty. As are the 7" headlights.

 

Have a look at this car, https://www.jaguarhunter.org.au/The_...s/specials.htm
Supposedly the prototype for the XJ coupe. I think it is better looking than the production cars.
The series 1 front is way better proportioned than the series 2.
7" headlights are essential. I'm sorry but the USA dual 5" just don't cut it.
Go for it - it should be a straight swap - the spring hangers and bumper are important of course. My only thought would be whether the series 2 guards have the same fixing holes for the lower valence.

 

Well, I shook the seller’s hand at his $500 asking price. The hood and bumpers are straight, left fender is straight, but the passengers will require some work, the grill is in great shape and overall the car is pretty rust free. Other useful parts for me will be the carbs, intake manifold, outside drivers mirror, steel rims with hubcaps, wipers, cowl grill, and I’m sure other small bits. If anyone is looking for series 1 doors, dash, etc I will be selling these and other parts to recoup my investment. Once I get it home I will know better what is salvageable. Even the trunk pan isn’t rusted.

 

It looks like you made your decision, but in answer to your question, I think the Series 1 looks a bit clunky next to a Series 2.

However, I freely admit my shameless bias.
(';')

 

I do feel the best look is the series 2 and 3's lower/slimmer grill with Euro bumpers, but there is a certain look of the older series 1 with steel bumpers that is also appealing.

 

I would come down in the "preferring the Series 2/3" camp but think it comes from moving the turning lamps from below the large outside lamps to below the bumper and eliminating the two small additional grills below the high beam lamps that make the Series 1 front end a bit too busy for me.

If you do decide to swap the Series 1 front end over in order to have the steel bumpers, you might want to consider relocating the turning lamps to below the bumper and eliminating the two small grills for a cleaner look all around... probably not too much additional work and the end result might be really interesting "one off" which your car will be anyway.

 

You still need Euro hinges to replace your UH US hinges. Will the S1 hinges work & are they both serviceable ?

 

The Series 1 hinges would be used with the Series 1 hood. They are still functioning properly on the donor car. I can see what you mean by the grills below the headlights making the frontend look busier than it needs to be. Were these vents specifically designed for cooling? If so, why were they eliminated on the series 2 cars? I also found one picture of a Series 1 car with fog or driving lights in place of the grills. Not sure if this is factory or a modification made by the car's owner. If these grills are not required then they could be easily eliminated when I have the body repainted.

 

This is the one picture I found of a Series 1 car with fog lights instead of the grills. Maybe this was an owner modification. Reworking the fenders to eliminate the grills would be pretty easy when the car goes in for a repaint.

 

I get where you're wanting to go, and have considered doing the same were I to happen into a decent coupe. And the S1 grille is lovely. I've no opinion on vents/lamps, but overall I say less is more.

For me, the best overall "look" for an XJ would be what you're planning, with the following additions;

4-speed box (with od if possible)

Dispose of that weird vinyl top, respray roof to match whatever color you have. If you're changing color, there's but a few that really "work" on these cars...Regency Red, BRG, Black, Silver (the one with a slight greenish tint, I believe it's called Champagne Silver) and 2 or 3 others that slip my mind. All imo of course.

Proper wire wheels just make the car look right, again imo.


Good luck, looking forward the seeing some photos!

 

MSGGrunt,
(or anyone else),

Does the Series 1 XJ mount the bonnet hinges on short hollow rectangular frame sections, which slide into corresponding voids in the front engine compartment side sills?

If so, you are taking not just the Series 1 hinges, but the entire short box sections as well?

If possible, you want as much as possible mounted to what it came from. Series 1 bonnet, hinges, hinge & bumper support frames, bumper...to other Series 1 parts.

Swapping ANY of your bonnet/hood stuff around (even Series 2 to another Series 2) can lead to a REALLY really long bonnet alignment process.
Mixing stuff between cars is... an adventure.

If the Series 1 hinge support pieces are substantially different than the Series 2 (where they enter the body pockets), you may want to contact Andrew at Jaguar Specialties. (408) 839-5569. Ideally, before you begin harvesting what you need from the Series 1. I am not running a stealth ad for Andrew, but advising you may want to know each potential obstacle/conflict before starting disassembly.

I've been repressing the urge to hang a XJ Series 1 front end clip on an XJ12 Series 2 body for some time. Please let us know how this goes!

 

All valid points. I have an entire series 1 car to pull parts from. My series 2 coupe hood is misaligned, so I know I have a lot of fussing with an alignment no matter which way I go. The grills under the inboard light are just for decoration and are not vents into the engine compartment. Come time for a repaint the will more than likely be eliminated.

I also discovered that 7" headlight buckets and everything except the outer eyebrow trim from a Triumph TR6 will fit the XJ6. New Parts for the Triumphs are pretty reasonable.

The vinyl top will not be replaced and the roof will end up body color. I have found a deep red, not fire engine or Porsche Guards Red, but a bit deeper that I like. BRG is out as I already have a TR6 in that color. Black is just too hard to keep looking nice, and Silver seems too common.

A 4-speed would be the ultimate and from what I hear the pedal bucket is pretty easily modified.

 

The Series 1 bumper was easily removed in about 20 minutes. Six 9/16" bolts, three on each side, and it wiggle right out of the frame horns. Further disassembly of the bumper from the hinge mechanism consisted of four 9/16" bolts and everything was separated.

The Series 2 frame horn has 4 bolts and not sure if any of the holes will line up with the Series 1 hinge mechanism.

 

I'm in the Series 2 camp. I think the Series 1 was pretty for the time but definitely looks a bit stodgy for my taste. The coupe was designed to be sporty and refined at the same time. I'd spend the time and money on getting euro bumpers and the elusive lower grille for your coupe rather than trying to graft on a Series 1 front end.

 

Any chance you still have the remains of the car? I am looking for transmission tunnel parts and more in central NH.

 

I am definitely interested in the remaining parts. Specifically transmission tunnel parts or whatever. I am located in New Hampshire.

 

Just why the heck are you doing this to a unique car? They were a fairly limited manufacturing run.
Future generations will not thank you for a "barstardised' car. Commonly called a "bitsa" in my world meaning bits of s--t. i.e. totally non original.
Go play with other more common Jags but PLEASE keep the XJCs original.
It is now 50 + approx. years old and should be accorded the preservation it is due.
Cheers

 

Frankly Bill, I don't see much difference between his original aim - the ugly US bumpers must go - to the replacement of bonnet and bumpers to series 1. Both jobs easily reversable. I have kept my series 1 bog stock for 40 years - it is probably the most original in the country. But now I am aiming to do a few modifications to make the enjoyment of the car even greater.