A friend and I bought a rusted out 86 XJ6 and took the entire thing apart on Saturday. There were still many usable parts on it and for what we paid (450), it was worth the 9 hours we spent breaking it down.

Here are some things I learned about the car:

1. The entire rear end is only held on by 8 bolts (for the most part)

2. No matter how rusty the car looks, the sheet metal under the rear end is pristine.

3. The XK engine is really tall! When it is out of the car, it is surprising how big it really is.

4. I hope and pray that I do not EVER have to change the starter. It looks difficult to access even with the engine out of the car.

5. Check that main ground wire on the underside of the car just below the passengers feet. It looks important and very crusty.

6. If your car is not undercoated, the fuel lines get really rusty

7. Wasps love to make a nest in the inner part of the front headlight housings.

8. Taking out the gas tanks is a real chore. If you have to do this without breaking bolts, it would be extra tough. Spraying PB blaster for a week prior to this would be advisable. However, a little diamond in the rough is the fact someone had both tanks sent to Renu. They were perfect!

This was a neat project and I certainly understand the car much better now. Has anyone else ever done this? (Besides David at everyday xj).

 

wow, sounds like a busy day with loads accomplished!
Thanks for the post too, it would have been nice maybe with a few pics of the progress

 

I only took a few pictures which I will post after I get my camera back. They are of the motor/trans out of the car. I wish I had taken more pictures, especially of the gas tank removal. Yes, it was a long day but we essentially stripped the car of everything that was usable. The carcass will be going to the scrap yard this week. Sad to see a car rusted away like that.

 

Hey sneal and Co, if you are ever over my way give me a shout. I have an XJ40 that could do with a strip

 

Nah, not that bad. Upper bolt comes out from the top, lower bolt from the bottom. Removing the battery and oil pressure switch helps a bit, and then move the trans vent tubes out of the way....and then out she comes ! Couple hours, max. More like an hour, really.

Don't even *ask* about replacing a starter on a V12 Jag :-)

Cheers
DD

 

I would love to break down a Jag in France. Do you have rust over there or is that just found here in the U.S.?

 

Admittedly, I did not study it too much but is sure looked buried behind the manifold in like a cubby space (for lack of a better description). When/if that time comes, at least I feel better about it now.

 

This one is not rusty, well not too much, just a little too friendly with trees!

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...ranslator.html

 

Now that is a project car!