Team Jag,

I have a 1981 Jag XJ6, 4.2 liter series lll. It is rusted badly around both front lights, and the bumper is badly rusted.

I really like the car. It runs BEAUTIFULLY, so I'm interested in replacing those parts, and getting repairs where it is bubbling.

Found this local car for parts:

1985 jag xj6 for part

Will it work? It is a 1985 XJ6. Do you think that is practical? Crazy expensive to do the body part swaP? or should get repairs to existing rusted body?

ALL ideas opinions gratefully received.

Guy

 

All the bolt-on panels should be a direct exchange, 1981 versus 1985. Replacing these would be a better approach than repairing, IMHO.

Be aware that once you remove the panels you'll likely find more rusted areas.

The rust around the front and/or rear windscreens can be expensive to properly repair and sometimes goes quite deep into the adjacent areas.

I know you love the car but go in with both eyes open. You're starting down an expensive road and, once the journey has begun, it can be difficult finding an off-ramp !

Cheers
DD

 

Doug, thank you, yes the "off ramp". As you say. That is the challenge. I paid, $2,800 for this car a few months ago. my sister paid $38,000 for a HYUNDAI. I love my sister but I''m sure the little Korean car depreciates 10% a year. So I can put in $3,800 a year and drive a JAG. The ONLY way I want to get rid of this car is if I buy a different one, maybe for $12,000-$15,000. I really love this 1981 Jag. But thank you for the information. I will have a good long think before I do anything. If you know, please tell me WHAT YEARS work for switching the "bolt-on" parts. I'm assuming 1981-1985 - at a minimum.

 

I think the series 3 started production mid to late 1979 thru to 86 or 87 and the V12 in series 3 went on untill late 93 early 94 all bolt on panels should fit straight on.
Cheers Ray

 

all parts from the 1985 will fit the 1981. Same car, the 1985 interior trim bits are black, the 1981 interior trim bits are silver. Definitely buy the parts car and start replacing.

 

Though, I am lacking in details, the thought occurs that moving the ber1 parts into the non rusty 85 might be a be a better DIY project.


But, caveat the VIN's and DMV!!!


Heck, in CA it might be illegal. Old drive train into newer car forbidden. But, there are ways. Quasi legal mebbe, but not criminal.


I had an old Jeep pickup. I had an 81 title, but the Jeep was sure more like a 56. Twas an SBC lump. Very low gears in the rear. Howled on the freeway, but would pull a stump. Oh, yeah, I did pull some unwanted Oleander stumps ion my yard!!!


That 81/85 swap is intriguing. I vote for a do it. If I had a vote!


Carl

 

Yes, I thought about doing a reverse-swap - taking my kick *** engine putting on in this great body. But...one thing I have learned (read) is the the maintenance history of these old Jags is important. I bought this from an elderly man in a wealthy neighborhood in Vancouver. It has only 120,000 kilometers. He drove it on Sundays WHEN the weather was nice, and I have ALL the receipts. So I can see that he babied it (other then letting it rust). And that good-care presumably extends to the drive train, the wheel bearings, transmission etc. If I dump my engine into a nice new body I don't know that the hell I am getting. That is my thinking. Possibly faulty.

 

If you do a reverse swap, an engine trans included is the way to go. Unless you know that the BW 66 in the 85 is good. and, as you know yours is, do it together. More practical. Doing an engine e to trans is tough, albeit certainly doable, in situ.


I'd choose fixing a ton of mechanical ills over fixing rust.


In respect rust, as others have said, what you see is only the tip of the iceberg.


But, as always, do it as you see fit, your cars!!!


Next to rust, electrics are perplexing. Just wrestled with the fuses under the LH scuttle. Some good results, others confusing.


Well, lunch and then baseball.....


Daughter comes tomorrow with Easter lunch. Yum, a better cook than I. and, io clai to be pretty good.


Carl
,

 

Vancouver, if it was me mate I also like the idea of the original thoughts with the donor panels. However I would have a good look at the rust situation and that would indeed make my decision for me......good luck.