Does anyone know if its possible to Swop the (wimpy) 1989 indicator stalk for the (nicer and more chunky) 1990 indicator stalk (as fitted to later cars)

Can I just buy a later one and swop it over? or is it a major job which may involve changing the steering column over.

 

Forget it OB. The later stalks are Ford stalks (so MUCH better made) but originality is the key to value on any potential classic. Second, the column has to be changed because (at least) the shrouding is different - not that hard to do, third the loom wiring for the wipers is not the same, fourth the connectors are different, fifth as it the steering lock. No doubt more niggles too.

Be patient, soon there will be a much bigger and more (for us) entertaining problem with the car to occupy you!

Greg

 

Hi Greg

I somehow had the feeling, that it wouldn't be that simple! but it is the one and only thing I 'hate' about my Jag! apart from the fact that they put this control on the wrong side of the Steering Column!

On the Merc its on the RHS on the XJS the LHS, so it wouldn't be the first time that I've looked an absolute 'Pillock!' when instead of the 'indicator', I've gone and switched the 'Windscreen Wipers' on!

Which is only OK! if its raining! but not on a 'Hot Sunny Day' When everyone must be thinking,

'That flash git must have only just gone and got that Car!'

But right now I am facing a much bigger problem, which was inspired by something you said in reply to one of my 'Posts'

I am now finding it hard to accept that nothing is going wrong! and you were absolutely right!

Its a very reliable car!

Once you have actually managed to get yourself through the 'Pain Barrier!'
of the obligatory 'Blood Sweat And Tears' to get her sorted out, not withstanding a massive 'Great Hole' in your Bank Account!

(kiss of death something is bound to go wrong now I've said that!)

My 4 pot Merc is by contrast a bit of a 'Tractor!' Ultra 'Uber Reliable' and always gets you where you want to go and in some style!, as being a bit of a Classic, it always looks the business!

But the XJS is altogether on another Planet and is so addictive, that I just want to drive it 24/7 and probably would if only I had my own oil Tanker full of Petrol!

So its best to keep that 'On board Computer Switched Off!'

As failure to do so may induce thoughts of 'Self Harming!'

 

I parted out a 1990 and the column is different. Instead of the steering wheel just coming out further, the column shifts up and down. So in order to fit the new stalks, you'll need a new column. For a new column, you'll be moving the ignition switch to the column. The wiring will need to be changed, as - depending on year - the light switch was moved to the stalk too. Lot of work for something which would make the car potentially worse...

 

Hi Daim

Thanks for your reply, perhaps I will just leave her as she is.

Its just a pity that they didn't decide on the new design in the first place.

 

Personally, I like the old British Leyland style stalks better. They are flimsy but they just look more "British" - they match the barrel gauges and other typical BL things.

The newer stalks remind me of Escorts, Transits, Fiestas, Granadas and co...

 

Add need a new dashboard to the list, as the standard old one will not accept the up and down movement. And I absolutely DO know what you mean about the XJS once sorted being addictive OB. The management and I used to cruise about in the dusk, Nat Cole on the stereo, just for the wonder of it all. Before children and consequent poverty that was, but I remember, oh yes, I remember.

Greg

 

Hi Daim

Deep down I'm a big Merc Fan, Its built like a 'Brick Outhouse' and never lets me down, so 'Flimsy BL' Stalks are not for me!

I've also got an XJS with the later type and they are so much better, that I find the flimsy ones are quite hard to get used to.

 

Hi Greg

You Certainly know your Stuff!, so if I have to live with those 'Stalks!' then that is a small price to pay!

Its not so much like driving a car 'in the normal sense of the word' but more of an experience, like you might get on a Visit to Alton Towers!

As it has been raining for the last two days, the XJS has been locked in the Garage and as a result I have been doing 'Cold Turkey!' and am suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Especially after the GF and I went 'Tripping' all last week, where we got a KFC and 'Parked in the Marina' with the top down, under the Stars with all the lights from all the boats dancing on the Water.

It was so Romantic, with only the sound of the Water lapping the edge of the Quay interspersed with the Crunch of the 'pearly white teeth' of the GF, as She bit through the Crispy Coating of another leg of KFC.

As I whispered in her ear 'do you want fries with that?'

So given the Choice I much prefer night driving, with the 'Mavericks' playing 'Dance the Night Away' not that you can hear it with the roar from the exhaust, as you fly through the night Sky like a bullet!'

And with all the lights and everything that you've got going on, I am simply hooked on this Car like some sort of drug and then I discovered the 'Kick Down!' which I cannot remember making much use of before.

As I was being daft enough to try and economize on petrol! which is the very last reason that you would have for buying one of these.

Suffice to say that 'Kick Down' is an insane piece of 'Kit' that can turn a Car into a 'missile' but am pleased to say the new tyres make a difference as it was a little bit 'Twitchy' with the other ones on.

So I'm hoping that the Sun comes out tomorrow, as I'm climbing the walls with frustration and just cannot wait to go out!