While a new member to this Forum, but not to Jags. I converted a '76 Coupe for my wife using a John's Cars kit in '85. Then had a few XJ6s for awhile in the '90s.

I now am undertaking a new project. Renewing my Dad's '89 XJS Convertible (Signal Red/Barley w/Black top). We gave it to him on his 75th b'day in '88 and he drove it until way into his 90s. It has been languishing since he passed away in 2007 but now it's time to get it back to as-new condition. It has only 60K on the clock and has no current mechanical issues.

I need to re-paint w/some bodywork (he hit things and there is rust-out behind the rear wheels), replace seat leather, carpet, top and sound system.
I am turning to the advice of this Forum for your input into doing this "smart".

I finally have decided on a metal worker/bodyman to do the body and paint. What I can do before it's presented to him will reduce the hours and my cost. I will be dismantling the car as much as I can; lights, mirrors, badges/emblems, rubber, door panels, etc.

I would also like your recommendation for seat/carpet/top supplier as an interior guy will install whatever I provide. I also want to replace the head unit with something not too garish and improve the speakers. One thing that I want to preserve are the white stickers applied to the original panels so tips on how to do that will be greatly appreciated.

Please respond toward whatever area you have expertise or thoughts. Such as what should, or should not, be removed and in what order. I will appreciate any and all comments.

Thanks for you input, Marc
N. Potomac, Maryland USA
'89 XJS Conv
'74 Jensen Interceptor III
'96 Corvette Coupe

 

did someone say convertable jag? whats that? theres a cabriolet XJ-SC

 

Pictures of problem areas and many of them please!

 

Prior to '87 there were Coupes only. In 1987, the XJ-SC was Jaguar's re-entry into the open air market, not a "true" convertible, more like a Triumph Stag take-off (2 seater only). The '86 to '88 convertibles had their tops chopped in the U.S.A. by Hess and Eisenhart. '89 introduced a factory built convertible.

Will begin to post pictures tomorrow. For this Forum do I just insert them into the posting or post on an outside site ?

Thanks for the interest, Marc

 

so that poses the question as to whether or not its a targa top or an Hess & E.

 

As an '89 it would be a true Convertible.