I normally do as much of the work myself as I possibly can as I have a hobby shop with tools and a lift. By my shop, there are two Jaguar specialists within a mile of me.

Jim's Jag shop
Jag Mac

Both seem to have been around since at least when the E-Type was new and I routinely see older cars coming in for service.

As I do my own work, I've not paid either to work on my cars, but I have gone into both shops at various times to picked their brains, and both were generous enough to stop and talk to me for a while.

 

So glad I got the jag back from the shop today. I only owned it a few days before putting it in; I was surprised how antsy I got waiting to get it back.

• Regarding the oil leak(s): replaced oil cooler o-rings (1 hr) and oil pressure switch/warning light (.5 hr).
  
• Regarding the suspension: upper control arm bushings replaced with poly (2 hrs).
  
• Regarding the badwrong gas vapors: repaired ORVR connector at fuel filler (1.5 hrs).
  
• Regarding the non-functional gas gauge: replace fuel level sender (1 hr).
  
• Bonus points for diagnosing: rear subframe mounts and shocks, broken right-hand hydraulic ram.
  
• Provided lots of advice regarding maintenance and operation.

Not a bad start. Next up is a (presumably) burnt-out turn signal light and fixing/replacing that broken mirror.

 

Hi.

I'm looking for the left turn stalk for my '93 XJS. Does your buddy still have his?

Thanks.

 

Re the top ram - extend the ram fully then, using an hydraulic press and some hardwood blocks with a Vee cut in them, bend the ram rod straight.
It is softish material and surprisingly easy to straighten.
You won't wreck the seals believe it or not - and the worst that can happen is you will scrap it.
I know it sounds daft but I've straightened many rams like this. Just bend until it runs easily by hand.

 

Try him, his number can be found here: Parting 1992 Jaguar XJS V12 Parts Car

 

Hey Folks! Sorry I've been off the boards for months. I was put on a big project at work which forced me into grind-out-one-day-at-time mode for the rest of the year. Then my wife and I became hugely ill with christmas-crud, and one thing and another, and now I'm finally able to spend some quality time on my car again.

So before all this, I went to work on the powered radio antenna in the trunk (er.., BOOT, I mean boot.., boot and aerial, got it, hehe). The mast wasn't working, and there is no grommet around the bodywork. Of course, this is exactly when the hydraulic struts on the lid failed. They worked just a few days before, I swear.

So I mail ordered new lifters last fall, and I just got them installed last week. The trunk (boot!) lid works great now. So at least I accomplished something.

I am nowhere near ready to tackle the ram at the moment, but your suggestion is duly noted and greatly appreciated! I may pester you about this again when the time comes.