The paint on my '90 XJS is a little rough but I think it can be saved by sanding the clear coat, touching up the scratches and spraying on a new clear coat.

My concern is chemistry. What type of paint was used by the factory? I want to make sure that I choose a clear that will not have a bad reaction to the existing clear and color coats.

Thanks!

 

Hello,

The answer = not very good.

Seriously though, some cars were repainted under warranty, some even prior to delivery, although by 1990, most of the shrink and crack issues were likely solved.

Being that I assume you are talking about the black car listed in your signature, I would suggest taking it to a good shop and having a pro determine 1) that it's original paint, 2) it's actually clear-coated (many solid color cars from that era were not clear-coated, and any signs of clear coat can mean a repaint has occurred).

From there, they can give you an idea of if its savable or not. Being that you are in Denver, I would just swing past Apex Auto Body off of Colfax and talk to the owner Dave Iames about the quality and condition of your paint.

If the paint looks shiny still, or appears could be brought back, I would head over to Colorado Car Car on Teller and Colfax, and see if they can bring back the paint, remove any surface junk and then re-seal it (basically just a really extensive detail job).

Black is tough, especially in Colorado if not kept waxed and inside. The closer distance to the sun and dry climate really take a beating on cars.

Hope that helps, but if the paint is original, and appears cooked in any area (bonnet corners, etc.), you likely won't be able to save it.

Feel free to email me or post some pics, I can help you better.

Cheers,

Jeff

 

I appreciate the advice but I can do all of the detailing and/or painting myself.

I plan to do a repaint/color change on this car later. For the time being I just want to improve what I have.

It would be helpful to know if Jaguar used Enamel, Lacquer, Polyurethane or something else. (In the late '80's, early '90's)

Thanks!

Mark

 

Hello Denver XJS-buddy!

I have a white XJS, which I bought from New Mexico and had been, unfortunately, sitting in the sun for about five years (previous owner couldn't drive due to health reasons).

The paint looked good when I first got it. Hardly any rust. And then the first winter hit, and the oddest thing (to me) happened: the paint "shriveled up" and then flaked off from the roof of the car. Maybe it was clearcoat, because it still has paint there, it just isn't "shiny". Or to be more precise, it is "more dull" than the rest of the car (it had Sat in the sun a long time!).

I had been under the impression that I would need the whole car repainted. But now that I read this, I'm wondering if all I need is a new clearcoat. Which would be awesome because, as I said, very little rust, not noticable.

 

Here's a link for ya: Jaguar parts for XJ6, XJ12, XJS, XJ40, Stype, Xtype, XJ8, XJ

 

I have heard that the paint was drastically improved towards the late 80's through the 90's... All I know is that the original paint on my 90 XJS is very good. BUT I know mine was always stored in a garage and well taken care of.

 

The metallic colours of this era definitely had clearcoat over the top, if that is any help?

JDHT will be able to tell you the actual paint formulation, I should think.

Greg

 

Thank you for the useful link. Now I know my paint code (PDH) is a Black Clearcoat. That means it is most likely a Polyurethane. That will be easy to do!

Thanks!

Mark

 

I bought some Jaguar 89 xjs code specific touch up paint from Automotivetouchup.com and they also sent the clear coat. It is a great match for my Red Jag. I am a happy camper with what they provided.
regards,
ken