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Went to the body shop today. Rust is starting to rule the bottom half of the car, not terrible (yet), but it is, without a doubt, growing.
The place I went to said the only way to stop that sort of thing was to replace body panels. I don't doubt that will be expensive, but are they even available?
I seriously doubt it; they'd have to be used panels. Opinions vary on this sort of thing, but if it's not that bad yet, there's no reason why the rust can't be ground out, the metal rust treated, filled, and repainted.
As we are all aware - we are suppose to purchase a vehicle that is rust free.
I did not follow that rule - based on the fact I wanted and early model XJS. I like the black vinyl interior, not a big fan of electric seats or cruise control, so my 1980 XJS fitted the bill exactly for what I had in mind
Being 39 years old - I expected rust, the paint to be thin and body work required. For the work performed below - I did not source any body panels. The section in front of the rear body was fabricated at the local sheet metal workshop (5 pieces in total). The other smaller sections were sheet metal cut to size and welded in.
All weld were TIG welded, body filler over the top, and I am really happy with the outcome. I think the problem is that the old fashioned panel beaters are slowly retiring, so the knowledge is slipping away. Most modern panel beaters are now plastic beaters.
It took 4 weeks (my holidays) to work at the workshop to go from rust issues until ready to paint, and I learnt lots by helping out, and will gladly do it again to another vehicle.
Rust under door (near B pillar)
Rust in door looking at A pillar
Rear bumper area -
Old sheet metal removed - sheet in front of it was in good shape
Left hand boot near brake light
Right hand boot near brake light
Left hand sill area repaired
Repaired boot area - took a lot of work
Close up of TIG work - behind left hand side rear wheel
Left hand brake light - aerial hole also filled in (not a fan of commercial radio)
Body work complete
Do I have a rust free XJS - not quit. I have some rust in front of the windscreen wiper motor (Scuttle area) that requires the motor to come out. Also have a small section under the brake booster which requires the brake booster to come out. These areas have been fibreglass and I will attack in the future.
So in my opinion - do you need replacement panels - no. Just need the right people looking over your shoulders
Great repair job, thank you for posting it.
OP, UK ebay has various repair panels, depending upon what you need - for example sill ends. However, full new body panels are non existent except if you luck into NOS. But only the front wings are bolt-on panels, the rear panels and sills are, as the previous poster showed so well, far easier to repair and not that difficult either, by fabricating and stitching in new pieces as required.
Went to the body shop today. Rust is starting to rule the bottom half of the car, not terrible (yet), but it is, without a doubt, growing.
The place I went to said the only way to stop that sort of thing was to replace body panels. I don't doubt that will be expensive, but are they even available?
Thanks,
1987 XJ-S V12
I have a 87 coupe that after I get it striped the shell is going to the crusher what panels do you need.
You can still buy some full panels and closing panels from Jaguar. For example I had a quick look this morning and pre-facelift front wings plus front corners are available. Just go on their website and look.
Well, as usual, I spend an hour looking on the web, ask a question here, begin my web search again and find it immediately :-)
So it looks like what I need are the right front and left front (RHD car) fenders, as well as both door panels.
There is also some rust damage to the large one-piece assembly behind the doors, but that looks to be one BIG part, so I'll have to deal with that separately.
Thanks for the detailed photos. Just trying to think of the best way to proceed.
I'll have to have someone do the lion's share of the work, and I have zero experience with body work, and nowhere inside to put the car while I work on it.
I'll run down to the local Jag dealer today to see what panels are available (I didn't have any luck searching on their website), go out in the parking lot, vomit (because of the price) and figure out something from there.
Here is the relevant JHT page https://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/u...runk-lid-panel
They have them in stock but the price will give you cardiac trouble. The wings (fenders to you over there) are bolt on panels except for the front lower edge which is braised to the lower corner panel (9 in the link attached).
Your best bet is to buy good used panels from a breaker if you can find one handy. But do not discount repairing the old fenders once they are off the car unless they are in shreds; this route can make refitting far, far easier. Ditto the door panels, repair is in my view the easiest option.
Last edited by Greg in France; Apr 18, 2019 at 10:54 AM.
That website, or rather its successor, is Jaguar Land Rover. Sadly they haven't made any of the major panels for XJS for many years. I'm not aware that anyone has ever made pattern major panels (bonnet, wings, boot etc) for the XJS but could be wrong?
I have a very solid parts acts as well that I am selling parts from. Chicago burbs it’s very solid I hate to part it out but I do not have time for another project.
XJ-S body panels
