Hi all…a few months ago I bought a 90 XJS convertible with a few needs, but it is an exceptionally rust free car and very low mileage (43k). I happened across another 90 XJS convertible that was almost its twin. It was a one owner car w 57k miles but had not run in a decade. I picked it up as a parts car, and stripped it down. My thought being that I will have a ready supply of OEM parts I can refinish and put on the car I am keeping.

I have the car just about completely stripped and am down to the tub…I could scrap it…but the tub itself is really pretty solid. Has some minor rust issues and none structural, but all are addressable and it’s in way better shape than a lot of others I have seen. It’s completely stripped down…so there is nothing hiding. Rather than having it hauled off I’d love to hand it off to someone else if they have a use for it. I do have the title for it.

it has no doors, suspension, engine, trunk, hood…it’s just the tub…but if someone is interested and can get it in the next month I’d be happy to give it to someone rather than scrap it. If you’d like more info please PM me. Car before tear down can be seen at https://www.photoplace.com/Cars/1990...XJS/Parts-Car/ I’m located between Albany and Saratoga springs NY. I can help get on a flat bed…but it won’t roll (I have dollies to help move). Thought I’d offer it to the community in case it can help someone out.

 

I'm sorry Morse, but I'm confused. And a little frustrated...

I rarely use the WHY word here but,,, why would you DO that to that second car? WTF?

 

because I want to concentrate on making one really excellent car…and my experience in doing a lot of previous refurbs/restorations is that having a parts car can help with that exponentially. Example…the fuel rail on the car I’m keeping works…but is a bit ugly. I’ll work on refinishing the one from the parts car including getting injectors cleaned, new hoses, cleaning up the metal etc…and while I’m doing that I can still enjoy driving the car I’m keeping (not now of course with the snow).

also, the parts car had been stored in a barn for the past decade and the windows each down about an inch. This led to the interior really being pretty trashed. Doing the math there is no way I could do a refurb and recoup costs…so I chose to part it out and hopefully help other cars to live.

certainly some folks may not understand…and that’s fine…I don’t do these things for anybody’s approval. But if I can help someone out with the tub I’m certainly hoping to be able to do so!

 

I totally understand and if others don't I would guess it's because they have never actually restored a car. Having a good parts car is giving you a big head start. Good luck with your resto. Should be fun.

 

Absolutely right, I had one for my rebuild and it is absolutely vital. there are hundreds of tiny parts that are impossible to find, and just being able to find them in a matter of minutes is vital to a rebuild.

 

indeed…I’m going so far as to capture all of the fasteners, rubber bits that are still good, clamps, etc. I removed the entire wiring harness…luckily without breaking a single connector, etc. all the parts are categorized into bins. On the bolts I can throw them into parts washer and then vibratory tumbler and have them looking like new when I need to call on them…big time saver and saves dozens of trips to the hardware store and/or small parts orders if you can even find them. Also fully understanding how the car comes apart with photos of the process will help me troubleshoot.

First up on the good car is a full cooling system overhaul. I’ve got a radiator leak in it…and I will go through the whole system.

 

I wish I had room for a parts car. It's getting to the point where there are still a good number of neglected (or wrecked) cars out there that would be way too expensive to restore but are invaluable as a parts source. If you can, buy one before it goes to the crusher.