Hello all, I'm a newcomer to this forum and Jaguar ownership in general. My history is full restorations of cars such as Mustangs, Healey 3000s, Triumphs, ACs, Minis etc. but never a Jag - until now.
I have just bought a XK140 SE DHC as my next project. It's an ex-California car, with incredibly little corrosion, but is going to need the lot doing and I really want to do as much of this myself as I can, bar the paintwork. On first encounter, a lot of questions arise - like how do I get the doors off? Can I convert to RHD and what parts do I need? What's the best way to restore bodywork - separate the panels and remove piecemeal, or lift the whole thing off carefully after bracing?
I'm really hoping this forum is for the 'hands-on' guys as most I can find seem to be aimed more at those who pay others to do the work, which is not what I'm looking for. I hope you'll bear with my uninformed questions over the next year or two.
Roger

 

Welcome to the forum Roger,

An ex-California car has to be the best basis for a successful restoration although I suspect changing from LHD to RHD will be a big challenge.

As values increase, more are going for professional restoration but we do have hands-on members who will be able to offer help and advice.

Good luck with your project.

Graham

 

If you are a DIY guy and have done other restorations the first advice is to buy the parts and service manuals. There is a ton of information in print! As to flopping from LHD to RHD the parts manual will spell it out to the last bolt what the difference is. The 140 is a rack and pinion car so a bit easier than a 120 but your DHC has that big beautiful wood dash (facia) and that will be a challenge (read $$$$). Good luck!

 

Hi
I'm just about buying a very similar project to yours, and I was wondering if you already made any progress on yours?
Mine is a white 1956XK140MC SE FHC from California.
Cheers
Chris

 

Jaguar always made sure that the absolute minimum of different parts were needed to make a car RHD or LHD, so it will not be as hard as you think to convert. For instance, the instruments are located in the centre of the dash.