Hello All, I hve a 1999 XK8 with 66K with front drivers side and both side rear accident damage. I purchased a Flooded 1999 XK8. I am thinking about doing a complete swap, electrical, Interior and drivetrain with the flood damaged car. My other option is to replace the entire rear clip behind the doors rearward any tip suggestions? the flood waters came up to the radio, and It was Salt water... the donor car has a perfect body.

 

The chassis is ng, but any panels you can remove and rinse are fine. No way you can get the salt out of everything and just do a swap.

 

My two cents worth; a wasted effort, it will never be right. We love these cars, but nothing says they're gonna love us back...

 

Two half cars do not always make a whole. Cost (including donor car) may easily exceed the cost of a running replacement. Did you not get any insurance money for the accident?

 

My Black 99 is mechanically 100% needs a front bumper left fender/head light. rear Bumper and left quarter,for the price of a used fender I now have every body panel,a spareWashed and cleaned interior -the seat frames. I am a mecahnical-Electrical engineer, the is no project too big or complicated and its a labor of love. Thanks for the input!

 

I think you know enough about what you are doing to come out ahead by a big margin. There are lots of parts on the drowned car that can be recovered and sold.

 

Labor of love? Go for it. You will come out ahead$$ after selling the leftovers.

Let us know when you are ready to start parting, I know I can use a few niggly parts here and there.

 

I am still dealing with a flooded condo could not imagine having to deal with a flooded car. If it were in contact with salt water I would say parting the car is a better option.

 

I have removed all body panels, complete powertrain, interior and all wiring, all parts that came into contact with water have been cleaned or dried and stored just in case. I have listed all good and bad parts in an Excell sheet with "jag" part numbers and photos of the part itself and its location whi"e in,the car. I have the chassis on stands and will paint it black so the door sill, engine bay, trunk will be the correct color. I will then start my swap. The damage to the very complex shape of the rear needs to be perfect under black paint. Crazy as it sounds I very much enjoy the car and working on it! I would love any input on what to change, modify or improve as I go. This is my restoration project, no bolt will go untouched

 

Sounds like you have minimal dollars invested and a willingness (eagerness?) to tackle this as a project. Good for you and I hope it works out well.

Better mechanical minds than mine will jump in with suggestions, but I would urge you to record your efforts with pictures and post them here as you go along. Everyone will sing your praises and you will attract an even larger audience...and therefore more input as how best to proceed.

I for one look forward to your adventure. Good luck and have fun!

 

ditto to Mike's post above! Having a disassembled car to document 'reassembly' will be one of those threads that get searched for a multitude of future DIY work.

I second the good luck sentiment.

 

The only thing that you might consider when the car is complete; which VIN are you going to use, the flood damaged car or the wrecked car. If you plan on keeping the car a long time, it might not matter. If you decide to sell it in a few years, the flood damaged car might not look very good to a prospective buyer.

 

My black 99 has a clean title my green 1999 has a NYS salvage title, I asked the DMV abouth that as well, So long as I have both title for the parts I used It will be ok, but I have had the car since 00 so I think my realtives can worry about after I pass on...

 

If you don't mind the salvage title, sounds like you have the knowledge and workspace to get it done right!

 

Sounds like an adventure, agreeing with Mike keep us informed and good luck.

 

I just brought that up, as many people wouldn't think about it until it is too late. Whatever way you go, you shouldn't have any problems with paperwork. The salvage title, just isn't as clean as the other one. If you are going to keep the car, it really doesn't matter.

 

My next question is what should I change/ service with the Drivetrain on the floor, engine mounts...etc or any upgrade suggestions??
Thanks in Advance