but that's OK because I start all my new vehicle acquisitions that way. Bought the car (2004 XK8, 32,500 miles) about four weeks ago.

First thing was to get it up on jackstands, remove the wheels and do a thorough cleaning and inspection beneath. I pieced together a custom, short pistol attachment for my pressure washer so I could get good access underneath. The car was already remarkably clean ... no leaks anywhere.

I tried to clean the insides of the wheels, but only got about 90% of the brake dust off with Dawn, pressure washing and scotch-brite pads. Looks like I need to invest in some Sonax.

I removed all the seats and gave them the Leatherique treatment. Cleaned the carpet and made cardboard templates for a future rear seat delete. More about that in a future post.

While the seats were out I checked the rear speakers for damage (none noted) and tested the sound system with an acoustic test CD. I'm actually pleased with the stock setup. But then I don't hear anything over 12K anyway.

I removed the windshield top finisher so I could examine the latch hoses for any signs of distress. Everything looked fine, so I installed the pump pressure limiter from LSI to forestall future problems.

I partially disassembled the front seats to see if the headrest drive cable fix had been attempted. It had, but the cable was already kinked from weak shrink tube. I installed the pneumatic couplers instead and now the function is excellent.

While the wheels were off, I changed the brake fluid to ATE blue, and cleaned the wheel speed sensors.

I made a dead pedal extension to place it somewhere useful for a change.

The extension of the aerial every time I turned the radio or CD player on was annoying, so I wired a bypass switch and mounted it next to the valet switch. Thanks Steve.
My foglamp lenses were hazy inside, so I removed them (no easy task), disassembled and cleaned them. Hope I never have to do that again, although removing the headlamps does make access easier.

Next up is a thorough cleaning and conditioning of the top (303 kit came UPS today) followed by wash, claybar, power buff and Zaino of the body.

After giving the budget a breather, I plan to buy the RealGuage kits from JagWrangler and install those. I was an automotive engineer most of my career, and ran a dyno lab for a number of years. I cannot imagine not knowing what my engine is doing!

The car is way too quiet, so NP 200 cell cats are in the future as well ... both for the performance increase (modest, but that's OK) and the improvement in sound reported by some on the forums.

This is my 4th Jaguar (two E-Types and an XJ6 years ago) and so far it is meeting my expectations.

Grandkids love it too ... already plotting my demise to hasten the inheritance.

The forum has been a real treasure trove of information and I hope to give back as I continue my modest improvements.

Ken

 

Sounds like you are having a good time with the new toy.

I think they all start off like that, catching up on all the little things the previous owner didn't do. But it's all part of moving in to a new car.

Be sure to post some pics when you get her all shined up.

 

Ken, congrats on the new hobby. Sounds like you're already having loads of fun. Ditto on what ccfulton says, keep us up to date.

 

Great beginnings! Need more photos...

 

Love to see some photos!
And, by the way, you need to add the remote top to your realgauges order from jagwrangler!! It's the BEST thing I've ever added to mine!!

 

Ken,

That's some work list you've got through in four weeks.

As others have said, let's see some photos.

Graham

 

When I bought my 04 XK8 about 6 weeks ago it had 38K miles. Our list of "repairs" is remarkably similar. I guess your car does not have the problems mine had with all the foam rubber deterioration (A pillars, header, door panels, A/C ducts, Front shock mounts)?

I drove mine home from purchase about 500 miles away. I have only driven it around 500 miles since. Been too busy getting it sorted out before summer ends and 6 months of convertible weather starts here in Florida.

 

+1 on the similar list I had when I bought my 01 with under 35K Including the A pillars). I used some laundry ammonia with Dawn on the inside of the grimy wheels...worked great with a soft scrub pad.

Leatherique is great stuff too.

Love the forum and you have clearly been studying it! Have fun and keep those grandchildren in full view! ; )

 

OK, cleaned and conditioned the top with 303. Now waiting the 6-12 hours to cure.
Looked harder under the hood and discovered the orange crumbly appearance of my upper spring seats. One is slightly off-center as well. Time for replacement it seems. What kind of spring compressor do you guys recommend? Worth a trip to Harbor Freight?

Ken

 

more specifically ... the H-F 43753 "clamshell" type?

Ken

 

I used one like this. Got it as a free loaner from AutoZone.

 

Been online looking at upper shock/spring mounts. What's the opinion of those who have changed them out ... Gaudin has OEM, PartsXKs has an aftermarket kit and Jagbits has a kit that uses urethane instead of foam. Any experience with any or all of these? Cost is not really a factor. I tend to lean in favor of OEM, but I'm open to influence if a superior aftermarket solution is available.
Or, a vendor I haven't found yet?

Ken

 

I just did mine and got them from PartsGeek.

See my thread about it

 

Nice price on the PartsGeek units. Unfortunately they are out of stock right now. Not sure how often they restock.

Ken

 

I'm getting ready to do mine and will get the mounts from Motorcars, Ltd.

Shock Mount - Motorcars LTD

 

Ken - partsgeek has been out of stock for about 2 weeks - been checking back frequently as I am in need of a set myself. May look at Welsh or other options.

 

Thanks for the link RJ - for those in need - just checked motorcars ltd and they will meet or beat competitor pricing - just filled out the request so will see what they say.

oh well - must be in stock to match price

 

Getting ready to fire up the cyclo buffer .....
Washed and clay-barred. Then Zaino after the buffing. Should shine like a new dime!

Ken

 

Ken you're having too much fun but she will look like she just came out of the show room when you're done!