Thanks its comments like yours that keep me going when I think what the hell am I doing lol

 

Well slow and steady. The rear subframe rotted out, new one on the way. Found I need to replace the floor panels both sides and part of the trany tunnel. After that is done I will replace the transmission, rear suspension and then drop the front suspension and cross beam.

 

Good job, very interesting, thanks for sharing and look forward to further updates

 

Before re-installing tranny, make sure a/c drain hose is clear & the end is not restricted or stuck closed. This hose is nearly impossible to access when tranny is in car. Water backs up & soaks carpets. Read other posts on this, as I believe some trim the end off the tube so it is fully open.
Cheers
TheCounty

 

Fixing the floors and detailing the suspension

 

Stop Rust with POR-15® - We Know What Permanent Means!


I used this after blasting with dry ice to remove all rot,tough as nails

 

I have two gallons ready to go

 

After repairing the passenger side floor I discovered a California donor car was available and I decided to repair the drivers side (North American) with a cut out of the entire panel. I also found some holes in the rear trunk spare well and repaired them also. I am going to spray the entire inside of the trunk with a bed liner material same as what is employed in the back of pickup trucks. I'm hoping to have all the repairs completed soon so I can get back to re-installing the refurbished rear suspension and differential. One note, I have decided to weld in all the drain plugs. Useless as far as I'm concerned. If this Jag ever falls off a ferry then it will become a monument to the Great Lakes. As for the front end, well lets just say I have a little customization to undertake and it requires the removal of the center bumper supports the removal of which was easy by a grinding off the rivets

 

"You the MAN" I admire your determination and tenacity. Reading your posts have been enjoyable and a learning experience. Keep on plugin' away and you will be on the road next summer for sure. Did the dif. need bearing or any repairs? Perhaps a LSD would be an option also? Would it be beneficial?

 

Well progressing in a vigilant manner gradually getting there. Out with the old rusted sections and in with the new including a floor pan salvaged from XK8 from California

 

How are your your rear wings behind the wheel arch?

 

Surprisingly they are in great shape.

 

Great job!
If my welding ends up half as good as this I will be well pleased.

Can I ask what type and thickness (gauge) steel you used for the rear chassis repair and whether the reverse side was treated before welding in place (e.g. weld-through primer or galvanised)?

I am just after ideas before plucking up courage to do mine.

Thanks

 

The rear chassis in that location is comprised of three layers of metal. The outer two layers required replacing and I did so on both sides. The inner layer was in excellent shape so I used a cardboard stencil to match the shape required for each subsequent layer. The fist layer that was laid down was 14 ga it was welded directly to the end of the cut out. The second layer was 16 ga. It was welded by a combination of spot welds and seam welding. Working with anything less than than that metal gauge is to difficult to weld in my opinion. I used 6011 welding rods not wire for the frame and the metal gauges were workable allowing for forming to the contour of the frame chassis. I did not treat the reverse side of the metal repair pieces. Any coating would just burn off in my opinion. If you notice the chassis hole in pictures I employed that to spray in Krown undercoating.

 

servicing several, I notice some cats are undercoat protected better than others.

 

Oil Tech (similar to Krown & Rust Check) are the best. My 1985 XJ6 stayed solid as new until I sold her. My 1997 XK8 is the same. Glad you protected your good work. Days past, most panel work would look good for a couple of years until the rust came through from the inside out.
Cheers
TheCounty

 

With much thanks from the Forum for ideas and directions the rear suspension is almost complete just need to add the trans axles, shocks and springs and were off.

 

Nice Job!!!!

 

Looking great!


Did you have to change any of the diff oil seals or any of the bushes?

 

I continue to be impressed with the effort and level of quality seen.

Your suspension already looks better than my cat's paint job!