Finally after some playing about the rear suspension system is back in now to finish mounting the shocks, brakes etc. The entire bottom side of the Jags been finished in POR15

 

WOW, There are those of us that would call this a thing of beauty. Well done, detail is hard to hide.


Wayne

 

Moving onto the front suspension now that the rear has been completed

 

Can't wait to see this next stage of the project. What I have seen so far is amazing!

 

Ok so the trans went in on the weekend and I was able to install the new combination dip stick - fill tube from 5HP24 Dip Stick

 

How's everything going with the rebuild? I'm in the middle of mine and love looking at your pictures.

 

It was stalled for a bit. I have been busy since the New Year but going to start up again this week. I'll post some additional pics. How about you?

 

I am very impressed! Keep up the fantastic work! keep the pictures coming!

Cheers from the West Coast!

 

Have you considered upgrading the brakes to the larger XKR rotors and calipers? It can be installed with just a bit of cutting of the edges of the rotor shield to make clearance.

 

Took a break from working on the mechanics of the XK and decided to start on some interior work. Replaced the passengers side seat leather cover, next will be the drives and working on console parts.

 

Beautiful job. Did you recover the seats yourself? If so, did you have any guidance? My drivers seat on my 97 XK8 conv is in tatters. Thanks!

 

Thanks. Yes I did them. This is not a difficult task. The seat covers come from Convertible Tops, Headliners, Convertible Top Parts, and OEM Seat Covers , there are a number of posts on the forum on this, fit is excellent in my opinion. Just be careful if you in colder climate and attempting this work the plastic fitting, covers, etc become brittle. I have a fully heated garage so it all worked well.

 

Out of curiosity, did you happen to notice the diameter of the ring gear?

And did you happen to notice if there were abnormalities in the gear marking pattern?
For example, favouring the heel?

 

I'm sorry I did not

 

Rear suspension is complete, rear brakes completed. New valve cover seals and plugs in. Throttle body on this weekend and starting the Cat up for a little spin around the lot most of the snow starting to melt off. Then back on the hoist for the front suspension removal and re-furbish. Body Shop hopefully by first week of April. Fingers and toes crossed.

 

Keep up the good work maybe a little inspiration for you! Spring is coming!

Just a word about the aluminum cooling tower. I could not keep the cap sealed, so I ended up using the original cap off the plastic tower, no leaks.
I also insulated the fuel line right behind the aluminum tower. That tower gets incredibly hot.

This engine shot was before I changed the cooling tower so you cannot see the insulation on the Fuel line. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TAY-2575/

I had my seats recovered. The photo appears to show the leathers is a little loose. When mine were covered we added extra foam to take up the "baggy" cover. We did this because of the original foam compressing over years of use. Mainly on the wear area's center seat and center back and head. Just an observation. I do not mean to imply any negative vibes!

 

No negative vibs taken, all good comments. I noticed that as well and will add some foam. Not sure what to add what did you? Unfortunately I threw out the old cap when I was making some room and have learned early on not to do that any longer. I am keeping everything to the bitter end now. Gas shield I will order today. Your Cat looks great!!!

 

Upholstery foam is best. If you can find a small shop get some pieces of 1/4"/6mm; 3/8"/9mm; and 1/2"/12mm. It took us several tries to get it right. The key to it was to not stress the cinch points to the point that the new covers might start to prematurely rip. It was one of those moments when you know when to much is to much. Its kind of like when you are cutting something with a knife and you draw the blade towards you and just before it slips and slices you wide open you wise up and stop knowing you should.

You might be able to just grab at the leather and pull it out you might get a feel of how much foam you should add.

If memory serves me right we added the foam to the surfaces and not on any of the edges. The edge seams of the leather cover should still be at the edges of the seat and back form.

Hope all this makes sense!

 

You're getting to the body shop before me I'm waiting for a new pinion flange for the diff. Then the rear end will go back in. I'm replacing the timing chains and primary tensioners (already did the secondary).

How did it drive when you took it out before the front end work?

 

It drove well thanks. Good to see I'm not the only one investing time and money into one of these older ladies. I didn't have to do the chains and tensioners the motor had been replaced under an extended warranty in 2002 with new crate engine believe it or not. Best of luck to you that work I would imagine is not easily completed