Just joined

[s0ftail]

Hi,

I expect that I'll be after a fair amount of assistance. I have bought a '66 2+2 as a "project", but sadly the guy I bought it off neglected to include many of the parts, so I am scouring the market for lots of bits and pieces at the moment.

The car only had 8000 miles on it from new and was stored in the US for over 50 years. It's had a full bare metal re-spray and there was no rot whatsoever. However, it seems that the can't be said of the 420 engine that came with it! I've had the crankshaft balanced and the uprated main seal, together with a lighter flywheel. I've had it re-bored and honed and fitted new 9:1 pistons and had the head sorted out with new valves and just for good measure (despite seemingly being unnecessary) had new hardened valve seats fitted. It seems that the cams needed a fair amount of work as well! Hopefully it's all as good as new in these departments.

I'm about to fit the timing gear, but am struggling to decide about a water-pump. I'm told I need a 420 pump, but I was of the impression that the engines were identical to the e type 4.2. I need an old pump in order to get hold of a refurbished 420 pump, but could buy the e type 4.2. If anyone knows the answer to this I'd be very grateful for a steer. (EDIT. Have now had the differences explained to me!)

She's mostly finished in Opalescent gun metal, but am waiting for the bonnet, which wasn't painted for some reason. I can't decide between a blood red interior, or the darkish tan. Both look terrific imo.

Just for good measure, I'm converting from LHD to RHD and from auto to manual. (Don't they say "go big or go home?")

Anyway, thanks in advance for all the help I'm going to need!

Mike

[malcolm]

Welcome to the forum, sounds like an interesting project. Pictures when you get a minute would be good.

[s0ftail]

Thanks Malcolm,

Added a few to show where I am up to at present!

Mike

[DWW]

Welcome, can't help with 420 engine but wish you good luck. By the state of the restoration, I expect she will be a driver by spring.....

[cactusman]

Call Norman Motors Ltd in London (jaguar specialist) on 0207 431 0940 and ask to speak to Ken. Give him the number stamped on the block just above the oil filter housing. Ken is a walking encyclopedia of Jaguar parts. He will know which pump...May well have a new one ready to send...

[DWW]

I used Ken's knowledge on a daily basis during my e restoration and bought many new old stock parts from them as well, he is a good guy.

[lowact]

I vote the darkish tan.

[Allrand]

I vote blood red, my favourit colour combination.

[lowact]

Perfect, 16Nov ODI semi. Red if saffers win out, tan if Oz prevails...
Trust the forum for all your big decisions

[chrisfell]

The best colour for the interior, especially with dark silver metallic paint, is light grey. IMHO. Light grey with contrasting piping.

[Allrand]

Just goes to show how many different opinions there can be, bottom line - its your personal preference.