The 'E' Type Forum

Hi all - Thought I would introduce myself, as at the age of 46 am in the throws of purchasing my first E-Type. The car in question is a matching numbers 1966 2+2 currently in the custody of my father but he needs the space and funds for the resto of his Series 2 OTS.

The 2+2 has been in his ownership since 1979, is completely dismantled and has had new metal in all the usual places. I have the daunting task of finishing the body, painting and then doing the oily bits, most of which I will do myself. I have been looking through the forum over the last few weeks at all the tips and info but so far have failed to find if the 4.2 will run on unleaded (albeit high octane) fuel or does the head need valve seat mods?
Any tips and pointers would be appreciated and I intend to post pictures and a restoration thread when I start early next year.

Hi Steve and welcome.

All e-type XK power units will run on unleaded without modification.

Good luck with the resto, and you'll find plenty of help on here.

Hi John,

Thanks for your help.

Can't wait to get all the bits in my possession and crack on! Exciting if more than a little daunting.

Steve

Welcome to the Club Steve.
You will find a lot of help here and some very knowledgable people.

I hope you enjoy your restoration as much as I am enjoying mine...

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the welcome. I've been following your restoration thread for the last month or so, what a fantastic job. If mine turns out to be half as good as that I'll be pleased!!

Just in the process of getting a heritage certificate from JDHT to find the original build spec for something to work to and hopefully will start to get all the bits to my mates workshop over the next few weeks :D

Welcome to the club Steve,

There are a fair few of us on the forum who do the oily and dirty work ourselves. Personally I have a Series III 2+2 on which I have done all the work myself, except the rebuild of the engine as I do not have the special tools required.
Once the major welding is complete, which you imply is your situation, the rest is a lot simpler, just be prepared to take your time and enjoy the ride.
Even the metalwork can be done at home and I painted my own car, not the original plan, but that is just the way it worked out. My car is now (much to my shock) now being featured in the E-Type club magazine, but if you want some guidance and inspiration, you can't go past the Chris Rooke restoration book, although I am led to believe they are getting a bit short in supply, so maybe best not to wait too long! His car was featured in the magazine, but I think his articles are much better than my own and the detail is certainly excellent.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

Regards,

Simon,

Thanks. Great minds obviously....ordered my copy of Chris's book a few days ago, currently awaiting delivery.