Better late than never!

unclerob · Post by **unclerob** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:59 pm

Hello all, just joined your forum because this morning I bought my first E type. I'd been planning on buying something to restore as a retirement project but was really thinking more along the lines of either a TR or MGA but then this came along and I couldn't resist!! Its a 1966 fhc 4.2 auto....apparently all running ok until completely stripped in the mid 80's and stored in boxes...I realise theres going to be lots of bits missing but so far, of the major parts everything seems to be there except the bumpers, dash top and windscreen. The big plus is that the bonnet seems virtually undamaged and there are quite a few new panels and new A frames...and looking at what I can see of the body tub itself I'm thinking quite a few new panels are going to be needed!!
My initial plans are to make an inventory of what I have (and what I need) but then concentrate solely on the body tub over the next few months.
I've rebuilt a lot of old cars in the past and sheet metal work doesn't really worry me too much but I am thinking that some kind of jig will have to be made and any links, pictures that might help in designing it would be most welcome?
I'm off to start sorting through boxes now but next time will post some photos....thanks!

Post by **Heuer** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 4:11 pm

Welcome to the Forum! No shortage of friendly advice here so feel free to ask any questions.

For a start you might be interested in this complete set of S1 bumper's currently on eBay: http://tinyurl.com/kcp2q9a You will find the originals are a far better fit than the repro ones and the genuine articles don't come along that often!

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:08 pm

I think in fact it must be a 2+2 , as no short wheel base cars were made with automatic transmission . Mechanically there are few differences , but the 2+2 has quite a number of detail differences, quite apart from being 9 inches longer , such as floor structure, jacking points, different exhaust system

unclerob · Post by **unclerob** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:25 pm

Hi, thanks for the bumper link and yes, I'd heard that there were no auto coupes although on the V5 its listed as one though that probably doesn't mean much! So far, I only have this photo to put up (if i do it right that is!) which I took when I first saw the car this morning...

unclerob · Post by **unclerob** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:31 pm

Having looked a bit further, yes, you're quite right...the chassis number begins 1E50 and ends BW which means 2+2 rather than fhc!

Post by **Heuer** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 6:08 pm

Actually the auto gives you the opportunity to do a MOD (manual with overdrive) conversion which will make a huge difference to your enjoyment of the car and the MOD gearboxes can be picked up fairly cheaply on eBay: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... hlight=mod

And start a thread in our Restoration Project Forum so everything will be documented in one place. Good luck!

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:42 pm

The 2+2 makes a great touring car and for reasons I have never been able to explain, usually is much more refined than the FHC. The OD conversion is a great asset as David has said

unclerob · Post by **unclerob** » Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:05 am

When I first heard about the car being available my first thought was that it was a shame it wasn't a manual but hadn't really considered a conversion until now, especially as I understand it has the original engine and box...
From what I've read so far it doesn't seem that whatever I decide to do has any impact on the rebuild of the body shell so I can ponder that for quite a while!
Coincidentally, the first Jaguar I ever owned was a Mk.2 which I converted to manual in the street outside the flat where I lived in South London, probably frowned upon nowadays but that was 35 years ago!!
Will be doing the parts sort out this weekend to see exactly whats what and will post some photos in the restoration section as suggested.

neil4444 · Post by **neil4444** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 1:34 pm

Hi Rob,

Another brave man. Welcome to the club. And however deep your pockets are they need to be deeper

Cheers,

Neil

Durango2k · Post by **Durango2k** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 3:56 pm

Yes, because the 2+2 is the most expensive of the bunch to restore - it has the MOST metal and the most complex interior, and no less mech parts at all, so this is why.

AND after all that work, it is the lowest in value, sadly.

But still worth it !

Carsten, 1966 S1 2+2, still 2 yrs to go....

unclerob · Post by **unclerob** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 11:14 pm

Initially, I believed the car was a fhc and when I found out it was a 2+2 I was a little disappointed but thats been offset by all the extra parts that I got with it, I could almost build another one with all the extra body panels... 5 rear and 4 front wings for instance!
The icing on the cake is that just as we were leaving the previous owner found a new front screen in his loft...still with Triplex stickers on it.
Not too concerned (yet!) about costs as I'll be doing all the work myself bar the trimming and even the interior isn't as bad as it looks...no tears at all in the seats...might well re use them at first.
Have now started a thread in the restoration section....

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