New guy says Hello

[cdaubs]

Greetings all,

I have a '64 FHC (890093) which has been in the family since 1974. My father purchased it while we were living in Carmel, California. He has had it until 2012 when he told me to come get it. They live in Omaha, Nebraska now, so without any hesitation I packed up the truck and drove out to pick it up.

It is in fairly decent shape for it's age. It was "restored" back in the 90's by a questionable company in Illinois. I have discovered many short cuts and poor work performed by them since I took over owner ship. I am addressing these as time and money allow. My father replaced the Moss box with an all synchro unit many years ago and also opted for '66 seats over the original '64 style for more comfort. I am in the process of a complete engine/gear box rebuild and engine compartment freshening up.

As soon as I can, I'll post some pics. Have to open a photo bucket account it seems.

Anyway, so far I have enjoyed reading lots of posts and have found this site to be a wealth of information so far.

P.S. I'm editing this post because I really failed to introduce myself.

I live in Redding, CA. and I'm 60 years old (sometimes older - sometimes younger). I am married, Tammy, and have a 21 year old son, Chuck. I am retired following a 30 year career in Law Enforcement. In addition to the Jag we have the following in our stable: 1967 Camaro (under restoration), 1970 MGB, 2000 BMW Z3, 2015 Chevy Tahoe and a 2015 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. We belong to the Redding British Car Club, where I am the Newsletter Editor. When they are cooperating we really enjoy driving the British cars either on our own or with the Club in our many events.

[rswaffie]

Hi,
Welcome to the community. I have also started my first etype restoration this year of a very original late 63 fhc, also from California (the car, not me ). I am looking forward to seeing your pics.

regards

Richard

[Gfhug]

Charlie, welcome to the forum. We'll enjoy seeing photos when you can and that website is pretty easy to use for hosting your photos.
Yes, you'll get lots of good information and advice, with enough Americans who can give you suggestions of where to find items and help in the US, too.

Good luck with your work.
Geoff

[265bhp]

Hi Charlie
Sounds good....look forward to some updates...do love a restoration thread..!
Best
Jonathan

[cdaubs]

Well, here we go. Photo bucket account created. Here is what she looked like when I went to get her.

[cdaubs]

Now, how to get her home from Nebraska to California while being protected from the elements and prying eyes and fingers. Answer: Car cover and shrink wrap!





It worked quite the treat! Although there was no mistaking what was underneath there. In fact while driving across county home, we pulled into a rest stop and a couple of truckers we had passed came up to us and asked if it was a XKE! We chatted for a while and then continued home. Absolutely no issues with the covering job.

[malcolm]

Hi and welcome! The cover and shrink wrap was a novel idea. Very pro looking

[mark10337]

I love the little window regulator handles you have. I don't think they are original but never seen them as an aftermarket part either.

[cdaubs]

Mark,

Thank you. I was lucky enough to have the Jag for about three years while the family was living over seas. I got to drive it while I was in college (1976-1979). I got them from an aftermarket supplier that was popular back in the day. It's been way too long ago to remember which one that was. I liked them because they kind of matched the holes in the steering wheel. Of course now there is a Nadri wheel installed. I still have the original steering wheel and handles packed up.

[Heuer]

[Mich7920]

Hi Charlie
Welcome to the community.

As you can see, no need to ask a question to know where your accessories come from...And David should't have too much time because it would have given you the name of the owner of the garage that mounted your steering wheel and the name and age of the dog!

A Etype cocoon ???? Never sow this before, you're too strong in the USA

Mich

[cdaubs]

Thank you Malcom and Mich!

Dave, you are either a computer or have way too much free time on your hands! That very well could have been the source for my purchase. Now that I see the ad I can remember that vendor and I was living in California at the time.

[ralphr1780]

Welcome Charlie, nice car!
David is faster than a computer and much more knowledgeable.

[265bhp]

Charlie
Was the car originally black externally ?

[cdaubs]

265bhp,

Well, it was black when Dad bought it in 1974 and the Heritage Certificate said it was black from new. I know looking at what color combos were supposed to be available in '64 it shouldn't have been black on black. So for as much as I can attest to, yes it has always been black.

David??

[Heuer]

According to Clausager there were 1,236 Black 3.8's produced of which 310 had Black trim, 164 had Beige trim and 617 had Red trim with the balance of 145 cars having Grey, Light Tan, Tan or special order trim. So 'black on black' was the second most popular option.

[265bhp]

Thanks Charlie

Looks lovely

Mine was black with black from around 1980 onwards..originally cream with black interior...so has been black longer than it was cream...still haven't made up my mind what colour it should return too....

Best
Jonathan

[Nickleback]

Old English White with Black Leather - great combo & original

[cdaubs]

Thanks David,

I don't have his book, which I know is a bit of an authority in the E Type world. I must have misread a similar breakdown somewhere which is why I thought Black/Black wasn't available. Black cars are a two edge sword in my book. You can't beat them when clean and freshly polished but they are a bitch to keep that way.

The biggest drawback in my opinion is that since EVERYTHING is black, details kind of get lost in the abyss. While I am cleaning up and fixing my car (not really a resto) I am stepping out a bit and using some contrasting colors here and there to try to highlight some features, especially under the hood.

I'm about to start a thread on my last 4 years experience with "Snowball" very soon. She has certainly earned her knick name!

Thank you all!

[malcolm]

I concur - O.E.W with black interrior!

(Bit biased though!)