Bonnet rust and jacking point question

[zigzagsky]

I've just been to look at a Series 2 2+2 and there are a couple of areas where rust bubbles are showing. One is along both the leading and trailing edges of the front wheel arch and the other is next to the chrome strip that runs along the bonnet from the headlight. The one next to the chrome strip looked to be where the wing bolts to the centre section and doesn't look too bad on that side. Likewise the inside of the wheel arch lip doesn't feel too bad so could these areas be repairable or is it the case that once the paint bubbles, the panel has to be replaced?

The more worrying area is that the front near side jacking point seems to be bent upwards and there is quite a lot of rust around it. Is this a sign that the inner sill is rotten?

Brian

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian....almost everything is repairable.....small bubbles in the paint could just be bubbles caused by poor prep in the respray...or could be the first sign of a much deaper problem...just remember that any body repair will also need paint.......jacking points corroding isnt uncommon but needs serious investigation....it all depends on what you want and the price.....eithe get someone to check it over with you...or post some close up photos here....any recent respray should have lots of photos for you to look at and see what work was done.....otherwise walk away...Steve

[zigzagsky]

Thanks for the advice Steve.

I've attached a picture of the jacking point and the bonnet rust.

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian....the rust on the bonnet isnt a huge problem....you can look at the inside and see if its right through or not..the jacking point is rotten....get the carpets up inside and on the front behind the pedals and have a good poke around use a good lamp.....more important it where the engine frames meet the bulkhead.....from the inside you should see the bolts comming through with the nuts on......you dont want to see lots of cover up filler or mastic..it shoukd look tidy is the car private or dealer

[zigzagsky]

Thanks for the advice Steve, I'll try and get over to see the car and take a look. It's being sold by a dealer, not a private individual.

Car is being advertised at a shade under £50K so I was expecting it to be in better shape.

[malcolm]

£50k sounds a lot. I've got a series2 2+2, with zero rust, in A1 condition, body and engine near perfect, and it's currently valued at £40k. Possibly a bit undervalued, but even so...
I'm just down the road from you in Fleet, so if you ever want a look to get an idea on car conditions, feel free to contact me. PM me and I'll send you a phone number. Away in Brittany with the E for a week from Sunday, but around after that.

[Heuer]

Ask Angus Moss to check the car over for you and provide a report - money very well spent!

[chrisfell]

I'd walk away. This looks more like a £20-25k rough driver/resto project, than a £50k local show winner. I'd leave it for someone more money than sense, I wouldn't even argue the toss with the seller.

[christopher storey]

I agree with Chris Fell. I'm not that bothered about the bonnet rust which looks non-structural , but as far as the hull is concerned , this looks like a car which is in need of a full rebuild . The corrosion in the jacking point area is very serious looking to me. As someone has pointed out, this is a crucial area where the lower longerons of the engine frames attach to the hull . A golden rule with E types is that if it is rusting on the outside, it is overwhelmingly probable that the rust in the box sections will be considerably worse

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian........Angus Moss as mentioned above would be worth you contacting....he may have or know of a car and be able to advise you.....he is a well respected member of the forum and one of the Administrators http://www.mossjaguar.com/index.html

[zigzagsky]

Thanks Malcolm. I'm working in France next week but would welcome the opportunity when we are both back in the U.K.

£50k sounds a lot. I've got a series2 2+2, with zero rust, in A1 condition, body and engine near perfect, and it's currently valued at £40k. Possibly a bit undervalued, but even so...
I'm just down the road from you in Fleet, so if you ever want a look to get an idea on car conditions, feel free to contact me. PM me and I'll send you a phone number. Away in Brittany with the E for a week from Sunday, but around after that.

[zigzagsky]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll have a think on walking away from the car or having a professional survey done, although I think maybe walking away could be the safest option.

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian.....use it as a positive.....look at as many as possible, pull all the capets and on a 2+2 rear ones and pull out the rear seat base...there are 2 holes one each side so you can look in the box section......get a mirror and lamp...the engine frame mounts to bulkhead i mentioned look at the one under the battery area...hard go get to but often the first to rot...sent you a PM

[zigzagsky]

Thanks Steve, good advice.

I've just replied to your pm (was out for most of Sunday so apologies for the delay)