Who can I trust?

[Peter1963]

So, I now have my 1963 FHC sitting on my drive - finally. (Imported it from S.A.)
There are a few things (as expected) that need attention and my biggest need is to find someone who I can trust to work on it. I live in south Warwickshire (Rugby / Leamington Spa area).
I'd be most grateful for any tips / contacts you might have.
Key areas for work may include a replacement steering rack (I suspect there is too much play in it) and perhaps a new clutch - all the 'bite' is right at the top of the pedal travel. Having had the plugs out it would appear to be running rather rich so setting up the carbs properly might be a requirement.

Look forward to hearing from the mighty wisdom that this forum seems to be full of!

Peter

[cactusman]

If you feel especially rich then Jaguar themselves now have a classic workshop arm in Gaydon (I might be wrong here) I believe

For mere mortals as the crow flies you are not that far from Angus Moss in Letchworth. If the car is on the road a shortish trip. Angus is also very active on the forum. Drop him a pm with your requirements...

[Gfhug]

CFS Motors in Coventry could be worth trying, they've helped me out in a couple of ways: 01676 541917

Not the smart workshops of some companies, but honest work.

Geoff

[Stuart Exelby]

Hi Peter, there will be others, closer to you - but I have had good success with Birks Motor Heritage (Thame) in the past - probably about 50 miles or an hour from you - but they have specialised in Jaguars for years and used to race them. Honest work as far as I can tell - similar to Geoff's comment about CFS, they don't have the smartest of workshops, but they know the cars. http://www.birksmotorsport.co.uk/Classi ... _Thame.php

[Heuer]

Angus is the most trusted restorer I know although he can't be trusted to bring along his wallet when he invites you to lunch

Well worth a visit for a chat.

[Gfhug]

David, I thoroughly agree with you about Angus and heartily recommend him, just adding options, especially if Angus is busy.

Geoff

[PeterCrespin]

Angus is the most trusted restorer I know although he can't be trusted to bring along his wallet when he invites you to lunch .

Must be your aftershave David. He and Karen have fed me on numerous occasions. I must look hungrier than you :-)

[Peter1963]

Morning Gents
Many thanks for your replies - most helpful. I shall probably go and see CFS in Coventry today since they are pretty local to me. And since I have time at the moment I may take a trip to Letchworth to see Angus at Moss but will avoid lunchtime! Might as well go via Thame and see Birks also.
As for Jaguar Classics Julian, well, I was fortunate enough to have two guided tours of their amazing new facility before it fully opened. It is actually in Ryton in a new purpose built facility. Fantastic entrance area with plenty to look at - both Jaguars and Land Rovers. There is a huge glass wall that allows you to see into the workshop. When I was there I saw no less then 6 XJ 220s, numerous E types, a lightweight back for a few tweaks and the star for me was the XKSS, back from California following the launch video they shot there last November. Take a look at the video -
http://media.jaguar.com/news/2016/11/ne ... and=jaguar
The driver is no film star - he's the engineering manage at Classics and was also in that TV documentary about the Lightweight of a couple of years ago.
As for taking my own car there I think you may be right Justin - my bank account probably can't stretch that far! If you get the chance go take a look at the place - just wonderful.
Although it may not be available for all to see, behind the workshop is a collection of some 200ish cars - many jaguars but others also, acquired from a private collector. Amazing.

Thanks again. My car is still waiting for a V5 so not on the road yet....

Peter