1973 Roadster

[kevh]

Hi,

Newbie here, thanks for having me.

I have a 1973 roadster arriving shortly and there are a couple of items I need advice with.

The exhaust is not standard so I need to change it (among a whole load of other things), would the original from this year have been dual or quad tail pipes?

I need a new hood (soft top) and the one I am considering (BAS) does not come with the metal rail along the rear bottom edge, but it does have the pocket for it, what size should this rail be and what material is it, are they available or do I just use a stock piece of bar?

Also, which workshop manual would you recommend for the car?

Thanks in advance.

[SESH]

Welcome to the forum.
Became a twin pipe exhaust outlet from March 1973.
Mike

[vee12eman]

Welcome Kev,

I have an S3 FHC (2+2), so I can’t help with the hood. Mike is correct regarding the fantail for the exhaust. As far as Workshop manual goes, the original Jaguar publication is the way to go. Available as a USB stick and I think as a (paid) downloadable/online version from Jaguar and some of the normal parts suppliers, also as a printed book, I think it’s been reprinted. Original copies may come as ring bound versions, which is handy to copy individual pages for the workshop to prevent making the book dirty. You can print from the Digital versions, but get a watermark if you do. There was a DVD version years back from which you could print, but this is long discontinued. It was too easy to copy so Jaguar killed it. Occasionally on eBay. The USB and download version also includes the brochures, parts catalogues, loads of other technical info, press packs and more, not just for the S3, but all models.
I think there are a couple of non official manuals covering the S3, but most, including the Haynes version, only cover S1 and 2, which differ in many details other than the engine. I have no experience of any, but I recall them being fairly thin so probably not very comprehensive.
Of course, they are in the knowledge base on here too… but you really must get a paper copy.

Regards,

Simon.

[lowact]

Check out the Knowledgebase section of this forum, has pretty much everything.

[abowie]

Hello and welcome.

For parts I'd set up an account with one of the "usuals" in the UK. I usually use SNG Barratt but also David Manners group.

Once you have an account tell them you are a club member or are embarking on a restoration and ask for a standing discount. Both will usually give you 10% automatically.

One of SNGB's advantages is that their website is very comprehensive and makes finding parts very easy.

Both BAS and Aldridge Motor Trimmers make quality products.

Our Knowledge base viewtopic.php?f=16&t=700 has a lot of useful documents in it.

For a manual I'd recommend the genuine Jaguar service and Parts manuals which are available as reprints anywhere (EBay is a good place to start).

[madjack4]

HI the back rail is just a piece of mild steel bar i made one a few years ago as mine was snapped in middle carnt remember size but think it it was about a inch and a half by three eighths of an inch
Regards

[lowact]

Mines a round bar, a rod with the ends flattened.

[kevh]

Mines a round bar, a rod with the ends flattened.

Thanks Colin, what diameter is the bar, I was thinking 12mm?
SNG sell a piece of round bar with flats ground onto it where the screws go for £80 I am sure I could make one but wouldn't want it to be too thin so as to flex nor too thick to be able to form to the shape.

[lowact]

Vernier measured minus the canvas equals 9.5 mm, so probably 3/8".
Is there a secret SNG catalog that I'm not aware of?

[kevh]

BD37942/BAR

It does take some finding, the first time I saw it I was looking for something else.

[E600]

BAS. Have overcome the problem of cars being supplied without this bar, speak to Jack and he will enlighten.