Initial shopping list

[Simon Bolton]

Hi All. I am now a proud owner of a series 1 2+2 1966 Primrose and have just had it checked out on the lift at my local garage.General 1st impression is very favourable in that the body and general condition is very good(huge relief as I bought it on E-bay although with a bit of encouragement from Peter at Devon Classics).Apart from little things I am capable of doing myself,the only priority is a slight sag nearside rear.New springs are called for so I am also intending to replace the shocks and bushes at the same time on both sides.I have been offered some springs and standard shocks off another series 1 that sat very well but is now being upgraded.My questions are;
Do I accept these or do I get new ones?
If so,which springs, shocks and bushes would be my best choice?
I will have other things to ask in the future at which time I will beg for your knowledge but I just want to enjoy at the moment.Thanks for any advice you can give. Simon

[harryetype]

Hi Simon

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new purchase.

I would buy the used springs and shocks, get rid of the shocks and keep the springsc as the repro springs dont sit right. you need to ensure that they are original springs, of course.

With regards to bushes use original ones as uprated poly bushes knock and bang to much. you can improve the suspension by fitting good shocks, torsion bars and anti roll bars.

[MarkE]

Hi Simon
I totally agree with Harry on all counts. I made the mistake of replacing the rear springs as I was completing a nut and bolt restoration on my S1. The new set make the car sit too high, though I expect (hope) they will sit down a little after some miles. My experience of the polybushes is that they transform a Jaguar into something that may be a little sharper on a track, but makes the car feel too harsh on the road.

Just found this rather good picture of your car....

[Simon Bolton]

Thanks for guidance guys.will take up the offer.Great print.Where is it from? Simon

[MarkE]

It's from the launch brochure of the 2+2...it should be your screensaver!!

Mark

[Heuer]

Simon

My experience of new rear springs is at odds with others it seems. Mine were fitted by CMC in May and having just covered 2,000 miles with them they are perfect. Admittedly most of this was with heavy luggage in the boot (my wife does not travel light!) and we were motoring hard over mixed road types. If you intend to use the car infrequently then the new springs may not be to your liking but after a thousand miles or so they are well and truly run-in.

David

[Moeregaard]

This issue with replacement springs must be a recent phenomenon. I replaced these and the Konis on my '65, back in 1990. The originals had taken a set and the car had a slight "port list" common to LHD E-Types. The replacements were 30% stiffer than stock, and when fitted with new Konis at their softest setting, perfect for road trips with a passenger and all our stuff.