Which UK Supplier of closest to original Parts?

[richard btype]

I am planning a full restoration in a year or two's time on my 1962 FHC mostly because I have other projects to complete before I start the etype. However rather than have the car gathering dust during the delay (I love to drive it) have decided to address some of the issues to allow me reliable use - the car is mot'd and road worthy just a little tired throughout. For example have changed all the coolant hoses and notice a distinct difference in the appearance between new and old hoses (I believe some are original though very cracked and swollen with the Cheney hose clamps). Through the process of buying some of these parts it is noticeable that many are pretty cheap items - possibly from China that do not match the quality of the originals. My question therefore are any of the suppliers more attuned to providing OE matching items than others? My focus will be to restore pretty closely to original (but will upgrade the heater and engine cooling fans for example) and would like original looking hoses and clamps. So although I have fitted new items off the shelf so to speak for the interim I would like to locate the period items for the restoration and this experience will allow me to learn more about the right suppliers for the future.

Can anyone help me with direction please as there is nothing more annoying once a project gets underway than to be frustrated by receiving parts that one would not otherwise accept but almost have to to keep things moving?

[ChrisC]

Sadly Richard there doesnt appear to be a single supplier who can provide ALL 'close to original' items... you end up with a mix and match from a number of suppliers.

There are a few suppliers that sell most items but not all of them will be good... its a widely known problem and you will get different answers from different people.

I wish I had asked the question before each purchase... as I ended up making an awful lot of items 'fit'...

[richard btype]

Chris

Enjoyed your web site especially about the plating.

Its a funny process for if somebody decides to go to the expense of remanufacture - why pinch penny's. You would think it would be easier to copy an original..

I have actually found a company in California that is remanufacturing the Cheney hose clamps!

Richard

[265bhp]

Richard
Would you mind posting the contact details of that Californian company please, I have a number of Cheney clamps that need replacing
Thanks
Jonathan

[SESH]

XK's Unlimited do them in the US.

http://partsxks.com/c-363224-jaguar-e-t ... -kits.html

Mike

[265bhp]

Thanks Mike

Richard, is this the same company you had found ?

Regards
Jonathan

[Heuer]

The repro Cheney clamps are on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksi ... &_from=R40

[richard btype]

Thanks Mike

Richard, is this the same company you had found ?

Regards
Jonathan

Jonathan

Yes it is the same company and they supply a complete set for around 145.00 - but noted that they can be bought separately on ebay..

Richard

[richard btype]

just checking their website and they appear to be offering 'fixings' that possibly are cadmium plated look alikes - have ordered a catalogue as they seem to be more attuned to originality....

[Nick]

I have often wondered why the door and window seals can't be made as per original with the soft honeycomb centre (sorry - sounds like some kind of chocolate bar !) used by Jaguar.

The suppliers presumably can make more profit marking up the cost of a cheaper product than they can from a 'properly made' part. Or do the suppliers feel that the average customer buys by price rather than quality ?

Nick