1988 XJS V12 Auto Sport

[Dannyplum]

Hi all,
Firstly, it says Sport Coupe on the logbook, but its not the Sportspack, anyone know if this is something different from a standard coupe?! Oh well, onward...

I`d been looking for an XJS for a while, something that required some work doing to it, and actually couldn`t find one that worked for me until one lucky day one popped up on pistonheads just down the road from me. Has been off the road for 5 years, started up everynow and then but not actually driven hence the binding brakes (all of them!) and had definitely seen better days to which I`d be returning it to. Has only 78k on the clock, backed up with a big book of service history.

Long story short, had it delivered on a low loader and began finding all the little and large problems with it, and ended up removing the rear axle/cage, new suspension, mounts, brakes/calipers, bearings the lot, then onto the front and figured the same, that I might as well remove all the suspension and replace everything that`s needed. Upgraded the brake discs to drilled and grooved with performance pads whilst I was there, replaced the radiator and added twin electric fans, lower temp fan switch, lower temp thermostats, and new upgraded waterpump.

There`s a lot to do but also a lot done. I`m more of a nut and bolt person than an interior retrim or bodywork, hence I`m not so much looking forward to the headlining job, and sorting out the walnut veneer!

Still figuring out how to put pics up on here (any hints?), but once I do, there`s some of working progress!

[db.08]

Sounds good & will be good to see the progress.
I was advised to open an account with www.photobucket.com and upload your photos to there, then once done it's just a matter of clicking on the image number that photobucket gives it (which automatically copies it) then pasting it into your post on here.
I hope that makes sense - probably will do more so when you go into photobucket and have a look.
Good luck.
Dave

[Admin]

As Dave says, photobucket is the best option! Thats what i use...you upload your piccie, then just copy the text that looks like [img] photoname [/ img] and paste it into the reply box here!
good luck!

[Dannyplum]

Camera out it is then! Well almost, still on the bodywork stage and it`s just too cold to paint right now... but.... just ordered my new space heater for the garage so it`s back to business as usual!

[db.08]

If you have any issues with the pics give me a yell (or pm me )

[Dannyplum]

Not sure if these are in the right place, or even if it will work, but managed to some pictures today... Still not finished, but we`re getting there...

[Dannyplum]

[Admin]

looking VERY nice! i love those wheel arches, they can look too bling on some cars and colours, but they look just right on that shade!
very nice!

[Dannyplum]

Thanks! Although credit for the wheel arches goes to the previous owner. I wasn`t actually sure of them at first and as you said, could be a little bling, but they`re growing on me. For the keen eye, they`re only on half the car. There`s still some bodywork to be done, hence the random white spots of filler, and a missing sunroof (aka PITA roof!!!) hence the water on the inside. It was covered in dust and overspray from another little project this morning and needed to get the sheen back... She`s a beauty, all XJS`s are...!

[Dannyplum]

Things looking PRETTY quiet out there on the forum huh... Well anyway thought I`d throw an update up here, I`m now driving round in my XJS, flew through the MOT, no problems, taxed tested and driving incredibly. Nice to finally drive it further than the end of the driveway and on a proper run. I`m actually shocked how comfortable the ride is, ok it wallows round the corners, but I`ve got the rear ARB waiting to be fitted anyway.

Everything`s been sealed, sunroof is working perfectly, headlining all in, happy days!

One question though for all you lot who have actually been driving your XJS`s. Unless my fuel tank is like the tardis, how far does £30 worth of petrol show on your fuel gauges from empty (ish)... Was on empty, filled up, just off empty. All wiring was fine, and new sender/gauge. Spare jerry can in the back for emergencies but how far is 5 litres going to get you in a V12?! Thinking I should buy an ex fuel tanker to follow me round, you know, just in case...

[db.08]

That's great news re the MOT.
It is pretty quiet on here unfortunately but I keep checking in from time to time
When I first drove an XJ-S I was amazed at the ride and handling. They feel like they're on rails.
Dave

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