>
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> my brother is looking at buying a XKE that is for sale here
> locally and was wondering what to *especially* look out for.
>
E-types are possibly the the prettiest sports car ever made, particularly
the earlier ones. It's easy to get beguiled by the promise of those
soft curves and ignore the reality lurking underneath. Trust me on
this; I have first hand experience :-)
Rust is the big villian on any of these cars. Things to look for:
Look at the trailing arm mounts. These are welded onto the rear of the
floor and will rust out. These can be fixed.
The sills are critical body components, particularly in the convertible.
They can be replaced without using a body jig, but you have to be
careful.
If the inner and outer sills are gone along with the floors, you will
have problems. Time to look for someone with a jig.
Bonnets are outrageously expensive if you can find one. The center panel
is not available, although the wings can be found.
That said, all body problems can be handled by either replacement panels
or a replacement body (at least if you have a Series I or II roadster)
A '72 would be the V-12. An overhaul will cost about $1500 in parts
plus labor.
If there were an e-type owners club, their motto would be 'Abandon all
hope of having any money ye who enter here ...' :-)
Paul 'the jag body is *still* in the box' Amaranth
--
Paul Amaranth Manager User Services - office: (313) 370 4541 (also voicemail)
(internet) amaranth@vela.acs.oakland.edu |Best error message that wasn't
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