Restoration work often requires new custom parts (or a detailed drawing of existing ones for proper fitment), and the first step is often a drawing. Many times a simple two-dimensional representation is sufficient. But for more complex designs, a CAD 3D drawing is essential. For many years, we’ve used the......
The search After a nationwide search, we found our Jaguar 2.4 virtually next door, a very lucky break since transporting a collectable car in an enclosed carrier can cost well over $2000. The first step after finding a good candidate is to carefully inspect it. We were expressly looking for......
During our test drives before disassembly, the gearbox and overdrive seemed to work fine. The main gearbox/overdrive defect is annoying oil leaks, a familiar Jaguar issue. A secondary concern is the aging electrical system, including the overdrive solenoid, switches, and wiring. Our plan is to do a cosmetic restoration of......
Now that the metal body work is complete and a color has been selected – British Racing Green 44524 – it’s time to decide what kind of paint system to apply. First at little history. Based on Jaguar Service Bulletin N.4 of May 1960, the Mk2 production line introduced “Quick......
After a car is designed and in production, there are inevitable defects and enhancements that need to be addressed during the life of the model, often extending beyond its production years. Service bulletins are used to alert dealers and customers to problems, as well as manage part numbers and interchangeability......
This wonderful historic film shows just how our 1961 Jaguar Mk2 was manufactured. Note that in the opening credits, Ted Brookes, the “host mechanic”, is working on a 2.4 model (you can tell by the distinctive aluminum air cleaner under the bonnet). In real life, Brookes was Jaguar’s works race......
See also British wiring code and panel light switch posts. Joseph Lucas Ltd Like all the other British car makers of the mid-20th century, Jaguar relied heavily on Joseph Lucas LTD to provide nearly all electrical parts, from ammeters to wire. Fortunately Lucas kept careful records; an excellent 756-page Master......
Led by the dominant British electrical component manufacturer, Lucas, a wiring color code (BS-AU7) was established after WWII that Jaguar adopted, and then subsequently customized somewhat. Coding uses 10 primary colors with 12 secondary stripe, or trace, colors, together with letter codes for printed wiring diagrams. Faded and dirty old......
Starter motor Starting from the decision to switch to negative ground, it makes sense to update both the dynamo (substituting an alternator) and starter motor. Why replace the starter motor? First, age and accumulated grime; carbon dust from worn brushes can cause motor failure or degrade torque. Second, overall performance.......
Updated July 27, 2014. See also Dash panel planning post. The center dash panel includes the ubiquitous lighter (labelled for cigars, though, not cigarettes!) that can provide 12 volts for modern electronic accessories. See discussion of the cigar accessory. These days the smartphone has become a vehicular necessity, especially with......
