Dash/console transition The center console over the tunnel transitions into the dash with a radio face plate that is angled back about 18° from perpendicular, followed by a middle tray that separates the top gauge cluster wood facia. The tray and top facia have black crash roll bumpers so...
Continue reading...XJ6 reference vehicle
Since its introduction over fifty years ago, the Jaguar XJ6 sedan fleet has not survived nearly as well as E-type and earlier XK series sports cars. We are fortunate when we find a very well preserved original that has been professionally photographed, in this case a 1971 model year courtesy...
Continue reading...Can’t do CAN Bus
For the several months we have struggled to diagnose a vexing CAN Bus problem. Recall that the CAN Bus is a 5-volt communication network that is electrically isolated from the standard 12-volt operational circuits. The CAN Bus provides the basic infrastructure of the modern electronic car that allows the engine...
Continue reading...Intelligent wiring
About CAN bus In 1986, Robert Bosch GmbH, the German engineering and electronics company with a long time focus on the automotive industry, introduced a CAN bus protocol that launched the “smart car” era at the Society of Automotive Engineers congress. Prior to 1986, all automotive wiring was “dumb” in...
Continue reading...Wheels
Background Finding replacement wheels and tires for the relatively common Jaguar XJ6 turns out to be surprisingly difficult. Although this classic was manufactured from 1968 through 1985 without any suspension modification that impacts wheel fitment, the aftermarket alternatives are extremely limited. The original chromed steel 15×6 wheels sported a hubcap...
Continue reading...Exhaust system
Downpipe fabrication The straight six original 4.2L Jaguar engine had exhaust manifolds only on the left side of the block. The V8 LS3 has dual manifolds on opposing sides of the block, so obviously the downpipes coming off of the manifolds must be custom fitted and will hug both sides...
Continue reading...Accelerator pedal
Our XJ6 restomod is a true electronic drive-by-wire vehicle so there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the accelerator pedal. Instead, the LS3 crate engine package comes with AC Delco’s 22706224 accelerator position sensor that plugs directly into the LS3 engine harness. Unlike the vintage XJ6 gas pedal...
Continue reading...Steering column & wheel
Legacy equipment The original XJ6 steering column is an undistinguished black shaft covered at the lower end with a moquette like material and encased in plastic at the top. Ignition key The steering column incorporates a wheel lock that is engaged if the ignition key is turned to the bottom...
Continue reading...Boot badges and emblems
Background Founded in 1922, the predecessor company to Jaguar Motors made motorcycle sidecars and appropriately carried the Swallow Sidecar Company name. In 1935, the “Jaguar” brand was added and it soon become the sole corporate identifier (the “SS” insignia for Swallow Sidecar obviously became toxic given its Nazi association). Custom...
Continue reading...LED bulbs and sockets
See also XJ6 original exterior lighting. Background All the old incandescent bulbs will be replaced with much more efficient LEDs. But what is the optimal bulb for each lighting function? Definitions British automotive bulb sockets or bases (suitable for both incandescent and LED bulbs) are generally bayonet style, so the...
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