I have a set of Series II steel wheels in need of repair/ re-chrome and paint. Can anyone recommend a shop for this service? Several I've contacted only deal with alloy wheels and/or won't chrome. In the alternative, does anyone know where I can purchase a like new set? In addition, I need a set of hubcaps and badges.

Thank you,

Tom

Tom Capocefalo- Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 954-873-5279

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Fri, 11/16/2007 - 14:15

being only familiar with Series 3 XJ wheels, I have no idea what a Turbo XJ wheel looks like. But if replating them is so much trouble, I personally would not bother, I'd probably have them blasted clean and paint them the same color as the car's body, then add the hubcaps and rings for a nice look.

I do know of others looking for the Series 2 XJ wheels, but I've yet to see any except in pictures.

Submitted by SC20-30420CJ on Fri, 11/16/2007 - 12:09

The shop that JAM mentions in this thread which advertises rechroming of wheels is almost certainly referring to one piece chrome plated alloy wheels. The steel chrome plated "Turbo" wheels found on ser1 and 2 XJ6/12 must be dismantled to properly rechrome them. The rechromer first has to cut the welds and remove the hub from the rim - then strip the old chrome off and polish the steel - then reweld it back together assuring that it is true - then rechrome the assembly. I haven't found any place that is willing to do it including all of the advertisers in Hemmings and all of the custom wheel shops here.

New ones aren't available from any of the usual suppliers. Coventry West is a fine supplier but have almost no parts for the ser2 XJ. A better choice is SNG Barratt or XKs Unlimited but I'll save you the trouble of calling them as they don't carry them either (-; They do have the hubcaps and emblems though. You might find new wheels in the UK but shipping would cost the farm.

An interesting note about the hubcap emblems: The emblems have two pins which come through holes in the hubcaps centers. The back side of the pins are then secured with push-on nuts. I always had trouble with them coming loose and rattling while the wheels were turning. I finally removed the push-on nuts and cut 10x28 threads onto the pins using a die. Then attached them with the stainless washers and 10x28 nyloc nuts. No more rattling and very tidy.

I have been able to find some good Turbos in salvage yards and am always looking for more. If you find a ser1 or 2 in a salvage yard, look in the boot for the spare tire. It's a good bet that it's in pretty good shape if it's still in there. You can clean them up very nicely with some metal polish and 0000 steel wool. It's tedious masking off everything but you can restore the turbo slots and center hub with black satin enamel yourself for a new look.

New, or almost new wheels are out there if you like to hunt. I bought a like new one from a wheel shop in California a few years back for a 76 XJ12. It cost about $360. Jaguar dealerships might also be a good place to look as many owners had the Turbos replaced with Dayton wires. It's kind of a long shot that the dealership would still have them laying around now after 30+ years.

If yo do find a good source for them, please let us know.

Best regards,
John Testrake
Jaguar Association of Greater St. Louis
74 XJ12L rhd, 85 XJ6

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Thu, 11/15/2007 - 15:40

this morning I saw a shop here in Orlando who mentioned wheels in their re-chroming services. Do a google search as follows: +chrome +plating +Sanford +Fl. They said they sandblast them first.

If your wheels are good and true, just get them rechromed, after all, they are the originals, there's nothing better.

The hubcaps you can get at eBay. emblems too.