I would like to know how to remove the seats on my 69' OTS. The carpets got a little wet the other day from a sudden rainstorm when the car was parked in a shopping center. Also, what is the best way to treat some minor surface rust (powdery-rubs off in your hands) that is just started on one of my floor boards under the floor mat.

Jaguar XKE, roadster, 1969

Submitted by CaptCarlK@yahoo.com on Sat, 09/03/2005 - 08:53

Check out POR15 on the internet. They make a nontoxic product called Metal Ready which neutralizes rust. Their rust preventative paints may be applied directly to rusted surfaces after simply wire brushing loose material. These paints work best on bare metal whether wire brushed or media blasted. The are much less effective when applied over previously painted surfaces. Additional steps are needed to use their paints as a primer base. Normally these products are used on floor panels etc or the the IRS components for example.

Submitted by urbanski@gwi.net on Tue, 07/19/2005 - 06:31

Jaguar XKE, roadster, 1969
Pat,
Thanks for the help on the seats. I'v been away for a few days and have not checked my e-mail. Matter of fact, there was NO notice in my mailbox that I had received a reply to my question about the seats from the forum. Anyway, My OTS is virtually 98%+ rust free. I did check under the spare tire and all is well. I will take a fine grinding wheel or wire brush wheel and remove the surace rust under the seat and then apply some rust inhibiting primer that I bought at a NAPA Auto Parts store and then get the original paint made up in a spray can by them. Thanks for your help.

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Sun, 07/17/2005 - 10:12

While you're at it, replace the screws with a stainless steel variety as the regular steel ones are notorious for rusting in place. (If you've never had them out before, dollar to a donut says they are rusted in place.)

If your just padding was soaked, I'd throw it away and get some more.

Not much you can do with surface rust. You need to kill the rust with some sort of rust-kill acid from an auto parts store. Problem is, you have to rinse it well with water. I guess you could use wet rags. Once it is bone dry, use some sort of paint (Rustoleum) to stop the rust from returning....better yet, take it to a paint shop and let them grind off the old paint and rust and shoot it with a 2-part automotive paint that matches your interior. When's the last time you inspected under the spare tire or the shelf area in the boot?

My 2 cents

Patrick McLoad

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 07/17/2005 - 08:11

Slide seat to the front. Remove 2 Phillips (torx sp) screws. Slide seat back with frame 1 inch lift out (oh yea put top down first).

Next buy a manual from this site or somewhere. George Camp