Hello Everybody,
My name is Don Clayton and earlier this week my wife Linda and I purchased our, sorry my, dream car, a 1989 XJS convertible.
We took the car to a local repair shop, with experience in Jaguars, who passed it off and said it was ok to carry on with the purchase. I then gave the shop the ok to go ahead with the small kist of things that need completing to make the car whole. I hope to take possession of the car in the next few days. I can't wait.
I am explaining this so the questions I am about to ask will not sound so stupid.
1) I only have one key to the egnition. Is there another key for the glove box, trunk etc. and does anybody know how I would go about getting one?
2) The only major issue I can see is that the center console wood / laminate is in bad shape. I think I can get a new one but how difficult a project is this?
3) We are preparing for the car' arrival (she is going to be my baby) and I would like some advice on cleanig her. What is the easiest and best wax Linda can use? Is there a preferred treatment for the leather etc? Any help will be gratefully received.
4) There was no owners manual with the car. Is there one on line or do I need to purchase one?
5) The car has only got 24,000 miles on it so is there anything I should look for going forward?
6) Once the car is all set up and ready to go is there a track in New England where we can really see what she can do?
I am sorry to ask so many questions at once but am looking forward to your responses. Thanks in advance.
It feels great to have joined your ranks at last.
Don

Submitted by donclayton@cha… on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 00:57

Thanks George and Jerry,
The key thing is interesting but aseverything on the car is open at the momemt and I do have the ign key, I can get by and have time to get the info I need together.
Looking through the library is fantastic, it is tough to keep your mind on what you are doing when you see what is available
I keep seeing your names (particularly your George) as I go through the history and I thank you for the efforts you put into the club. It doesn't look like it would be the same without guys like you looking after newbies like me.
When I get the car back I will figure out the numbers and try to get the info needed and send a photograph with a report when I have the keys in my hand.
Thanks for everything,
Don

Submitted by SE21-33540J on Sun, 07/01/2012 - 22:38

George and Don,

I have a 1995 model XJS and have a key for the ignition that also unlocks doors and when the doors are unlocked the boot is unlocked. Since I have a passenger airbag, I have not glove box. However on my old 1986 XJSC and on my current 1995 XJS there is a separate key for the gas cap. So that is 2 keys with 2 separate functions. On the XJSC as in the 1989 model there should be a separate key for the storage compartment behind the seats. My 1995 has rear seats...no storage. So that makes 3 keys.

Submitted by donclayton@cha… on Sun, 07/01/2012 - 22:13

Hi George,
Thanks for the info. I am really excited about getting the car and your help will be invaluable. Can I just clarify a couple of things fromyour reply?
When you say I should have a key for the ign, glove box and the boot (how did you I was of English origin?) did you mean three different keys?
Also could you give me some direction through the library; I couldn't find anything on the certificate.
Thanks for everything.
Don

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 07/01/2012 - 09:29

Don way to go--hope you enjoy your car for a long time. Here is hopefully a bit of help.

1. You should have a key for the ign, glove box, and the boot. You might try Coventry West and possibly your dealer. If that does not work contact the british key guy (Pete Groh) but you will need the codes for your car. The key codes are recorded by the factory and the fastest way to get that is ask for a certificate that you can start by going to the library page on this site.

2. That is not a big job. When you get the new wood make sure the match is close.

3. Any good products will work--Jaguar offers some excellent leather cleaner/treatment.

4. You actually need several manuals for the car. I know Coventry West has some NOS and it is even possible Jaguar has some. Your car would have had a pouch for the books and an operators manual and a service manual with smaller manuals for security and radio just to mention athe most common.

5. Have a full service done on the car and are your tires from the factory? If so the age of them is too far to trust.

6.Don talk to your club --track days at Limerock are not unusual for the NE clubs.