I am restoring my Mark 2. I reside in S. Florida. Any suggestions on whether I should add A.C. or do some other upgrades such as radiator, rack & pinion, etc. I am concerned about taking away of the originality. However, it does get hot in S. Fl. so, would adding A.C. devalue the car or make it more attractive or practical to drive? Anyone have similar concerns or experience?

Submitted by jpgarbani@comc… on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 10:38

Terry, I am in Naples, and get to the other coast a few times a year. I have not had the opportunity to drive the Jag across yet since the infamous DG250 transmission has been in need of some TLC. What you have to watch for with the Retro Air is to maintain access to the carburetors as there is very little space (the evaporator is where the battery should be) to install the 4" hose from the fan to the evaporator. Beyond that, the retro Air is the conversion that makes the more sense in my opinion. I am planning to install a "belly pan" to improve cooling and (hopefully) remove some heat from under the hood in highway driving.
Finally, I joined the Jaguar Club of Florida based in Orlando.
Good luck.
JP Garbani
jpgarbaniatcomcast.net

Submitted by mortoncjc@mind… on Sun, 05/19/2013 - 11:39

Terry

Rock Browning of Retro Air in Dallas gave a seminar at the AGM in March on cooling old cars, both AC and the engine cooling. He has the best conversion I have seen, and appears to have put some development into it. Find him on the internet.

Submitted by corvair2@gmail.com on Sun, 05/19/2013 - 09:33

HI, I just saw your response to my comment. Thanks. I think I will add the A.C. but not the rack and pinion as I have power steering with "worm and roller". I live in Davie, maybe we could get together sometime in the future or if you are a member in the Jag club or British Car club I will see you sometime in the future. I am not a member yet but will probably join when the car is complete. - Terry

Submitted by jpgarbani@comc… on Mon, 03/25/2013 - 22:28

I am in SW Florida, and it gets very hot in a Mk2 with the 3.8l engine up front. I bought it "restored" and it is a matching numbers, 3 owners car. Air conditioning and a rack and pinion steering were installed by the second owner. I have the unit under the hood, which pulses cold air to the front. So far, It's better than nothing but still far from a modern car will provide. I thing that it all depends on what you want to do with it: a concours queen or a car that you drive and enjoy. If it is the latter, then no question that air conditioning is a must in SFL. Rack and pinion is debatable..