it's almost time to repaint my xjs. i have a good friend whose body shop does very acceptable work, but, just to keep him honest, i stopped at a local maaco, where we had repainted several of my vans, and my wife's jeep. he told me the cost would be about $1800 and he would "of course use original jaguar paint".

this is not that type of restoration, so i am not greatly concerned with original jaguar paint. what should i be looking for? is the paint they used unique, in any way?

the car is black. an equal (or better) quality paint, of the same type is what i would be looking for (or is there more to it?)

just by way of background, i bought the car in april 2011, did various brake rairs, front end work (bushings) shocks, minor electrical, alpine sound system, recovered front leather seats, new carpet from paul's jaguar.

i've probably driven it about 1200 miles since i got it.

to my thinking i am just about done, once the paint is done.

i'd like to think i will keep it forever. it will not be garaged, just kept under a good car cover, in the driveway

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Fri, 01/11/2013 - 12:53

Mr. Petry's advice is right on the button.
If you intend to keep the car for any length of time (that may change tomorrow) and you just want to make it look better, not knowing what your friends shop would charge, the 1800 dollar deal should be considered. However, don't expect much. They would just tape off all the chrome and other (non-body) parts. Hit and miss some of the rough places and then let the paint fly. From 20 feet away it will look great---today----maybe not tomorrow. Once you give it a good look-see and notice the oversprays and so forth, no paint in the door jams and other places, you'll understand the 1800 quote.
I don't know that a car cover does anything other then scratch the paint. A carport isn't much better, although it will prolong the rubber (wiper's etc) and plastic trim. I live in Florida and for years had no cover at all. I did wash the cars more often however. Then had a beautiful (large) carport added. The 1968 LTD Country Squire Wagon we had since new and one my wife drove every day, seemed to just wither and die under the carport, to the point I had to just have it towed away.
All this just means is, if you want to keep your car for a long time, consider a top notch job of preperation and painting and do as the gentelman above said--lease a garage. Expect your cost to triple however.

Submitted by asimko@netsolnj.com on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 20:28

steve, we have a 2 car garage. my wife parks on one side. the other side is a workshop.
i could certainly rent a garage, that wouldn't be a deal breaker. i have had the car detailed. the paint is in great shape except for a little crazing to the left of the hood, close to the windshield. there are one or two stone dings, and the front bumper cover (or the piece below it) needs to be replaced or repaired, it has a tiny tear, from the previous owner driving up on a concrete "stop" .

i know the $1800 figure is a bit low. i should get a good deal from my friend's body shop, , though. my company has provided his computer support, for as long as computers have existed, and we have a great working relationship.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 14:41

I would just like to offer an opinion, based on a personal experience. I kept my Dad's Cadillac after he passed away. Thinking very much like you, I thought I'd keep that car for a long time. I spent big money stripping every bit of trim, rubber, etc. from it, and properly stripping the paint and had a high quality repaint done. I installed all new rubber, badges and motifs, and a good quality vinyl top. I was in heaven, the car was gorgeous.

I kept the car EXACTLY as you describe. It lasted about two and a half years before the deterioration dejected me to the point I had to sell it. That's when I bought my first Jaguar.

Never again have I, or will I, store a car I intend to keep for a long period without a garage.

Like I said, just my opinion. I've learned my lesson.

Cheers,