Edited on 2012-01-03 12:52:38

Edited on 2012-01-03 12:51:25

Edited on 2012-01-03 12:45:45

Hello , i am a new member and a new jag owner, i have just purchased a 1958 Mk VIII it is complete but is going to be a total frame off restoration project. I am experienced at this but not in the Jaguar processes and would greatly appreciate and accept guidance and insight.
I am excited and thrilled to own this great auto. I would like to get a plan together and begin estimating costs before i have parts all over the shop.

Submitted by NE08-35179J-J on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 17:26

Greetings Tim,

Haven't been working on the 7 or the 9 as of late, but happened to see yourpost.

The grille, unless yours is extremely dented it'll probably be cheaper or not much more to rechrome. If you have them dechrome he grille you could probably take the dents out yourself like I do, but the chrome must be removed to get to the base.

Really not that much chrome on these mostly aluminum to polish, which takes a fair bit of effort.
Later, Bob Lovell

Submitted by timp29@aol.com on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 20:43

Fred,
Thanks for the info, there is a lot of chrome on these, it has to be one of the largest cost in the project. I found a grill used in good condition for 485.00. How does that compare to your cost for redoing yours? The link was to a done car with a chevy engine, did you change engine and everything?

Submitted by fmusolff@roadr… on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 14:11

Tim,
For the last 18 months I have been restoring a '53 Mark VII. You can see the car I purchased at http://www.cars-on-line.com/36051.html. Finding parts and finding someone to do the work that I was unable to do was at times, to say the least frustrating, but now that it is nearing completion very satisfying.
Through Jag Heritage I found the original colors for the interior and exterior and both have been returned to the correct color combination. Most of the chrome has been either replaced or redone, there are small items when I started looked OK but when put against the new looks worn. When the grill is done all the vanes must be removed to get the penetration needed and then be reassembled.
The following is a list of venders that I have had success with, I also have found that when dealing with the larger companies, it works better to deal with the same salesperson and not order on line.
XKs unlimited 800-444-5247
SNG Barratt 800-452-4787
John Hastings 757-244-1110 electrical
Jerry LaBant 717-444-7171 tools
Jack White 540-743-4037 used parts and an excellent source of knowledge on the early saloons
Hope some of this helps and good luck,
Fred