Automotive

Over the past few months that has included various, usually unnecessary, projects on my cars.

First I took on the Jag.

I changed the stock steering wheel for a new, vintage-inspired mahogany one. Certainly not correct for the car, but since this is my daily driver, and certainly not a show car, I really don't mind going for non-stock details. I also added a mid '80s "car phone" just because it fit the time period, plus it gave me something to do one afternoon. It obviously doesn't work since the technology is very outdated, but it somehow seems fitting with the style of an old Jag.

Then I replaced the grille with one in better condition since the original had a very small, almost unnoticeable dent, and I also replaced one of the chrome pieces on the rear bumper because the original had some pitting. I could have left these as they were since no one but me ever noticed anything was wrong with these parts, but if you have nothing else to do with your time, and you're a car guy, it's just what you do.

I did manage to clean up the engine, repaint the cam covers, put in new fuel injectors, and a few other minor mechanical things. The only mechanical thing I did that could possibly be considered a necessity is to install what's called a "stake down kit" while I had the cam covers removed for painting. It involves drilling and tapping for screws that hold six (three on each side) metal plates designed to prevent a common failure in these engines, which is that the tappet guides can come loose from continuous heat cycles, causing serious damage. I don't know if I would have ever gotten around to this job had it not been for me searching for projects to keep myself busy. You can see two of the three metal plates already installed in this photo. It was a satisfying project to accomplish.

Then I repainted a couple small areas on the front fenders since the original clear coat had started to fail. It's been years since I've done paintwork but it's like riding a bike, you never forget how and it came out flawlessly so I'm very happy.

I have also been working on the Porsche 356 but I'll post about that in another thread.

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