Also bitten by the XJ-S bug...

[naki_k]

How did the repositioning of that pedal box work out then?
The gas pedal looks quite far over on the right? Almost like it might make contact with the side carpet before it hits the stopper?

[pimgmx]

Must be perspective in that particular picture, Naki.
There’s sufficient clearance between accelerator pedal and center console as well as between said pedal and brake, even for my size 10s.

[naki_k]

Ok good.
I know you said you had to modify something to fit the RHD pedal box?

[pimgmx]

I know you said you had to modify something to fit the RHD pedal box?

Good memory!

Yes, we did: the brake pedal arm from the RHD box was removed, and replaced by the LHD item from the car, with the actual pedal trimmed down to match the dimensions of the manual pedal. The clutch pedal arm was also removed, and then bent into shape, using pics of LHD items for guidance.

[naki_k]

Ok. That’s a fair amount of work then.

[pimgmx]

... a fair amount of work...

Just over 70 hrs for the gearbox and exhaust transplants and all related mods/updates: Lambda sensor plumbing, starter motor, ...

Note that this was done on a low-mileage car where fasteners could actually be undone with spanners instead of lump hammers/blow torches/etc!

[naki_k]

... a fair amount of work...

Just over 70 hrs for the gearbox and exhaust transplants and all related mods/updates: Lambda sensor plumbing, starter motor, ...

Note that this was done on a low-mileage car where fasteners could actually be undone with spanners instead of lump hammers/blow torches/etc!

Otherwise, add a zero.

[pimgmx]

The 'adding zeroes' process has started...

The XJ-S was collected by the bodyshop owner this weekend, and will be returned in bright & shiny condition early November latest.


Driving it up the trailer was good fun: the engine is SO torque-y that hardly any throttle was required to get it on there!


It started on the button, the new Momo wheel makes the dash console look much better imho...


Even the board computer came back to life without any issues!


A couple of original replacement items, to be added in the workshop; the key ones being front and rear windscreen rubbers.


... and with the windscreens out fitting a new headlining is a walk in the park: this non-Myrtle item will be fitted before the glass goes back in.


From the same area, a close-up for those not familiar with the XJ40's two-door contempary: sunvisor clips on the XJ-S are made from the same brittle plastic as on our saloon cars. This was the result of gently unclipping the visors...

I've asked the bodyshop to maintain evidence of the car's history, so they will try and save all these details gathered over its years in Japan:






Last but not least: the view from my breakfast table jut before pickup, what a sight!

[Cates Cat]

Only bare metal on the upper surfaces? Add another zero - it's only money, be thankful it isn't Kermit

CE

[pimgmx]

Only bare metal on the upper surfaces?

Yes, 'only' roof, bonnet, boot lid, buttresses, front and rear wings, etc will be reduced to bare metal before they even consider applying primer.

Their experience with cracking clearcoat is that there is only one proper way to get rid of it, and that's drastic: ALL old paint needs to go!
That shouldn't be too difficult for the bonnet & boot lid: they will be removed and blasted with a relatively mild medium, easy job.
The panels that can't be removed from the car is where the work is and - ouch! - a big chunk of the money will be spent.

I AM thankful that not all panels require the bare metal treatment and that it's not Kermit, THAT would've really broken the bank!

Later this week, when I finally get home again I'll try and squeeze in a quick visit to the workshop: can't wait to see what it looks like after almost a week of hard work.
Also a good excuse to drop off some more new parts, like working bonnet struts, will be neat to be able to open the bonnet without the aid of a broomstick...