Most frustrating when you cannot pinpoint cause of the problem. Hopefully better brains than us will find solution soon..
It can be a benefit of the fault codes generated in the later cars such as the XK8 onwards – my 1987 Cab does have some codes (Lucas 9CU ECU) but literally about seven, read via the trip computer. I think the later 4.0litre had about 30 codes in the 15CU ECU..

Best of luck, Robin

Hi Chris Leeson @chrisleeson
Yes I use a clay on my cars, almost normal practice these days. Lots clays available – I use a Bilt Hamber medium (from Amazon) as suits UK climate. (softer than some) Normally only use in summer months when doing a proper clean.

You should try it, as quite a revelation, leaves the paint so smooth. I wouldn’t have believed how many small particles it removes. Just use with plain water or ideally water and car shampoo mix as a soapy lube, work on one panel at a time. I don’t use any of the special fluids they sell..
You can feel the difference with your hand once done. Strange process but IMHO it works.
Won’t restore indifferent paint but definitely makes good paint even better.

I also use snow foam when car has got bit grimy prior to washing off. I’m less convinced about the foam but does allow a hands off first wash..

Regards, Robin

Hi Scott, According to Paul Skilleter in the Appendix to hiS XJS book:
March 1988 for 1988 1/2 MY – VIN 147269 Teves ABS introduced.
Also stated as VIN point V12 Convertible introduced.

Therefore I imagine no XJS-C’s were built with ABS, though from Bleasie’s Records there were 80 V12 Cabriolets built in 1988 – I assume these were pre March 1988 build though but I’m sure John B will know more..

regards, Robin

Hello, I’ve not seen a hardtop catch sold separately either, certainly none new that I’ve seen over the years.
Nothing on eBay second hand that I’ve seen – so only solution will be repair!

Regards, Robin uk

Hello Claudiu @kadudu

The rear tonneau panels (pre facelift) are available from your Jaguar Dealer/Heritage web site currently or David Manners who I use even – part no’s. RTC1646 & RTC1645 – replacements are now actually BHC1374 & BHC1375 almost identical but no oval bumper bolt holes precut (not sure why) – just have to cut.
I would suggest you buy whilst available £173 +vat each seems a lot but there is no option with poor secondhand ones often £100 as are small hand made replacement bottom sections on eBay.

These were out of stock for several years but can be bought now but who knows for how long.
Even I gladly paid the price having tried to source via eBay or anywhere possible for several years – suddenly back in stock so grab them while you can.

Near side wheel arch repair sections no longer available anywhere – again rare on ebay even – but ’Dodford’ in Northampton on eBay can make good replacement sections at a market price, check out the XJS sections he sells..

Regards, Robin

Hi Dave Jones @davejones

Not worked on aircon myself though one of my fans is a little noisy so maybe I should.

Had a look in the Jag manuals and the fuse for “Airconditioning Motors” is in the Main Fuse Box near steering wheel on RHD cars. Fuse No 10 and it’s a 10Amp.

Aircon Blower relay seems to be inside side panel of centre console as per Jag workshop manual pic/discription below. Im not familiar so cannot confirm if just the one relay – obviously two motors though.

I believe both are correct for 1985 & 1987 versions of the aircon. (FYI there is also a thermal fuse under bonnet on front of RH wing valance according to book but not sure if for blower motors or not)

Regards, Robin

Hello Dave Jones @davejones Just a thought, when I had some issues with my 1987 3.6 cab starting/running years back I tried the usual sensors without much impact I then bought a replacement ECU which cured the problem.
After examining the original I found quite a lot of surface corrosion on the terminals, two sets of multi-connectors from memory, I cleaned up the terminals with alcohol/cleaner and tried refitting original just to see..
Now worked perfectly!
So maybe before you buy a replacement ECU might be worth spending half an hour just removing your existing ECU and giving the contacts and connectors a clean. So many ECU inputs are based on changing resistance of sensors/components than any corrosion can upset the apparent ohms detected.
As you probably know it’s mounted under the passenger foot well carpet on the 3.6 models, an area that can get neglected, even damp. (do disconnect battery first)
As I say just a thought!

Regards, Robin

Hi John Bleasdale @bleasie ,

By the seven clones I mean technically there are 7 RHD 3.6Man cabriolet cars in Dorchester Grey; 6 plus mine.

My thinking was that you have a marvellous record of all the cars built but at another level we don’t know how many actually still exist!

I wasn’t sure if there was any contact at DVLA who could provide scrappage detail as for many years you have had to complete a declaration or you would get reminders/SORN for that car forever more. I suppose wishful thinking that DVLA would have such details and provide to car clubs.
Just that as a regular eBay user I have seen so many XJS-C being broken over the years I know of at least 50 must have been scrapped in UK over last 20 years and it could be vastly more. Even today there are cars being scrapped even though most people will recognise that values are now increasing rapidly in the shadow of E-type mania.

If I had the space I would put away a few cabriolets for my kids inheritance as it can’t be long now before the market jumps. The Xk8/XKR X100’s are certainly appreciating now but could the XJS get overlooked, I doubt it as owning both an XKR and the XJS there is still a special magic in the XJS that the XKR lacks despite its beauty and performance.

470 taxed and SORN XJS-C in UK is a good guide and about half your ‘located’ number in database – could that be almost all that are left?

Anyway enough rambling, I must get back to work on my XJS.

Regards, Robin

Hi <font color=”blue”>Laurence Jones</font> <!– @laurence_admin –> What a good idea, I must have missed that before as seems a really good yet simple idea as often I do address to individuals even if it’s a genereal topic..

I’ll try and remember for next time..

Regards, Robin
Ps trouble is being a Facebook and Twatter non-believer I don’t already know some of these tricks that are perhaps normal to other folks!

Hi John, not only can I not fit the press studs but there aren’t any! When the rear seat was fitted to mine the rear cabriolet ‘carpet board’ the one with the disclaimer badge was removed and is no longer with the car.
The seats fit flush at top with the original vinyl rear window parcel shelf board but there is no mechanism to fit the press studs as the leather of rear seat back is now where the studs would be!
When I bought the car it didn’t come with a hood cover and that’s probably why.

One of the reasons why I was interested in the Lady Diana 4 seater.

I’ve looked for the rear board in Rattan over the years but never found one in good enough condition, it’s just a fibre board covered in carpet but it is shaped in 3D so difficult to make properly.
I do have the correct plywood box and chrome rails in the loft though, if I ever choose to put it back to a 2 seater for originality reasons.