The new Air Conditioning vents upholstered

Here we have the new air conditioning vents covered in the black leather to match the brand new interior soon to be fitted to our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

Fitting the new aluminium radiator and header tank

The polished aluminium radiator and header tank has now been fitted up and looking fantastic.

Fitting up the brakes

Tommy is now away sailing the Suffolk coast for a couple of days but before he left our workshops yesterday he managed to complete the installation of the new brake pipes. As you can see, the pipes are not yet secured but are in the positions that they need to be.

We have also fabricated the brand new over-flow pipe to the sump. This needed to be made up as it is no longer available in the shape we require.

Fitting the new air filter and housing

The brand new air filter and housing has now been fitted to our 1967 E-Type.

1967 Jaguar E-Type in our workshops

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the end of another day at Bridge Classic Cars and as I’m here on my own (Craig) I thought I’d take some up-to-date pictures of our latest projects.

Here’s the 1967 Jaguar 2+2 E-Type on a set of spare wheels (for ease of wheeling) in our reassembly room ready to be fitted up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”14468,14469,14470,14471,14472,14473,14474,14475,14476,14477″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fitting the new wiring loom

As with the majority of our wiring harness’, we deal directly with Autosparks.

Autosparks are the market leaders in manufacturing bespoke harness’. They use British Standard 6862 PVC insulated automotive cable where applicable. This can then be braided to replicate the classic braided cable look with the modern day PVC cable properties. Once the harnesses are laid they can then be bound in either PVC harness tape or a cloth braiding depending on vehicle.

Original Manufacturers colour coding is used where possible; terminals and fittings are supplied where necessary. Autosparks go to great lengths to obtain original-type terminals but on older vehicles some wiring accessories may no longer be manufactured. If terminals and fittings are unobtainable they may omit or substitute for a suitable alternative.

The new harnesses are not labelled but will follow the pattern of an original harness. A good tip is to label the old harness up as you take it off. You can then use this as a guide for the replacement. Wiring diagrams are useful to identifying each branch on the harness and location for the wiring in each vehicle however, be aware there can be a few out there for the same vehicle but will say different things.

Upgraded Throttle Linkage and High Output Starter Motor

The brand new upgraded throttle linkage has now been fitted to our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

As you can see, the stunning new set up is far less busy under the bonnet than the regular set up. Not only is aesthetically pleasing but is far more responsive and will prevent any future play. The response is instant.

The high output starter motor is also in position and tomorrow we’ll start to fit thew new loom.

Jaguar E-Type Air Conditioning

The new heater blower has been temporarily fitted up. Before we make this 100% secure, firstly the engine will need to be fitted up and the air conditioning components installed.

Since the early 1920s, Clayton Classics has been supplying products to the automotive industry and has always been at the forefront of technical innovation. Part of a larger business that provides vehicle heating, cooling and air conditioning solutions, the Clayton Classics division was created in 2005 and focuses on world-class restoration of classics cars.

The air conditioning systems have been developed, tested and enhanced over many years on Clayton Classics’ own cars.

There are several alternative air conditioning systems;

• A fresh air system replacing the original heater in the engine compartment. Installed in place of the existing heater unit and blowing through original air ducts into the car, the heater/evaporator unit works in the same way as the original heater unit, drawing air from the bonnet duct before venting into the car through the original plenum chamber. The heater and fan are much more powerful than the original, and using heating and air conditioning together provides de-humidification in wet weather.
• The fresh air system can be extended to include a re-circulation option if required. The heater/evaporator unit is modified to provide re-circulation from the passenger footwell using the pedal blanks on the bulkhead. This provides better performance in hot climates where the ambient temperatures plus the heat soak from the engine can overwhelm a fresh air system. To fit this unit the battery must be relocated to the opposite side of the car where the original canister air filter is fitted. The original air intake box can be modified to accept an ITG washable filter.
• A centre console mounted system in the radio tower. This unit leaves the existing under bonnet heater as original. The evaporator is installed behind the centre console, blowing air directly into the car. A new slightly modified centre console is provided (untrimmed) in the kit, which when installed is almost identical to the original. This is the most powerful option, suitable for all climates, but does result in loss of radio and ashtray space. A modern radio can but fitted elsewhere, possibly with a remote fascia. This unit does not provide direct de-humidification but can be used on low setting together with the original heater (or one of our upgraded heaters) to control humidity on cold wet days. It is also possible to combine this unit with a fresh air heater/ac under bonnet unit with changeover controls to allow use of either system depending on climate requirements. There are no vent options with this kit, the standard installation is as shown in the photo.
• A passenger footwell mounted system for 2+2 and Series 3 cars only. The evaporator unit is installed in the passengers footwell, venting air into the original plenum chamber. The unit takes up 160-170mm of space within the passenger footwell; on a 2+2 car this is not a problem, and provides a foot board for the passenger.
• Additional air-vent options. The performance of any new system will be compromised without better air flow, so we strongly recommend additional vents are added into the car to improve performance and air distribution. Vents are both essential and included on the centre console system, the alternatives shown here do not apply.

Heat insulation to the floor, transmission tunnel and under-bonnet air ducts is also strongly recommended (and is a very worthwhile improvement in itself ). Clayton Classics supply very effective aircraft quality non-combustible insulation in roll form, as well as Dynamat.

The performance of any new system will be compromised without better air flow, so we strongly recommend additional vents are added into the car to improve performance and air distribution. Different options are pictured below.

Vents are both essential and included on the centre console system, the alternatives shown here do not apply.

The kits are complete including a powerful engine fan, except for compressor mountings and pulley (which vary depending on engine spec and any previous modifications). Separate fitting kits are available for most configurations.

An upgraded radiator is strongly recommended. Clayton Classics can supply both aluminium and copper/brass radiators, up-rated performance.

Here we have pictures of the air-conditioning being installed into our 1967 Jaguar E-Type restoration project.

Applying the gloss black finish to our gearbox tunnel cover

Tommy has now completed the task of refurbishing and re-painting our 1967 Jaguar E-Type gearbox tunnel. With the engine and gearbox now fitted into the car the tunnel can be re-fitted into position.

Fitting the new Master Cylinder and Heater Hoses

The new master cylinder has now been fitted up…

…along with the new heater hose pipes.

Jaguar E-Type – Now On It’s Wheels

The time has come for our 1967 Jaguar E-Type to, once again, return to the floor.

It’s been a long time, sitting up high on our frame-work trolley but now with the donor wheels fully fitted she can be wheelled around once again and we can continue with the rebuild on the floor level…for now!

Jaguar E-Type 4 Speed Box Ready For Installation

With the 4 speed gearbox and bell housing fully stripped, cleaned, repaired, powder coated and rebuilt, it is now ready to be married up to the engine and fitted back into our E-Type.

Fitting the E-Type Back Suspension Cradle

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the freshly painted body shell back with us it is time for Tommy to refit the newly refurbished components.

Here we have the back suspension cradle all fitted up and look incredible. We shown the newly built cradle on a previous post when we completed the rebuild.

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Front Assembly, Wishbones, Calipers, Discs

The front assembly of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type is really starting to take shape with the wishbones, calipers and discs all now fitted.

Triple plating the E-Type seat brackets

Extensive work was needed on our Jaguar E-Type seat brackets, so much so that a triple coating process was needed to be carried out to ensure the perfect end result.

Here they are in the copper plated stage.

When we next see them they’ll be 100% perfect and finished in polished chrome.

Cleaning up the E-Type seat frames

We have now started blasting the original Jaguar E-Type seat frames.

The seat runners were particularly challenging. With years and years of crud (technical term) built up inside they were near on impossible to release but eventually they came free and we able to be fixed up, repaired, cleaned up and painted.

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type is now black

It is always very rewarding, after months of preparation to see our car go into paint.

We can now embark on the reassembly of all of the refurbished and new parts that have been the focus of our attention over the passed few months.

When we look at the rebuilt engine and gearbox we can now see how it is going to compliment the beautiful black paintwork.

Blasting more of our E-Type components

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the return of our painted Jaguar E-Type body imminent, Tommy has been working through some of the final pieces that require his attention.

Today, he has been busy blasting some of the smaller components as well as piecing together the recently acquired and very rare pedal box set up.

Once blasted, the pieces have undergone a single layer of primer. These will now be finished in gloss black.

Amongst the assortment we have: the pedals, blanking plates for the left to right conversion, the prop shaft, radius arm to body braces and accelerator pedal box.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11552,11553,11554,11555,11556,11557,11558,11559,11560,11561,11562,11563,11564,11551″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First stages of paint

The pictures show the first stages of paint.

Smooth stone chip has been applied to the inner wings, high gloss black to the centre of the bonnet section, floors and bulk head.

We have continued the smooth stone chip to the underside of car.

The triple SU carburetors now fitted

We’ve now fitted the triple SU carburetors to our E-Type engine and Ady has carried out the first few test runs.

Almost ready for second stage primer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now working on the last few areas that needed our attention before the second stage of primer will be applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10852,10853,10854,10855,10856,10857,10858,10859,10860,10861″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The triple SU Carburetor are now complete

Our triple SU carburetors are now complete. Our renowned race engine builder Don Warman has carried out a fantastic job on restoring these tired looking Jaguar carbs back to their best.

We will now be able to fit them to our newly rebuilt 4.2 Jaguar engine ready for a full test run next week.

Our rebuilt Jaguar 4.2 Engine

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you visited The London Classic Car Show at the Excel in London a few weeks back you may have seen our beautiful engine on display.

Our now complete Jaguar 4.2 engine which has been completely rebuilt to exceptional standards and sympathetically upgraded to our customers specification.

The beautiful Weber carbs, polished manifold, linkages and trumpets are only installed on the engine to allow testing, whilst the original triple SU carburettor setup is being completed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10569,10576,10575,10574,10573,10572,10571,10570″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Weber carbs shown above will be married to our 1967 Jaguar E-Type race replica engine which is currently being rebuilt to the same exacting standards. Then we will be fitting to a rebuilt 5 speed gearbox, whilst this engine will be fitted with the original 4 speed Jaguar E-Type set-up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The first stages of our Jaguar E-Type in prime

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here we have our 1967 Jaguar E-Type having been put through the first stages of primer. The first primer stage gives us a good visual to work to when finding the areas we now need to address.

Stage one of primer highlights certain areas that need extra work.

Once our thorough assessment takes place we then tidy up the areas in question before stripping back and reapplying a second coat of prime.

At this stage we like to think we are confident that the areas in question would have been corrected to an acceptable standard and only then will we consider applying the first coat of paint.

As you can see from the alignment images, the doors are spaced to an even 4mm around every edge and the bonnet is aligned to 5mm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10300,10301,10302,10303,10304,10305,10306,10307,10308,10309,10310,10311,10312,10313,10314,10315,10316,10317,10318,10319,10320,10321,10322,10323,10324,10325,10326,10327,10328,10329,10330,10331,10332,10333,10334″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar E-Type Carbs

The triple carbs are now completely refurbished and awaiting completion of the restoration of the manifold to allow the final fitting to the engine.

Jaguar E-Type Back Axle Rebuilt

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type back axle cradle which houses the refurbished “Limited Slip Diff”, new discs,  calipers and stub axles.

As you can see, the unit has been totally stripped, blasted and repainted to compliment the refurbished and new parts fitted.

Jaguar E-Type 2+2 almost ready to be primed…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the last day of preparation as our 1967 Jaguar E-Type is scheduled to be primed on Monday morning.

Just two more small areas that we need to concentrate on before this can happen; the bonnet needs a final skim and the rear boot needs to be aligned.

If you are familiar with Jaguar E-Type’s yourself you’ll appreciate the difficulties that can be faced when trying to align the bonnet, doors and boot.

As you can see from the pictures, we are really happy with the results of our alignment.

We have based our measurements on allowing for a 4mm and 5mm alignment spacing throughout but once the primer and paint has been evenly applied this spacing will be evenly reduced.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10261,10262,10263,10264,10265,10266,10267,10268,10269,10270,10271,10272,10273,10274,10275,10276,10277,10278,10279,10280″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Final stages of body preparation on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

Here we have Carl and Ryan working on the final few areas of the body of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2. The next stage will be getting it ready for primer before the full black respray.

Strange that as soon as the camera comes out, Carl and Ryan seem to disappear, it’s like they have something to hide…