Jaguar E Type with rippled panels?

[plasticpig]

Went to look at an E-Type Series 1 DHC with a mate at the weekend. It was advertised as an older (80's) restoration which had been in storage a couple of years and needed recomissioning. Looked to be in fairly good nick at first glance. On closer inspection the rear quarters were rippled from the hood frame backwards. I know the car being rear ended might cause this effect. Would too much flexing in the monocoque also cause these symptoms? Either because the shell wasnt supported enough when restored or just general flexing when being driven?

[Coco H]

I know someone who knows the answer to that. I shall ask. My car was subject to an 80s restoration too. It was quite a good one - judging from the pictures but then I realised that was nearly 20 years ago.

[lowdrag]

Pity you can't put up some photos for us because that would help but my first impression is - walk away! No E type should look like that - ever. If it was badly rear-ended and then put back together the panels should at least be smooth. You are sure it isn't a plastic replica are you because that is quite often a tell-tale sign. Something else that occurs to me - did you get the chassis number? There are number of coupés out there which were badly converted into roadsters at the end of the 80s. If it is an early (up to 1964 for example) car the chassis number will start with 85 if it is an original roadster and 1E1 if it is up to 1967. Check that and come back to us. If you suspect it to have been badly repaired look at the rear bulkhead behind the seats and also carefully measure the wheelbase each side between the wheels. Frankly though, I smell trouble.

[plasticpig]

We walked away you can be sure of that. The owner was insistant it had not been rear ended and he bought the car just after it had been restored. Thats why I was curious as to what else could cause the rippling.

[vpr]

It's impossible to say without seeing the car.

If the car has had one up the rs then the boot floor would almost certainly be out of shape.

It could of course just be a back resto but then you'd know that by looking at detail elsewhere on the car.

Don't know how much the car is but unless you spend proper money these days on an "E" you're going to be buying something that needs help.

[Coco H]

I would disgaree vpr - mine was cheap (relatively speaking under 5 figs I think). Body was good when I bought it - though it needed an engine rebuild etc as it hadn't fun for a while. All matching nummbers and correct. I suppose it would have been very expensive if I had to factor in labour cost for the engine rebuild and recommissioning. It took over 400 hours.....

[Coco H]

another thought if the restoration easn't the best - filler??

[plasticpig]

Coco H said:

another thought if the restoration easn't the best - filler??

If so it was magnetic filler. I wont reveal the name of the restorer but they are well known in the classic Jaguar community.

[Coco H]

Oh dear. Was it being sold as one of theirs or on behalf of a client/someone else?

[vpr]

Coco H said:

I would disgaree vpr - mine was cheap (relatively speaking under 5 figs I think). Body was good when I bought it - though it needed an engine rebuild etc as it hadn't fun for a while. All matching nummbers and correct. I suppose it would have been very expensive if I had to factor in labour cost for the engine rebuild and recommissioning. It took over 400 hours.....

Not saying they don't exist and obviously it depends on ones standards. I've seen many E Types that look great on the face but horrors underneath........you don't get anything for nothing.

As you say a good engine rebuild is not cheap.

[Coco H]

You're right - the number of pretty cars out there that are shot underneath or run really badly is surprising.

[DBSV8]

plasticpig said:

Coco H said:

another thought if the restoration easn't the best - filler??

If so it was magnetic filler. I wont reveal the name of the restorer but they are well known in the classic Jaguar community.

Hi mate can you PM me some details , I have been looking at series 1 E types for some time and want to avoid getting my hands burnt

thanks

[plasticpig]

Coco H said:

Oh dear. Was it being sold as one of theirs or on behalf of a client/someone else?

No the bloke bought it from the restorers in the 80's. He had some documentation of the restoration. including the bill of sale. Apart from some bills for parts he had very little documentation post restoration as he did most of the service maintenance himself. I didnt take that much notice as I was merely along for the ride. Given who the restorer was I strongly suspect the damage is post restoration.

[vpr]

DBSV8 said:

plasticpig said:

Coco H said:

another thought if the restoration easn't the best - filler??

If so it was magnetic filler. I wont reveal the name of the restorer but they are well known in the classic Jaguar community.

Hi mate can you PM me some details , I have been looking at series 1 E types for some time and want to avoid getting my hands burnt

thanks

I hear great things about etypeuk.com, very honest and you get to see the cars from all angles

[RW774]

Some sensible advice I offer to potential Jaguar buyers/customers.
Find a specialist that has been reccommended either by another Jaguar owner or club rep in your area. If you are serious about purcashing be an E or whatever ask the owner if he would be prepared to share the cost and have a full inspection by the independant specialist . It is after all probably your second biggest investment other than your house!. At least that shows you`re both serious. Buying blind would be a naive thing to do without specialist help . Give me a ring if you require any further assistance. I would be happy to come and inspect for you. Re the `rippling`. Let consider please consider all the facts.If the former owner/ client has requested a cost cutting missionn during the restoration, it maybe unfair to blame the specialists.
I have a Mk2 in at present , current owner just 2 weeks. Without specialists involvement he bought the car in good faith from a member of the public.
This car is absolutely appalling ....... and I would have advised him not to purchase it

[Coco H]

Sensible advice there.
I bought mine without expert advice but between us we had been through about 10 classic cars before this one and do all thr work at home so we are quite used at what to look for. Having said that we did ask a lot of people who work on their E-Types what the chief sticking point was. Currently I am having the floor sorted and it needs new wheels - I think they are beyond rescue.