Restoring a Jaguar — or any car for that matter — is a huge undertaking. So before you go diving under the hood, it’s a good idea to establish a car restoration checklist to make the whole process run just like a perfectly restored Jag: nice and smooth.
Below are some of the key Jaguar parts you’ll want to include on your checklist as you prepare for your Jaguar car restoration. Do a walkthrough of your Jaguar and organize the parts on your checklist into three categories:
- Keep – Parts that are still in good working order and can simply be cleaned and refurbished.
- Repair – Parts that are damaged or not functioning properly but can be fixed.
- Replace – Parts that are missing or damaged beyond repair and must be replaced.
Jaguar Restoration Checklist
Body
- Paint
- Chrome
- Trim
- Headlight, taillight, and turn signal casing
- Grills
- Exhaust pipes
- License plates
- Emblems and lettering
- Tires and wheels
Engine
- Engine block
- Engine head
- Spark plugs
- Valves
- Pistons and rings
- Crankshaft
- Sump
- Camshaft
- Timing belt
- Gaskets
- Cylinder
- Fuel pump
Interior
- Seats
- Interior panels
- Door seals
- Door handles, hinges, and latches
- Pedals
- Mirrors
- Interior lights
- Seatbelts
- Steering wheel
- Gear shifter
- Parking brake
- Window mechanisms
Electrical
- Alternator
- Starter
- Fuel injector
- Ignition coil
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Brake lights
- Horn
- Radio
- Dashboard gauges
- Heating and air conditioning unit
The checklist of things to restore on your Jaguar is helpful, but you’ll also want to check off a few things related to the big picture. These include:
Tools
At the risk of sounding obvious, a car restoration requires a lot of tools. Socket wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, mallets, vice grips, torque wrenches, brake puller, engine hoist, sanding machine, floor jacks, and hydraulic jacks should get you started.
And don’t forget that when it comes to socket wrenches and other tools that use measurements, a Jaguar uses the metric system.
Space
Don’t underestimate the amount of space you’ll need to perform a restoration. You’ll need enough room on all sides of the car to access it from any direction and angle. And don’t forget about the space required for large tools and equipment and parts that will be going in and out of the car. Plus, it helps to have storage bins for hardware inventory and to soak and clean parts.
List of resources
Compile a list of resources for parts, advice, and help with any steps that are beyond your skill level. The list of resources for a Jaguar restoration could include mechanics, junkyards, and other Jaguar hobbyists from your community. Also, obtain a copy of the owner’s manual and parts manual.
Jumpstart Your Restoration at Terry’s Jaguar Parts
Your best resource for restoring your Jaguar is Terry’s Jaguar Parts. We’ve been supplying Jaguar parts since 1976 and can serve any model of Jaguar. We have an extensive Jaguar parts catalog and can ship your parts right to your door.
Visit our brick-and-mortar store in Kalamazoo, Michigan, or shop our store online to get your restored Jaguar off and running.