Preserving an original 1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 EP5

Here we install the oil filter housing, triple SU carburetors, exhaust manifolds, brake reservoirs and the entire interior including the seats, jute underlay, speaker console and center console.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Those E type Jags have to be the best looking cars ever. I have an S2000 and it doesnt hold a candle to them in LOOKS. IF I was wealthy I would love to have an XKE.

[@johncullinan8041]

Polish the su carbs. That’s how they came out of the factory. Great video 👍🏻🤓🇬🇧

[@marcryvon]

I think so too.

[@lordcharles7592]

26 mins of bliss !

[@kenty2831]

Thank you for taking me back to 1967 when Dad and I worked on older cars. The smell of leather, horse hair seat cushions, rich fuel mixture, and the working through problems. I cherish the memories and enjoy your channel. Good on you

[@geraldswain3259]

That Jaguar twin cam is one of the most beautiful production engines ever produced . Simply Fabulous ! .

[@fredglover430]

The most beautiful. Smooth as silk to drive. Faster than anything on the public roads. Winner at Lemans. What more could you want? Me? I wish I still had my Dad’s EType. 🧐

[@graham6229]

@@fredglover430 I agree. Le Mans was not won by e types however but the basic engine design was certainly in development for the later jaguars. I know.................picky picky me.

[@marcryvon]

@@graham6229 Well, IF you are right about the Le Mans win, it's important to let it known. For historical correctness.There's so much mis-information around on historic cars. Just this afternoon, a mid-thirties guy looking at my 35 y.o. mint baby in a parking lot, he goes " I know that all those caught fire at one point. Not your's ??" Errr, are you sure about that ? Oh yes, my Dad told me so. And he told me that he once worked on one's Wankel engine. Shit engines ! Oh, really ! Tell your dad, if he really said that (!) well, he's full of balony. That GM car never had a Wankel ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@paulgabolinscy2502]

@@graham6229 Le Mans was won by XK120C or C-types in the 1950’s , but still the same engine as the E-type🇬🇧

[@bradcollins9647]

My first thought about this project was "That will be a nice daily driver" but now I think it is more like a museum piece with all this original stuff. I hope the car will not end up like that. It should be driven.

[@marcryvon]

Yep. I like Jay Leno's attitude " Cars were made to be driven. Period." He hates people buying, let say, Ferraris, and never drive them, making them Trailer Queens, fearing to damage their "investments". Good lord ! Rich dorks.

[@gryfandjane]

Oh, am I loving this. I’m nuts about old British cars, but one as original as this one is another matter entirely. Such a time capsule! I’m looking forward to hearing it start up.

[@marcryvon]

Oh yes ! Brit straight sixes have sound of their own. One of my neighbors still has his TR6, bought new in 1976. I know immediately when he takes it out for a spin. Sweet sound !

[@markblack195]

I love Richard's work and can't wait to see the fully restored XK150 because I just don't get this original patina restoration XKE or E Type for those of us in the UK, it's just an old car that's had a partial engine and suspension rebuild, the paint chrome and interior all look horrible I'd forgotten just how cheaply made these cars were. Me I'd restore and modernise it, I'd want the paint better than new, modern rust proofing 22nd century electrics, use throttle bodies and electronic ignition instead of the carbs and points, fit power steering modern brakes, updated suspension, have all the interior re trimmed in the best quality leather with no cheap vinyls and thick Wilton carpets with plenty of Dynamat heat/sound deadening I'd also throw in a Vintage Air AC unit and fit a retro looking but bang up to date stereo with Bluetooth for decent sound and phone connectivity and end up with a car that could be used every day instead of one that looks as if it could fall to pieces if you accidentally slammed a door.

[@cpkdr]

I agree that the modern updates would make the car more easily drivable.. what your looking for is something like the Eagle version. More expensive that the original.

[@graham6229]

I wouldn't be concerned by that asbestos heat shield. Its only a problem if you were to trim it ( cut it ) and produce dust. It may have been OK to give it a quick heat resistant clear coat to prevent any stray fibres coming off. I wouldn't be concerned. What a great looking car in such beautiful original condition. As I've said many time, other channels who strip cars to the metal when the original paint and so on just needs some TCL are sucking the value right down the vacuum cleaner.

[@marcryvon]

It's ok as is. People are panicking just by mentioning it. Real hysteria ! 🤪

[@graham6229]

@@marcryvon Dont be silly mate. This is the commentary section of KZbin.

[@georgejohnson1498]

"Looking Lovely." You understate! It is looking absolutely fabulous! I am so looking forward to this finished and hopefully a little drive out for us! Thanks from George [in the UK].

[@DaraghsTube]

Really like the survivor nature of this build, making it a useable driver and keeping as much original, the paint and the interior, just another great job.

[@gazzafloss]

Stay true to the precious preservation task Richard, can't wait to see it running/driving again.

[@mikehatch2114]

Great episode Richard. It's very enjoyable to watch you work and your end product is superb. Cheers.

[@daveunderwood1528]

So much fun watching you carefully put this car back to original condition. Regarding the SU cylinders, tough call. I polished my Healey's, but I am taking a lot of liberties on finishes etc because it was truly a basket case headed for the landfill. If you choose to lightly polish them to your glowing aluminum standard, instead of a hard shine, they would fit in that engine bay. As you pointed out, they do stand out compared to the other pieces of industrial art under the hood. No doubt folks with E-Type knowledge will clue us in on what the new original finish would have been. As usual Mr. Owen, thank you for providing these videos. Its a pleasure to watch skilled careful work.

[@bajabell]

What a LUCKY owner to have you recreate all the wonderful original items ..... LOVE IT ...... As a Brit all I can say is " Carry On E-Type "

[@genemccormick3935]

Those clam shell seats in amazing condition. The toggle switches gave it the classic look over rocker ones in later years. Great job Richard.

[@hughbishopnh]

I think that polished SUs look better than dull ones. The guys at SNG USA say that the heat shields are not and never were asbestos. Thanks for showing where the clip on the speedo cable goes, who knew? I like the parts and layout on this early model more than later ones, that's for sure.

[@marcryvon]

The later models ones with the huge and heavy V12 lump were slow Boulevard Cruisers at best. Very popular in L.A. Sad.

[@wernerdanler2742]

I had a neighbor in San Diego years ago that had a large collection of British cars. I don't think he had a Jag though but he would love seeing this. Great job!

[@richardwhatton1249]

Great progress Richard, she looks fantastic and better with every part replaced. Kind regards, Richard.

[@craigpennington1251]

Those carbs need a good polishing. Make them shine nice and bright. These engines are a fine piece of working mechanical art. When they are shiny>people marvel. Trust me, it's worth it.

[@6CylSuccessVideos]

Love your attitude! Some of this I'm sure isn't as easy as you make out. Inspiring for the rest of us DIY'ers!

[@derekbrownson7430]

yes i would polish the carbs . it will match the rest of the car

[@bigjobs5900]

Completely the correct decision to preserve rather than restore, it’s in outstanding condition with a perfect amount of patina. So much better than a restored version. Great work

[@scottgriggs2596]

Love watching this car coming back together!

[@nigeldewallens1115]

Your attention to the small details is fantastic! I can see why you do that too! To say well done does not really express my thoughts on the attention you go to! Well done!!

[@rickdaniel8478]

Looking great ! Original eye candy Love it 😀

[@philippegerolemous4376]

Unique demonstratiion of workmanship on a beautiful car which is in original state and looking new. Excellant filming and clear explainations done in an agreable manner ,thanks !

[@patrickmurawski3549]

I enjoy the way you show the love for the smallest details!

[@billproud6699]

I remember from the 60’s those 3 and 1/2 inch SU’s and a particular story from a gold car owned by a director of the Golden Petoleum Co U.K. The car regularly came in for a defective SU which was given a top up of thicker oil which cured it for another couple of months. Happy days.

[@davidwhitty9646]

Great job. Perfect preservation/restoration. Glad you got hold of that car. It’s in good hands!!

[@philoupaulo]

With a little bit of asbestos on the brake fluid reservoirs protection near the exhaust manifold !

[@alectrondorfman1057]

From memory SU carbs were shiny.

[@brucecolby5016]

Control arms originally satin chrome plated..carb linkage was nicad, piston bells were polished..the carpets arent jute backed,the hard vinyl hardura insert material is hairy..the propshaft tunnel sound deadening mat is Flintcote,it doesn't go under the seat..moths love old wool, they are already reworking that shellback moquette,carpets soon..the seatback insert foam has turned to yellow dust, and the cushions and back inserts will split with limited use because the thread is 60+ year old cotton..the original paint on the original cushion base bottoms was originally same as inside, frame green,no burlap hid'em..fit new foam before they get ugly..Smith's painted the heater box, not Jaguar..that asbestos is located in front of the driver and under the louvers will allow high flow air to spew that dust everywhere u run that car,shaking it loose in the owners garage and yard forever creating a toxic environment..we have new modern heatshield material and rivets,proper Cheney clamps, correct hydraulic resivoir float switches,brass manifold nuts, full line of mechanical parts to get u not only there,but back..and a full service upholstery shop fabricating interior kit for mail order and fitting only in house made goods as fitted w British vinyl,wool carpets and Connolly leather..over 200 XK and E-TYPE restorations since 1971..Bassetts Jaguar.

[@brucecolby5016]

..restitch seats, oval washers on trans cover..

[@jagvette1]

IMHO polish the carbs, they look shitty up against the other polished bits. Should there also be and otter switch on that manifold?. On my E Type (1964) the transmission tunnel had the large almost oval washers, are the ones on this correct ?Got to say I love the interior. It was amusing to see the brake bellows it reminds me that E Type brakes are heart stopping not car stopping. What did you use to clean the brake bottles, they look amazing. Whilst we disagree on wiring looms, I think what you do is AMAZING.

[@jonathanmoss8252]

Extraordinary piece of craftsmanship . Quite beautiful. The care you take is wonderful to watch. As far as the car radio is concerned, I see it has a solid-state high power ? diode ? sitting on a heat sink. Possibly the power supply. I'm not sure if those were around 1962 ? Maybe its' been replaced at some stage. Someone with more expertise than I might be able to clarify ?

[@robertmorales391]

That’s a wonderful interior, just love the originality of the interior as a whole. Unfortunately on my Triumph TR4 restoration many things are to far gone but saving as much original stuff as I can. Great detail work.

[@jimledgerwood8351]

Great work so far Micheal...in my humble opinion,since the cam covers have already been polished(they weren't that way from the factory),the SU's would look awesome if they were also done....not a big job because I've done my own in my little shop and they turned out really nice !

[@JohnCarey1963Jag]

I have a photo of a 4.2 Series 1 E-type on the factory assembly line that is large enough to zoom into. The SU dash pots are shiny - equal to the cam covers and intake manifold alum parts. It's likely that the original manufacturer, SU put a polish on them but I agree that Jaguar wouldn't have done any more work to them.

[@hankstrause9018]

Beautiful interior! New seatbelts for safety?👍🤩

[@marcryvon]

@MichaelKingsfordGray I like the image !! 🤣🤣🤣

[@brucecolby5016]

Restitch seats as well, oval washers on gearbox cover

[@sparkgsparks1736]

Looks brilliant

[@mcashnv]

"Prairie Porcelain" can re-porcenailize those exhaust manifolds.

[@dcallan812]

vey nice work so far, she is going to be a head turner. 👍👍

[@sofa-lofa4241]

It's looking good... Very good!

[@marcodebarkingville1827]

Crappy exhaust manifolds scream at the beautifully polished aluminum elsewhere. imo

[@rogerfrancis65]

Excellent, what a beauty!

[@robertmarx4857]

In all my pictures thru the years I see no unpolished SU carburators. Most match the rest of the aluminum except not so highly polished.

[@marcryvon]

Exactely.

[@bazzab2000]

Fabulous, patina is King 👑

[@ronaldmacpherson3345]

They need to be polished for sure

[@dwhite1940]

I bought a ‘62 in ‘63 and the carbs looked just like yours, no sheen as I recall

[@markxl]

I love the SUs - we used to put twin SUs on Minis to upgrade them - not up to Cooper S levels but an improvement anyway.

[@whizzo55]

Love watching this progress. This car reminds so much of my '61 roadster I had in high school,'68/'69. Great memories!

[@marcryvon]

Lucky kid ! Ed Manny, of R&T fame, once called the E-Type the *Best crumpet collector* ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@whizzo55]

@@marcryvon I traded my '67 used Mustang for it straight across so I actually got it for less than $1,700. Made payments by working at Safeway and still had a little left over for Crumpet hunting. LOL

[@glen7301]

Great work. I am not so sure keeping the original carpet is a good idea. Original does not always mean the best. Great film, thank you.

[@chrisfrench8323]

It looks amazing.

[@ronaldmacpherson3345]

SU’S need to be polished. I did an S TYPE 1967 some years ago

[@nigelparker5886]

We don’t get to see all the tedious work that has to be done off camera..can be very wearisome and not till it’s finished does it seem worth it sometimes!? The only thing that troubles me is, as I mentioned once before, is the lost black stove enamelling missing off the exhaust manifolds!? It looks so right when new but so scruffy left corroded...what do you think on this matter? Nice work though, on lovely old classics! Cheers

[@aretardridesmotard6128]

My vote: Polish the carbs!

[@jfrorn]

Wow, that car is outstanding....

[@mtacoustic1]

Was fortunate to meet 'Lofty' England, one of the E-Types main engineers, at a Jaguar Festival in Australia back in the 80's. At a seminar he was asked why Jags rust so badly. He replied that materials in England after the war were expensive to obtain; and so for reasons of economy as little material as possible was used; stating: "If you couldn't see it, we didn't paint it"!

[@fduran4826]

About the exhaust manifold, a heat coating might help to prevent to much heat inside engine bay. Good job by the way!

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Let's hope the radio is still in good order, the parts in it are getting pretty old now... fingers crossed. I like the idea of keeping it stock, but the black covering on the ashtray plate is a bit of a mystery. RE: Asbestos. I see the same problem in mid 40's radios, eg. RCA Victor. We either leave it alone or pull it entirely... and pulling the stuff out is a real hassle. Looking good Richard :D Cheers,

[@adamoscarson69]

I love everything about this car!

[@phillipdean9879]

Looking fabulous! Great job! 🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@shirleyboy8859]

Great job.. Can`t wait to see it running.... :-)))

[@tomfurie2996]

Another fine video. While I think the carbs were unpolished from factory, I think you would be forgive for bringing them in line with the rest of the trim.

[@christopherboyle1479]

The approach of preservation rather than renovation is laudable, with one exception. If you had sat, as I have many times, at a negotiating table with a plaintiff dying of mesothelioma, you would not be so cavalier about asbestos. That heat shield is not safe. It is in an exposed area subject to heat cycles and susceptible to chipping by people with tools. Asbestos never really is safe: the only reason to leave it in place is if the risk of disturbance by removal is greater than that of leaving it in situ. It having been removed, it should have been disposed of appropriately and a safe substitute fabricated. Please, get rid of it now.

[@andrepienaar6459]

I would guess the SU bodies should be polished. Is it legal to use asbestos? Here in South Africa asbestos is banned, mainly, I think, because we had asbestos mines here and a lot of mine workers died of asbestos inhalation.

[@modelleg]

This car is as close to a Spitfire.... without wings.

[@louislazarus9253]

"Some car owners refer to their car as original because they honestly--and mistakenly--believe that once a thorough restoration has been completed, the car is original. It's not. For me, the correct term is "restored to as-original condition." As the saying goes, a car is only original once. Think of it as virginity--once it's gone, it's gone." Once that Jag left the showroom, it ceased to be original. It became "used". From "used" we progress to "battered". Not sure why some people worship the idea of driving a battered car but if that's what they want, so be it. The fact is, this Jag is very well worn which is understandable considering it's 60 years old. E-Types are beautiful cars when they are in exquisite condition. However, when every single part of the car is worn, tattered, battered and shabby, why would anyone want to own something like that? Yes, it's a bit of history but if you're going to go out and drive and enjoy the car, why not make it look as beautiful as it deserves to look? If it's a matter of "money", that's a different story but pretending the car is "original" and "as original as possible" is kind of lame, don't you think?

[@jeanhawken4482]

Looking good

[@jianoconnor8414]

Richard you're doing awesome !!!!. Wouldn't vapor blast finish be closer to the original "as new" cast finish of the carbs from S.U ?. I use Vapor blast on motorcycle engine cases etc. Most people do. It also seals the aluminium pores against corrosion for a long time.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Richard . The carb' bodies are a must do l think the restorerer had a nasty case of lazyitus !😂😂😂

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. If it was my car, no need for the console and or radio, ashtray stuff.

[@EliteRock]

The carbs are OK for me - they make the engine itself to stand out as a unit.

[@robpars2000]

I really appreciate the fact that you want to keep it all original , but the old carpet looks really ratty , everything else looks good except the carburetors that need to be polished (easy fix) ...

[@rudybishop9089]

Dammit ! There was nothing the matter with the original stub axels ! I’ve called the Resto Police - your going to prison.

[@peterbonnez]

Wonderful ---

[@cshehanjames]

@ Richard really good stuff. These cars are real art pieces. By the way have you retrobrighting the brake fluid bottles?

[@normanedwards7220]

Why is the steering wheel on the wrong side ? .?

[@bobstride6838]

Please, please polish the carb dashpots! They look so out of place on that otherwise beautiful engine.

[@99skychief]

Hello Richard, I noticed you first mentioned Hide Food (I am familiar from living in England), but you are using Effax. I would appreciate your thoughts on both, thank you. Great Job and loving the videos. Michael in Danville Calif.

[@patriottothecore6215]

Hi Richard. Did you change out the internal heater cross over tubes behind the bulkhead? They are often rotten and I’m sure you know, very difficult to get at.

[@conceptalfa]

👍👍👍!!!

[@rockydavies9555]

they appear to be just polished aluminum

[@ralphmillais5237]

People are misled by looking at period pictures of what were specially prepared motor show and press cars into thinking Jaguars came with everything polished to a mirror finish. This is wrong. Sir William Lyons would never have wasted money on pointlessly polishing things. He was making E Types for less than £2000 GBP in the early sixties, less than half the price of a Ferrari. Engine bays were nicely finished and the cam covers were polished a little, but beyond that functionality was the keynote.

[@harpersisland]

The carbs would have left SU’s factory with buffed dash pots as they still do today, rest of each body would be dull.

[@michaelkelly8955]

Asbestos is ok as long as it’s not friable.

[@Mike.Howard]

👍👍👍

[@henryvanweeren7233]

Anyone who wouldn't like this video should be banned from KZbin. Trolls, meh.

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Just was wondering, what ever became of the lip surround bars at Xke bumpers front and rear. IM. THINKING MAYBE JC WHITNEY OR DEALER EXTRA. NOT SURE. I REALLY DONT CINSIDER AN XKE TO BE EARLY OR AUTHENTIC WITHOUT THOSE SEXY ELIPTICAL ORBITAL BARS!. IM JUST A NOVICE CONISEUR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY THOROUGH XKE SHAKE DOWNS. I THINK THE E TYPE WAS AND IS THE SEXIEST AUTOMOBILE EVER PRODUCED. I GREW UP WITH VOLVOS AND BMWS. BUT MY EYES ALWAYS WANDERED OVER TO THE EARLY XKES. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT GIVES ME SOMETHING POSITIVE TO HOPE FOR, SINCERELY,C.C.E. USA ❤❤❤

[@chrisebbesen5798]

These vidios must really slow down your mechanicing, I GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL YOUR TEACHING ME. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. TO YOU AND YOUR HARD WORKING STAFF. C.C.E.😅😅

[@chrisebbesen5798]

So like, basically IM JUST SITTING HERE DROOLING. ITS A GOOD THING I CANT AFFORD ADECENT XKE, BECAUSE ALL I WOULD EVER DO IS DRIVE THE DARN THING. I ONCE WAS DRIVING A BEETLE ON A HIGH GRADE OVER A RIVER AND A BUDDY OF MINE DISTRACTED ME, WE ALMOST WENT OVER THE EDGE INTO THE RIVER 90 FEET BELOW. IT REALLY IS BETTER IF YOU DONT ORDER A RADIO WITH A NEW CAR! THERES ENOUGH STUFF TO GO WRONG WITHOUT A RADIO. AND BESIDES, I LIKE TO LISTEN TO LISTEN TO THE JAGUAR GROWL AND KNARLEY WHINE OF A STRAIGHT LAPPED GEAR BOX. THANK YOU FOR BRILLIANT MECHANICING!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Instead of a Teddy bear, I COULD HAVE TEETHED ON THE ROLLO BARS OF AN XKE.!IM JUST DREAMING!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ YOU KNOW, THE FRONT BUMPER ORBITAL BARS. NOT ROLL BARS, ALTHOGH THOSE WOULD BE PRACTICAL TOO. GRINNNN!😊😊

[@chrisebbesen5798]

ILL JUST KICK BACK AND WATCH YOU SAVE THIS GUTSY RELLIC FROM THE SCRAPPER. BYE FOR NOW.C.E.

[@MyBlueZed]

For the sake of safety the asbestos should have been disposed of and a safer component installed.

[@upgrade8280]

Gsvd