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Whether you have a Jaguar XJC or a
Daimler XJC it is important that you take care of them. The more that
you look after these cars, then the more pleasure and enjoyment you will get
out of them. Not only that, but when the time comes to sell, a coupe
that has been lovingly cared for, will always attract keen buyers who are
looking for the best example. Please take into account that because
you have a vehicle that is around 25 years old, preventative maintenance
should be one of your priorities. Whether you own a concours winner, a
daily driver or a weekend warrior, then this page will give you some tips
and hints on looking after your most prized possession.
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Body
Drain Holes
These two drain holes are located one each side of the car ,
between the rear wheel arch and the edge of the coupe door. They are
near the edge of the sill, close to where you would expect the rear
jacking point to be. The aperture is about half an inch in
diameter, for you younger folk, that's about 13mm. Locate these two
holes and make them your friend, for they are really important to the
longevity of your coupe. Once every three months, make sure that you
clear the drain holes of any debris or dust/dirt build up. Using a
piece of stiff wire or the like, waggle the wire around to remove any
build up. Do not be too vigorous and do not poke a screwdriver up
there either. These
two drains are ' S ' shaped, so unless you have an S shaped screwdriver...
The best option is to blow some air up there, using the air-line from your
local garage or service station. If you are driving around town, and
every time you turn a corner, you can hear water sloshing around, then
guaranteed, these drains are blocked. Remove the rear seat and you
will see pools of water in the seat wells. Left untreated you deserve to
be punished.
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Carpets
The biggest problem your carpet faces, is having dirt ground
into it by those size 11 boots of yours ! So to avoid inflicting
pain on your carpet, vacuum the dirt and grit out once a week. If
dirt does manage to be ground in, then a brisk rub with a stiff nylon
brush should remove it. Of course it goes without saying that
take-away food is eaten outside of the coupe not in it ! If you are
putting your coupe in for service or repair work, then prior to dropping
the car off, put an old mat or piece of carpet down in the drivers
foot-well. This ensures that no oil or grease from the work shop
makes it onto your carpet. If you do manage to get some oil or
grease marks on them, then use of a proprietary carpet cleaner, or
commercial spot cleaner will do the trick. Much better to prevent
stains, rather than trying to get rid of them.
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Chromium
Unless you give your chrome-work regular maintenance, then
deterioration will occur. Normal washing of the car, together with the use
of a chamois to wipe down, and the occasional use of chrome polish, will
maintain your chrome-work in satisfactory condition. In certain
industrial or coastal areas, or if you live close to an airport, then more
vigilant maintenance is required. The same can
also be said in frost or snow conditions were salt is used for
dispersal. Quality brand chrome polishes, should always contain
aluminium oxide powder.
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Cloth
Seats
Cloth seats were an option in some countries but not in Canada
or the United States. If you have cloth covered seats then just like
leather they do need some care and attention too. Do not allow bits
of food to be left on the seat to squashed into the material. If you
do manage to spill drinks on them , like coffee for example, then
immediate action is required if you want to avoid permanent
staining. Sponge the coffee, wine stain etc with soda water and
lightly rub into the material, dont be scared to get it wet. Once
the stain just looks wet and has no colour, then steal the wife's hair
dryer and lightly apply warm air to the dampened area. When you are
entering and exiting the vehicle, remember that this is a danger time for
damaging the seats. Make sure you have nothing hanging out of your back
pockets, like a comb, that will catch on the material and cause a rip or
tear.
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Door
Drain Holes
Once every three months, make sure that you clear the drain
holes, located along the bottom of the door, of any debris or dust/dirt
build up. Using a piece of stiff wire or the like, waggle the wire
around to remove any build up. This tiny little job goes a long way
to keeping your doors rust free.
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Headlining
Dust and dirt build up can be removed with a brush or the use
of a vacuum cleaner. Stains can be removed by means of a white lint
free cloth moistened with alcohol. Apply briskly but without
asserting too much pressure that you rub holes in !
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Leather
Seats
The natural characteristics of your Connolly leather seats,
make it the perfect material for automotive upholstery. Cool in
summer, warm in winter, porous and supple, easy to clean and also
durable. However, hot and cold weather conditions and the use of air
conditioning, will all conspire to cause the loss of of essential oils and
preservatives in your leather. These nutrients will need to be
replaced otherwise hardening and cracking will occur. Leatherique
seems to be the most preferred leather conditioner amongst Jaguar and
Daimler owners. Food, drinks, dogs and children are the natural
enemy of leather seats - keep out at all costs 8>)
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Maintenance
Check
Your manufacturer, Jaguar, recommends that the following items
be checked weekly.
Engine oil level
Brake fluid level
Transmission fluid level
Radiator coolant level
Battery fluid levels
Washer water level
Tyre pressures
All lights
Horn
Windshield wipers
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Tyres
Your XJC left the factory fitted with Dunlop tyres. ER.70
VR15 S.P. Sport
It is a good idea to utilize the following check list :-
Check that tyres are at the correct pressure level
Visually inspect for cuts, bulges, sidewall damage or
embedded objects
Check the tread depth
Check that you have all your valve caps on
Clean dirt from around the valve caps
Check valve caps for leakage
Weekly, remove stones and other objects from the tyre treads
Remember that not
all garages have calibrated air hoses. It is extremely important
to have the correct tyre pressures. Over or under inflated tyres can
result in accelerated wear and tear in your tyres.
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Vinyl
Trim
At least once a month, wipe your vinyl trim over with a cloth
damped in warm soapy water. An old soft toothbrush is excellent for
any stubborn stains. Remember it is only a damp cloth not a
water-logged one. After this mild wash, wipe over with a chamois
cloth wrung out in hot water. It is important to use a mild
non-caustic soap, or a brand upholstery cleaner, not household detergents.
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Wire
Wheels
Never use abrasive polish or cleaners on chrome wire wheels.
Rubbing compounds or polishes will remove the chrome plating.
Never apply cleaners to wheels which are hot from use. Many car wash
cleaners and chrome brightening solutions can remove chrome if applied to
hot wheels.
Before cleaning your wheels, apply a PH neutral soap and allow to soak for
1-2 minutes. During this soaking process, heavy dirt deposits can be
loosened with a stiff bristled paint brush. Wash off with a high
pressure water spray.
the cleaner with yl trim over with a cloth
damped in warm soapy water.
Protect the wheels and increase their brilliance by applying a light coat
of WD 40 or a non abrasive wax or similar protective coating.
If and when light surface rust appears on the wheels, it can be removed by
using various 2 step cleaners such as Eagle One or Meguiars All Metal
Polish.
Caution: Acid based cleaners are powerful and should not be used
frequently. Never apply to dry or hot wheels - soak the wheels first with
cold water before application.
Do not allow acid based products to remain on wheels any longer than
recommended by the manufacturer.
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To
be continued
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