It is only through use that the needs of our cars become apparent.
Or a recent road trip in the SCM Jaguar E-type V12 coupe, the speedometer stopped working and we could get barely any heat into the car. We also realized that having a passenger-side mirror would make us feel more comfortable when driving in modern traffic.
So off the car went to Consolidated Auto Works to have Ed Grayson work his magic on it.
The speedo was easy, just a broken cable, with no electronic circuitry to deal with. The mirror was easy too, just a click away from Moss Motors.
He discovered that the OEM heater core — now 53 years old — was almost completely clogged, and the heater controls had also seen better days.
Ed also found that the carbs, which we had tried to adjust to compensate for changes in altitude while on the NW Passage tour, were “all goobered up.” Ed rebuilt the right rear one.
The result? We have a working speedo and odo, which shows 31,592 original miles. The new mirror makes a big difference in traffic, although getting it adjusted properly isn’t the simplest thing. No remote levers here. The car now starts and runs smoothly.
Best of all, there is heat — real heat — available when you push the two levers in, one for heat and one for airflow.
This is all part of long-term prep as we hope to take the car on NW Passage again this year. Although it isn’t until June, with a classic car you can’t start getting it ready too early.
If you enjoyed reading this, consider subscribing to Sports Car Market with this special offer. Save $56 over newsstand prices, get all the bonus guides and never miss an issue.
Read my previous blogs here.
As always, a great post. It does however reveal what I would argue is perhaps the most difficult challenge of owning a classic car today, being finding someone to service it. I live in Toronto, north America’s 4th largest city however there are no shops like Consolidated Auto Works, to be found, none exist here. While there are less than a handful of shops who may work on a vintage car (they are not specialists), none are within a 45 minute drive of the city and good luck getting any service in a timely manner. It’s one of many reasons that owning a classic car is increasingly difficult.
My oldest vehicle is now a 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup. The heater never leaks so i could not join the majority vote. The. Heater blower switch does cease every 3-5 years so I do have some woes.
My first owed by me , not jointly with wife, was a 1966 Jaguar E-type OTS. Too far gone for my minimal restoration skills. Over 4 years I spent $3300 to drive it 100 miles; or$33 per mile. Still dreaming about this model but now aged out of old cars. Now depend on your column for stimulus.
Keith, what about that ominous puddle oozing out from under the Jag? Rear main seal? Merry Christmas! Alex
Looks like a nasty coolant leak! Hopefully this picture was taken before the shop visit.
If it’s an E-Type it’s going to leak,….from something.
Interesting timing for this, as my newest (2001) of seven cars has low heat and is headed for a core flush and/or replacement. Heat on the oldest, a ’72 2002 works fine though. I’m not sure if I’m lucky or not with this role reversal of vehicular malfunctions.
What’s all this nonsense about a leak? No, no – the E-type is just marking its territory! *lol*
I haven’t had a heater core problem in 20 years with my Porsche….