I have a '56 XK-140, and have discovered some rust inside the chassis side channels and am wondering about using Waxoyl for rust-proofing the inside of these channels. Is this a DYI job -or should I find some one to do a "professional" job? Does anyone out there know of a place to get this done?? I live in North Carolina and would be looking for some company in the SE. OR is this the best product to use for doing this job?? (The British certainly seem to love it.)

Jerry Ellison
Fayetteville, NC
XK140 OTS

Submitted by mkbarit@yahoo.com on Tue, 03/15/2005 - 11:49

Steve,

Thanks. After my evaluation of various responses that I have received, I am going to follow your good advice and leave the car alone. I am an avid detailer, so the salt will never be on the car for an extended period.

Thanks again,

Malcolm Barit
'95 XJS "topless"

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Tue, 03/15/2005 - 09:33

Malcolm,

IMHO, if the car is in good condition now, there is no reason to start drilling holes to inject rust proofing. Your car is probably already well rust proofed from the factory. If you keep it garaged and don't drive it into the ocean or leave it sitting on the beach day in and day out taking ocean spray, you shouldn't have a problem. If you do get the car salty, be sure to wash it off ASAP. Not much different than what we experience here in the Northeast driving the cars during the winter with all the road salt around.

Opinions may vary, but that's mine.

Steve

Submitted by mkbarit@yahoo.com on Mon, 03/14/2005 - 19:19

Steve,

Thanks for the response. I have no visible rust, so my question to you is, should I have the car rustproofed before I move the car to Florida? I live a block from the intercoastal.

Malcolm Barit
\'95 XJS \"topless"""

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 03/14/2005 - 12:19

Edited on 2005-03-14 12:21:29

First, with regard to the XJS, by 1995 Jaguar like most other manufacturers was doing a fair amount of rust proofing on their cars. While early XJS's from the '70s and '80's were fairly subject to the rust worm, the late '80s and 90s cars were better protected. As long as you exercise a degree of care, your car should not be any more prone to rust in Florida than most other warm weather places.

As for the XK140, you have a different concern. Like most of the older Jags, the 140 was/is prone to rust from the inside out. If you are seeing rust damage, chances are there is more rust damage internally that you don't see. Spraying any kind of rust proofing onto seriously rusty surfaces or inside rusty members without neutralizing the rust first is a waste of time and money, and may actually trap moisture inside that will promote more rust.

The right thing to do is take the car to someone who does a lot of old car restoration and who knows how to deal with rust. Preferrably, some who knows old Jags, particularly the XKs. You need to repair the rust damage and do something about eliminating the rust that is there. Then and only then will a rust proofing treatment help prevent future damage.

Sorry, but unable to recommend anyone in the NC area for that type of work. Hopefully someone can suggest a restorer for you.

Regards,
Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS

Submitted by mkbarit@yahoo.com on Fri, 03/11/2005 - 12:35

Along the lines of rustproofing, I have moved to WPB form Houston, but my baby is still in Houston enjoying a rust-free environment. I plan to move her to Florida and the wonderful salt air in about 30 days. My question is do I rustproof the car now, after I move or at all. Some say to rustproof a 10 year old vehicle that has never been rustproofed is asking for trouble as it will seal in rust. I can see that as a valid point. Others say nonsense, rustproof it. What should I do?

Malcolm Barit
'95 XJS "topless"