Edited on 2012-06-21 13:55:36

Hi everyone. Let me run an idea by you really smart, experienced Jaguar gurus.

I have been trying to get my Series 2 roadster convertible top to properly latch (AND SEAL) for four months - with only limited success. The issue is that the top slightly extends BEYOND the windshield, about an 1/8 inch, so latching is possible but difficult, and getting the top of windshield chrome to fit into the wood groove is extremely difficult. The windshield chrome does not line up with the groove gasket.

Here is my latest thought, and a test for your gurus. Is it possible that after 41 years, the center line of the car has sagged? It would only have to sag about 1/16 inch to create this slight misalignment at the windshield.

Just suppose that this is true. Are you aware of any adjustments that can be made to the mechanical portions of the top to shorten the reach by 1/8 inch?

Thank you for reading this posting and any suggestions.

Very respectfully, Robert Grisar

Submitted by rgrisar@hotmail.com on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 15:19

Thank you Tom. I have scheduled a car drop-off Wednesday, and plan to add your two emails to my notes for the restoration person. You have been very helpful, and the help is very much appreciated.

If I was in Orlando (perhaps in the future) I would bring the car to you.

Best regards, Bob G.

Submitted by coventryclassi… on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 12:09

Bob, that's correct. You will have to remove the inner trim pannhjel to gain access to the nuts. I owne Coventry Classics in Orlando Fl. We have been restoring Jaguars for 33 years. I have used a rotery bi to elongate the holes when needed.
Good luck. Tom

Submitted by rgrisar@hotmail.com on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:35

Thank you Tom. I see as part of your collection you also have a very similar car, the 72 E-OTS, so I am certain you know a lot more than I do.

Just verifying, the rear top mounts, according to my XKS.com parts book, the following:

#11 Top Mount Bracket, Right, Series I & II BD-20657
#11 Top Mount Bracket, Left, Series I & II BD-19458

If so, this is a great help. Thank you. Bob G.

Submitted by coventryclassi… on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:23

Robert,
The rear top mounts are adjustable front to rear. Loosen the 5/16 nuts to shift the brackets rearward. They only move about 1/4 inch. That will leave a little extra material to the rear.Good luck.
Tom

Submitted by rgrisar@hotmail.com on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:17

Hello Howard and Jay:

I have the answer.

The car was held in dry storage for 31 years, then went to a Canadian Restoration Company, where, over a two-year period, all fabric, belts, gaskets, interior, and other non-metal parts were replaced. When the company replaced the interior fabric, they did not properly align the top mounting brackets. As a result, the bows and fitment of the top were incorrect. I have scheduled an appointment next week to have this corrected.

The great news is that there was no sag in the middle. The doors fit properly, and there is no evidence of any rust anywhere.

Thank you both for your help and suggestions.

Very respectfully, Bob G.

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 07:21

Gentlemen, It would seem that if your car is sagging you will be experiencing bigger problems with the doors being hard to open and close, than the top overreaching the windshield issue.

Submitted by rgrisar@hotmail.com on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 16:18

Thank you Jay. First, for confirming my guess that a 41-year old XKE roadster might have sag, and second, for the tip how to carefully test for sag. I will probably try the test this weekend, perhaps Sunday, and let you know the result.

To my second question, are you aware of any adjustments in the mechanical structure of the top to compensate for the over-reach?

Very respectfully, Robert Grisar