Big Cats in vip...the long Daimler road.

So..I've had a plethora of people ask me how this whole thing started and why I chose one of the hardest most expensive cars to work this style on.  Well?  A lot of it has to do with just that...I like a challenge.  

Oh yah, and this:

[IMG]http://www.j-complete.com/CNV00002_1.jpg[/IMG]

The real OG...and part of where a few of my parts come from, J-Complete. (also usually whatever Garage Magical dips there hand into comes out gold, so that didn't hurt either) That was years ago as many of you know.

Now some of you are thinking to yourselves...but XJ's are getting pretty cheap to pick up as the years go by?  This is true...that is the ONLY part of the process that will have the word "cheap" in it.  What's more important though is knowing the cars well before you purchase one to modify.  There are many changes throughout the years and models which make some more desirable than others.  The differences can make the difference from a very happy experience to a disastrous one.

I guess I'll hit on the reason I bought what I did.  There's actually several reasons.  

1. I wanted a LWB model.
2. I wanted a Vanden Plas.
3. I wanted a Coventry car (one that was still built in the UK at the Coventry factory).
4. I wanted the AJ16 4.0L inline 6.
5. I wanted a 1996 model specifically with a for mentioned rules applying (I'll explain this later on).
6. I wanted the NDR color code.
7. I wanted an unmodified car.
8. I wanted one that was well taken care of with proper maintenance records.

Those where my main things to look for when searching for my specific car..as you can imagine, it took quite a while to track down what I wanted.  I didn't want to impulse buy and then not ever be truly happy with the outcome.

So..with that said, here's what i bought from a friendly professor in Oregon:

[IMG]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/1212161302_a91a6af8e9.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/1212160430_fea8e91511.jpg[/IMG]

Other than a few minor issues here and there it was in great condition.  This took me MONTHS and months to find.   It was nerve racking wanting to get started but not being able to.  This really is the most important part of the whole process...finding the right car.

To me, when you pick up a car to build..you need to first ensure that it is structurally and mechanically sound.  This needs to be done BEFORE starting any aesthetic mods to the car.  And the part I mentioned about the right year and model will make sense in this respect.

There have been issues over the years with a few things on Jaguar cars that many of you, if not most of you, have heard of.  One is the Lucas electronics.  This is a pretty big issue.  Having known the work that had been done to my car by the previous owner it didn't effect me much other than replacing the last of the 6 Lucas coil packs.  I have no idea why they replaced 5 and not the sixth, but it did indeed hairline crack down it causing an ark and ground problem which created a misfire in that cylinder.  Once fixed..purred like it should again.  Another problem I hadn't seen before (due to warm temps of Hawaii) was the fuel pump which just "stopped" one cold day after a start up.  Again..fixed quite easily (well, other than the fact that it's NOT easy to get to).  Then there's the few things over time that occur when you have a car that's older than 10 years old.  Getting all this stuff out of the way first is also important...other than the ones that you don't expect and that aren't as common.

Updating the car and fixing little issues is also important to me before you throw on that suspension and wheels.  I changed a lot of parts to update the look of the interior and exterior of the car.  Lets start with the interior.  

The steering wheel was in "ok" shape, but I didn't like the wood color or the condition of the leather (although it wasn't too bad and I could have fixed it).  Here's a pic showing the stock X300 VDP wheel and a newer X308 VDP wheel:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2475096609_0fb5f1776a_o.jpg[/IMG]

Now, this doesn't mean you can run out and buy an X308 wheel for your X300 and have a 1 for 1 fit.  But after a little work, which I can explain if anyone needs me to, I had this:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2109/2475913224_3ae384e297_o.jpg[/IMG]

What can also be seen in this pic is the center console which I also replaced as well as the custom burl shifter with mop inlay and Coventry emblem (hand made) with matching keyfob also seen sitting on the base of the "ski-slope".

I'll continue this a bit later when i have a chance...

Really nice! I am really starting to love these write ups! More info please!

...so feelin' it elpres. Tastefully done. I remember I ran a google search on something a while back and it took me here - to VSC and I saw your sig and I was amazed. Still in awe over the Jag. Very, very well done.

always had a thing for j-complete jags, your build has always been one of my favs to follow.  I almost bought a 02 (i think) XJR 100 by my house for $10k.  Black on blck with red stitching seats, guess it was pretty rare.  man that thing was nice.  glad i didn't cuz I wouldn't have the funds to properly build it up.

love these story threads and i love the "High Class" feel of jags. I never really saw any good detailed exterior pics of your car after mods. Got any?

big baller!!! lovin that new wheel tho

I have gone through several lighting upgrades from the stock x300 from x308 tails to multiple sets of custom headlights with hid in all (low/high/fog).

Here's a comparison shot of the first headlights:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2213693407_8f9507ecd2.jpg[/img]

Night shot of the first set of custom headlights (tri-bar streetrod lights):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2214487050_a68db3e6b2.jpg[/img]

HID lows and fogs (just turned on the headlights at that point so they aren't crystal white yet):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2214487160_163d56dfd3.jpg[/img]

Highs and lows on together (now you see the difference in color after they heat up):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2213693677_73489978b0.jpg[/img]

And as for the Tails..here's a little comparison.  x308's on the car, x300's in my hand:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2213613302_a3b85b7eba_o.jpg[/img]

I have since retro fitted a few sets of BMW 5 series halo projector lights to the headlights.  Here's the first set:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2332315109_c33894e18b_o.jpg[/IMG]

But I didn't like the way the LED halo's looked and wanted them brighter and to match my HID color.  So I decided to dissect another new set of BMW headlights, but this time the CCFL halo versions:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2658533776_6a49a609c8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2657708341_1a0dbffdb5.jpg[/IMG]

Then I added a few LED touches to the rear (both tails & plate):

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2657708377_dc5bebe8d0.jpg[/IMG]

More of the lighting mods I've done I'll hit on later...

In for the updates... Been waiting for the build thread on this! I tried looking for the vipjags website but couldnt find any decent pics. Went on to look at your flickr but then felt like a stalker so i gave up on that.
 
I feel like alot of the stuff you have done to this car is similar to what i went through with my Cedric.... But with a budget several times more than what i have to spend, and with much nicer parts!
(oh and you cant deny Nissan werent copying Jag with the styling of the Cedric lol)
 
 
Btw, you wouldnt happen to have any CLEAR lens 5.75" headlights left over that you want to sell from those retrofit attempts would you? Or even just the lenses? I have the projectors/shrouds for a second retrofit on my car, but cant find decent priced H5006 lights to cut up.... I just cant justify spending $100+ on lights which which will be hacked to pieces!

I always loved your car.

Did you get the 96 cause they make a drop in small block kit for it? =)

Dominik go on ebay.  $20 for 5.75" headlights. Or 6", or 5", 5.5", ect... I  wanted some to make a G wagon front for a comanche and I found a ton on ebay.

Yeah one guy has those $20 + $55 international postage. In my last retrofit i used those but...
1) they had 3 horizontal lines through the headlights (messing up the cutoff) 
2) they were really shoddy quality; one of the lenses was rotated on the reflector bowl (only visible because of the annoying lines mentioned above)
3) I had a big argument with the seller because of (2) and I dont want to deal with him again
It needs to be the 5.75" though, i think the 6" might be too big. For some reason 7" are reallly cheap, but not the 5.75s... But if you found any others i am all ears! PM to keep this thread clean :)
 
Sorry for thread jack Mike!

I need more pictures!!!
 
but always liked your Jag !

Glad to see you are putting the info up , that car looks like alot of work and $$$ and glad to see one getting done up right

I love Jags that are done the right way. I'll be waiting for updates.

When the car came to me it was in surprisingly good shape, but with the few quirks that I mentioned.  One of these was the 3rd brake light.  It was just sitting on the back decklid unattached..that obviously wasn't correct.  So I cleaned the old epoxy off and laid out where they were supposed to go and "goop'd" them on:
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1432/1414994268_e53630cd63.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/1414994384_07e52b96a3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/1415059802_e1ad90a533.jpg[/img]

I replaced the stock bulbs with 1W led's. and then mounted it all together:
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/1414994556_5f66071c27.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/1414112461_d525d61220.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1016/1414993826_83c9a99f9c.jpg[/img]

It's a small thing, but something that needed to be done none the less, here you can easily see my 35% UV green tint.

Another few things I did to spruce up the odd & ends inside the car (I had mentioned the center console arm rest earlier in the steering wheel post):

My center console has a double cup holder.  The problem is that after years and years of use it gets old and tends to crack or wear out.  Mine had the typical cracked/broken tab and worn leather at the button:
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/1419236108_8039e60af1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/1418352335_3f70b4a315.jpg[/img]

Lucky for me I found a brand new one still in the sealed Jaguar factory box for my interior color code...amazing (I only wish Connelly leather was cheaper..haha):
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1181/1419236476_89c60bcec8.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1427/1419236598_fafde5c1d5.jpg[/img]

I know I showed the HID fogs already, but forgot to mention this flaw when the car arrived (although the original owner did tell me of the problem):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/1817840490_859207bb7f.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/1817841584_abb058a5ef.jpg[/img]

It also gave me the opportunity to remove the glare guards which kill the light output to the sides, and it's not blinding to other drivers either:
 [img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/1817841104_ba2821a540.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/1817002305_1d653eb110.jpg[/img]

After I cleaned them and of course worked up the new one..here's the result.  You can see how the light strikes the ground and goes out to the sides, but not way up into oncoming traffic. (those are the HID fogs with stock halogens before I did the headlight retrofit..I know, it's out of order..haha):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/1817002755_8f33e1a693.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/1817004389_214b16a775.jpg[/img]

I won't have any additional updates for a few days or so since we're moving into a bigger place this week and I'll be busy, but I do have a ton more posts to come...

damn man i love ittt.

[QUOTE=Dominik;268759]Btw, you wouldnt happen to have any CLEAR lens 5.75" headlights left over that you want to sell from those retrofit attempts would you? Or even just the lenses? I have the projectors/shrouds for a second retrofit on my car, but cant find decent priced H5006 lights to cut up.... I just cant justify spending $100+ on lights which which will be hacked to pieces![/QUOTE]
Let me check what I've got after I move this week into the bigger pad.  I might have a few extra housings from all the experiments I've done...haha, you know most of them.

I'm waiting to see your new toys.  =)
 
Nice detailed build thread

The Jag is so clean.

I think I remembered you had some pictures of your curtain install? I could be wrong, but if you did, do you have any pictures of it?

What suspension is your Jag on?

And to think, I was a couple days from posting my build thread(never done one).  Love the white LWB man!!

these pics are all years old, howabout bestowing us with some new ones?

[QUOTE=Brandicus;269134]these pics are all years old, howabout bestowing us with some new ones?[/QUOTE]

Well in that case.  Ill post it up.  :-P

i am in for updates too !!! love you JAG man really clean

I'm stoked that the OG's are putting together their "timelines and VIP journeys" into thread form for the community to see.  Gives the forum depth and allows for those who are truly considering this avenue of modding to understand what they are getting into.

Love what your doing... keep it up!

Ben

[QUOTE=Brandicus;269134]these pics are all years old, howabout bestowing us with some new ones?[/QUOTE]

Haha in due time. I'm showing some steps along the way. Give me a few days to move though as I'm typing this from my iPhone. I'll have my new interwebby in a few days at the new pad.

[QUOTE=Jedidiah;269186]I'm stoked that the OG's are putting together their "timelines and VIP journeys" into thread form for the community to see.  Gives the forum depth and allows for those who are truly considering this avenue of modding to understand what they are getting into.

Love what your doing... keep it up!

Ben[/QUOTE]

That's a fantastic idea.  Maybe I should create a thread of when I used to build my Aristo.  That was a 3 year commitment, something which I could never do at this point in my life anymore....

It would be a nice nostalgia too on my part.... hm.  I just gotta find the time to collaborate the pictures together.

BADASS MR President......
 
 
I want to see the whole car....
 
the red jag is so sex, those hre's damn.

This thread brings back some memories....

this thread is great, love to follow along with timelines of a solid build!

As you can see from this pic when I first got the car, the rear door glass is much longer with the stretch Vaden Plas chassis than the standard XJ:

[img]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/1375694565_c925e97456.jpg[/img]

It was a sauna at first until I added the green tint, but still with the 35% tint requirements it wasn’t cutting it. I had wanted to add curtains, common on many vip cars, to combat this and for the look they add. Problem is…most curtains max out at 70cm long and I needed over 85cm. Many of the modified vans in Japan run curtains as well and they have longer windows, so the solution wasn’t too hard for me to figure out. I picked up some 90cm curtains and 70cm curtains for the rear and front respectively while on my last trip to Japan. All I had to do was measure the lengths I needed and then modify the rails to meet my needs. In the back this was very easy since as you can see the window frames are quite straight on the top and bottom:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2213613690_a36967ca13.jpg[/img]

The fronts however posed a unique problem…large vents which keep the windows free of fogging take up over 1/3rd of the lower front window. I wanted the curtains to be functional still and cover as much of the windows as possible. I figured that if I bent the upper rails to go further down the a pillar side I could use the Velcro tabs to make them cover more space. The pic below explains this:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2212819499_f436efb260.jpg[/img]

This way, when the curtains are drawn closed they can be attached to those tabs and cover the majority of the windows..like so:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/2212819627_b0387cd1f9.jpg[/img]

Here is how they look from the front seat:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2212819959_abd124b886.jpg[/img]

And from the rear seat:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2213613970_15182a0abb.jpg[/img]

The curtains are a rich black velour, very soft and they block far more light than they appear to. If you look close in the closed curtain pic, you can see how bright it was outside! I would have chosen different curtains, but most of the curtains I wanted don’t come in the sizes I needed since many are kits for specific cars. I am quite happy with the results though, they truly do their job.

I also added matching Coventry tieback pins that match the inlayed one on the top of my hand crafted burlwood shift knob:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2336643722_3ab9146e45_o.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2335809769_7d5904f155_o.jpg[/IMG]

Very nice. Let's see some suspension progress now!

I love your attention to detail.  Very nice little touches everywhere....

Is your headliner sagging back there??  I know mine was when I bought the car.

The glass in those rear door windows is ridiculous.  I never noticed before.  Go long wheelbase. :biggthumpup:

Do you have one headrest with black piping?

Headliner is being customized and no, all headrests have the same color piping.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;270185]Headliner is being customized [/QUOTE]

Mine too!! In fact the entire interior is missing at the moment....

[QUOTE=elpresidente;270185]Headliner is being customized and no, all headrests have the same color piping.[/QUOTE]

Thats what I thought, I wasn't sure if it was shadow on the rear seats or not. I've never seen piping on headrests but not on the seats.  It's a cool look though.

I especially like the little jag emblems on the outsides of the curtains.  Makes it look very oem.

Good god jaguar interiors are nice.

How reliable has the car been mechanically?

this thread needs more updates =)

yes ...
 
yes it does..

Loving all the detail your putting into this Mike can't wait to see and read more...

love that curtains :biggthumpup:

subscribed :biggthumpup:

Stock exhaust was weak sounding and restrictive...so here's the Mina Gallery exhaust that I put on (as well as their intake system).  It was visible in the tail light pic earlier in this thread.  The stock exhaust was better than pea-shooter size and at least chrome..but was the quietest thing known to man.  I'll get more into that problem at the bottom of this post.  Anyhow this is the stock exhaust:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/1855233743_4d50c45a69.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/1855232753_5b4f6fbc7c.jpg[/img]
Beautifull...not.  This is what came in:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/1854305952_ac8f3e51fa.jpg[/img]
Laser etched Mina Gallery tips:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/1853536325_d9a9298132.jpg[/img]
Now installed...you can see how crappy the rear resonator section looks compared to the full polished stainless Mina Gallery:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/1856055062_e79d41eff3.jpg[/img]
Here is the Mina Gallery vs. stock:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/1854253338_a5b4fdb44c.jpg[/img]
Nice fitment as well..I love quality parts, this is with no hanger modification (The tip is not bent..it's a reflection):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/1856056898_0f36831fcf.jpg[/img]
And here is both sides on the car:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/1853227383_fbac297e29.jpg[/img]
Now I mentioned that the car was so quiet...even with the Mina Gallery it's still quiter than I'd like.  This car has multiple resonators and cats.  So I then removed the largest most restrictive ones which are right before the Mina Gallery exhaust (stock):
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/1853351065_cbf75ef3e9.jpg[/img]
To give you an idea of size...these things are nearly twice the size of even the stock mufflers, and they came out (I'll post that later).  The power gain in removing them is substantial.  Speaking of power gains...the Mina Gallery intake:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/1853309783_0ae95adf42.jpg[/img]

thank you for making me fall in love with jags!

exhaust looks like it is almost touching the bumper.  it would also look a little better to me if it was about a half inch lower (the exhaust).

either way, im loving what you are doing with it. cant wait to see more.

Great thread I love being able to read through a biuld step by step

Actually the exhaust is lower.  That was before adjusting it.

mmmm wow, those tips are so much more complimentary with the rear!

[QUOTE=elpresidente;270833]Actually the exhaust is lower.  That was before adjusting it.[/QUOTE]

awesome. im glad to hear that :thumbsup:

You asked about the exhaust and how it looked high..well here is what I did along with a few other "mods" to the exhaust:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2388755061_6bf9c452ea_o.jpg[/IMG]

Here is a short list of items I wanted to take care of:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2388755101_64506f1bc8_o.jpg[/IMG]

First things first...

Tips after adjustment:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2389586228_3eaeb26426_o.jpg[/IMG]

And now the short list.  The rear resonators on the LWB are HUGE.  As in like extremely large...they are a "comfort item" for the rear passengers.  Remember, this car was normally built to be driven in.  So rear passenger comfort was made to be high and noise levels low.   But, we all know that second statement is crap when it comes to vip.  A fine sounding exhaust is music to my ears.  BTW..these rear resonators have been found to rob about 15hp from this engine, seriously.  It was dyno'd on the jag forums a while back.  So I decided to make the car sound better and to get some extra power back:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2389585994_6626f5dca0_o.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2388754981_6db23718c7_o.jpg[/IMG]

Next was the bolts that hung down lower than the frame rails...that's a no-no for keeping ride height appropriate. I love grinders...<3

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/2388754811_5dd17d1d85_o.jpg[/IMG]

Next was an irritating rattle from a cracked resonator..bring on the torch!!:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2389585946_fb7e6fd7e6_o.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2389586088_b6e0fb666b_o.jpg[/IMG]

Just remember there are sensors there..so be sure to keep an eye out for their location as you progress.  The bolts for these are nearly impossible to break free and torching them was very easy.  the car sounded so much better than stock and even better after removing the rear resonators.   The power gain actually had a seat of the pants improvement.  So I can only assume that I gained something more than just sound as had been proven on other VDP's.

more please

This build is going to be amazing keep the pics coming. Oh, and the exhaust WOW!

nice!

isnt your car pretty low? lets see some more pics.

We need sound clips, super rad!

Big, orange, ugly, and dated...

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/1817002755_8f33e1a693.jpg[/IMG]

So..what to do, how about a shave?  Yes, shaving the kitty...

step one..removal:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2911212982_5a7f675a46.jpg[/IMG]

step two..create computer cut plexi inserts with precision cnc milled holes for custom frenched LED signals:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2910368229_ff2282bd9d.jpg[/IMG]

Perfect fit! (and weather proof)

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2911214638_7d3ed001ed.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2911215112_2d4f151095.jpg[/IMG]

step three..test fit to bumper:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2910370135_d094d4f325.jpg[/IMG]

step four..work them in:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2930287973_535e906b37.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2931147496_90dc21d746.jpg[/IMG]

step five, shave side markers:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2930287975_e1b52a5889.jpg[/IMG]

After a little smooth here and there...
Clean and tidy (and some parking sensors for good measure):

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3965467812_ea572b7417.jpg[/IMG]

Blind kitty!!!  But already taken care of as you saw.

WOW

thats actually pretty neat what you did for the turn signal.

nice build in for some more..........

WOW!!! freakin' sweet!!!! excellent choice for a project car. i wish the customers at the shop i'm in had nice rides and some money. lol. i work in the ghetto. lol. damn donks. sorry for rambling. again, nice build. looking forward to seeing this car completed

Some plush goodness...

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2335809673_64b1972df8.jpg[/IMG]

does JP still make those pillows in that color??? 
 
clean interior!

yO elpres this is a Gangsta cat. I love the leds. I always love the leds that ad such a newnest too the cars looks sweet! More pics more pics!!:biggthumpup:

great build thread. i love the amount of detail that you have put into the car. keep up the great work mate.

So I'm sure most of you have noticed the fender vents on the car...

Can you figure out where they came from?  I know Dom knows..since they came from his sector of the earth.  Yes..down undah!

2005 Holden VZ SSz Ute:

[IMG]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/54260658_ff69ad8543_b.jpg[/IMG]

I'm always looking out for new ideas and options for parts to use.  I wanted something smooth and less obtrusive for this time around in the build and with a chrome accent and LED indicator to boot.  This had them all (indicator is popped open in this pic).

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2931146800_b8795ac720_o.jpg[/IMG]

I wanted the fender contour to match the Ute's actual contour..so I actually imported the fenders AND vents..haha.  Sooo....we cut out the section that had the contour and cut out a matching area of the Jag fender and welded the fender sections in place and started to mold them in...

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2931146780_d984e22cd1_o.jpg[/IMG]

After some smoothing and bodywork...they're almost ready:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2930287307_17742e1553_o.jpg[/IMG]

All smoothed out and vent attached:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/4000319300_54ddd51ea2_o.jpg[/IMG]

And on the car together but not "painted" yet...still got some more mods to do and get the replacement AC bumper on the car to replace the one that was stolen..more on that later (missing when it was delivered to St. Louis from Hawaii..can be seen in my sig pic which was the day before I shipped it).
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4000309516_3c3650687f_o.jpg[/IMG]

its like big huge tits!
 
jsut love this car .. 
so sick !!

Sooo sick!  

I really wonder where that bumper is and why the hell they stole it.  I mean not that many people in the US are modding Jags of this generation.

AC?

[QUOTE=nunzo.;276079]AC?[/QUOTE]

Auto Couture

Y would people steal a bumper? really ? 
 
hang it on the wall?
 
sucks that happend

Haha sure do know those vents

Around here those cars are not rare (also seen on the Commodore sedans of that shape - probably one of the most common family cars on our roads), but ever since i first saw that vent i knew it was something that would look good on other cars.

So much so that i also bought me a pair of the vents. I didnt end up getting them fitted, so in the end i gave them to a buddy who now has them on his 147 Aristo. And yes, he also ended up having to get the whole guard to fit them in (though now there are sellers on Ebay who sell just the cut-out bracket since its a popular conversion)

Not cheap though - especially if you had to ship 2 fenders from here to the US to do it!

Looks real sick.  Nice progress

One of the nicer vents I've seen so far.
Did I miss the post about the wheels and specs?

Looking Beautiful

[QUOTE=Schnitz;276331]One of the nicer vents I've seen so far.
Did I miss the post about the wheels and specs?[/QUOTE]
Haha...no, you didn't.  But I'll post it up soon enough.

the attention to small details is just amazing.  moar updates nao!

stunning car....would freak if I saw that thing rollin the streets

Oh man, what a great build thread!!!!  My little brother has an 1995 XJ6 that he'll give me once he gets a new car.  It's so beat up, but your thread is going to inspire me to rebuild that car.

Here's what the LED winkers look like when on/off (both visible in daylight):

Fronts:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/4012536759_a8b8bc915a.jpg[/IMG]

Sides:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4012536813_ff5d37d86a.jpg[/IMG]

very cool

damn make me look differently at jags now for sure. love the LED turn signal and eliminated the orange. looks clean and unique. :biggthumpup: how long did the build take?

How long?  It never ends!!!!  Haha..got more updates coming.

Nice to see updates on the Jag.  Are these also on the NG site?

Sukoshiyoshi

I don't think I have them all on there.  I have some more updates to post..try to get to posting them soon. 

I need to update this thread a bit...

elpresidente, 

I've been sleeping on this thread.. I'm sorry.... great build.... awaiting new updates...

damn bro...this Jag is sexxxy! Very tasteful upgrades. I love it! all is missing is me on the driver seat lol.

[QUOTE=lowvanu2;284043]elpresidente, 

I've been sleeping on this thread.. [/QUOTE]

[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/aedprix/LeopardAttack.gif[/IMG]

^^^^ 
lol
 
but seriously any updates or anything??

Hahaha...yes actually, well sort of.

I never posted a few things.

As I mentioned before, I am doing a rebadge of the car (to a Daimler Century).  The Daimler Century was only 1996 LWB highest (Vanden Plas) level cars to commemorate the 1896-1996 for the company.  Daimler is basically the Maybach of Jaguar..if that makes sense.  I have a 1996 LWB Vanden Plas, meaning I have the correct chassis and year to do it correctly.  In fact, I had to give them my vin to verify the proper livery I desired. 

Anyhow..one of the things that had to go was the leaper on the hood as Daimler cars are kitty-less.  As shown here:

[IMG]http://www.clivesutton.co.uk/images/Jaguar/Daimler%20Century%20Saloon/Daimler_Century_Saloon_1_lg.jpg[/IMG]

So...the kitty had to go.  You may notice something else going on in this pic:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/2930287239_02996828d0.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2930287267_26c641d7d1.jpg[/IMG]

And again to show how low level they actually are:

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2930287245_288af0b45a.jpg[/IMG]

Then all cleaned up...

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4154444433_29248daf74.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4154444443_0c249e6b5f.jpg[/IMG]

And all prim and proper like (but minus AC front..boo hoo):

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4000309516_823faf7ef0.jpg[/IMG]

Vents are from Signal Auto in Osaka...and purposefully placed as such.

Still waiting on wheels specs.........
C'mon man, what chu waitin' for? ;)

wow that looks hot. is that as far as you've gotten or is there more?

There's more..

Clean!!!!!!! 

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4000309516_823faf7ef0.jpg[/IMG]

you're such a cock tease!

Yo, that is looking fine... still not much i havent seen yet in various places on the net etc, however the story of how it got there is very rivetting....
 
 
And funny enough, i happened to see a Daimler Century today at lunchtime (or at least it was a daimler in the same bodyshape and LWB as yours with the daimler grille etc). Completely stock of course. I can imagine yours has an amazing presence on the road, considering how this looked with no mods!
 
But i noticed one part which i had assumed was part of your bodykit, seems to be OEM... The door moulding line (1/3rd the way up the doors). Have you thought about taking that off? IMO it sticks out a little too far and doesnt really flow with the body. I would think it could look much smoother if that was deleted, or replaced with a flatter chrome strip etc... Thoughts?

wow it's turning out great man! Love jags

whered the front bumper go!

[QUOTE=BAHC;286397]whered the front bumper go![/QUOTE]

I wish we knew, it's probably on some Jag in Long Beach...

Pics of bumper LED's on?

[QUOTE=Green Poupon;286449]Pics of bumper LED's on?[/QUOTE]

From page 4 of this thread:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/4012536759_a8b8bc915a.jpg[/IMG]

damn, the bumper was stolen? that's terrible!

TRUTH:

Kitties like kitties...

[IMG]http://nightgarage.cc/Mike/IMG_0095.JPG[/IMG]

lol cute

so for the new headlights set up, considering they are the halo version, did you have to use the ballasts?

[QUOTE=JMAN;296948]so for the new headlights set up, considering they are the halo version, did you have to use the ballasts?[/QUOTE]
Do you mean the inverters?  Then of course..CCFL's don't work without them.

Let's see some suspension progress!! :runcoold:

always liked ur car, but now i have a whole nother level of appreciation for it!!
very nice work, really like the small details

[SIZE=2]always disliked the Jaguar body style made me think of a Old Man driving a Jag but after seeing [/SIZE][URL="http://www.vipstylecars.com/forums/member.php?u=2377"][COLOR=#c30000][B][SIZE=2]elpresidente[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/URL] makes me actually want one lol. Mad props those LED's are unique

Winter mode mid-rehash ghastly splendor:

[IMG]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/winterlow.jpg[/IMG]

Nice to see this Project still moving along.  +2 on the Suspension updates.  After suspension is complete are you going to be able to sit the kit or frame on the ground?  Figure got to take full advantage of Radiousing (is that even a word) your Fenders.

Little side note:  How's the Wife and Baby?

Sukoshiyoshi

Very nice n clean jags

the never ending teaser thread!

i've loved this car for a very long time. i have always loved the look of the xj.

i love these Jags

i worked on audi along side with jags for like 3 years and got to drive many also but after looking at your thread makes me want one really bad.

BTW..new front is finally on its' way...

sus-pen-sion! sus-pen-sion! sus-pen-sion! :dance:

awesome build. Love all the attention you put into the little details.

Id lose it if I saw this thing rolling down the highway.

front bumper LED's just gave me an idea on how to do my mirror signals. :dance:

[QUOTE=OCKlasse;317143]sus-pen-sion! sus-pen-sion! sus-pen-sion! :dance:[/QUOTE]

C-O-M-I-N-G....

[QUOTE=sukoshiyoshi;305911]Nice to see this Project still moving along.  +2 on the Suspension updates.  After suspension is complete are you going to be able to sit the kit or frame on the ground?  Figure got to take full advantage of Radiousing (is that even a word) your Fenders.

Little side note:  How's the Wife and Baby?

Sukoshiyoshi[/QUOTE]
The frame rails will lay out completely.  They actually sit about 3-4mm lower than the aero.  And yes, that is why I did all the radiusing.  So I could drive extra low and lay it out without a lot of tuck.

Wife and baby Mila are doing great!

[IMG]http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs402.snc3/24386_408854290691_672080691_5680849_5673200_n.jpg[/IMG]

I love this build. Beautiful family also - congratulations. Our baby boy just turned 1 on the 16th. What a trip to watch them grow.

DAMN! Nice lookin wife! But I'm sure I've already told you before....that is all :biggthumpup:
 
*Congrats

Congratulations on the new arrival!  No wonder you're not here on the site that often anymore.

Wow this is a sweet a$$ build bro :biggthumpup:

Got a nice EMS package in the mail from the UK:

[img]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/rearsignage.jpg[/img]

I only have one more Jaguar emblem to replace and it's the steering wheel airbag which I'm this ][ close to acquiring from another parts wholesaler in the UK, but I might have to re-stain the leather to the appropriate code as my combo is more rare apparently.

whats the difference? I thought all of them were the same. I have a 99 xj8l as well

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;324265]whats the difference? I thought all of them were the same. I have a 99 xj8l as well[/QUOTE]

There's actually several of them, but the Daimler one I need has the gold Daimler D where the growler resides on my current one.  There is also ones that are plain with only an indented image of the growler or the letters XJR on the XJR models of course.

oh okay.. I have just the imprinted growler on mine as well. You and I, I think have the same color interior. If you know anyone who is selling a full wood steering wheel, a center console (cup holder-fail) a shift knob and front seats on good deal. I might be interested. I am not looking to spend bunch of money since its a daily and i have enough projects.. but I thought I would ask you since you have done quite well sourcing your stuff out :)

I applaud you for just stepping out of the box...

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;324401]oh okay.. I have just the imprinted growler on mine as well. You and I, I think have the same color interior. If you know anyone who is selling a full wood steering wheel, a center console (cup holder-fail) a shift knob and front seats on good deal. I might be interested. I am not looking to spend bunch of money since its a daily and i have enough projects.. but I thought I would ask you since you have done quite well sourcing your stuff out :)[/QUOTE]

Is your color code NDR?  If so, then yes.  That code on a Daimler is what is more rare..ie: the reason I'm having trouble finding what I need without having to "make" it what I need.  Haha, oh and I'll keep my eyes peeled for the parts you need.  I might have another shift knob...

And thanks for the kind words people...

for sure dude its awesome! i love seeing these cars done up!

I will have to confirm the code later. I love the color, but wish it was all black. But the light color goes really well with the green. Which I don't see very often, it even more sucks cause i don't know to many cars that color that pull tint off to well with out looking lowriderish.

Two more pieces of the puzzle set in place:

Daimler steering wheel air bag...(which just arrived yesterday via airmail)

[IMG]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/%21Bu4Yu6gCWk%7E_%28KGrHqR%2C%21hIEv1%2B0FTMdBMCNN%28hRGg%7E%7E_12.JPG[/IMG]

and the Daimler "D" emblem to replace the "Growler" on the front grill...

[IMG]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/%21BmFB3EQ%21Wk%7E_%28KGrHqYOKiIEtlg%29FtK2BLeTzEzppw%7E%7E_12.JPG[/IMG]

There's still a few detail pieces I's LOVE to have, but are UBER ridiculous to come by...and believe me I've tried short of going to the UK myself to procure them somehow..or rape them from some poor chaps Century (which I'd never do).

love the build!
sort of reminds me of mine...i always trying to hunt down all those extra trim bits and pieces for my sentia...

Everytime I see pics of your car I kick myself for getting rid of my 99. I searched and searched for affordable suspension when I had it but the hefty J-complete price tag I chose to sell. 

Your project is dope as hell! Love everything you've done.

sweet i have a 99 too. What did you find besides arden springs? if i was going to, i would do custom.

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;328244]sweet i have a 99 too. What did you find besides arden springs? if i was going to, i would do custom.[/QUOTE]I have a 1 pump 5 dump...w/ accumulators going in.  I've actually had it for some time now, but plan to get the work done while we're on our Carnival cruise since I can't be without my car with work and all.  Wife needs the Benz for her work...so yah.  I found airsus was rough on it due to the weight..this ish is HEAVY.

[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/Jagjuice.jpg[/IMG]

YES!!

Let me know if you need any help along the way Mike!

Are you having a shop do the installation?

[QUOTE=elpresidente;328302]I have a 1 pump 5 dump...w/ accumulators going in. I've actually had it for some time now, but plan to get the work done while we're on our Carnival cruise since I can't be without my car with work and all. Wife needs the Benz for her work...so yah. I found airsus was rough on it due to the weight..this ish is HEAVY.[/quote]
The futhermuckkinreal real. Good man elprez. don't feel too bad, hydro is originater anyways as fa as adjustable goes. don't know if i ever put it out there but when researching options for my ride, i came across this forum and your jag in your sig is the rason i kept coming back. i can not thank you enough. good choice.

Thanks man, that's actually pretty awesome to hear.  Glad I could be a bit of motivation!

sick something new to the vip scene

[QUOTE=elpresidente;329501]Thanks man, that's actually pretty awesome to hear. Glad I could be a bit of motivation![/QUOTE]
Np, more than welcome. Just kinda one of those things that popped out off the screen at me. White jag slammed, on wheels like that kinda has that omfg impact ya know. Can't wait to see it layd out.

Love the Jag will be posting pics of mine shortly

[QUOTE=Chäfen;339248]Love the Jag will be posting pics of mine shortly[/QUOTE]
Us Jag guys need to stick together..we're few and far between.  Any questions you've got..hit me up.

So it's Daimler century [i]style[/i] jag huh hahaha just fuckin with you it's looking great so far.  Those Daimler parts are ridiculously hard to come by.  Very unique angle.

Juice going on this coming week...

I define new.  Sorry I'm drunk.

Hahahaha...never a dull moment!

The Jag is now in the hands of Matt @ Pro Customs and the fine gentleman @ Hydrohaulics!  Hopefully we come back from our cruise to a kitty laying on the ground..haha.  B, I know you got my back man!!  Thanks!

[QUOTE=elpresidente;340366]The Jag is now in the hands of Matt @ Pro Customs and the fine gentleman @ Hydrohaulics!  Hopefully we come back from our cruise to a kitty laying on the ground..haha.  B, I know you got my back man!!  Thanks![/QUOTE]

:biggthumpup:

so how actually low your car is on this pic?ground clearance
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4000309516_823faf7ef0.jpg[/img]

Not much, the frame rails sit lower than the aero parts do.  When I get back in the US, I'll get some pics of my new set-up (in the Caribbean right now, Honduras at the moment).

dammm your car look sick . never see any with vip style like your . nice

looks awesome man! dropping my benz in a week so we gotta do a shoot sometime

Curious if you have this problem; I was washing the jag the other day. I haven't noticed it and wondering if it has happened to you? My third brake light has discoloring almost burn marks from where the lights are inside the unit. And since its that beige color you can see it pretty good. Time to go Led, do not need a fire! haha

Thanks guys...

Kouki, never had that problem..sounds like a voltage issue.  Do you have a light failure on the dash on?  Also check to be sure you have the correct amp fuse in that spot.  It could be a rear light control module issue too, but you'd be more likely to have a bulb failure light on the dash as I stated.  The LED's will also cause it to come on, as mine is always on since all my lights have been converted to LED and without inverters or anything since I also didn't want to have something creating heat. The dash warning is all that will happen if it's done right.

Yo mike, send me some Cuban cigars...haha...jag is coming along sick...

yeah, no failure of any lights it all still works. the only thing is the cigarette thingy dont work but that might be a fuse, and the inside trunk lights sometimes come on and surprise me once in a while when its dark out. oh and the radio loves to jump channels or display two at once

[IMG]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4965079260_3a76ee6fc3.jpg[/IMG]

Car looks sick...never seen these done up before

video pls!!:biggthumpup:

whoa! thats crazy!! best place to put it! love a square tire well lol

All you see in the trunk is the quick disconnect when the cover is on.  I'll take more pics and such tomorrow when it's light out again.

awesome!

[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4965666457_a7f80c199b.jpg[/img]

This was my ride height on the drive home from Pro Customs.  It can go lower and with shorter cylinders, MUCH lower.  On the freeway it was pretty smooth, I'm anxious to see how it rides once the cylinders and accumulators break in.

nice!!!

Had to do a late night grocery run...

[IMG]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4966190729_1d86ac3ee8.jpg[/IMG]

Effin' FRESH!!!

where's the leons?  that thing came a looong way...looks dope...

Sick Mike!

When you say it can be lower with shorter cylinders, is some of the shaft of the cylinder "exposed" when the car is all the way down? It might just be that the threaded sleeve needs to be adjusted...

Also, if you want, you can move the quick disconnect to underneath the front driver seat like I have mine. Just ground it to a bolt holding the seat down (or something that grounds to the body), and you're set!

Leons are getting refinished, more on that later...and thanks for the kind words guys.

And as far as the cylinders B, they are threaded down, I could go another 2 inches smaller in the rear AND the fronts.  I care more about laying the frame on the ground than max height raised.  It's higher than stock all up, which is unnecessary to me.

Extremely dope.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;341875]Leons are getting refinished, more on that later...and thanks for the kind words guys.

And as far as the cylinders B, they are threaded down, I could go another 2 inches smaller in the rear AND the fronts.  I care more about laying the frame on the ground than max height raised.  It's higher than stock all up, which is unnecessary to me.[/QUOTE]

Are you running the 10s up front and 8s in the rear?

The reason I ask is because I have 10s all the way around, and as you can see, I still tuck.

But remember, your suspension geometry is entirely different than mine.  The rear is much shorter than the front.  Much, much shorter and both are very different types.  The rear is a typical McPherson type while the front is, well...a freak of nature.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;341941]But remember, your suspension geometry is entirely different than mine.  The rear is much shorter than the front.  Much, much shorter and both are very different types.  The rear is a typical McPherson type while the front is, well...a freak of nature.[/QUOTE]

Hmm...you'll have to snap a pic for me when you can!

[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4969106447_c1457889e8.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4969715518_04ef1bbb2a.jpg[/img]

I think I can adjust the sleeves a little further and get maybe an inch more with the current cylinders, but I will most likely swap out the back cylinders to the front and then run shorter ones in the back so I can lay the frame on the ground.  First I need to create a hardened steel plate that I can bolt on somewhere to jack the car in case I lose all pressure and the car is "grounded".  Currently I can actually still drive full down and not scrape...

And before you ask, that is water from the AC, not oil from the system..haha.  Didn't want anyone to assume what wasn't.

[QUOTE=OCKlasse;341942]Hmm...you'll have to snap a pic for me when you can![/QUOTE]
I took some pics of what we had to weld as well..we actually had to hard weld a couple brackets/bushings up front so they could handle the additional travel and not come unmounted. That way the whole front cross member doesn't just drop out from under the car due to load. 

This project isn't for the faint hearted that's for sure, but I'm committed...

man this car goes hard!!!! everytime you have an update, it really is something major, and always executed well.

I have another headlight retrofit to come soon.  I'll be using BMW projectors again, but this time with integrated high power DRL turn signals.  A couple more minor body mods, paint, and Leon refitting and it'll be closer to where I'd like it for this version...

looks good broham!

Yo Mike that looks gangsta cant wait to see it in person...

Can't wait to see what's next

This is a chop of the current route I'm taking...

[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/gtchop.jpg[/IMG]

Those are my Waffe's refinished, fender vent is still the same only insert painted black.  Rear bumper tire vents to be added, just something simple, but to give the car more of the GT look.  There's a couple other body mods on the front that aren't visible at this angle.

^ That looks very up to date and titties.  The attention to detail on the wheels (from hardware to centercap) That chop makes it look straight out of japan.

I like it.  Black grill too?

I might still do that W221 AMG diffuser out back..but I'd need to redo the exhaust and I like the Mina Gallery exhaust I have.  I thought of taking just the inner section of the diffuser and maintaining the shape of the exhaust outlet from my Auto Couture bumper.

Then again..i may have to just splurge...because this looks niiiiice:

[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/gtchop2.jpg[/IMG]

Diffuser is a [i]very[/i] nice touch.

Any more pictures of that car?

Nice chops as usual Mike it does look very Japan current in these the wheels make me wish my car was a color and that second bumper...wow you gotta do that ish

That chop is clean, i'm hoping your end result will look something similar to that, if not better. I have faith in this build, haha

Another headlight retrofit is underway as well.  I think that's like #5..haha.  I think Dominik was wanting a set of 5 series projectors from one of my builds.  I may just use my previous set which were still fine.  Just have to take them apart again and start from scratch...but new LED DRL/winkers are in session to take the place of the CCFL halo's.

I sourced my W221 AMG rear bumper and exhaust..so I may have a Mina Gallery exhaust up for sale for any model X300 XJ (SWB or LWB).

I think if you did the AMG part i would not do the side vents on the bumper as well. almost seems to much. I think the rear diffuser will compliment it but not both. just my two centz

A little something, something to caox my winter wheels into stance/fitmentness:

[IMG]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/47043_439087667694_667517694_5432806_3511290_n.jpg[/IMG]

very nice

Nice Mike. The Jags come along way. Can't wait to see how the rear defuser turns out. The ps rendition looks awesome.

I am in the middle of tearing into the jags engine. Replacing plugs, and upper gaskets. I also noticed that I still have those red plastic chain tensioners! Did you get yours done yet or did yours come with? be worth taking a look if you dont know.

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;347564]I am in the middle of tearing into the jags engine. Replacing plugs, and upper gaskets. I also noticed that I still have those red plastic chain tensioners! Did you get yours done yet or did yours come with? be worth taking a look if you dont know.[/QUOTE]
You have a 4.0 V8 Ford motor.  I have a 4.0 Inline 6 Jaguar motor.  BIG difference.  The AJ16 was built like a tank, they go well into the 250k mile mark on the regular.  Dumbest thing Ford did when they acquired Jaguar was removing those motors.  They are awesome...

So glad Tata Motors is reviving the Jaguar name and with authority.  Now to get them back into F1...

lol yeah, didnt know yours was the 6.

mike youre killin em!!  wow those wheels are ridiculous!!

Looking good as always!  Hope all is well with the Wife and baby.

Sukoshiyoshi

So my sunroof started to crap out on me.  First it started making unusual noises and grinds, but still worked none the less.  Then one day (last week) it decided that it didn't want to close all the way on one side...bummer.  I knew eventually I'd have to replace the slide/tilt tracks but wasn't looking forward to their price tag.  To make a long story short, I found a 2001 that had been in a collision but the sunroof was still in perfect operational condition.  The headliner needs to be removed in order to get that whole assembly out so hey, great time to fix that as well.  Here's my results:

iPhone pic:
[IMG]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/5110705143_eb7030ff8b_b.jpg[/IMG]

Visors will be getting done too, but I ran out of light and adhesive...

If you ever need help, just hollar.

tight dude! i have been wanting to do mine in that color too. The jaguar headliner is pretty flat and easy to wrap

looks good.

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;350359]tight dude! i have been wanting to do mine in that color too. The jaguar headliner is pretty flat and easy to wrap[/QUOTE]
Yours might be..mine has a bunch of contours and dips due to the LWB.  There's a huge dip in the back for added rear passenger headroom. Also would be much easier without the sunroof.  Thanks for the compliments guys.

hmm, Mine is Lwb as well. I guess i am more or less comparing it to other headliners i have done that have big reverse curves ect. but looks awesome. where did you get the material at? if you dont mind me asking

Well, believe it or not that was my first headliner that I did solely on my own.  I'd done other interior parts before and had help before, just never the headliner without help from anyone.

huh.. woulda thought you were an expert :D hella nice man

Headliner looks legit, son!

Headliner looks sweet.

Nice work on the headliner. Really adds to the elegant atmosphere :biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=NELSON09;351245]Nice work on the headliner. Really adds to the elegant atmosphere :biggthumpup:[/QUOTE]

word, and the color compliments the rest of the interior beautifully.

Thanks guys..appreciate that.

:biggthumpup:Your car keeps gettin more and more classy

Headliner is official Mike... Looks like it was OEM... :biggthumpup:
 
I like you style of modding... always classy...

Fancy smansy iPhone pic:

[IMG]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/5153052393_81fcfe32d1_o.jpg[/IMG]

Waffe's back on the car for now till I powdercoat them.  That one huge ding that held air but shook the car is fixed.

sh!t looks mean man. :biggthumpup:

woot yes!

Here's a sample pic from the shoot I did today:

[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/sample1.jpg[/IMG]

Shot with my Nikon D70s...

*Like*    Waffes are so damn sexy.

so sick bro!

tight dude!

Those wheels really fit the car well.

didn't catch you on aim. sick pic bro. glad to see it finally comin together.

oh wow what a beauty

Official  VIP Royality :biggthumpup:

Love this build.

wow looking awsome Mike.. I remember seeing this car stock! It has come a long way!

No, you're not seeing things...it's finally here.

[IMG]http://www.ziptied.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10036/154137_461351567694_667517694_5817158_4296978_n.jpg[/IMG]

that bumper is so small. Almost like a half bumper.

It IS a half bumper Ray..haha.

Maybe I missed it earlier.  Is that Auto Couture?

[QUOTE=ScottyTuned;355706]Maybe I missed it earlier.  Is that Auto Couture?[/QUOTE]Yes it is...

very beepoo.

nice, i know you been waiting for that for awhile

We need more pics lol

Working on modifying my front bumper first.  Got a few mods to do before I finish it off and prime it/throw it on.  Then a few more minor body mods before paint.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;356636]Working on modifying my front bumper first.  Got a few mods to do before I finish it off and prime it/throw it on.  Then a few more minor body mods before paint.[/QUOTE]

wow can't wait to see it all done. im sure its going to look awesome.

[img]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/sample2.jpg[/img]

Did another shoot today...

Shot with my Nikon D70s

Had to swap out all my tires again,the price to pay for living low...but oh so worth it.

My other vents came in..time to mod that bumper.

Showed my dad your Jag, since thats his favorite model and year.
He kickd me off my comp and was on auto trader/cars.com all day yesterday. lol

Had to raise it up a bit due to the weather...I was literally snow plowing.

Temporary high status (car is filthy):

[IMG]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5267425319_bed45503fa_z.jpg[/IMG]

Did you primer the quarter panels or is that a really shitty paint job?

[QUOTE=Caoboy;360961]Did you primer the quarter panels or is that a really shitty paint job?[/QUOTE]
That's white primer from radiusing till I repaint.  Repainting for winter would be stupid...and so would gray primer.

LOL Just checking, I know that shitty weather/dirty cars can show off the worst parts of a paint job..I was hoping it was primer.

this car is so long and so hard (no homo?)

[QUOTE=BAHC;361049]this car is so long and so hard (no homo?)[/QUOTE]

LOLOLOL

I love it when a girl says my jag is so long hahaha

we should do a photoshoot. just sayin

i will be down to drive my stock ass jag lol

sweet jaguar . I don't see much jaguar driving alot these days.

So yah, we got wacked by a huge storm cell that was producing tornado's, hail, and sheet rain (the kind that stops traffic in it's tracks).  Well..I was on my way to work after the majority of the storm passed.  I was passing the mall when out the right side of my car I see a WALL of rain...you know, cant see through it, so I started to slow down, hit my hazards and made sure everyone behind me was slowing down.  The rain hit, followed by light hail..not big enough to dent..but it sounded like being pelted with pebbles.  I had slowed down a good bit, but couldn't see shit...until it was right there in front of me...a huge divot in the pavement and all the concrete that was in there was now on the level road.  Next thing I knew my car jumped and my exhaust started to get louder...and louder.

Anyhow..here's the culprit:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5313423107_48667673b0_z.jpg[/img]

Yep, downpipe where the collector meets and goes to the lower cats separated.  The weld just totally snapped the whole circumference.  

The car sounded like a tank..like a real unobstructed exhaust M1 tank.  Not good.  So here's my temp fix until I find the right people to weld the downpipe back together:

I used a bungee cord wrapped across that section of the lower cats to keep the rear section up level without gravity getting in the way of progress (I had already wrapped it, just forgot to take a pic of just the bungee by itself as it was frickin 20° out):

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5313428875_0e1dc6d0fd_z.jpg[/img]

I used a special fiberglass heat activated tape to mend the two sections together.  This provides good strength and ease of application.  The tape adhesion occurs through the heat of the exhaust.  So basically I had to start up the car and let the pipes get warm, then wrap it, then turn it on again to heat it up good and then form it as tight as possible:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5313424811_3155d9bd0a_z.jpg[/img]

To keep any extra gravitational pressure off the mend I secured it with several runs of wire and braided them together for strength (ghetto, but effective for a temp fix).

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5314021018_1b3884e550_z.jpg[/img]

Remove the bungee after testing the fix..and it's all good!

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5314024894_861f0cdd1e_z.jpg[/img]

Now to get it completely fixed...ahh the life of driving excessively low (wouldn't have it any other way..sorry for the out of focus shot, but my hands were freezing!  Glad the rain hit after I was finished and taking my test drive).

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5313662695_2764444289_z.jpg[/img]

at first when i saw the bungee cord i was like WTF that shits gonna last all of 5 minutes, but then i read the rest of it LOL. thats a pretty damn good temp solution.

coulda just said "i busted my exhaust and fixed it with tape and wire". =p

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;362941]coulda just said "i busted my exhaust and fixed it with tape and wire". =p[/QUOTE]
Haha, but that wouldn't follow suit to the flow of the thread! :shrug:

always about the flow.

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;362978]always about the flow.[/QUOTE]
...always.

BTW...here's what I have planned for the front end to match the new direction the car is taking:

[img]http://nightgarage.cc/Mike/ACfront2.jpg[/img]
Black grill centers and blacked center "t" bar on the bumper, also black BMW projectors/housings with 60 LED halos and black BMW halo projector fogs, plus a single Z3 vent on each side below the fogs.  Might change things up a bit but this is my basic concept.

The rear I posted earlier..but this will keep you from having to search back:
[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Mike/gtchop2.jpg[/IMG]

thumbs ups

Nice build. More specs on the fender vents?

never been a fan of the pandas, but other than that it looks well thought out.

[QUOTE=berlinas2k2;363091]Nice build. More specs on the fender vents?[/QUOTE]

Which ones?  If you mean the front fenders, there's a post in this thread all about them. They're from the Holden Ute from Australia.

New "mod"...haha, okay, not really, but I did have to pimp status my daughter (and compliment the interior..too bad they stopped making the all tan model):

[IMG]http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/pimg/young.sport_midnight.desert.jpg[/IMG]

haha sick! just get it recovered in the Connolly leather!

Still committed to the game...

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5372009084_276703f99e_z.jpg[/img]

People were just staring...it was most excellent.  Snow...I have defeated you once again!

Sick Sauce!

You should hire a driver so you can be driven around in it :D

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;366190]Sick Sauce!

You should hire a driver so you can be driven around in it :D[/QUOTE]
Sorry I'm too busy eyeing out that DB7...

dude.. LOL owe.. my stomach hurts LOL.

side note.. Astons, well used ones anyway are getting cheaper man.. The newer body style DB9 can be had for cheaper than a Vanquish.. and they are the same.. plus you can get it in a manual! crazy.. Economical woes, I love them for buying awesome cars.

cars lookin sick mike, still rockin them hawaii plates i c

Had to get rid of the road salt till the next snowfall...ugh.  I want warm weather again.

[IMG]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5391483365_cbc34bd2b6_z.jpg[/IMG]

aww snap.

Yeah that road salt is like glue on wheels. :(

road..... salt? :innoutrofl2:

[QUOTE=brainneeded;367810]road..... salt? :innoutrofl2:[/QUOTE]

Suck it Texas!

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/phatkat/Phunny%20SCHTUFF/trebek-and-connery.jpg[/IMG]

jk, props for sticking to it rain/shine/hail/sleet.

our roads suck, but you know, everyone says that everywhere.

[QUOTE=brainneeded;367825]jk, props for sticking to it rain/shine/hail/sleet.[/QUOTE]Haha, yah I get plenty of odd looks as I "snow plow" down the road, but if you're really going to live it....then live it.

homer?

[img]http://blog.mtviggy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Mr-Plow2.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=brainneeded;367825]our roads suck, but you know, everyone says that everywhere.[/QUOTE]
 
i've come to realize that 99% of ppl who b***h about the roads sucking in houston really just suck at driving.

[QUOTE=OG;367878]i've come to realize that 99% of ppl who b***h about the roads sucking in houston really just suck at driving.[/QUOTE]
thanks dude. :sad:

90% of the roads don't suck, but the 10% that do, really do suck. and you can try to avoid all you want, at the end of the day if you gotta go somewhere, you're gonna go there.

Lookin very good.

Took an hour to get through all 14pages. NICE!Love the curtains, rims, lighting! Love the exhaust. 

I didnt read anything else on the hood vents. You kinda hinted something about it. Was it for something specific or cosmetic?

Wow you got your replacement AC bumper.  (I am late to the party I know lol)   And radius!  crazy.   I am sure you are waiting until the spring for paint.

Honestly I love how it looks now.   Love the Waffes in their current finish.

[QUOTE=z168;372769]
I didnt read anything else on the hood vents. You kinda hinted something about it. Was it for something specific or cosmetic?[/QUOTE]
The hood vents are from Signal Auto and yes they are for something specific...when I get around to it.

And AME, yep waiting for ill weather to pass for paint.  I just wanted an updated look to keep current.

Satin white is sick.  You are 10% there, don't give up!!

Haha, that satin white is primer!  I don't want that look on this car.

You make it tempting for me to pick up another xj lol

hardcore...in the snow too. pffft. need to step it up with my drive height for sure. props boss hog.

photoshoot, srsly

just went thru this whole thread. shit is clean. i'd love a vip jag ever since i saw one in vipstyle. but urs makes me want it more

so gangster

headlights are sick

[QUOTE=Heavymental;374057]headlights are sick[/QUOTE]
I think you'll dig my new retro I'm working on now.  It's going to be mindbottling...

[IMG]http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lekqok952v1qbbpaoo1_500.jpg[/IMG]

lol

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;374565]lol[/QUOTE]

your sig is pretty hilarious too haha

hahaha

WOW!!!!!! That was a long read. Great work. Love the build thread. Wish I had done something like that. Do you hit any of the shows are cruises in the area? I would love to see your Jag in person.

I sometimes go to Thursday's Sonics in the Valley meet.  Just depends on work and the weather.  I'm not much of a show guy, which I guess comes from running shows and judging them.  Maybe it reminds me too much of working..haha.

Been working on modding my front Auto Couture bumper.  Got what I wanted figured out, and spacing will be on point when I actually mold it.  I still have to complete the other side..but the template I made and reversed should bring good results:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5548740655_874f9ba7d5.jpg[/img]

Nice!!!

Lotta work for a small detail that will make a huge difference good job keep it up

Finished the other side:

[IMG]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5615096663_ee897cc4c0_z.jpg[/IMG]

Looks good came out really nice mike 

Must feel great to finish off a little project like this I know it was harder then it looks

Looks clean Mike. Doesn't look overly done.

With each calculated step your car becomes flawless......

in on juan

Okay..here's a little progression with what little time I have each day:

Glassed in, not sanded at this point (also glassed in back and reinforced the lower section of the bumper):
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5626101349_26f533a9a6_z.jpg[/img]

Craptastic pics after initial sanding, but it's night time..haha (not "fitted" yet):
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5626098485_442565f018_z.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5626098753_918989d25a_z.jpg[/img]

The vents actually flow really well with it when one color..haha, right now with fiberglass, FRP, etc. it looks a bit odd.
Stock fogs will not be in use when done.  I've already had the ones waiting that I'll be using..

Mike why are all the little wholes in the middle of your bumper did I miss one of your mods

You did, those are frenched led signals.

Primed it earlier today:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5633131383_632e66cd0f_z.jpg[/img]

Test fit it tonight after dry:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5633136119_6061315761_z.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5633715114_52feda8313_z.jpg[/img]

I'm going to mount it tomorrow and let it marinate on there for a while and contour itself a bit before I wet sand it, final prime, and then later paint it with the car.

nice!!

i spent 2+ hours reading through this entire build. i can honestly say that your car was one of the most intriguing ones on this site when i joined not too long ago, needless to say that it was a pleasant surprise when i stumbled upon this thread. cant wait to see what else you have in store, especially since i can already tell you dont overlook the small things which are what great builds consist of.

Thanks for that.  It's nice to know that people take notice of the details after all.

thats why we do them! If they dont realize it, then you are doing a good job i think.  if that makes sense

[QUOTE=elpresidente;383044]Thanks for that. It's nice to know that people take notice of the details after all.[/QUOTE]
 
of course man, how could one not notice when its the small things that seperate your car from a normal one.
 
[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;383173]thats why we do them! If they dont realize it, then you are doing a good job i think. if that makes sense[/QUOTE]
 
i understand exactly what you mean, if people dont notice then its kind of a flawless thing done right the little things can look factory and most will overlook them.
 
Again, awesome build. cant wait for more updates!

wow! great thread and i love the attention to detail!
Keep up the good work!

A daytime-ish pic...

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5639517566_0a8620306d_z.jpg[/img]

Looks good Mike.

man, this looks just amazing... like jaw dropping...i wish i had skills like you to make my own stuff...but i have no time, space or tools and experience to do any of that!

Damn I really like the new half bumper, and you were right bout the vents haha. There is not one thing I dont like bout your car, nicely done!!

bajeeezus! whole car is fuckin ill! i wanna see this thing all color matched now. never seen a jag modded so much.... im gonna start googling vip jaguars now

Man your jag just keeps getting better.  I love it.

UPDATE:

Rear bumper is almost complete, just need to sand down the other side and touch up any spots before I prime it.

placement and cutting:

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/5705629279_8f5c1d55ae_z.jpg[/img]

Glassing them in (this is fiberglass thread/resin from front to back, not bondo):

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/5706193758_f538a26c95_z.jpg[/img]

Looking in from behind (I decided to use two vise three since that's what I used up front), that is not a wave in it, it is where the gel coat has been sanded down for contour:

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/5706192728_0d57c33956_z.jpg[/img]

Side view:

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/5706193142_7deb80314f_z.jpg[/img]

One more step to achieving greatness.........:biggthumpup:

Primed and explained:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/5711662679_4ed1281e39_b.jpg[/IMG]

noice!!

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/5713331932_e7dbff58a9.jpg[/img]

On the car test fit.  Here from this angle you can much easier see the fender work which from other angles appears stock.  The car is filthy and final fitting of all the aero will be done next week at the shop.  Swapping wheels tonight and separating them to drop off the lips with the car tomorrow night after work.  The centers will be taken in for powder coating and the pierce bolts are being gold plated by Freddie (he has a better method that will not screw up when I put the wheels back together).

Oh me like this kitty's very nice.

Car is at Pro Customs right now and getting prepped.  Tomorrow we're going to separate the wheels, I need a compressor.  Those things are on there super tight..haha.

so damn official. props for doing the work yourself and it coming out like it did.

Thanks man, it's nice to hear.  There's a lot of details to the paint job that I'll try to explain when we get done.  It's not exactly your run of the mill paint job or typical vipcar paint job either.

np, thanks for sharing the build with us all. Keeps things in perspective and keeps me motivated. Hahaa, when it comes to paint - I'd expect nothing less than what you've just described...and I'm sold on the gold hardware.  Gotta see this yet at the same time the under construction pics do it for me as they usually just make me impatient, lol.

wow! should look badass!
so the whole car will be re painted correct?

Yes, the whole car is being painted, including the wheels.

And peek-a-boo!

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5735504165_84434f0cd3_z.jpg[/img]

Bee Emmmm Doubleyooooo!!!  New headlight retrofit is underway...thank you Hella!

Onward and upward...the new headlight retrofit continues:

Headlight split and separated:
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/5745189944_1b3fe0ace1_z.jpg[/img]

60 LED halo's (in hindsight I measured my old lights, not the Hella's and the Hella's outer ring is wider):
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/5745190654_b2a10c0dcf_z.jpg[/img]

Secured (epoxy) in place, using the city light spot to run the LED wiring through to the factory daytime running light wiring:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/5744644717_829f64a622_z.jpg[/img]

Now to figure out my relay to have them also act as turn signals.  It should be just as easy as running a simple relay from the factory turn signal line which will cause the power to close and open the circuit making it flash.  I hope...anyone got some good relays in mind?  I'm not sure if the voltage is an issue or not.

One side done:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5745194871_e4a8341202_z.jpg[/img]

With Projector installed:

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5745195371_4425ff2951_z.jpg[/img]

That's goin to be a nice addition on the Jag. Later.

Ok, lights are finished and ready to go in:

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/5757250438_d78e9960a7_z.jpg[/img]

All merged with the Jag housings and filled with 6K HID high/low.  I kept the Jag housings chrome to match the way the grill is with the chrome outer and black inner.  Kind of a flow thing.  If I don't like it, I can always paint the housings black.

looks dope!!

nice work. unfortunately i don't know anything about relays except that it would be cool if you could rig it so the led bumper and halo alternate when your blinker is on.  well, that and that the relay in my old ride was very loud, plus my blinkers were quick so from outside all you could hear from under the hood was a loud/quick click*click*click*click*click*click....could hear it from the driver's seat for that matter. so yeah, avoid the loud relays if you can and i like to see the blinkers alternate.

Nice. Default the halos to the closed loop of the relay. Once the turn signals are on, it will interrupt the halo so giving you that blink

I did mine but not with the turn signals.  My corner lamps are ON when i switch on the park lamps. When i switch on the headlights, the corners are OFF


Let me know if you need help i can draw you a diagram

wow thats awesome!

Not to idea jack.. but Hid kits can not fit the stock headlight. do these bmw ones fit? or any other suggestions?

got a link to the type of relays I should use??  I do some electrical but haven't had the need or want to do something like this before.

standard 12v 40a relay will be fine. should be able to snag one from a local installer.

I found an easier solution that I'm going to try first...but if it's a no-go then I'll give that a go.  In the mean time:

Matt sent me a teaser shot, this one is seriously a tease!

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/5765008975_cd6c4a7927_m.jpg[/img]

You can make out the ice pearl in the base..and that darker strip under the body line is actually a ghost pinstripe in pearl.  That is the passenger side very rear corner (the tail lights are obviously out).  A vinyl pin striping will blend into the ghost stripe.  There is similar ghosting on other hard body lines.  Matt said I could pick it up from Pro Customs on Sunday.  My Leons should be finished the end of next week when the powder coating is all G and I get the outer bolts back from gold plating.

I told him he needs a new phone.  What's with all the custom bodyshop guys and shitty camera phones?

pimp. i've always been a big fan of ghost flames or even tribal but a white ghost pinstripe on a jag is tastie...maintaining patience in regards to  the wheels, lol. running circles around the game.

Elpres, it is cause bodyguys spend more time and money on cars than phones to take pics of. lol

shit im excited when its all finished!

[IMG]http://libertyvip.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_0441.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2284/5778394546_497d981079_z.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://libertyvip.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_0453.jpg[/IMG]

Retrofit finished and car painted...Leons are being painted and what not..so beater wheels are back on the car for now.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww shit

looking good  :biggthumpup:

Elpres, looks niiiiiiiiiiiiiice even with so called beater wheels. Later.

looking good... I was like "i dont knoooowww bro" at the wheels in comparison to your Waffe's but I see they're just the beaters, so that's wassup...

I like it! I would love to see some Vids of your Suspension setup in action :)

I'll have to have the wifey or Jbo or Craigsb take some rolling video and some switchness..haha.

Thanks for the kind words..so much more to do and many more parts coming in!

pin stripe is a nice touch, and im actually kinda feeling the beaters!

Looks bananas...I gotta see it in person this weekend I'll probably see you early sat at the gig

So here´s the question.

The Hydraulics how where they done ???

I have been looking to mount bags on mine but it will not work because of clearance issues with driveshafts all the other things you can think of.

So i need another thing that will work for me. I still want the car to be lower but as it is now that measn i will need to stop using it... And it´s my daily driver so that will never happen.

Jbo, I'm off this Saturday.  What you guys up to??

And as for the suspension chafen..there was a pic n this thread of my trunk set-up.  Shoot me a pm and I can explain things to you.  Hit me up with what questions you need answered.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;391281][IMG]http://libertyvip.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_0441.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2284/5778394546_497d981079_z.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://libertyvip.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_0453.jpg[/IMG]
 
Retrofit finished and car painted...Leons are being painted and what not..so beater wheels are back on the car for now.[/QUOTE]
 not bad for beater wheel and i have to say im digging this cat!

...did someone say "gold d's" =)
 
[QUOTE=elpresidente;391281]
 
[IMG]http://libertyvip.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_0453.jpg[/IMG]
 [/QUOTE]

Changed out the ballasts for micro ballasts since I had a blown one in the fogs, but also swapped the fogs and low beams for ice blue HID (not to be confused with the typical 8000k blue or purple tones):

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/5844348694_0439f54776_z.jpg[/IMG]

I would give you a smiley thumbs up, but i dont know how to do that lol nor do i have the option too lol

edit, never mind it was turned off in the settings haha fail after so many years:biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Little update on the wheels.  Once Freddie has the bolts back to me from AF I'll get them back together and tires mounted and on the car:

Satin black faces, ice pearl lips, and ghost pearl lip edges:
[IMG]http://img01.carview.co.jp/minkara/blog/000/023/032/010/23032010/p1.jpg[/IMG]


More close up shot of the ghost pearl lip edges:
[IMG]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5071/5875247914_cd06f7306d.jpg[/IMG]

More please....

Elpresi def. on sum other ish =) murkin everything in sight :biggthumpup:

DOPE!

Holy moley!!!!

Lord all mighty get them on the car already lol

Great detail on the wheels :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Killin!!

Your one talented fellow. Love all the customization bits, upgrades, fixes. Keep up the good work, and beautiful family. :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone.  Anxious to get this rollin'.  Literally.

you know you want it
[IMG]http://image.dhgate.com/upload/20108/49/ff8080812751dfef01275b0e97373f4c/productimg1280927950794.jpg[/IMG]

What..the...hell, is that?  Besides gaudy...

the new finish combo makes my mouth water...can't wait to see the gold hardware.

LOL I do not know hahaha

I know Nelson!  Haha, Freddie ran out of his required liquids most of the way through the plating process.  So we're just waiting for that and he can finish the hardware.  Then I'll mount the tires and get them on the car along with a little cut and buff plus the custom Liberty pinstriping. 

Audio and interior is next on be chopping block.  I have most of the components and materials as well as a game plan.  Nothing too crazy, just simple and clean...if you call ostrich simple and clean.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;400617]
Audio and interior is next on be chopping block.  I have most of the components and materials as well as a game plan.  Nothing too crazy, just simple and clean...if you call ostrich simple and clean.[/QUOTE]

Are you saying no pics until these is done....:break::break::break:

Haha, no I'll post pics like a always do.  Just giving a heads up!

Love your Jag, been reading through your build!

this is going to look real hard...no homo

I think I speak for everyone on we need to see them on

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;401767]I think I speak for everyone on we need to see them on[/QUOTE]


Agreed way overdue...

Freddie???

Anyone want to go to AF and give him a hand?  Haha..

baah, kinda reminiscing on elprez' sig already =(....can't wait to see the outcome though, lol.

Nels...I'm already developing V3.0.  I have so many ideas I want to bring to the table and the style will be all it's own..a real V3.0, not a 2.1.

^ Version 2.1 is a Florida Tag!!! haha

Hahaha...yep, you're probably right Joe!

for those who can't wait like me! LOL!
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/o2bbabe/HPIM0038.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/o2bbabe/HPIM0039.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/o2bbabe/HPIM0040.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=elpresidente;402027]Nels...I'm already developing V3.0.  I have so many ideas I want to bring to the table and the style will be all it's own..a real V3.0, not a 2.1.[/QUOTE]

good man elpres, is really the essence of it all right there for me...wish my bankroll was on the same page though. nonstop!

Yea I'm def gonna be back yalls way for a meet I have to see this in person.

Haha, cakes...go hollar atcha boy Freddie!!  He's the one holdin up the train!

Beautiful car pres, loving it!!!

Saw your bolts yesterday :biggthumpup:

Where are the updated pics?

Believe it or not I'm still waiting for the bolts...anyone seen Freddie lately??  Haha..

dang...since beginning of July for the bolts?  so much patience!

[QUOTE=elpresidente;412086]Believe it or not I'm still waiting for the bolts...anyone seen Freddie lately?? Haha..[/QUOTE]
 
WTH yo, it's been since July............I wanna see those wheels on there.  Maybe it's time to flex on Freddie a little bit, he's a big dude though :shrug:

i can wait as i all ready know its gonna be hot

I think I need to chime in here.  Yes its been a long wait for the bolts.  I have not been on here for a min and didnt know what address to send it to.   This is how communication can be misconstrude through people that dont know what was going on and saying things like what we see here.   The bolts have been done and the deal me and mike have is why it took a little longer.  There was no formal invoice or anything which caused a problem with the shipping.  I admit the first time I ran out of material and couldnt finish it.  So if you dont know what the issue is please dont make it seem like I wanted to lag on stuff when I was trying to do a favor.

Thanks,
Fred

Agreed Freddie...hence the reason I never attacked him guys.  I joked around about it and honestly it was all really joking.  When I'm serious..you'll know, without a doubt.  Freddie and I go way back and share the same circle of friends from long ago.  We'd never harp on one another or have ridiculous expectations of one another.  He's always been a cool cat and always is willing to lend a helping hand or work on joint projects.  Hats off to you Freddie, you'll always be a stand up guy in my book...I don't care what Oscar says about you! ;p  (j/k cakes!)

Peek-a-boo!!

[IMG]http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318394_10150332753887695_667517694_8349691_1285588968_n.jpg[/IMG]

Excuse the craptastic cell pic..tires, where for art though!

Ok where's the teaser pic of them on the big cat already :#

ABOUT TIME!

These look baller ...can't wait to see them on the car

"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue"

rims look sick!!!!!   tight work!!!!!!!!

nice clean build man. 

the platform isn't my cup of tea, but damn u pull it off well.

Ok why u holdin out on us lol.

Hahaha...can't be helped.  Money is tight right now and I need tires before I can obviously run them.

ok lol ill have let this 1 slide

[FONT=Garamond]WOW THAT WAS THE BEST SPENT 30 MINUTES OF MY LIFE...I WASNT A JAG FAN BEFORE, BUT I AM NOW
[/FONT]

elpres, what tire size you need?

[QUOTE=elpresidente;416103]Peek-a-boo!!

[IMG]http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318394_10150332753887695_667517694_8349691_1285588968_n.jpg[/IMG]

Excuse the craptastic cell pic..tires, where for art though![/QUOTE]

DAyummmm, even w/ shitty pix, it looks badass man!  Those bolts were worth the wait imo.  Really makes it pop, can't wait to see it on your ride.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;416103]Peek-a-boo!!

[IMG]http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318394_10150332753887695_667517694_8349691_1285588968_n.jpg[/IMG]

Excuse the craptastic cell pic..tires, where for art though![/QUOTE]

Veery nice!! Do they make those stick out bolts for european cars?

[QUOTE=hellah fresh;419388]Veery nice!! Do they make those stick out bolts for [COLOR="Red"]european cars[/COLOR]?[/QUOTE]
Uhmm..what do you think my car is??  Haha..

I keed!  I know it shares the same bolt pattern as some domestics.  But I don't see why not when they have them for the BMW, Audi, VW crowd.

[QUOTE=ricky cash;419122][FONT=Garamond]WOW THAT WAS THE BEST SPENT 30 MINUTES OF MY LIFE...I WASNT A JAG FAN BEFORE, BUT I AM NOW
[/FONT][/QUOTE]Thank you..appreciate the sentiment.

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;419168]elpres, what tire size you need?[/QUOTE]

215/35/19 & 235/35/19

Last craptastic pic with my beater wheels:

[IMG]http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298536_10150341121957695_667517694_8401433_1384775211_n.jpg[/IMG]

And yes, that's ride height.

I will check the tire bin. Don't think I can help with the 215s

[QUOTE=hellah fresh;419388]Veery nice!! Do they make those stick out bolts for european cars?[/QUOTE]

i think for euro cars you need to do the stud conversion to use regular lug nuts.

cant wait to see this completed!

Ahh my bad im tripping i thought u had an import. 

[QUOTE=i</3speedbumps.;420112]i think for euro cars you need to do the stud conversion to use regular lug nuts.

cant wait to see this completed![/QUOTE]



Oh damn... i didnt know it was going to be like that. I was trying to serch for some of those bolt style but no luck. That might be quite a bit of work.

It's not a lot of work actually.  I converted my W203 to extended studs a long time ago to accommodate bigger spacers.  And my car IS an import.  It's a real Coventry car built in the UK.  Not all European cars have bolts, many use studs.

there's a ton of conversion threads on vwvortex.

I give up on waiting for the pix.....psych......MOST....WAIT...AS...LONG...AS...IT...TAKES....

bruh where the pix @

[IMG]http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/zopazopa/waiting.gif[/IMG]

Did this die?

No, he is just in the middle of some life changes and the car is moving along slowly.

I just spent 40mins reading from page 1 to 22, this is incredible.

[QUOTE=burgy;452562]No, he is just in the middle of some life changes and the car is moving along slowly.[/QUOTE]

Good luck to him! 

I'll be forever checking this thread for an update.

Little update of sorts:

[IMG]http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599370_427409047280395_1802512191_n.jpg[/IMG]

daymnnnnn...that most be the hotttest xj in US...i assume you can go lower with dros...pics please fully dumpted...

really dislike the color combo on the wheels. everything as usual, i like.

Wheels look Ill!

Mmmmhmmmm so glad to see that thing again. Well done.

Another shot I took:

[IMG]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7330746170_7058f4efe0_c.jpg[/IMG]

So presidential :biggthumpup:

That cat is FIYAH!!!

I was out in Middle America in tiny town USA and my car looked so out of place that it made for a funny shot:

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7381909516_b3162eae74_c.jpg[/IMG]

good enough for my photocollection...:biggthumpup:

A shot I took at Le Stable...(cell phone pic, wasn't planned)

[IMG]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7547164914_e240c77e43_c.jpg[/IMG]

^^^^thats a very good cell pic btw

Ive got a couple from the Euro show I need to post for you...

I love the new look and all the pics.

Dude that thing is amazing

can we get some professional shots anytime soon?

Not professional by any means and the car was parked in a shady spot...
[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/bbjbo/bbjbo2/bbjbo3/bbjbo4/IMG_2727.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/bbjbo/bbjbo2/bbjbo3/bbjbo4/IMG_2728.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/bbjbo/bbjbo2/bbjbo3/bbjbo4/IMG_2685.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/bbjbo/bbjbo2/bbjbo3/bbjbo4/IMG_2686.jpg[/IMG]

I like.

the pavement... nay, the entire surroundings, are not worthy of this car's presence

[QUOTE=VI IX;461307]I like.[/QUOTE]

x2...

I know it sounds weird but the jag looks right out of Japan. ;)

Luhh dat long wheelbase at that ride height. Wheels look great too.

Aero hasn't grown on me though. I like fish 'n chips, and I like sushi, but I wouldn't want them at the same time.

looks nice.

[QUOTE=33flavors;460964]can we get some professional shots anytime soon?[/QUOTE]

+2

[QUOTE=shawnthemonster;461368]I know it sounds weird but the jag looks right out of Japan. ;)[/QUOTE]

:werd2:

More pics please lol

Hahaha, thanks guys...pics will have to wait unfortunately.  I had a severe blowout that actually severed over half a dozen bolts on one wheel.  Many of you know this, but some of you may not, but I drive the car over 500 miles per week.  I'm about as true a daily driver as one could get.

I just remembered an Instagram shot I took at a recent show (camber more noticeable at this angle):

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/7978651079_7cae1471d8_c.jpg[/IMG]

King of Jag. Unstoppable!

For some reason this car looks suuuuppppeeerrr long.

That's because it is..haha (look at how long the rear door glass is compared to the front).  It's a coach car or driver car.  Normally you get driven in it.

+1

[QUOTE=elpresidente;464812] It's a coach car or driver car. Normally you get driven in it.[/QUOTE]

and you have to have some fancy mustard jar in the back seat too... "When in doubt, pinky out" Patrick to Spongebob.:dance:

[QUOTE=speedaddict;464945]and you have to have some fancy mustard jar in the back seat too... "When in doubt, pinky out" Patrick to Spongebob.:dance:[/QUOTE]

you know how i know you have kids?

[QUOTE=shawnthemonster;461368]I know it sounds weird but the jag looks right out of Japan. ;)[/QUOTE]

trueeee

Some "winter mods" coming soon...stay tuned.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;471066]Some "winter mods" coming soon...stay tuned.[/QUOTE]

I'm tuned in. Your car has always been one of my favorite stateside VIP rides. Looking forward to to more updates :)

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8336568080_54f2e7cd9f.jpg[/IMG]

Winter status...and the next time you see an update it'll be completely different.

such a baller with dope winter wheels!

Your front lip is falling off :o

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

Mike, "elpresidente" I have spent most of the day going back and forth throughout the day reading all 24 pages of your thread and I have to say even though I'm not a jag fan stock or modified your build thread has been such a huge inspiration in my new venture into the VIP world. Seeing your hands on personal touch is so refreshing after moving from the Euro scene to VIP. I can't wait to get in deep to the GS like you have with the jag. 

Not to be a nut swinger but thanks for all the great thoughts to take to my project. And as I said before I'm not a jag fan but yours is literally the nicest jag I've payed eyes on and also learned about the marque from. Kudos

[QUOTE=elpresidente;472878][URL="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8336568080_54f2e7cd9f.jpg"][IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8336568080_54f2e7cd9f.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Winter status...and the next time you see an update it'll be completely different.[/QUOTE]


I like it better like this

[QUOTE=speedaddict;473092]such a baller with dope winter wheels![/QUOTE]:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=SteveORT;473182]Mike, "elpresidente" I have spent most of the day going back and forth throughout the day reading all 24 pages of your thread and I have to say even though I'm not a jag fan stock or modified your build thread has been such a huge inspiration in my new venture into the VIP world. Seeing your hands on personal touch is so refreshing after moving from the Euro scene to VIP. I can't wait to get in deep to the GS like you have with the jag. 

Not to be a nut swinger but thanks for all the great thoughts to take to my project. And as I said before I'm not a jag fan but yours is literally the nicest jag I've payed eyes on and also learned about the marque from. Kudos[/QUOTE]I appreciate it...I just build my cars as an extension of myself and always trying to keep things fresh and interesting.

[QUOTE=PANCAKES!;473183]I like it better like this[/QUOTE]
Thanks man..somehow that didn't surprise me haha.

[QUOTE=visitor;473125]Your front lip is falling off :o[/QUOTE]Haha..if only you knew what that things been through!!

Version 3.0 is underway...suspension refurb currently underway.  All new bushings, bearings, end links etc.  Then to finish acquiring all my other OEM parts from various euro cars and create all new aero and other accents..stay tuned.

Would you mind telling me what I need to do the BMW projectors? I'm not going to put in the halo's however... Just want some Xenon's in this thing, I miss them. I have an x308.

PM me if you wish.

Thanks.