1969 JAGUAR XKE RESTORATION

Part 1: Rescued from a Wreck

Here’s a car we weren’t sure would ever see the road again due to accident damage. The first thing we did when receiving this vehicle for restoration was get it on the frame machine and check the severity of the damage to the frame and chassis. What we found was a huge surprise to us as there was no damage at all, and the frame and chassis was within spec. This was great news as it meant the car would now be going through a full cosmetic restoration.

Part 2: Good News and Down to Business

Besides the accident damage, the car was in excellent original condition with no rust. After a little work in our shop, the car was now a running, driving vehicle. After many years of sitting, the car fired right up and sounded excellent. Next, we had all the bright work and rubber stripped from the vehicle and it was ready to go out for paint and body.

The Jag was wrecked heavily in the front. We thought we were going to have to buy a whole new bonnet, but thankfully we were able to pull it and straighten it. The car was stripped down to bare metal to ensure the highest quality of paint job. It was primered several times and block-sanded smooth each time until the body was completely straight. Once the body was straight and just where the body shop wanted it, the car was painted back to its original color.

With a lot of hard work, our body guys were able to straighten the bonnet using all of the original sheet metal. They did an excellent job, and even on close inspection, you cannot tell that it has been in an accident. The paint and body came out excellent, and we could not be happier with it.

All the upholstery was redone in the correct materials and looks fantastic. For the upholstery kit, we turned to David Catron of Catron Coach Craft, who is the best in the business. We have been using David for all of our Jaguar upholstery needs for many years and his kits are amazing.

Part 3: Success and Another Happy Client

Overall, the car came out absolutely beautiful and we could not be happier with the finished product. Our client is absolutely over the moon with his Jaguar which, at the end of the day, is what matters most. Check out some photos!