jagmag - JDRC/NWA

JAGMAG
VOLUME 54
ISSUE 11
November 2013
Jaguar Drivers & Restorers Club of Northwest America
Pure
Washington!
JDRC/NWA members guide their Jags through
a sea of oranges, reds, golds, and greens
on the Fall Colors Tour
Also in this issue:
~ Tech Session: Leather Care
~ Andy’s Garage Valve Adjustments, Pt. II
~ Holiday Party coming soon
Tech Session
by master
woodworker
demonstrates
re-veneering
2
JagMag November 2013
JAGMAG
VOLUME 54, ISSUE 11
November 2013
JDRC/NWA
JAGUAR DRIVERS & RESTORERS CLUB OF NORTHWEST AMERICA
AFFILIATE OF JAGUAR CLUBS OF NORTH AMERICA
Inside this month
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5
6
7
8
10
12
14
16
17
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20
CLUB OFFICERS
President - Steve Christensen
206.782.2819
[email protected]
VP Activities - Tom Toth
206.682.6764
[email protected]
VP Technical - Kurt Jacobson
253.927.7715
[email protected]
Treasurer - John Holmes
206.386.5905
[email protected]
Secretary - Christian Stich
206.816.0608
[email protected]
TRUSTEES
Bill Young - 425.641.7529
[email protected]
Jim Lunz - 206.323.5879
Bob Alness - 253.565.7559
[email protected]
Ray Papineau - 425.483.9641
[email protected]
Jamil Haque - 206.226.8443
[email protected]
Judge’s Corner
Holiday Party coming
Andy’s Garage
President’s Message
Editor’s News and Notes
Sun breaks out on Fall Colors Tour
Joel Shepard on re-veneering interiors
Happy Leather Day!
Why we search for cars?
Calendar of Events
Classified Ads
New club members
COMMITTEES
Membership - Rosemarie Young
425.641.7529
[email protected]
Sunshine - Karolyn Walden
[email protected]
253.852.4004
Concours Chair - Ray Papineau
425.483.9641
[email protected]
Chief Judge - Zane Ware
206.650.3190
[email protected]
Webmaster - David Massy
425.836.0648
[email protected]
Past President - Jamil Haque
206.226.8443
[email protected]
JAGMAG
Editor and Advertising
Paul Griffin
360.275.9480
[email protected]
ON THE COVER:
John and Cathy Holmes’ 1967 E-Type
FHC sits amid the fallen leaves on the Fall
Colors Tour.
Photo by John Holmes
www.seattlejagclub.org
© Copyright 2013 JDRC/NWA. All rights reserved. The contributors to
JAGMAG, amateur or professional, having limited specific knowledge, offer
information or suggestions on a variety of subjects including, but not limited
to, auto values, event locations (dates & times), and technical subjects. This
information comes from a variety of sources and has not necessarily been
tested by its contributors, the JAGMAG editors and its staff, or officers and
members of the JDRC/NWA Club, who take no responsibility for the results
obtained using such information and disclaim any liability for any injury or
damages. Furthermore, the club makes not warranties, expressed or implied,
on any published information for any purpose whatsoever. readers are advised
that use of this information is done at user’s sole responsibility and discretion.
4
JagMag November 2013
Judge’s Corner
Zane Ware
Avoid the chips
Having road tested your wax job for speed
and durability you may have noticed a possible
unfortunate side effect: rock chips. As hard as we
try to avoid the gravel trucks or road construction
it’s darn near impossible. It is kind of like trying to
avoid the “chips” at a check-out counter when on
a road trip. You feint, you dodge... but there they
are.. In your hand, in your car (music from Psycho
in background) and there is nothing you can do to
stop them! Of course you could choose not open
them (don’t drive your car), you could choose to
eat just one (like that ever works), or you could
enjoy driving your car and “let the chips fall where
they may.”
From the “Rule Book”:
2. Paint Finish
ADVERTISE IN THE JAGMAG
S
E
T
RA
All advertising requests must be received
by the content deadline. Payment should
be sent to the club address,
“Attention: Advertising,” and the ad sent to
the editor electronically. Commercial advertising
costs are based on the size of the ad and the length of time it is run.
Full Page
1/2 page
1/3 page
1/4 page
Qtrly
$250
$135
$100
$90
Yrly
$900
$450
$350
$300
Classified ads must be Jaguar-related
and are free for members.
Non-members and commercial
advertisers pay $10 per ad.
Business Card non-members
Business Card members
Qtrly Yrly
N/A $150
N/A
$110
a. Paint and Body Work
Judge the exterior finish for runs, sags,
orange peel, nicks, blisters, ripples, dents,
stone chips, scratches, checking, or
crazing of the paint. Consider the overall
appearance while judging for authenticity
of color. There is no deduction for type
of paint. Sometimes Colors must be
reasonably close to production standards
for year and model. Metallic colors or twotone color schemes must adhere to factory
standards. Non-production colors must be
documented by the car’s JDHT certificate,
as having been an original factory-applied
color. Check for overspray on chrome trim,
weather stripping, mounting pads, moldings,
and door jambs, etc. Observe and deduct
for mis-matched body colors. Protective
clear bras are non-authentic. Visible touchup or other obvious repair of chips and
paint damage should be given appropriate
deductions. (2013 AGM)
“Visible or obvious” does not mean any
attempt to repair. A good chip repair should not
immediately be obvious. This takes some practice
and just covered with slightly mismatched paint
is not going to get it. A minimum of 0.1 for an
unrepaired chip and a maximum of 6.0 points
depending on the size and number of chips. This
would mean your national championship Jag
could become (let’s see here, 1000 points minus a
maximum 6.0 points for the big bag of chips equals
994 points divided by 10 equals 99.4) Yep, a 99.4
point car if left poorly or unrepaired!
So even if you want to pass up the chip aisle it
would seem they are unavoidable and sometimes
well worth it especially with a little salsa now and
then. Besides who’s counting? (until concours).
Volume 54, Issue 11
Join us and celebrate the holiday
season with a delicious
meal at the Seattle Yacht Club.
Seattle Yacht Club
1807 East Hamlin
Seattle, WA 98112
206-325-1000
We’ll have a great silent auction,
with all proceeds donated to
Northwest Harvest.
Please bring items
for the auction. Also,
we’ll have an optional gift
exchange, and you may bring
a $10 gift marked Lady
or Gentleman for under the tree.
And, once again, the
fabulous Dickens Carolers
will provide holiday cheer.
Membership sign-up for
2014 will be available
on entry.
Free 2014 calendar with each
membership registration.
These beautiful calendars
make excellent gifts, and
extras are available for $15.
Cost: $55.
RSVP by: December 5th
Tom Toth
206.682.6764
[email protected]
or
Steve Christensen: 206-782-2819
5
JagMag November 2013
6
Andy’s Garage
Jaguar Valve Adjustment: Part 2
by
Andy Macdonald of British Specialty
and adjustment its time to adjust. Turn the center adjuster
In our last article we talked about cam followers and back and forth, whilst moving the feeler gauge back and
forth. Once proper “tug” is achieved, lock down the lock nut.
the like. We got as far as measuring the valve clearance,
Recheck clearance to be sure its correct. Repeat operation on
and how to do it. In today’s article, we will learn what to
all adjusters after turning engine
do with the measurement.
by hand with fuel or ignition
As mentioned before, once
disabled.
the camshaft is in the correct
A tip on engine position:
position (covered in last
consult your manual. Many
article), use the feeler gauge
times they will list a formula or
to measure clearance. In
procedure that will be helpful.
review, the blade of the
For example on an MGB four
gauge should have a medium
cylinder, they list the “nine rule.”
tug when the clearance has
Nine minus valve down gives
been obtained. Jot down
valve to adjust, or nine minus
your numbers on a chart
two equals seven; two down
denoting exact position of
and adjust seven. The number
clearances.
nine is a constant and does not
Now, on with
change. Other manuals may list
the new. On an older
a sequence of engine turning to
“underhead” camshaft,
bring valves to adjustable spot in
there is a screw/nut adjuster
the minimum of moves.
arrangement on rocker shaft. Here’s what you do: first
On overhead cam engines, most late model Jaguars,
loosen the nut, either using wrenches or the combination
V12’s,
XKE’s,
XJ6’s, and
of a screwdriver (commonly a slothead) and a wrench.
V-8’s,
while
we
can easily see the cam and lifter position, the
Assuming camshaft was in correct position for measurement
adjustment of the valves
is not so easy. Consult
your manual, but generally
here we go: for sake of
argument, let’s do one
of my favorites, the ‘67
XKE 4.2 litre straight six.
First, the engine must
be moved to top dead
center. This means number
• S.U. & Stromberg Carb. Rebuilding •
one cylinder, to the rear
• A Service Facility for your British Car •
and firewall must be in
• Over 35 Years Experience •
firing position. There
• Convertible Top & Glass • Engine &
are several ways to know
Transmission Rebuilding • Suspension & Brakes
this. Pull the spark plug
MG, Jaguar, Austin Healey,
and bump engine, feeling
Aston Martin, Lotus, Rolls Royce, Mini
pressure coming up with
a compression gauge.
Andrew Macdonald
(206) 818-8530
Watch the camshafts
as number one comes
British Specialty
continued, page 7
7
Volume 54, Issue 11
Message from the President
Steve Christensen
Anacortes is an island?
We had our Jaguar Fall Colors Tour and enjoyed
seeing new North Sound members.
Jamil routed out a wonderful tour, but we all
chickened out and turned around when the road turned to
gravel by Granite Falls. I learned from Roy that Anacortes is
on an island. We all ended up at La Conner and had a view
lunch at a favorite restaurant of our club, the La Conner
Seafood and Prime Rib House.
We have found a new person to run for Secretary, so
now all of our slots for Board positions are filled, it appears.
Our next big event is our Holiday Party on Sunday December
8th, so I hope to see many of you there.
Happy motoring, Steve
Jaguar Valve Adjustment: Part 2, continued
up. Both cams will be pointing away from each other with
lobes opposite the lifters. Also check the rotor. Pull the
distributor cap. The rotor should point towards the number
one wire on the cap. Lastly check the timing marks. The
indent on the balancer pulley should align with zero degrees
on the timing pointer.
For safety one last check: take a half inch rubber
heater hose and blow into number one plug hole. If the
time and engine are healthy, no air will pass. Now observe
the camshaft lock bolts. Some engines have two and some
four. Some have lock tabs and some safety wire. Note the
location of the lock bolts. If they need to be, turn engine
in normal direction of travel for access to the bolts that
are now inaccessible. Do not remove all bolts. Once the
accessible bolts are removed turn again in normal direction
back to top dead center.
Our XKE will have a notch in each cam that will now
need to be engaged by a factory style cam tool. Once they
are checked we will slacken the upper cam chain. Remove
the breather cover exposing the tensioner; release the
locknut a turn in normal loosening direction. Now engage
factory upper chain tool into dual pinholes of serrated wheel
whilst depressing spring loaded lock. Next loosen and
remove the final cam bolts.
It cannot be stressed enough that no turning of
engine can take place or severe engine damage is likely.
Now slacken the upper chain by turning the tensioner tool
clockwise. Next, loosen the camshaft hold down caps on
one cam only. Note the stamped numbers in the caps that
match their location in the head. Loosen the bolts evenly
one half turn at a time. Once off, take an accounting of nuts
and lock washers. And egg carton can be handy for this.
Keep caps in order and set aside. Be sure bearings are still
stuck in caps.
Now, keeping cam level, lift it out carefully. Once
again, check that bearings are in their place. Whew! Now
the cam is out of one side, we still have much to go, too
much for this article. Thanks for hanging in there. Next
month we will discuss the measuring and changing of the
valve shims. Until then…
Happy Motoring,
Andy Macdonald
British Specialty
Please shop with our advertisers
and tell them you saw it
in the JagMag!
JagMag November 2013
8
Editor’s news and notes
Paul Griffin
Parties, tech sessions coming fast and furious
Holiday party coming
Details are emerging for the ever-popular and
always delightful club Holiday Party.
So far, we know the following: location will be the Seattle
Yacht Club, Sunday Dec. 8, 2013, Cost: $45 per person,
check-in starts at 10:30 A.M.
VP of activities Tom Toth said: “Time to find your
clean tie and get your best clothes ready. As usual, we will
have our optional $10 surprise gift exchange. The gourmet
buffet is set and my favorite cheese blintz will have fresh
strawberry sauce. The fabulous Dickens Carolers are
warming up. We will again be raising money for Northwest
Harvest. So, be sure to attend so we can spread some
Holiday Cheer!
Check the website later (http://www.seattlejagclub.
com) or the JagMag for further details.
JCNA may eliminate some concours classes
The JCNA is thinking about combining 9 out of the
45 concours classes. For details visit our web site. If any
member has an opinion, please contact Jennifer Orum at
[email protected].
Upcoming JDRC/NWA tech sessions
A cool session is coming up later in November:, Nov.
23, 2013, 10 a.m., Art Brass Plating with Rob Codling, 5516
3rd Ave So, Seattle WA 98108. http://artbrassplating.com
Another one comes in December, just before
Christmas. It will be a good one!
Mid-week tech session at Art Morrison Enterprises
Friday (note: not Saturday), Dec. 20, 2013, 9:30 a.m.; 5216
7th St E Fife WA 98424. (.6 mile north of I-5, Exit 137).
Some of the coolest and fastest hot rod and customs
featured on television and car magazines are built on Art
Morrison chassis. The design and fabrication should be
fascinating. Just take a look at their website for pictures,
customers’ cars and videos: www.artmorrison.com. Because
Art Morrison Enterprises conducts its tours weekdays, the
timing of this tech session will appeal attract hooky-playing,
self-employed and retired JDRC members.
Contact Kurt Jacobson, VP Technical, Jaguar Drivers
& Restorers Club of Northwest America. Cell: 253-229-6905
Veteran actor Dick Van Dyke loves Jaguars... despite
the fire
87-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke talked about the
fire that destroyed his
beloved Jaguar over the
summer. He made news
when he was pulled
from his Jaguar on a Los
Angeles freeway after
the car exploded and
caught fire.
As reported in
an Access Hollywood
exclusive:
The Hollywood
legend said throughout
his illustrious career, he’s
never received
more attention
than in the wake
of his accident.
“I never had so much PR,” Dick told Billy
Bush about his scorched car, joking that he even
“tried to sell it to the fireman before it was gone.
“How did it start? Just a little smoke out of the
front?” Billy asked.
“A little smoke yeah. And I called up AAA
and tried to tell them. And then I saw flames coming
out and I said never mind,” the 87-year-old recalled.
“The funny thing is the fire department was there in
about 12 minutes, the paparazzi were there in 10.
continued next page
Volume 54, Issue 11
9
News and Notes, cont.
They’ve got a network.”
Fortunately, Dick was able to escape the burning car
without any severe injuries, thanks largely to a passer-by.
“I was [bent over] picking up my stuff off the [car]
floor and a guy came and… he yanked me out of the car,”
Dick explained. “He was a good Samaritan.”
“So everyone thought you were slumped over at the
wheel and actually you were like, ‘Where’s my glasses?’”
Billy asked the actor.
“They thought the old guy’s out. But he was a good
Samaritan. He stopped and yanked me out. It’s nice to
know,” Dick replied.
As it turns out, despite the fiery incident, Dick is still
a big fan of the high-end sports car.
“Have you replaced the Jaguar?” Billy asked.
“I have another Jaguar. I have a fire extinguisher
in the front seat.” Dick said with a laugh. “They sent me a
loaner the next morning but I just bought another one. I like
Jaguars.”
Dick’s fans can see even more of the actor when
“Diagnosis: Murder” — which ran on CBS from 1993 - 2001
— will be released for the first time on DVD in November.
Peterson Museum featuring Fins and Trucks
Jeanette and I just returned from a week in
California, where we celebrated our 25th wedding
anniversary. It was a great trip, but short. We combined
the pleasure portion of the trip with a conference for her
business in L.A. The event was held at the W Hotel in
Hollywood. This place was way out of league in terms of
class. We are more Hampton Inn or Super 8 folks. But living
like a Mandarin for a couple of days was great, and now I
know how the other half lives. Speaking of the other half,
Snoop Dogg (or Snoop Lion, or Snoop Zilla, or whatever he is
calling himself this week) emerged from the hotel and got in
his Rolls while I was waiting for the valet to bring my cookiecutter rental.
While in Hollywood, I availed myself of the
opportunity to see the Peterson Automotive Museum on
Wilshire Boulevard. I’d not seen it, though I’d tried several
times before. I always seemed to be in L.A. on the days the
place was closed, but I finally made it!
It was an excellent museum, though a bit small,
and I wish I’d had the time to take the more expensive and
extensive “basement” tour. However, it had some great cars
and they change cars and themes often, apparently. This
month featured a special truck section, and a large room
devoted to “fins.” I met a knowledgeable and pleasant
docent there, who is also a blogger. And he loves Jaguars,
as his father had an E-type in the 60s when he was a kid.
His dad never let him drive it, however, much to his sorrow.
The fellow’s name is Dick Stewart, and he publishes a blog
called Carmacounselor.com - “Your Automotive Advocate.” I
checked it out and he had a nice piece on the E-Type’s 50th
anniversary a couple of years ago.
I’ll try to go back to the Peterson every time I’m in
LaLa land, but I must say: our own LeMay Museum is much
bigger and better. We have much to be grateful for here in
the Northwest.
JagMag November 2013
10
Brave souls finally rewarded with
sun on the Fall Colors Tour
Photos and text by John Holmes
What is it like to drive a 47-year-old
E-Type 200 miles in a pouring rain? We were
about to find out . . . or so we thought.
Cathy and I woke up early on Saturday,
Oct. 12, fully intending to drive to Arlington
for the start of the 2013 Fall Colors Tour. As
we peered out into the dark, contemplating an
awesome autumn drive, all we could hear was
the driving rain. Hmmm. What to do?
After rethinking our plans while waiting
for a weak and dreary dawn, we finally decided
to go. After all, as Rick Korn once told me,
the old Jag won’t melt in the rain (which is not
entirely true!). So, off we went into the wet,
windy morning.
As we sloshed our way to Arlington, we discovered
why E-Types have 3 windshield wipers: so one of them will
actually wipe some of the rain off some of the time. On my
particular E-Type, the middle wiper works pretty good. We
were fine as long as I leaned over to catch the view out the
center of the windshield.
We rolled on into Arlington where we were to meet
up at the Bluebird Cafe with the 20 or 30 other Jags for the
Fall Color Tour. Most of those folks, though, had better
sense than to drag their Jag out in the rain. The 2013 Fall
Color Tour consisted of five hearty participants:
Jamil Haque in his series I E-Type Roadster;
Bob Book in his freshly restored 1968 E-Type 2+2
Coupe;
Tim Villeneuve in his beautiful 2003 XKR Coupe;
John and Cathy Holmes in their series I E-Type
Coupe; and
Steve Christianson in his . . . Ford Maverick?????
Steve said he couldn’t bring his XJS because the
window was stuck in the down
position. Considering it had been
raining all morning, I understood his
concern. But, really, a Ford Maverick?
Before the tour began, I talked with
Bob about his 1968 E-Type. The car
has been in his, or his wife’s, family
since 1970. His father-in-law used the
car as his daily driver and even had a
trailer hitch with which he pulled a flat
bed trailer hauling an early Ford, and a
horse trailer with 2 horses. Impressive.
Bob recently had the car painted a
gorgeous grey tone that really shows
off the lines. Bob was brave to bring
the freshly painted car out in the
weather, but he said the car was built
to be driven.
Jamil did a great job of putting
11
Volume 54, Issue 11
together an interesting tour. By the time he
handed out driving instructions, the rain had
stopped and a little brightness was breaking
through. We left Arlington following Jamil
toward Jordan Road and, eventually, the
Mountain Loop Highway. We made it nearly
2 miles before missing a turn. Oh, well. We
only had to drive about 4 miles before turning
around and finding Jordan Road.
I have lived in the north end of King
County for 30 years and I have never driven on
Jordan Road between Arlington and Granite Falls. It was a
great selection for a fall drive. The scenery was beautiful
and the road was curvy and fun. Jamil was leading, with
Cathy and me just behind him. I don’t think Jamil could
hear Cathy telling him: “Not so fast, Jamil”. After all, I had
no choice but to keep up.
By the time we hit the Mountain Loop Highway, the
sun was breaking through the clouds, the roads were drying
out and we had lost the Ford Maverick. Ah, life was good!
We waited for awhile for the Maverick to catch up (really,
we did), but decided to move on without him.
A few miles up the Mountain Loop Highway, we
turned onto the Pilchuck Access Road. The road surface
immediately turned to rough gravel. We stopped and I told
Jamil he must have taken a wrong turn. We returned to
the Mountain Loop Highway to look for the right road with
Cathy and me in the lead. After a few miles, we pulled over
and conceded that the turn Jamil took was right, but the
road surface was wrong. After a quick vote and view of the
river, by now sparkling in the sun, we turned around and
headed for La Conner. The Ford Maverick had found its way
back into the fold and we all followed Jamil toward lunch.
As we drove toward
La Conner, we meandered
through fields of corn being
harvested, red, orange and
yellow trees and bright
orange pumpkins ready for
kids. The weather turned
out better than anyone
could have hoped. It was a
truly spectacular Fall Colors
Tour.
Somewhere on
the road to La Conner, the
Maverick wandered away
again. This time, it took Bob
and his E-Type with him, as
we lost them both. Steve
and his Maverick turned
up again in La Conner. Bob, unfortunately, suffered clutch
problems and headed for home in Auburn. .
The rest of us met up with Roy and Sheila Pringle at
the La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House. Roy and Sheila
drove their 2007 X-Type Sport Wagon over from their home
in Anacortes. We had a luscious lunch in a private room
overlooking the water and marveling that the sun was out
and the weather was so great after such a soggy start.
In the end, we did drive exactly 200 miles in our
47-year-old E-Type on the 2013 Fall Colors Tour. To our
surprise and delight though, only the first few miles were
wet. The weather was progressively better and ended sunny
and dry.
Thanks, again, to Jamil for organizing a great tour
and kudos to those of us who braved the early morning
elements. We were rewarded with sun, colors and fun.
Photos, opposite page top: Cathy Holmes enjoying sun
later in the day; Bob Book in his freshly restored 1968
E-Type 2+2 Coupe.
This page top and bottom: Jamil Haque’s red E-type
OTS attracts attention wherever it goes.
JagMag November 2013
12
Joel Shepard removes the mystery
of re-veneering interiors
Story and photos by Kurt Jacobson
At the October 19 technical session
custom furniture maker and restorer Joel
Shepard led his fellow JDRC members
through all the steps necessary to reveneer Jaguar interiors. He used dashboard
components from a Mark IX and other cars
to demonstrate the process.
Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers fear
compound curves, such as the radiused
instrument openings. He explained how to
slit the veneer and wrap it around the edge
of the opening. To create a template for
transferring the shape onto piece, Joel used
a piece of the same plastic mesh sheet that
he uses over the veneer to allow the air to
escape during the vacuum bagging process.
To create a support that retains the shape
of the veneered piece during bagging, he uses stiff but easily
shaped construction foam. As a template material to transfer
the cut shape of the veneer, he uses the same slightly rigid
plastic mesh that he also uses on top of the veneer to allow
the air to escape during vacuum bagging.
Using a pair of hinged mirrors, Joel uses just one
mirror surface to see what both sides of a book match will
look like if cut from different parts of the material. By using
both mirror panels, you can figure out what quad match and
other multiple matched patterns will look like. He showed the
taping sequence he uses to hold the book-matched veneers
in place, using an easily-removed water-soluble tape for the
vacuum-bagging or clamping step.
When he is ready to apply the new veneer, Joel
uses a roller to spread a very thin layer of common wood
glue to the original piece, overlays the
veneer with the plastic mesh to allow
air to escape, then seals the piece in the
vacuum bag. You can buy a compete bag
and pump setup or, with a little creativity,
buy the parts needed to make your own.
Veneers, supplies and tools are readily
available around the greater Seattle area.
While waiting for the last few
people to arrive, Joel showed us two of
his current furniture products. One was a
large free-standing closet with clever side
that door you would never see unless
Joel showed you. The other piece was a
tiny and exquisite display box made of a
rare and expensive burl to contain a lock
of hair from the client’s famous ancestor.
He also had on display some beautiful
and intricate inlay work plus some of the
continued next page
Volume 54, Issue 11
13
magazines who have published pictures
of his work.
Members who came from as
far as Olympia and Port Townsend were
greeted by Joel’s beautiful dark blue
3.8S just outside the studio. Of course,
its interior featured Joel’s exceptional
craftsmanship.
Check Joel’s website, www.
joelshepardfurniture.com.
Joel arranged for John Schrader,
who is one of the craftspeople and artists
sharing the large, modern studio & shop,
to show us how he makes unique jewellike turned wooden bowls and urns, plus
a commemorative silver-inlaid plate and
wood-supported turned silver challis.
Check out examples of John’s work at
www.crestcreations.net
Another artist sharing the space is Patricia Ann Wilson. She
showed us her studio and art and her love for the art and culture
of the Caribbean where she has another home. She is a prolific
artist who teaches at many venues in the Seattle area: http://
patriciawilsonstudio.blogspot.com
Photos: opposite page, top: JDRC member and custom
furniture maker Joel Shepard shows typical unrestored
veneered dash parts; exterior of shop. This page, top: Wood
turner John Shrader shows how he creates a large blank from
a thinner plank for turning; Artist Patricia Ann Wilson shows
her studio and work; beautiful bowls by John Shrader.
JagMag November 2013
14
Chris Kirk demonstrates the leather
cleaning process that must proceed
all leather restoration.
Happy
Leather Day!
Photos and text by Kurt Jacobson
Our Saturday, October 5 tech session was more than we expected. We gathered at Griot’s Garage to learn about
leather restoration, repair and maintenance from Chris Kirk of Sameday. But there was more in store.
Griot’s monthly Caffeine and Gasoline event was in full swing when we arrived. The lot was full of street rods, sports
cars, Euro tuners, and even what I think was a Panhard Dyna. Because the weather was gorgeous, many of our JRDC members
came in their beautiful Jags:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ray Papineau’s white with light blue “T-top” XJS V-12
Famed pipe organ maker Paul Fritts’ Regency Red XK120 OTS
Bob Book’s red XJS
Will Humiston’s 1970 E-Type OTS, driven top-down from Port Townsend
Art Anderson’s red XK8 convertible
Kurt Jacobson’s white XK120 OTS
And I thought I saw an E-Type coupe, too
It was fun to have the Cascade Austin Healey Club of Washington join us, led by their Technical Coordinator, Frank
Hosick. Except for the plastic club name badges, the members of both clubs were pretty much alike.
Sameday’s Chris Kirk parked his mobile shop in one of Griot’s two demo bays. My XK120 became the “before”
example for the presentations. Chris used my well-worn (gouged, dirty, discolored) upholstery to show what he can start with
and bring back to life, which I will do, now that I know what can be done. He explained what he does to handle gouges, cuts,
restore the color, clean the leather and treat it to keep it looking good, and the things we can do ourselves. You can find out
more about Sameday at www.sameday-usa.com.
Chris went into detail about leather: how manufacturers can camouflage defects in the natural hides, how they make
“split cowhide,” how to tell the difference between leather and vinyl, how leather treatment products are tested and much
more. He warned us about the dangers of exposing vinyl to leather treatment products and vice versa, and being careful
Volume 54, Issue 11
15
with using steam, which sometimes can separate
the applied finishes from the base leather. Chris
demonstrated the use of the Griot’s leather-care
products he uses in his work.
Chris also explained the body and alloy
wheel repair work that he does on the car at the
customer’s home or work, which is quicker and
often cheaper than a body shop would charge.
He can match paint and upholstery colors using a
spectrometer more quickly and inexpensively. New
JDRC member Rich Conrad brought his wife’s nonJaguar daily driver to the event so Chris could look
at it. He had to leave his Jaguar Mk1 at home in
Port Angeles.
“Now I have to finish the job
Guy started...”
After Chris’ segment of the session, Guy
Devivo of Griot’s Garage demonstrated on the
hood of my white XK120 how to use the vast array
of Griot’s body care products, polishers, and so
forth. Driving my car home, I could clearly see the
difference on what I thought was a somewhat clean
and shiny car. Now I have to finish the job Guy
started.
It is clear there is always something new
to learn about caring for our Jags; both the right
way and the wrong way. On the Griot’s website
you will find many YouTube DIY videos ( www.
griotsgarage.com/category/videos.do?nType=1
and can download the Detailer’s Handbook www.
griotsgarage.com/category/product+information/
detailer%27s+handbook.do?nType=3 .)
It must have been a successful session
because there were still Jaguar and Healey club
members in the Griot’s lot as late as 2:30 p.m.
Photos, clockwise from top: Paul Fritts drove his Regency Red
XK120 OTS to the tech session with the top down; Guy Devivo
of Griot’s Garage, our tech session host, explains how to apply
pressure to the random orbital polisher; Chris Kirk of Sameday
explains how leather is processed and how various treatments
affect it; Guy Devivo uses LED light to show how scratches disappear after proper polishing.
16
JagMag November 2013
Why do we search for cars?
By Paul Griffin
I’m sure I am not alone in this group as a fan of Peter
Egan, writer and columnist for Road and Track for many years.
I started reading Road and Track in 1968, and have every issue
since then except for the few I loaned to my father (and the
last seven issues... but that is a story for another column).
Dad had neither an obsessive interest in cars nor in collecting
stuff (like magazines), so returning my Road and Track was not
a priority. Anyone have a May 1970 R&T to spare?
So, I have read all of Egan’s “Side Glances” car columns
at one point or another.
But this prior Xmas I asked Santa for his collected
“Side Glances” car columns in book form so I would have
them in one place and could go through them again. Egan
has entitled the books, strangely enough: “Side Glances,
Vol. 1, 1983-1992”; “Side Glances, Vol. 2, 1992-1997”, “Side
Glances, Vol. 3, 1998-2002”; and, “Side Glances: The Best
from America’s Most Popular Automotive Writer”, which
covers from 2002 to 2005 in hardcover form. He also has
books of his “Leanings” motorcycle columns in Cycle World. I
am not a huge motorcycle guy (though I am licensed to ride),
so I decided to lighten Santa’s sleigh last year and not request
those books. Maybe this coming Christmas.
Egan is a thinker, a “muser.” He is absorbed in thought,
turning things over in his mind amusingly, meditatively (and
often inconclusively), looking for deeper meaning. As it does
with literally hundreds of thousands of other readers, every
column of his resonates with me and
gets me to pondering. This was the
case again this week with a column
he wrote several years ago about why
we search for cars to buy. He named
some factors, such as that we all have
a Short or Long List of cars we have
always wanted to own. When we see
one of these at a reasonable price we
have to grab it. He also suggested
that we often feel the need to “save” certain old cars
from destruction. These are certainly valid points.
The methods of looking have changed
greatly since he wrote this column, but it was food
for thought about my own reasons, behavior, and
about what may have changed about this obsessive
practice in recent years.
I already have seven garage bays full of
projects and inadequate time and money to take on any more.
So, why do I look for more cars to buy?
1) Recreation.
I often search Craigslist simply for recreation, and I’ll
bet you do that too. Ten years ago I bought Hemmings and
Car Trader magazines to look, just for fun. I still buy Hemmings
once in a while. But now, Craigslist and the internet in general
offer us hours of free pleasure daily - or at least weekly if we
are not insane - looking for cars. OK, this certainly applies to
me. When a teen turns on his computer, chances are that he
will log on to World of Warcraft and play an interactive game.
Old folks go to the Cars and Trucks section of Craigslist.org.
2) Insanity.
Insanity? That well-known (in certain circles) Griffin
gene? Yes, that could be a factor. This reason probably does
not apply to you, although Great-Grandpa did get around.
3) Beating someone else to the punch.
This could be a factor for some people, but not me.
Finding that special deal before others do is a prime motivator
for some folks, though. I retain a rather calm philosophical
sense of cosmic balance. If I miss this deal, there will be
another. Unfortunately.
4) ) The search for perfection.
One idea that occurred to me in pondering this
personal deficiency is that it may be a quest for automobile
perfection, or “auto-pia,” as Walt Disney might have said. No
car I’ve ever owned is just right, and I keep thinking “if only
I had a 1971 BMW 2800CS, then things would be PERFECT!”
Hmmm... or perhaps a 1961 Lincoln Continental, cream with
maroon leather. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
5) The quest for that which was lost.
A longing for a return to better times. These
better times may or may not have really existed, but
the perception that they were better drives the pursuit.
I want to recapture that which is lost. I think this is the
big one for me. The whole idea of simpler times. A
stop at Willoughby. Less regulation, no GPS tracking.
Lighter cars without airbags and safety bumpers really
appeals to me. Cars that are made now
are great; they will go unfathomable
distances without servicing.
They
are faster than ever and get fabulous
mileage, though if they were not so
heavy the mileage obtained would be
even better. But - to a large extent - they
are not serviceable by home mechanics.
They look like amorphous blobs. Even
though modest little Hondas and Nissans
will out-accelerate my classic, they hold
zero excitement for me.
So, I keep looking... searching to re-create just a bit
of the simpler past, when cars were perfect. Right. Maybe
insanity wasn’t so far off.
17
Volume 54, Issue 11
Classified Ads
FOR SALE: 1966 Jaguar E-Type for sale in Olympia. This rare 1966 2+2 is
a garage queen. Series one style, under 100,000
miles. Painted red before I purchased it 20 years
ago, otherwise all original. New filters, oil change,
detailed within last 15 miles. Has never seen a
rain drop since I’ve owned it. $25,000 for a car
in great shape. Bill Hill, 360-357-7865, bhill@
comcast.net
FOR SALE: 1992 Jag XJS Convertible, V12. California car from new. Black,
tan leather and top. 54,000 miles. New tires, brakes, paint. Needs some
restoration. $10,000 OBO. (541) 401-3070. Car is kept in a heated garage
in Rogue River, Oregon.
(ren. 9/13)
FOR SALE: 1971 E-Type SIII 2+2. Excellent
condition. Restored by winning Classics of San
Luis Obispo, CA in 2007. Silver and Black, Isky
cams, and Tremec 5-spd, many other upgrades.
Pictures available. $48,500. Jim Francis (360)
378-9486
[email protected]
FOR SALE: 1971 E-TYPE SERIES III 2+2, V12. Original owner, in very good
condition. 57,000 miles. Silver Grey, with red interior, runs well. $35,000.
For more info call Jim Lissner. 425-747-7396
WANTED: Four 16” wheels for MK V DHC. Any 16” wheel that fits Jaguar
should work. Bill Young, 425-641-7529. [email protected]
FOR SALE: 1997 Jaguar XK8 Alloy Wheels For Sale. Complete set of five. Will
sell separately or all. Includes the green Jaguar emblem in the center of the
wheel. These wheels have almost no miles
on them as they were the original factory
equipment and were replaced with different
wheels after less than 5,000 miles. They are in
original boxes and are in excellent condition.
Jaguar Parts sells them for $580 each + $30 for
the center piece. The specs are: 17” diameter
x 8J. $750 for all 5 wheels with centerpiece
logos. $150 (including center piece) each if sold separately. Call Mr. Miller
at 206-852-5010 or email [email protected].
WANTED: several parts needed for restoration of a 1960 Jaguar XK150 FHC.
Looking for the front windshield top chrome/brass surround, and for a pair
of “J lamps” (headlights with the blue glass in the center). Call Mr. Miller at
206-852-5010 or email [email protected].
FOR SALE: Four 16” wheels, from a MK2. Reasonable condition. $15 each.
425-258-1989
FOR SALE: 1974 Jaguar XJ6. 56,000 miles, still has two of the original
tires. Runs and drives, but will need a few weekends of tinkering to be a
reliable driver. With fresh paint and re-gluing the headliner back in place,
this would be a very respectable car. It would be great for attending club
functions where the weather might keep you from bringing out your special
bar, but you still wanted to arrive in a Jaguar. It would also be a great entry
level car for a friend or family member wishing to get into the marque.
Similarly, it would be a good upgrade for your friends that find they can
no longer comfortably fold themselves into their MG, Austin Healy, or
Triumph. While the Series
2 XJ6 is not currently a
particularly valuable model,
this example is a worthy
car due to its low mileage,
generally good condition,
and literally a truckload of
spares that are included.
For more details and
pictures, feel free to call me
(360) 871-1951 or email [email protected] (11/13)
Classified Ads are Free for members; $10 for non-members. Send to: JDRC/
NWA. PO Box 544, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Ads run for 3 months. Make
sure you let us know if your item sells so we can cancel the advertisment!
Please shop with our advertisers
and tell them you saw it
in the JagMag!
Calendar of Events
Date Description Location Nov. 23, 2013, 10 a.m. Art Brass Plating 5516 3rd Ave So, Seattle WA 98108.
Dec. 8, 11 a.m. Holiday Party
Seattle Yacht Club
Friday Dec. 20, 2013
9:30 a.m.
Art Morrison Enterprises 5216 7th St E Fife WA 98424.
Contact
Kurt Jacobson, 253.927.7715
[email protected]
Tom Toth 206.682.6764
[email protected]
Kurt Jacobson, 253.927.7715
[email protected]
18
JagMag November 2013
Volume 54, Issue 11
19
Jaguar Drivers & Restorers Club of Northwest America
P. O. Box 544, Mercer Island, WA 98040
FORWARDING AND ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Please welcome our new
and renewing members!
Frederick Ehret and Anastasia Fyntrilakis
Tacoma
Carmen red 1967 E-type OTS.
Robert and Tanya Willits
Seattle
Burgundy 1947 3 1/2 Litre Saloon, brown 1949 3 1/2 Litre
Mk V, and a BRG 1963 Mk X saloon.
BRITSPORT
OF
SEATTLE
Mark Jones
206-283-3578
Restoration, Repair, &
Maintenance of
British Motor Cars
Expert Gearbox
Rebuilding
4214 24th Avenue W
Lower level
Seattle, WA 98199
britsportofseattle.com
Interested in Membership?
For an application form, please provide the information
requested below and mail to JDRC/NWA membership,
13820 SE 5th St, Bellevue, WA 98005, check out our website, or contact membership chairperson,
Rosemarie Young. [email protected]
The cost of annual membership is $68 per family ($34 after
June 1st). You will receive this monthly JagMag (via the
website unless requested otherwise,) a
bi-monthly Jaguar Journal, and membership
Join
in JCNA, our parent organization. We
encourage you to join us whether or not
our
you currently own a Jaguar.
Pack!
We welcome enthusiasts!
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