S-type Newsletter 4 26th January 2001
The postal vote conducted during November showed that there is overwhelming support amongst the 'S'-types owners for the formation of a new Register within the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria devoted to the 'S'-type. With 86% of the primary votes (24 of the 28 received) going to the 'S'-type Register, it is clear that this is the preferred option for the future of the group. A preferential vote distribution calculation was not necessary (fortunately!). We discovered recently that the JCCV had agreed to separate the 'S'-type out of the IRS Register during 1999, however nothing eventuated at the time. Given this information, it was clear that it was very likely that the JCCV Committee would vote to accept a motion to form an 'S'-type Register given the level of support demonstrated by the many 'S'-type owners at the meeting at Jells Park in October 2000. We approached the current JCCV IRS Register Secretary Bob Showers to see if he would support a motion to form the 'S'-type Register. Bob committed to support our proposal with no hesitation whatsoever. Bob has a soft spot for the 'S'-type, as he was the previous owner of a unique 1964 'S'-type, now owned by Brian Daly. His 3.8 'S'-type features optional 9.0:1 compression ratio and a close ratio manual gearbox with O/D as well as upgraded brakes. Our immediate priority was to identify JCCV committee members to propose and second the motion. We contacted Tim Maslin, (JCCV Vice-President), to explain our proposal in detail. Tim expressed his full support for the formation of an 'S'-type Register without requiring any coercion! His first question was whether we intended to include that other orphan of the Jaguar family, the 420 (compact), which in fact, is a derivative of the 'S'-type. More on that question later. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to clear the date for the run to attend the "Picnic at Hanging Rock" announced in Newsletter No. 3 with Tim, as he is responsible for the JCCV calendar. Tim also agreed to mail us a copy of the JCCV's "Register Secretary's Manual" which he compiled during 1999, and this duly arrived in late November. Further canvassing resulted in Neville Lockstone (JCCV President) making a firm recommendation to the JCCV Committee at the January meeting to form an 'S'-type Register. His support was based on the fact that we more than adequately met all criteria for forming a new register. Our motion to form an 'S'-type Register was approved without a vote. It read as follows: "To form a new model specific Register devoted to the original 1963 to 1968 Jaguar 'S'-type, within the JCCV and conforming to the rules of the JCCV, to be called the 'S'-type Register. The 'S'-type register is to be formed to allow all owners of original 'S'-types to share their enthusiasm with like-minded people, both socially and for technical reasons, and to promote the Jaguar marque at every opportunity, particularly the original 'S'-type." The copy deadline for the February edition of the JCCV monthly journal was prior to the Committee's decision, so we will announce the formation of the new 'S'-type Register in the March CatALog. Election of 'S'-type Register Secretary It is proposed to elect the 'S'-type Register Secretary and Deputy on 8th April. Accordingly, we call for nominations for these positions from interested owners. The election cannot be held at our meeting on Sunday 11th February at Hanging Rock, as there will not have been the minimum one-month's notice via the CatALog as required by the JCCV. Note that it is also a requirement that the Register Secretary be a current JCCV member. If you want more information about this role, or wish to volunteer, or just want a JCCV membership application form, please contact Dereck on e-mail: stype@jagvic.org.au. Jaguar 420 Question The question has been raised several times recently as to whether we should include the 420 in the 'S'-type Register. The 420 (known unofficially as the 420 Compact or 420C, to prevent confusing it with the much larger 420G), was developed from the 'S'-type and used the 'S'-type body from the A-pillars rearwards with a new front end styling based on the MkX. Mechanically, the major difference between the 420 and the 'S'-type was the adoption of a twin SU version of the 4.2 litre XK engine from the MkX with an uprated cooling system to cope with the larger engine capacity and optional air-conditioning. There were only 9,801 420s produced from October 1966 to September 1968, compared to a total 'S'-type production of 25,171 between September 1963 and August 1968. At this stage, we do not propose to research owners of 420s for inclusion in our mailing list, but remain open to debate as to the benefit of including another orphan from the Jaguar family. Currently, there is not even an International Register for the 420, so the 'S'-type is streets ahead due to the efforts of David Reilly in the USA. Teddy Bears PicnicUnfortunately, it has been reported that not one 'S'-type was present at the Rotary Club of Bundoora's Teddy Bear's Picnic on 19th November - this must have been due to the clash of dates with both the annual Bendigo Swap Meet and the coverage of the FIA 1000 at Bathurst (at least that was our excuse!). Technical Subject: Chrome Wire Wheels Chrome wire wheels are something that we have learnt about the hard way, as we have had all five wheels on our 'S'-type re-spoked three times during the last two years! We have original optional 72 spoke "curly hub" Dunlop 5 x 15 inch chrome wire wheels, and it was not too long after purchasing the car that we discovered seven broken spokes in one wheel. We made a significant financial commitment based on safety grounds, to fully re-spoke all five wheels. The car had completed just over 100,000 miles and appeared to exhibit simple fatigue failures of spokes replaced some time in the past. Some wheels actually still had the original short spokes, which have a stepped shank with the head end made from 5 SWG steel, and the threaded nipple end drawn down to 6 gauge. Over the next two months the wheel rebuilder replaced all 360 spokes using straight 6 SWG spokes sourced from the USA, and we resumed using the car regularly with no more worries - or so we thought! Imagine our horror to discover only 2,500 miles later that there were broken short spokes in all four wheels, although our 'S'-type is not used in competition of any kind. Fortunately, the spokes were still in warranty, and so it was off with the wheels again, dismount the tyres by hand again, and back to the factory 110 km away. The premature failure of the short spokes under the head appeared to be due to hydrogen embrittlement, caused by inadequate heat treatment after the chrome plating process. All restorers should be aware that it is vital to heat treat any steel part after chrome, zinc, or nickel plating, to prevent a catastrophic premature failure under normal tensile loads. We were assured that we were the only customers to have had any failures of this type with their current stock of spokes. The wheels were collected two weeks later after all 360 spokes had been replaced a second time with US sourced spokes at no cost to us. This time, we were a little nervous and checked all spokes after each use of the car. Everything went well until the odometer ticked over another 2,500 miles, and we were devastated to find a few broken spokes in one wheel! Over the next week this spread to all four wheels. With the spokes still under warranty, we decided to wait until a shipment of thicker 5 SWG spokes drawn down to 7 SWG arrived from the UK. In the meantime, we replaced spokes ourselves as they broke. We finally received word that the spokes had arrived, and so we removed the wheels and tyres again and had them re-spoked a third time. The turnaround was excellent at only two days, and after again polishing the wheels and refitting the tyres, it was off to Jells Park for our inaugural 'S'-type meeting. At this stage, we have completed 2,450 miles on the re-spoked wheels without any failures and have our fingers crossed. The moral of this sorry tale is if you find a few broken spokes in one of your chrome wire wheels, simply replace the broken ones and leave the rest alone! David Reilly has published an excellent set of Maintenance Notes covering "The Care and Cleaning of Wire Wheels" in his International Register Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 11 in May 2000. We recommend that all 'S'-type owners join the International Register and obtain a copy of this very comprehensive guide. Although we have experienced the worst side of owning a car fitted with wire wheels, and this, along with the tedious job of cleaning the wheels regularly by hand, sometimes makes us wonder why we bought a car fitted with these relics of the past. Then again, you only have to look at the 'S'-type with its chrome wire wheels gleaming in the sun (meticulously cleaned by my dedicated wife Irina), and centre-lock spinners glinting dangerously, that I realize the allure of 72 spoke centre-lock chrome wire wheels! 'S'-type Smiths Clocks We have found that there seems to be a common need among 'S'-type owners to have the Smiths clock repaired, as many have given up the ghost long ago. David Reilly tells us that the 'S'-type's Smiths clock is almost impossible to keep working. The clock in their brand new 'S'-type stopped shortly after they drove it out of Brown's Lane in 1966 - but has been accurate twice a day since! John Isaacs has used a Melbourne clock restorer who specialises in 12v car clocks and fits a modern movement while retaining the original hands and dial. If there is sufficient interest, we can investigate the possibility of having a batch repaired, and negotiate a special price based on volume. We already have nine owners names on our list so, if you are interested in having your Smiths clock repaired, and want us to obtain a quote, please contact Dereck via E-mail: stype@jagvic.org.au First Australian 'S'-types The first two 'S'-types arrived in Australia together in late 1963 and were sold to Bob Jane (of T-Marts fame) & Col Shea. The ex-Bob Jane car's whereabouts is not known, although it is thought to have been white, and was presumably a 3.8 MOD. Bob Jane does not know of its fate. We hope that his car still exists, and that perhaps we will receive a questionnaire back from an owner soon which helps us locate this early 'S'-type. The ex-Col Shea 3.8 'S'-type with close ratio Moss gearbox however, is well known in the JCCV, as it was a regular Concours winner. It is still being carefully looked after by its third owner Ian MacNee in central Victoria. If you have stories about any other historical 'S'-types, please forward them to Andrew to be published in the newsletter. 'S'-type Identification Numbers The original identification numbers are stamped on a "commission" plate mounted in the engine compartment, some on the left-hand inner guard, and some on the firewall. The plate details the Car number, Engine no., Body no., and Gearbox no. The numbers are also stamped into the items themselves, and numbers that do not match indicate that the component has been replaced. Having matching numbers is proof of an original 'S'-type, but beware that reproduction plates are available, and can be used to build "fake" 3.8 manual overdrives for example. The numbers and build date can be authenticated by providing the current numbers to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, who check the factory records and issue a Certificate to confirm the original numbers. Engine number: The engine number is stamped on the block and on the head. It is found on the right hand side of the block above the oil filter, (you will need a torch but no mirror), and on the cylinder head casting between the cam boxes beside the front (#6) spark plug hole. The engine number has three elements:
Car or Chassis (VIN) number: The car or chassis number is etched or stamped into the cross-member beside the bonnet catch just forward of the radiator top tank. The car number breaks down into four elements:
Body number: The body number also appears stamped on a small plate riveted to the right rear of the body under the rear bumper. On some cars there will be a similar plate on the left side, which is a "Pressed Steel" reference number, and it will be different to the body number. The body number begins with '4B' followed by a 4 or 5 digit number:
Gearbox number: The gearbox number of four speed manual transmissions (both overdrive and non-o/d) is stamped on a small shoulder at the left-hand rear corner of the gearbox, and on the rim of the core plug aperture on the top cover. The prefix for the Moss manual gearbox is GBN, while the prefix for the Jaguar all-synchromesh manual gearbox is JBN. Borg Warner DG35 automatic transmissions have their number with a prefix JBC stamped on a plate attached to the left-hand side of the gearbox housing.
Coming Events: 14th Annual Picnic at Hanging Rock Dont be frightened off by memories of that eerie classic film of the 70's by Peter Weir, as the report of the disappearance of a young schoolgirl named Miranda at Hanging Rock was purely fictional. Make this event a New World Record Attendance for 'S'-types! Remember to bring your own picnic and all picnic paraphernalia, as an estimated 1400 attended last year's event!Date: Sunday 11th February 2001 Please put this date in your diary! Meet in Melbourne: At West Gate Park, Todd Rd, Port Melbourne Melway Map 56 ref F1 Time: 9:30 am for a 10:00 am departure Directions: Exit West Gate Fwy at Shell Service Centre, follow signs to Todd Rd Or Meet in Gisborne: At the car-park on Aitken St between Gardiner and Sankey Reserves by the playground beside the bridge on the old Calder Highway Melway Map 197 ref F8 Time: 10:30 am to be sure to meet the group coming up from Melbourne We can depart in convoy from Melbourne without using CityLink, and meet more 'S'-types at Gisborne. There is free entertainment available, with activities and displays for the whole family, but only limited food services are provided. Picnic facilities are available but are very popular. Entry is $10 per vehicle. As it is impossible to park together unless we arrive at the gate "en-mass", we have to ensure that the 'S'-types arrive in close convoy 2001 British & European Motoring Show Many 'S'-type owners were in favour of attending the British & European Motoring Show at the Members car-park at Flemington. We plan to display the 'S'-types as a group in a reserved area amongst the other Jaguars. We regularly attend this popular event, really enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and always have a picnic on the lawns. Once again, we need to arrive in convoy to be parked together, and as the Members car-park fills quickly (with over 750 cars last year), we have to arrive early! Please confirm your attendance with us by 1st April. Club Permit use fully authorised via the AOMC.Date: Sunday 8th April 2001 Another date for your diary! Meet at: Flemington Racecourse Nursery car-park (opposite the Members car-park) Time: 9:00 am for a 9:30 am entry to Members car-park. Entry is $7 per vehicle. Directions: Enter Flemington Racecourse at Gate D on Epsom Rd. Melway Map 28 ref H12 Many 'S'-type owners were in favour of attending the British & European Motoring Show at the Members car-park at Flemington. We plan to display the 'S'-types as a group in a reserved area amongst the other Jaguars. We regularly attend this popular event, really enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and always have a picnic on the lawns. Once again, we need to arrive in convoy to be parked together, and as the Members car-park fills quickly (with over 750 cars last year), we have to arrive early! Please confirm your attendance with us by 1st April. Club Permit use fully authorised via the AOMC.Date: Sunday 8th April 2001 Another date for your diary! Meet at: Flemington Racecourse Nursery car-park (opposite the Members car-park) Time: 9:00 am for a 9:30 am entry to Members car-park. Entry is $7 per vehicle. Directions: Enter Flemington Racecourse at Gate D on Epsom Rd. Melway Map 28 ref H12 32nd National Jaguar Rally - Concours d'Elegance The National Jaguar Rally is being organised this year by the JCCV, and the Concours is to be held in the grounds of the Melbourne High School. This is a great opportunity to see some of the finest Jaguars in Australia. Any 'S'-type owner wishing to enter the Concours d'Elegance or Concours d'Etat has until 28th February to register. Contact the Registrar: Mark Toomey PO Box 216 Dingley VIC 3172, mtoomey@acepia.net.au Mobile: 0418 992882 Fax: 9801 1237 see website for registrations Click HereWe hope to meet a few 'S'-type owners wandering amongst the Concours cars, but have not planed an official 'S'-type outing. Date: Saturday 14th April 2001 One more date for your diary! Location: Melbourne High School, South Yarra Melway Map 2L ref J3 Time: Concours judging starts at 10:00 am The National Jaguar Rally is being organised this year by the JCCV, and the Concours is to be held in the grounds of the Melbourne High School. This is a great opportunity to see some of the finest Jaguars in Australia. Any 'S'-type owner wishing to enter the Concours d'Elegance or Concours d'Etat has until 28th February to register. Contact the We hope to meet a few 'S'-type owners wandering amongst the Concours cars, but have not planed an official 'S'-type outing. Date: Saturday 14th April 2001 One more date for your diary! Location: Melbourne High School, South Yarra Melway Map 2L ref J3 Time: Concours judging starts at 10:00 am For More Information Contact: |