New toy: 1966 3.8S

[charlesglasser]

Hi folks, and thanks for allowing me to join.
I just got a '66 3.8S and it's going to be fun. Mechanically very solid, cosmetically needs clean-up. Minor rust here and there, and previous owner did some goofy stuff. He replaced the automatic trans with the 4-speed/overdrive, added rack and pinion steering. But what's *really* wacky is he removed the washer pump, and that is now the horn switch!
He had a leak in left hand gas tank and "repaired" it by epoxy'ing the sump. Unremovable, and I have to buy a new tank. Not looking forward to that job.
Unlike my E-Type, XJSC or XKR it will never be a show car, but it will be a fun runabout.
Putting snow aside, any of you drive it in the cold (below 40 degrees F?) Is the heater sufficient?
I have on cool-ish mornings found that "enrichment device" to be very spotty, I must let the car warm up thoroughly otherwise it stalls.
The first thing I did was replace the fuel filter, it was filthy and there was about 1/4" of sludge in the glass bowl.
So, any tips are welcome. I'm going to redo the headliner and seats, and respray it next year.
Cheers

IMG_1391.jpg (3.57 MiB) Viewed 1997 times

[Tom Hoffman]

Great looking car Charles, and welcome to the forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable guys here, and a lot of experience. Great to have you aboard.

[cass3958]

Nice car Charles and welcome to the forum. In the UK the temperature is below freezing every day even in the summer lol and we do not have a problem with the heater as long as you flush the heater matrix out to remove all the rust you should get good heat in to the cabin. The heater fan is a bit dull but this can be upgraded to a more powerful motor. Make sure you check for drafts coming from ill fitting window and door seals and bung up all the holes in the bulkhead then you should not have a problem. In the UK we find a nice driving coat, leather gloves and a flat hat helps as well. lol.

[Glyn Ruck]

Welcome! Nice car. Make sure it is recorded on the Register.

Try resetting the needle on the AED (auto enrichment device) for your conditions.

[Orlando St.R]

Yes, that looks a nice car. Well bought.

The automatic choke can be adjusted, as Glyn suggests. Instructions are in the service manual, page C11: http://www.jagstyperegister.com/images/ ... manual.pdf

You can get new fuel tanks from Martin Robey, though they make them in batches, so go through periods of being available/not available. Replacement is not too bad. The manual suggests you have to remove the rear section of the exhaust, but actually, you can just remove the rear-most exhaust mounting and push it out of the way to get the tank in/out.

Claytons upgraded my heater box with the Mk2 kit: http://claytonclassics.co.uk/parts-upgr ... ler-v8-250. It does seem sufficient on (UK) cold days, but mine doesn't come out of the garage in really cold weather/salt. Don't be tempted to buy an uprated Mk2 heater box, though. They are different.

Good luck with your jobs.