Les véhicules de collection, ou comment l'imperfection rend amoureux

moi : something's always bugged me on the SIII, the bumpers: are they easily replaced by SII items? I have to buy an XJ6 sometime in my life, it's not negotiable, but I guess I lack mechanical skills for the moment

lui : the SII bumpers can be fitted to the SIII. Its fairly straightforward to do at the back as the mounts are in the same place. At the front its a little different as the lower valance is different, and the lower grille to allow for the over-rider pieces underneath around where they bolt up. I have seen it done and it does look pretty smart.

It can also be done to an XJS... but that requires a little more playing with.

moi : Thanks for your answer, I love XJ's but I couldn't bear having black rubber bumpers even if it's part of the 80's charm.
Do you have a link that explains the modifications needed to put chrome bumpers on a XJ-S ? They are cheap enough at the moment in France, they might remain so until I can afford one and I'd have to have chrome bumpers on it...

lui : Sorry - no link. I know it can be done though, as I did it with a scrap one for a laugh. The cutouts for the indicator/sidelight units are still there in all early XJS's.

It doesn't look as neat as you'd think though, as the over-riders won't fit.

moi : I'd be into an AJ6 model, that means I'd have to replace the front panels then . Thanks for the information anyway, if I find a six-cylinder XJS that has damage at the front I'll know what to look for

lui : So long as you get a pre-facelift car you would have no problem. The 3.6 XJS was made in that form for quite a while.

I've had two of them, try and get a manual if you can - they feel so much more sporty.