Brass Build 1962 Jaguar XKE Roadster

[xken]

I have all the reference materials including the real car in my garage to build this. This will be a follow on tutorial to the Model T build with a more complicated subject that will take a great deal more time to build. A this point I am not really sure where I will end up but hope to learn more about building cars instead of planes and have a little fun doing it.

Here is the start of the engine by locating the cylinders. I usually start my builds with the engine which is generally the most difficult and time consuming part of the build. Here I have marked, center punch and starting with a smaller drill bit; drilling the holes. Initially the two sheets were spray glued together to locate the holes, then separated for subsequent drilling.

I drilled holes progressively larger to one size below the finished size. This was done for both parts of the top and bottom of the block, which are the scribe lines on the sheets.
I then used a larger ream to very carefully sneak up on a press fit for each cylinder tube. The press fit is critical for holding the parts in space while being soldered. This start will be the foundation of the engine assembly.

Here the first sheet has been reamed with cylinder walls press fit in place. The engine drawing at 1/8th scale is in the background.

Here the second sheet has been clamped to the first to be matched. In using a drill press drift and out of round will occur, the ream gets the holes back to round for a press fit. The second sheet once clamped in place need trimming to match and this was accomplished very carefully using a sharp X-acto blade and the first sheet as the pattern to match to. The blade will carve away the brass and work slowly to not only achieve the match but also the press fit.

[Ton]

Beautiful car you have got there and a very interesting project!

[strevo]

Wow Ken, I can't wait to see this build unfold! I think we're all going to need to take out an insurance policy against drool on our keyboards now!

[ScaleMotorcars]

Good to see you starting a new thread this will be very exciting.

As for the car, I've seen it in person and its the nicest XKE I've ever seen. Maybe next year when I visit Ken will give me a ride in it. Hint Hint....

[Herman]

Beautiful car. Absolutely stunning. And it even seats people larger than 5 ft !



On Discovery channel the E-Type was elected as most beautiful car in the world, just before the Bugatti Atlantic. Which means that there were almost right... :)

[xken]

Here is a right side view of the engine compartment with the correct carb set up that I hope someday TDR will get around to making. Dan, thanks for the compliment it is a 99.97 point car at Jaguar Concours and in 2000 was awarded Best in Foreign Class at Glenmoor. It will never be a 100 pointer because I drive it too much according to the judges.

Ken

[PROPELLER]

You said brass, ken ?
(Monogram 1/8 basis...)

Wonderful project!
I look forward to see more, as many people I think...

[3.Star]

Never mind driving the XKE , I'd sell my soul to have one. Looking forward to see another one of your masterpieces,

Best Regards

Michael

[xken]

Propeller looks great. Yes I have built one of those years ago and have another in the box still. Great appearance model but some of the details could have been done much better.

3.Star I bought this in 1978 in 17 boxes and assorted sub assemblies but an all original basket case with holes in the body you could put your leg through. The only non original part was the steering wheel which was replaced at one point with a Nardi wheel. All numbers match the original build so I now have a certificate from the Jaguar Heritage Foundation verifying it authenticity and it is registered with them.

Back then not much of a market for a basket cases so I was able to purchase it for $1,100. What you see is years of work, check writing, two kids through college and the same wife.

Don't give up the dream!

Ken

[bills69camaro]

Thats a very nice XKE, and I don't think you will have any problems.

Bill