Getting Started

I've decided to start a blog on the 'restoration' of this 1964 XKE to help keep the owner up to date on the restoration of her car.  This car was owned by her father who passed it on to her after his un-timely passing and she would like to get it back on the road again. With a limited budget we will focus on getting the car sorted mechanically to make it drive-able and safe.

The car ran when it was stored, but sadly it has been sitting with old gas in it for at least 7 years and likely longer than that.  On the plus side, and this is a tremendous plus, it has no rust. The boot floor, foot wells, doors and sills are solid original metal.  The history is somewhat vague on the car,  her Dad had it for some time but beyond that it's unknown.  The body number indicates that it was built in April of 1964, originally OEW (not sure if they called it OEW in 64) with a black interior.  Not sure yet if the car is matching numbers but will know when I start cleaning the engine compartment up.

The bad: all the rubber is shot including engine compartment, door seals  bushings and so forth.  The steering gear is stiff and the column is hanging down in the passenger compartment.

The good: aside from the lack of rust the engine can be turned over by 'hand', and her Dad used DOT 5 brake fluid which may have protected the brake system.

My plan is to go through the mechanical aspects of the car fixing things as I can, clean the fuel system and see if it will start.  The steering gear will need TLC and the front suspension will need re-bushed, time and budget will determine what else needs to be done.