Check out the photos in the Restoration Photo Album for a pictorial overview of the restoration.
Why start?
Considering its age, the XJC was in very good overall condition when I purchased it. However, after driving it for a few months and making a closer inspection, I felt compelled to bring it back to near factory condition. Then as the project developed my objective expanded further and eventually it became almost a concourse level restoration.
So began many months of intensive restoration work that at times I regretted ever starting. However, the end result certainly justified the drama of an ever expanding project and I gained a great deal of satisfaction from both the restoration and the final result.
Basically the XJC was very original and most importantly it was rust free. It had been well looked after by the previous two owners and there were no major problem areas. I fixed a few minor mechanical items and then decided to undertake a complete bare metal repaint inside and out (except the engine bay).
The repaint was needed because by the time I fixed some minor rust spots, repaired a minor scrape or two and rectified a few small parking knocks I would have to paint or touch-up nearly every panel.
So with the decision made I started the restoration of the body which later expanded to include the interior as well.
First, some free advice - Before you begin a restoration
Words of wisdom based on my experience