I just purchased a '71 2+2. I have been told that the proper paint scheme should include a black band across the bottom of the sills under the doors. Being new to this (excited but new) can someone please advise me on this trim feature?

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 12/26/2002 - 12:19

Dennis,

First, I think Dan is right. Absolutely not. All of the bodywork should be body color, not black underneath. I believe that some shops that did inexpensive resprays painted black underneath, below the sills and in front and rear as a cheap way of hiding imperfections down there. Basic theory -- no one looks under there anyway.

When a got my '72 E-type two years ago, it had a bad paint job and underneath, it was painted black. In September, I hit a deer, and the car is now with Terry Lippincott of Lippincott's Garage in Sinking Spring, PA, a leading Jaguar restorer, mechanic and enthusiast. According to Terry, all of the bodywork should be body color, and that is how my car is being done. Because the bonnet was destroyed by the deer and a new one had to be fitted, we are doing a bare metal respray on the whole car, so it will be correct when I get it back.

If you are interested in authenticity, you should check the JCNA judging guides for your model. Also, there are many books out there about the E-type, its history, maintenance, restoration. Pick some of them up and read, and pay special attention to the pictures. They will tell you a lot about what the cars should look like.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'89 XJS Coupe

Submitted by jrwalker@ev1.net on Mon, 12/23/2002 - 09:52

Are you spoeaking of painting the side of the floor pan below the sill itself? I have seen this both black and body color and frankly I am not sure which is correct, although I have mine painted black over a "pebble" finish. I have seen them done both ways.

Regards, John