1952 Jaguar XK120 restoration

Modern disc brakes on a Jagwar? What a preposterous idea.

Oh, hang on...

Hi,
Got to ask, is there anything you can't do ?? 😁😁
This thread just gets better each update,
I could only achieve your various skills in my dreams,
Nigel

This is incredible. Fantastic workmanship

Had to show this to my wife. After she regained her ability to talk, reminded me of my attempts at dancing.

Yeah, not their cleverest work!

The engine is ready to go back in the chassis, but the brake lines - at least those near the engine - need to go in first.

Time to make some brake lines.
Started by bead blasting the brass unions and plating the ferrules.







The new 1/4 inch flaring tool had arrived. It’s the same type as the 3/16 one I already had, as I’d had success with that one previously.

This is it with a test flare on a short piece of 1/4 tube.








Started on the front left. Gave the bores of the cylinders a rub with some 320 wet and dry paper, on the advice of my brake parts supplier. He had a neat saying about marks on the cylinder surfaces - if your finger can’t feel it, neither can the seal.
Bolted them on so I had a starting point.








The first two hard lines were the ones that connect the two cylinders. One pipe per side. These were more difficult than they look. Not much room for error. The banjo bolts in this photo are yet to be plated.
But I did smarten up the unions on the wire wheel. Because I thought they might resist dirt if they were burnished rather that just bead blasted. And I like to add some bling!








The engine area of the chassis, brake lines done and in place.








The rear end:









That’s all for now,
comments and queries welcomed
cheers
Garry

So the brake lines are done. The front cylinders are on the backing plates but no seals in them yet. It will be a while before the car needs brakes so there isn’t any point in putting the seals in. Even though I’m going to use silicone brake fluid, the system won’t be completed until the car is almost finished.

Put the front hubs on and then all the wheels. No brake drums etc, just need wheels so I can move it around.








Finally it’s time to get the engine and trans off their stands and reunite them in the chassis.








That’s the first lump in place.
Don’t know about the steering though, does it have too much toe out?








Forgot to take any pictures of the flywheel and clutch going on. It was all pretty uneventful, just as you want it - no stripped threads. Clutch action was fine previously, so hopefully it will be again.

Now for the gearbox. This did get a little bit tense. The engine is largely supported by the bellhousing/ gearbox at the rear. The bellhousing is VERY securely bolted on. A lot of bolts.

There is one rear engine mount, but it’s more to counter torque reaction ( I think ) than take any weight.
I thought it would be ok, but once I got the flywheel and clutch on it started to bend and the engine was very slowly tilting rearward, so I quickly got a jack under it then a strap around it and hooked it up to an overhead chain block.







Bit of a milestone - engine, gearbox, chassis reunification. Might have had a beer to celebrate.











That’s all for now,
Comments and queries welcomed
Cheers
Garry

Even the brass is overkill! Mine is a steel pin that the cast brake pedal slots onto, and then a grease nipple was added to the outside and becomes part of the 500 mile grease regimen.

That lasted long enough that it's not even worn out after 70 years and 105,000 miles- in spite of the distinct lack of greasing that had gone on in recent years.

That should outlast you!

Might be a project for when the car is finished. A removable one.