S-Type (1963)

1963-1968 / Sedan / United Kingdom

All S-Type (1963) problems All workshop issues

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Bulkhead and scuttle rot

Symptoms

The joint between the bonnet section and the cabin, the scuttle, rots. Water leaks into the cabin, the windscreen frame weakens, and eventually the whole front of the car becomes loose.

Cause

Failed windscreen rubbers, blocked drainage, standing water in the scuttle area. This is one of the hardest areas to inspect and one of the most expensive to repair.

Fix

Major structural repair requiring the windscreen to come out.

The scuttle area needs cutting, fabrication, and welding.

This is specialist work, get quotes before buying a car with scuttle rot.

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// More S-Type (1963) problems

Other known issues

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Structural floor pan corrosion

Floor pans rot through, usually starting from the inside where moisture sits under the carpet and sound deadening. The car loses rigidity, doors stop closing properly, scuttle shake increases, the windscreen cracks.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Sill corrosion (inner and outer)

Sills collapse, doors sag, the car visibly droops in the middle. Outer sills may look fine while the inner sections are completely gone.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Bonnet corrosion and distortion

The enormous forward-hinged bonnet develops rust in its seams, inner structure, and around the headlight openings. It can also distort if the car has been jacked incorrectly or been in a minor shunt.

Common Bodywork and Rust

Boot floor and rear end corrosion

The boot floor rots, the spare wheel well fills with water, and corrosion spreads to the rear inner wings and battery tray area.

Common Engine

XK engine oil leaks

Oil weeps from every gasket and seal, cam covers, timing cover, rear main seal, sump gasket. Most E-Types leave marks wherever they park.

Common Engine

Cooling system inadequacy (six-cylinder)

Engine runs hot, especially in traffic or on warm days. Temperature gauge climbs past the middle mark, car starts to smell hot, coolant may boil over.

View all 24 S-Type (1963) problems