Chris Hatcher's family Mk2 SU fuel pump was replaced with an SU electronic solidstate pump. For under-bonnet space reasons, the battery was moved to the boot. The original two-fuse fuse box was up-graded to a Classic Technologies fuse box with 15 fuses and seven relays. “We wanted to retain as much of the original wiring loom as possible,” explains Shane, “so we actually used it plus an ancillary loom. It was made up here, and then sent off to be cloth wrapped.” All globes other than the headlights were replaced with LED units, halogen headlights were installed and the reversing light was converted to white with a red rear stop light. Modern driving demands the best possible steering, suspension and, of course, brakes. Sometimes, even Jaguar doesn’t quite get it right, so the Panhard rod fixing point was strengthened as recommended by Jaguar to dealers in 1963! Finch Restorations replaced the original antiroll bar with a stronger one-inch version, fitted new springs, polyurethane bushes, ball joints and mounts, and installed Koni shock absorbers. At the rear an anti-roll bar was added, plus improved springs, new polyurethane bushes, new mounts, a new Panhard rod and Konis.
Attention to the brakes included up-grading the front discs with Coopercraft International four-pot billet aluminium calipers, modern brake pads and vented discs. The rears were also replaced with a Coopercraft billet aluminium cylinder kit and modern pads, and for added safety, a dual circuit braking system with dual brake master cylinder and new brake fluid reservoir, brake servo and lines. Wheels are 16-inch triple-laced Dunlop wire wheels, sitting beneath Coombs-style spats. The steering received an EZ power steering unit specifically made for Mk2s (it did require some underdash modifications) and the original steering wheel was replaced with a 15-inch Moto-Lita wood rim unit. The integrated air conditioning unit was cunningly fitted inside the existing heater box. Even though the unit was supposedly a direct fit kit, it quickly became obvious that a bonnet hinge was in the way and the bonnet wouldn’t close. “It also looked ugly and took up valuable space in the engine bay,” adds Shane. The radiator was up-graded with a new aluminium unit and electric fan. A Classicfab stainless steel exhaust system was fitted. The front seats came from an X300, retrimmed to have seven pleats (as per the original Mk2). Inertia reel seat belts were fitted front and rear. New external rear view mirrors were fitted and all window glass replaced (a very slight tint).
01 Unless you look very closely you would be hard-pressed to suspect this Mk2 has been modernised for 21st century driving.
02 All credit to Finch Restorations in South Australia. The finished Hatcher car makes a great showpiece for their skills, detailed knowledge of Jaguars and the highest standards they build into all of their restoration projects.
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