27th May 2010 - Decided to fit the handbrake the other day. I got fed up with the cable trailing on the floor when I moved the car in the garage. I had bought an XJS Fly Off handbrake off E-bay some time ago and also got the bracket from GD. It wasn't until I came to fitting it that a mistake showed up. The bracket I had from GD was for a Mk3 and would not fit the Mk4 body as it would foul the seat! I was blissfully ignorant when I picked it up ages ago. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I spoke to Andy and they knocked my up the correct one while I waited.

There was a grommet fitted to the cable all ready so I drilled a hole through and fitted the cable and grommet. It was then a simple matter of connecting to the lever.

The bracket bolts through the floor and then is held to the side of the body for stability. Andy suggested self tappers but I put some M5 Jack Nuts in as there is a void and held it on with M5 bolts.

The handbrake works sweet as anything. I guess I will have to take it out when the carpets are fitted but that's fine, and at least I know it works!!

15th July 2010 - Few jobs I can keep myself occupied with while waiting for the carpets. One is fitting the door cards. I wasn't going to do these till after I had fitted the carpets but there is no need to wait, and its one more job off the list!

The secret of fitting the door cards its to mark the holes correctly where the spring clips fit. I first cut through the leather for the door handle spindle. This hole is all ready drilled, along with the ones for the clips. I then put masking tape on the door where the7mm holes would need to be drilled to accept the clips. Now the good bit....! fit the clip nearest to the hing on the top of the card. Once fitted to the card, take a black marker pen and ink the end of the clip. Now fit the card over the handle spindle and press the clip against the masking tape. This gives you a nice mark where you can drill the hole. Once the first one is done, fit the other top ones in the same way. once these are done you can hang the card from these partially fitted clips and do all the bottom and side ones together. It is then a simple matter of pushing the clips home. Some fitted in quite well, but other had to be "coaxed" with a soft hammer covered with cloth so as not to mark the leather. All in all I am quite pleased with the effect.

1st Sept 2010 - Nearly ready!!! I fitted the drivers seat tonight. Bit of a struggle with te handbrake also fitted, and trying to get the bolts through the spacers, washers, and carpet, but a bit of swearing and a bit of patience soon had it in!

Also, after discussions with my wife (!!), I decided I don't like the aluminium gear knob. Its fine but needs to be polished like everything else, so I'm going to source another one. Anyone want a Richbrook gear knob, fitted once and never used??!!

I just have to put some studs on the drivers and passengers foot well carpets to hold them in place. Not sure about the Vectra steering wheel.................... :o) !!

17th Aug 2010 - Got my gear knob from "Raging Speed" today. Its a brushed aluminium ball. There is a neck on it that unscrews to hide three grub screws, so with a bit of packing it will fit on any shaft. I wasn't sure about a polished one or the aluminium look, but I couldn't find a polished one I liked and I am fairly happy with this one for £28.

6th Aug 2010 - I was going to have a few hours in my garage tonight, but a long day at work and an open bottle of wine persuaded me otherwise!! I did spend half an hour in there though (well you have too make an effort don't you?!!!) and fitted the gearstick gater and escutcheon plate. I have ordered a knob to finish it off with and hopefully that will be here tomorrow or Monday.

10th March 2010 - Big day today..................Andy rang to tell me my seats and trim had arrived!! (Oh yes.........and it's my Wife's birthday!!!).

Only working 10 minutes away from GD, I nipped over in my lunch break to pick them up. I'm Very pleased with the colour and quality. Think they look really classy. I'm not really ready for them yet, but its nice to have them here and ready!! Gives me some incentive to get a move on!