SUMMER 2023 NEWSLETTER
Question 1 from Josh K. in Sunnyvale, CA: Does my spare wheel have to match the 4 other ones when I am showing it in a JCNA concours?
Tom's Answer: Yes, if the wheels are painted, they all
need to be painted, and if chrome, then all need to be chrome. The tire
has to match, as well, and they also judge the condition of the wheel
and tire.
Question 2 from Joseph W. in Lake Havasu, AZ: Can your team convert my open headlights on my late model 1967 XKE to covered headlights?
Tom's Answer: Yes, we can convert your XKE to covered headlights. It will require changing sheet metal, painting the front of the bonnet (at the very least), fitting the chrome rims and glass, etc once the new components are installed. All the parts are available for purchase.
Question 3 from Tom J. in Beverly Hills, CA: I
have an XK-150 and I noticed that it is hard for me to steer my car
when I am parking. Can I add power steering to it? I also have a bench
seat in the car, can I install bucket seats?
Tom's Answer: Yes, they
make an electric power steering that can be added. You can even adjust
the sensitivity, and it’s a great product. We do not recommend you
install it yourself. We recommend a professional install it for you.
Bucket seats
will give you a more controlled, and comfortable ride. They can be
trimmed in any color you want, more foam can be added for extra padding,
or we can even make a lumbar support pillow for the passengers back.
Question 4 from Jane S. in San Jose, CA: I
s it beneficial to install a 5-speed transmission when you are doing the restoration or stay with the 4 speed?
Tom's Answer: Today’s
driving of fast speeds on the freeways are in excess of 65 mph. In the
1960’s the average speed was much less, more like 50 mph. With the 4
speed, your engine is now running higher RPM’s because of the faster
speeds. Your objective would be to reduce the RPM’s in the engine.
With the 5 speed, it gives you a longer longevity of the engine which
takes a lot of work away from the engine and in addition it is more cost
effective with both gasoline and repairs. The 5 speed is close ratio
and it also makes the vehicle more fun to drive.
Question 5 from Jonathon S. in Portland, OR: I
recently inherited a family member's Jaguar XK-120 that has been
sitting in his garage since the mid-1990s. I have been thinking that it
would be great to have it freshened up or restored so my family and I
can enjoy it for weekend drives and possibly showing it at local shows
and events. My uncle purchased this from the dealer when new, and I know
that he took great care of the car. Where should I start?
Tom's Answer: Since the car has been sitting untouched since the mid-90s, the first
step will be getting the car to us to do a complete evaluation and let
you know the condition of the vehicle now and all of its systems. If any
rodents have moved in in the last 30 years, they can cause a great deal
of damage, and will need to investigate that, as well as the condition
of everything else. We would do a complete report with photos showing
issues, and then will have a meeting with you to discuss it and give you
recommendations for moving forward. This is the best way to approach
this project.
