New member my intro
#1
01-13-2024, 03:20 PM
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New member my intro
(I think this is what the forum is requesting.)
Just won a BAT auction for a 1953 running, drive-able XK-120 roadster. I'm 85 years old, and have been involved with autos all my life, but this is my first "historic" car. The WSJ, many years ago, said folks like me want cars that they envied when teenagers but couldn't afford at the time. The XK-120 fits the description! I always envied the 120 with wire wheels, but I settled for discs, and have been advised that wire wheels come with maintenance issues.
I don't plan to restore, but just bring it up to a reliable vehicle for regular use, about which I won't worry when I park it. I will leave restoration to my co-owner-son, who will inherit it. I look forward to learning what I need to know from other forum members. I've asked a local Jaguar shop to provide an assessment and recommendations.
One question that comes to mind relates to the battery. There is one, 6V battery in place, in one of two battery boxes behind the seats, said to be positive ground. Should I add a second, to be wired in parallel, or is it customary to rely on just one battery? The agent for the seller suggested converting to 12V, negative ground. What components, other than bulbs, are polarity-sensitive or voltage sensitive, that would have to be replaced or modified?
Thanks.
SFRobo
Just won a BAT auction for a 1953 running, drive-able XK-120 roadster. I'm 85 years old, and have been involved with autos all my life, but this is my first "historic" car. The WSJ, many years ago, said folks like me want cars that they envied when teenagers but couldn't afford at the time. The XK-120 fits the description! I always envied the 120 with wire wheels, but I settled for discs, and have been advised that wire wheels come with maintenance issues.
I don't plan to restore, but just bring it up to a reliable vehicle for regular use, about which I won't worry when I park it. I will leave restoration to my co-owner-son, who will inherit it. I look forward to learning what I need to know from other forum members. I've asked a local Jaguar shop to provide an assessment and recommendations.
One question that comes to mind relates to the battery. There is one, 6V battery in place, in one of two battery boxes behind the seats, said to be positive ground. Should I add a second, to be wired in parallel, or is it customary to rely on just one battery? The agent for the seller suggested converting to 12V, negative ground. What components, other than bulbs, are polarity-sensitive or voltage sensitive, that would have to be replaced or modified?
Thanks.
SFRobo
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01-13-2024, 04:02 PM
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#3
01-13-2024, 05:41 PM
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Welcome to Jaguar Forums SFRobo,
Good to have you with us.
I've copied your post to the tech section for a better response, follow this link to find it https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...stions-276641/
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Good to have you with us.
I've copied your post to the tech section for a better response, follow this link to find it https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...stions-276641/
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
#4
01-13-2024, 10:12 PM
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01-14-2024, 09:32 AM
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01-14-2024, 12:03 PM
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#7
01-14-2024, 05:45 PM
Welcome to the forums SFRobo,
Good to have you with us.
Wire wheel look great but are a pain to maintain even substituting stainless for chromed spokes.
I can see you've already found your way to the XK120 / XK140 / XK150 forum so there's no need for a link to it from me. You can also use the US Western Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.
Please read the guidance for new members ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...ned-up-241802/ ) which answers many of the most frequent questions about getting started.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
Good to have you with us.
Wire wheel look great but are a pain to maintain even substituting stainless for chromed spokes.
I can see you've already found your way to the XK120 / XK140 / XK150 forum so there's no need for a link to it from me. You can also use the US Western Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.
Please read the guidance for new members ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...ned-up-241802/ ) which answers many of the most frequent questions about getting started.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
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