Hello everyone. I'm a new forum member for I've had my current XK for about a year. I've made a couple of subtle changes. The first was that I removed the number plate surround - smoothed and painted the bumper (I couldn't believe the size of the screws underneath) to relocate a sticker number plate, UK DVLA correct size, and reflective - so compliant with the law on the nose cone.


Thereafter - I removed the spoiler and the third brake light.
I was never a fan of the third brake light - and like many other XK owners I've spoken to, I thought it ruined the flowing lines of the cars design.
The old spoiler was removed, and the recess underneath was cut out, before a new aluminum piece was welded back in, only requiring small amounts of filler to finish before paint.
It wasn't a job I rushed into doing - and I went back and forth before biting the bullet. I understand it wont be universally appealing, but I'm very glad I've done it. I feel my XK is slowly becoming a gentle homage to the XKE 'Low Drag' of old. Let me know what you think!

 

I went with the larger spoiler myself. The small dinky one is silly.

 

Although I wouldn't do that to mine. I think it looks good, nice job.

 

While you were at it, maybe you should have done an Arial delete also.

 

I would have put the sticker in the same place where the old number plate was mounted.:-)

 

That would've defeated the whole reason for doing it in the first place.

 

No, cause the sticker is smooth against the paint and would not interfere like a real number plate. I can't see the benefit of having it where you have cause its now even more in your eye sight.
We're all different and you probably don't like all mods I've done on my car so each to their own and enjoy your car!

 

I wanted to relocate the number plate to the nose cone. THAT was the whole idea - otherwise why would I bother removing the original shroud, just to put a sticker back in the same place?

 

It won't fit and be UK road legal sadly

But I did mine over 2yrs ago, was amazed at the number of holes/screws holding the bracket on.

I didn't DIY but paid a local paintshop £100 to fill and blend in, as a white car I went for a black border and ordered spares as they will deteriorate after 2-3yrs

And YES it does make the car faster



Well done Sean!! I find it rather funny when peeps not in your country try to offer advice.

 

Hello Mark,
That looks good. The black surround suits a white car. A sticker plate on the nose cone IMO really cleans up the front end. I tried a few different styles (even a 'naughty' black plate with silver letters) but settled on standard so as not to draw the attention of the local fuzz.

 

That wouldn't work on US cars which require a front plate. All number plates are required to be Straight and Level.

 

Only in those states that require a front plate. There are at least several states that do not require a front plate.

 

Uh, yeah, I know. You just missed that part is all.

 

? It's a Forum.

 

Right now, New Mexico does not require a front plate. I bought my XK from Texas which does require a front plate. Thankfully the prior owner installed the front plate by just putting it on the dashboard. No screws.

 

Each to.their own but for me it looks likes a bit of eye sore now , never had a issue with the front number plate looking out of place

 

True, but do you know the legal character height and spacings of a UK number plate?

I do*, but haven't a clue for stateside, so if anyone posts I always look at their location before replying on such matters...otherwise it's just a waste of effort IM(less than H)O

* https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number...-number-plates

 

The US also gets plates issued. Making our own or even modifying them is a big no-no.

 

No clue.
However my opinion is the size of that/your number plate is ridiculous. It's only that size so it can easily be picked up by the nanny state camera's. Camera's have evolved which no longer require a number plate of that size to be recorded. I would think an individual in a country that requires a plate of that size could run for office on a simple platform of "I will rid you of these ridiculous, retarded, F'uped oversized plates". Would he/she not win in a landslide? Nobody goes out and washes their car and stands back and says wow that number plate really sets my car. Just rambling, governments across the pond seem to be just as messed up as government on this side. Obviously we have no choice but to attach the plate they require.

 

Wow, that looks fantastic.
Although I'm not sure it is actually "low drag".
I know fom my Porsche history that the rubber spoiler on the rear hatch of the 924/44 reduced drag.
Without the spoiler, there was more lift, which was more drag.