I am restoring a '55 XK-140 OTS MC that I have owned for some time. Because of an accident (I was run over by a truck while working on a Bentley) it has not been worked on for quite a number of years. I am now attempting to re-install the petrol tank and front portion of the boot (spare tire recess). I finally was able to fit the petrol tank but cannot seem to see how to install the spare tire recess. It hangs up on the boor floor stiffeners when I try to refit it. It came off the car so I do not know what I am doing wrong. HELP PLEASE. Thanks.

 

Hello,

Or are you trying to fit it bottoms up.
Did you try turning it around?
Or post a picture, hope we can maybe see what is going on.

regards,
Peter Jan

 

I have tried it both ways (not sure yet which is "correct"). The vertical dimension of the spare tire portion will not clear the floor strengtheners when inserted horizontally and the top of the tire portion will not clear the chassis cutout if bottom of the tire portion is placed in first. Hopefully these photos show these situations. Thanks for the reply.

Robert

I have also attached a couple pics of my other project - restoration a S1.5 E-type FHC that I purchased new and have raced/rallied. Both were severely damaged by vandals while I was hospitalized and in rehab. Unfortunately because of my physical and brain injuries rebuilding has been slow. Mostly because I have been working with brain injury/PTSD for the past 20 years as a therapist - but although I did all the work on and rebuilt both these cars, often I cannot remember how things went together. Even though I have photos of before I sometimes cannot figure them out. Silly but true. I work very well with patients but my memory and frustrations cause problems with my car work now.



In my barn




Placing bottom of tire portion in place first - top does not clear chassis (either side up)




Placing it horizontally does not clear the boot floor strengtheners




E-type in restoration. Color is proper signal-red.




Bonnet was completely disassembled and rebounded - a slow process.




Apparently the chromers substituted different e-type bumpers as these had to be significantly altered to fit bonnet.

 

Hello,

Horizontal is the way to go, but you need to keep the top under an angle towards you.
And do this while it about half way in, not before, like the other picture.
Then it should clear the rail, then you can flip it back horizontal again.
It works for me.

Regards,
Peter Jan

 

Thanks Pete. Another question - there is a bevel at either the top or bottom of the front of the tire insert. Which way is correct - up or down - I suspect it is to clear the petrol tank.?? Thanks

Robert

 

Hello,

Bevel at the top!

Regards,
peter Jan

 

Thanks. Take care

Robert