Blog 31- November 2024

This Off Piste blog is a reprint of a piece I wrote some time ago.  It explores my genuine respect for modest classic cars.

XK 120 Indicators

In my February blog I talked about my intention to fit  noticeable amber indicators to the ‘120 fixed head. In the end I selected a set of after market units, made up brackets and fitted them fore and aft without mutilating the body. I think they look right enough.

A problem with fitting power steering is that cutting the column has meant the  indicator switch in the centre of  the steering wheel  doesn’t self correct  and, become the stator tube is no longer anchored, rotates with the wheel.

I have fitted a separate indicator switch to the column below the wheel and a sounder that produces a loud clicking when the indicators are engaged. It all seems to work well enough.

The end of 2024

We’re near the end of 2024 and I have to admit that I haven’t used my old  bangers as much as  I had planned. We did a few XK events.; the JDC XK  Register weekend in April where we visited Stratford over a long weekend. We also attended XK Day that was held in conjunction with JDC National day. As usual I was in charge of  organising the XKs , judging and allocating prizes.

A very pleasing surprising was my being award the Bob Berry prize for services to the club.

Although I’m not a fan of static car shows, each year, I make an exception and take a couple of cars along to the Staplefield fete and car show at the end of May, where I‘ve been a regular for the last ten years. Particularly, as we have moved away, it’s good to meet up with old friends. This year Lizzie and Jo took  the S1 E.

Kathleen and I took our first ever cruise in early June when we had a two week trip to the Aegean. Apart from 45 degree  temperatures, it was great fun and there is no doubt we’ll try another next year.

Sadly, it’s not been a good year for me on the health front with first being struck down with a hugely  debilitating bout of PMR (Polymalgia Rheumatica). I was more or less unable to move for the pain in all my joints. I was lucky, my GP saw me quickly, accurately diagnosed the problem and put me on a course of steroids. I was back on my feet in days.

The second problem is not yet resolved although I had prostate surgery in  early October. There was also at the time a biopsy for which I do not yet have the results. I should know more at the end of the month.. I hope to be reasonably recovered from surgery by November. 

All this has meant that not a lot has happened on the old car front since June.  I’ve spent a bit of time working on the ‘140 and  now that Brian Stevens is no longer an option, I plan to send the Barris off to Twyford Moors to have some clutch issues fixed.

Dinner aboard the cruise ship

Receiving the Bob Berry trophy from chairman Roger Kemp

XK140

I had planned to use the much neglected ‘140 this year but sadly, it was not to be. I did however manage to get a few jobs done.

The car already has an ali radiator but I thought to bring her into line with the other XKs by adding an expansion tank  Surprisingly, I had a lot of difficulty finding a suitable unit but managed to acquire  one from the manufacturer who supplies most other  traders. Unfortunately, it didn’t come as a kit so I had to cast around to collect the other small items required to link it in to the cooling system. It’s now fitted and although not road tested, should do the job.

The petrol gauge had never worked since I have owned the car and I finally carried out the messy job of draining the tank and fitting a new sender unit. The gauge now registers; we’ll have to see how accurate it is . The important thing is that it should stop me running out of fuel - I hope!

Above: The ‘140 with the registration mark first allocated by the DVLA when I imported her from Houston. She now has an age related plate.

Below: New header tank in place .

Daimler

The daimler may have a reprieve. The workshop that fitted power steering to my XK150 is back in the business of taking in cars and doing a complete job as opposed to only modifying columns sent to them separately. The Barker is booked in for early January.

With power steering and a set of radials the car may be transformed. Perhaps I can learn to love the pre-selector gears.

Tank sender unit

Interesting 1.18 model Daimler Barker Special Sports I found on Ebay.