2005-12-15 05:34:44 | Lofty writes:

My brother, Weller, bought the car, then painted it black with red interior, from
a broke college student in 1968. We don't have much history before then. Brother drove the car regularly in California for about 7
years thereafter. Unfortunately a valve problem developed that
wasn't fixable for less than a new engine cost, and he replaced the original with a '68 S1.5 E-type 4.2 liter motor. The original
engine is lost to history, I believe. The new motor has 2 2'' HD8 carbs on a manifold that may be from a sedan. The E-type alternator
is in place, but everything else is stock from the 120 including the gearbox, which is still in great shape. With the big carbs and more displacement the car goes like spit, and brother has kept up the mechanicals, front end etc. so that it rides wonderfully. In about 1975, brother left the car with a body shop in San Diego for
sheet metal detail and new paint. The owner went out of business with the car coated only with a light primer. He stole or lost the
wire wheels and tires to boot. Brother was devastated and dragged
the car to his backyard in Davis CA, where it sat forlornly for 10 years. Squirrels did a number on the interior, but real damage was limited. My wife and I took in the car in 1985 and did a quickie cosmetic fix to get it back on the road. (She sewed the seat covers, including tuck and roll, by copying the little bit of
original leather left.) Went through 2 sewing machines in the process. I did the electrical, fuel, chrome and body/primer work, such as it was. We chose an antique white for the new color
because black would have shown up my crummy body work. The interior is red, a little brighter than the original. Now, 20 years
later, it's time for another cosmetic overhaul. The engine is coming out for work on sealing oil leaks and polishing things. I am working on total stripping of the paint and bondo by a local (Denver) shop. Then I'm going to share the body work with a professional, and have a professional do the paint. Interior will be redone to a decent level, and I'm gathering as many correct
parts as I can afford and that make sense for a car without the correct engine. Thanks to all the regulars on XK Lovers list for tips and cautions for this fun, but daunting process.

2005-12-17 11:01:31 | Paul Schmidt writes:

Car is owned by my brother, Weller Schmidt of Davis CA. It's in Boulder CO for a mid level cosmetic restoration in my garage. The engine is from a 68 E-type and 2 2" HD8 carbs are mounted on a sedan manifold. Otherwise everything is XK120.