Spare Wheel Covers

Hi to all,
I went to Washington DC Concours d'Elegance last Sunday, hoping to see
some original or well restored 140 Roadsters. There unfortunately were
none.

There was a beautifully restored XK 150 in British Racing Green which
the owner said had got second place at a recent meet in Vermont. He had
headlights with "J's" in center, I asked him if he had been penalised
for them and he said no. I guess the judges are not members of Xk
Lovers.

My real question concerns the cover over the spare wheel in the trunk.On
the 150 mentioned above he had the whole thing painted a glossy black. I
believe the top of it, the metal side, should be body color, while the
underside where jack and other tools are attached should be black.
Can anyone confirm or correct my assumptions?
Neville Laing

Neville,

The spare wheel cover is black not body colour.
Just got the 150 back tonight - the body  guy made the driver's
door shut beautifully ... now if only I could afford the paint job she
needs ... still, she's on the road and going "great guns".
Regards, John Elmgreen

Neville,
I have the original spare wheel recess lid from my 150DHC. It is and
always has been gloss black. I was able to find another in much better
shape which I now use in the car. I purchased the car from the original
owner in 1982 and although tatty and in need of a mostly complete redo
at that  time, it had 99.9% of its original parts and appendages. I
replaced the lid because the 8ply had severly delaminated due to the
moisture which got to it through the numerous holes in the spare wheel
tray bottom and sides, which looked a lot like swiss cheese at the time.

All has now been returned to as original as possible, and I drive it with a
big grin.....
William C. Burke

I believe that all black would be correct.  Since the part is generic to all
cars, why would would it have to be painted body color??
Lee Eggers

The spare tire cover in the XK 150 is as John says, "black". But The black
used for the sheet metal outer side should be 'glossy' black and the inner
backside (wood) should be a semi-flat or satin black to be correct.
Regards,
 HK

The spare tire lid is definitely gloss black with dull black wood on the
bottom. I have a poor condition orginial that has been sprayed over. If clip
placement is needed by anyone, the lid still has its orginials.

The round recessed panel by the gastank is black. It is attached with the
round head slotted screws. the spare tire bracket is black also with the
round head slotted screws attaching it to the bottom of the compartment.

A lot of cars have 1/4-28 bolts instead of the round head screws for these
panels as the screws have been hard to find.

Cleo Bay
XK120, XK140

For my 140 dhc it's black...in an originally red car.
Jim Warren

Hi
I thought it was body color because in stripping down my car it was body
color and appeared to be the original paint. So I did no futher research
and have resprayed it body color. Fortunately it's easily removeable and
easy to rectify. Looking real carefully at Porters I can see that all of
you who have responded are absolutely correct. I was hoping to never
touch a spray gun again in my life,  hell I might use an aerosol can.
Neville Laing

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
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