Hello All,
I have recently inherited a Xk 150 OTS which has been garaged for 40 years. It is in need of body and interior work. Perhaps some mechanical. I have neither the space or skill to do the work myself but would like to restore the car for sentimental reasons if nothing else. Can anyone recommend a restoration shop in the Washington DC area(250 miles or so)? Can anyone give an upper estimate on what a restoration to driver condition could cost?

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 08:57

Terry, Do as George says, contact the DC club and also the Virginia club, especially Dr. Ron Gaertner, he is president of that club and has had a national champion 120 fhc for many years and I think he has had a 150 ots that has been a champion car also. He is the guy to speak to, he will lead in the right direction. His number is 804 784 6718

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 08:12

Terry you do not have to go to a meeting to contact your club. If you go to their site you can find the contacts.

Submitted by NE40-51466 on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 07:57

Just joined last week and will be unable to make the next 2 meetings due to travel so I thought i would try this forum with no luck so far!

Submitted by NE40-51466 on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 07:56

Just joined last week and will be unable to make the next 2 meetings due to travel so I thought i would try this forum with no luck so far!

Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Fri, 08/10/2012 - 16:15

Hi Terry,

To bring your XK150 back to a "driver" in the cheapest way I recommend the following:

1. Ask JCNA members for a good Jaguar mechanic in your area then have him check out your engine. It may not need a full rebuild (minimum rebuild the waterpump, starter and generator, replace ingition wires, belts, hoses, plugs, filters,etc., rebuild the carburetors flush the block, have the radiator tested for leaks. Plan on spend a couple thousand or more.

2. If the paint and body are decent, consider leaving it original and just rub out the original paint (an original car is way cool). Or, get the car painted by a chain store paint company for under $2,000.

3. After sitting for 40 years, rebuild the brakes, check the fuel system (tank, lines, pump, filters) plan on buying new tires - recommend radials in your case. You may also need new shocks. Plan on spendinganother couple thousand dollars.

4. Hopefully you have decent front & rear bumpers, wiindshield & glass, top frame, lights, etc. If you need new stuff it can get costly but is very do-able for you to do it yourself.

5. If you need new upholstery I highly recommend getting a price quote for interior & door panels, dash, seats (including new foam) or send your seats and frames in for complete recover, same with side curtains, carpet kit, boot mat, top and tonneau cover - cost $2,500 or more depending on what you need done. Contact Mike May at World Upholstery in California (800) 222-9577, website: www.worlduph.com. Mike is doing all my upholstery work and does first rate work at fair prices. Please tell him Bob Sheridan sent you. I have had upholstery work done by other companies - Mike (World Upholstery) is by far the best!

If you are just trying to bring your XK150 back to a nice driver I would try and do much of the work yourself - if nothing else work with several sources and try to install what you can. Use a local upholstery shop to finish installing the upholstry from Mike, etc. - If you use a professionl restorer to do everything you'll miss out on a lot of fun and it will cost you a butt load of money.

Last year I sold a restored 1953 XK120 OTS purchased an unrestored 1952 XK120 OTS just so I could do the restoration myself. The car was completely apart and literally came with a bucket of bolts whicjh I sorted into little plastic containers.

So far I have reassembled the front & rear suspension, brakes, fuel system, steering, etc. and have a rolling chassis. I am currently rebuilding my engine and will be re-attaching it to my transmission then installing both on the chassis later this month. Next I will install new stainless steel exhaust system and drive shaft and finish installing my emergency brake.

In a couple months I will complete bodywork and painting then will reattach the body to the chassis. The the really neat stuff begins: installing new wiring, engine compartment, exterior & interior goodies, reinstalling windshield, weather equipment, etc. and dressing the car up for it's first showing.

Good luck with you car...