I'm getting ahead of myself here but eventually (Soon??) I hope to get a new paint job for my '69 series 2 FHC.

It is originally BRG and I plan to keep it that way - but I'm thinking of maybe doing a white stripe or two up the middle...just to give it a little flare (not that it needs any).

I don't plan on ever letting this beautiful car out of the family, so value i.e. resale is not really of primary importance to me but I am interested in general thoughts on this. In its original days people did this right? Tell me yes - no - send pic of your cars with other than original paint jobs for inspiration. Thanks everyone! Pic attached - paint unfortunately is much nicer in pics than in real life - really needs it.

-Jason

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Fri, 12/06/2013 - 09:09

Jason, I've always found the color of my car inspirational even though it does not include the application of removable stripes. This takes a real commitment. Since the car had a 4.2 engine and later sets etc. when i bought it, I thought I would modify it to my taste and have done so for the last 43 years.

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Fri, 12/06/2013 - 09:04

Jason, The color of my 1961 S1 has been inspirational to me since I painted it this color 43 years ago. It had a 4.2 engine and later seats etc, when I bought it so I have tastefully modified it ever since. This takes a bit more commitment however than applying removable striping etc.
The photo of the blue coupe you posted reflects that commitment to modification.

Submitted by alan.barc@veri… on Thu, 12/05/2013 - 09:39

Geez Jason! You want your E to look like a Detroit Muscle Car? Just kidding. The idea from George certainly has some appeal and there are shops that do appliques.

Submitted by SE12-52152J on Thu, 12/05/2013 - 07:52

Jason,

In the spirit of Mike's comment to retain the ability to "return to original" - consider adding your stripes via vinyl graphics. I've applied them to many Ferrari race cars, and they are easy to apply (though stripes do take a certain amount of patience), and remove easily with no damage to paint - so long as you apply them as normal and don't add any adhesive (saw one car which did that and getting them off was a monumental task!).

That said, striping over the louvers on the bonnet is also tricky - have done similar things to the race cars - and hope to never have to do it again, as long as I live!

But, as Mike suggested, they do allow you to easily revert to "stock".

Just a thought.... Good luck!

gp

Submitted by azmmgm@yahoo.com on Thu, 12/05/2013 - 02:46

My thought on paint and mods.
I hate to say it but most XKEs are hanger queens and people drive their cars between 200 to 500 miles a year, maybe. If this is your intent. Try and keep it as original as possible. You own a piece of art history. You probably don't want to change the Mona Lisa.
If you are going to drive the car --- enjoy the car the way it is meant to be enjoyed, not just a piece of art sitting in the garage or living room. In that case, build it to enjoy it. I would try to not do anything I can't put back to original in case you or another generation thinks it looks better without stripes or other mods. That is just my opinion.