XK 120 Batteries - single 12v or pair of 6v ?

[beaulieu]

Hi

I was going to try and turn over the motor on the XK 120

It still has the original batteries in it,

Can I just use a single 12v battery to turn it over ?
I do not think there is a small enough 12v battery to fit in
the battery box so I will probably later send the original
batteries out and get them rebuilt somewhere...

What would you do ?

thanks Beaulieu

PS.....how do I adjust the steering shaft to move the steering wheel closer to the dash ?

 

[beaulieu]

Here is a picture of one of the original batteries

 

[Exotexs]

I would check with:

https://www.starautoelectric.com/Home.htm

for a qualified answer to the question.

does the XK-120 not have a large "nut" behind the steering wheel for adjusting the steering wheel front to back?


Ex

 

[LarryK]

You can start the car with 1 battery, just make sure you check if car is pos. grnd first and use the right cables, as there would be a jumper between the 2 batteries. There should be a coil under the wheel and under the coil a knurled piece, this is turned to loosen the shaft for moving the wheel. I think the 120 had a battery in each fender, where my 140 had both in the left side fender.

 

[beaulieu]

thanks

the 120 has 2 matching 6v batteries both behind the seats,

there is that big spring looking spiral behind the wheel, I just dod not know how hard to push it and not break something...

Beaulieu

 

[Exotexs]

just loosen the big "scalloped" nut counterclockwise to allow the inner steering column to move forward or backwards, then you tighten it clockwise. (you do not have to tighten it excessively).

If unable to loosen it, someone with neandarthal hands must have tightened it too much. there is a plumber's tool made by Craftsman which is a handle with a rubber strap, used to open jars and things like that; that tool works great for the "scalloped" steering wheel nut, and also I use it to loosen the oil filler cap in the aluminum valve covers of my 3.8 engine, especially when it's hot.

Ex

 

[GregJ]

There are batteries that are avaiable in 12V (tyr a gell cell type) that will fit the battery poition on either side. My 120 is set-up to function on the one battery. I use the other battery location to store spare parts. My car also has an amplyfier for the radio on the same tray behind the seats.

 

[beaulieu]

Thanks,

I hope to work on it a little tomarrow,

main thing is not to damage the original batteries

I am not in a big hurry , I need to figure out why they took the dash apart, and since I never saw one together, figure out how to put the wood and gauge panel back on !

Beaulieu