Hey Folks. The XJR has the chrome mirrors and beltline. I would like to know if anyone has removed the body belt and what are the things to watch out for. Thanks for the help!

 

Your thread title intrigued me so I had to take a look!

Part names can be obscure and the side trim certainly comes into this category. According to the Parts Manual, the chrome trim (items 1,2 and 3) is the Side Moulding; the body coloured rubberised trim (items 4, 5 and 6) is the Body Side Moulding.



The Parts Manual doesn't list any fixings for either but that's not to say there aren't any.

The equivalent coloured Body Side Moulding on the XK8/XKR is secured with double sided tape. No reason to think the XJR will be any different.

The last XJ saloon I had with chrome Side Moulding was Series II VDP. These were stainless steel and clipped onto round washers secured with pop rivets along the side of the vehicle. I haven't seen the chrome version on the 2001 XJR (not available in the UK) but I expect it could be chromed plastic and not metal? If so, it's probably stuck on with double sided tape.

Removing the Body Side Moulding is a popular modification on the XX8/XKR. Several members have done this by warming it and releasing using nylon fishing line. The bodies are painted before the Mouldings are applied and I can't recall anyone having to do remedial paintwork after removal.

Graham

 

G, thanks for the clarification. Having the correct part names helps everyone.

I took it to a detail shop and they picked at it and said it was double stick tape as well.

Would a standard hair dryer warm it up enough? I would be concerned to go at it with a real heat gun.

 

Good info from Graham there JPM

I can confirm having removed mouldings / badges in the past albeit from other vehicles that a hairdryer and fishing line should be more than adequate to do the job.

In fact I've used neither in the past and after a good wash, slowly carefully and gently prised them from the body.

Be prepared that after removal there will be a lot of sticky residue and difficult to remove, so you'll need a product that will help shift this residue, then a good polish and wax to match the rest of the car.

 

I can recommend Nail Varnish Remover for cleaning the sticky residue. I've found:

1. it removes the residue without damaging the clearcoat
2. it drives my wife mad

A win-win situation for me.

Graham (married for 34 years so she takes things like this in good spirit)

 

Top tip Graham on all counts it seems