XK8 / XKR ( X100 ) 1996 - 2006

Fitting a steering wheel growler badge

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Old Dec 2, 2016 | 08:54 PM
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Default Fitting a steering wheel growler badge

Has anyone managed to fit (to an X100) a centrally positioned Jaguar growler badge to the steering wheel? I have always felt that the otherwise attractive steering wheel (wood and leather) was deficient in not having a nice badge. There is, of course, the growler 'imprint', but it is not central to the steering wheel.

I realise that it is not a good idea to mess with the airbag. But is it possible - very, very carefully - to remove the airbag COVER, in order to attach a central growler badge (and then re-install) ?

Alternatively, is it feasible to transfer from an XJ350 steering wheel the airbag cover? It would need to be from a 15 inch diameter wheel, of course. The airbag cover for that model DOES have an attractively recessed (green) growler badge. I don't have ready access to an XJ350 in Adelaide (South Australia), so I am unable to check the measurements. Is there anyone who could check those measurements?

Ideally, I would fit to the centre of the airbag cover a green 4.0 litre growler badge identical to the one on the bonnet/hood of my 2001 XK8. This would give it the look of a traditional "horn push".

 
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Old Dec 2, 2016 | 10:49 PM
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I've always been jealous of the S type people who had the green badge.. I wonder if anyone has tried changing it - good question hopefully someone chimes in and has done it before
 
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Old Dec 2, 2016 | 11:01 PM
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Just some pictures of the rear of an S-type... but yeah.. looks a bit different shaped.. tough call.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 09:52 AM
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Careful putting anything on the airbag pads. Most of the tanaka airbag deaths (that led to 80 million or so airbags recalled) were from a hard bit on the pad hitting their neck @ 200+ mph when the airbag went off.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 01:26 AM
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One hears so many horror stories about severe injuries caused by airbags that it seems tempting (and even sensible) to disable the wretched thing.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by BodmanRae
One hears so many horror stories about severe injuries caused by airbags that it seems tempting (and even sensible) to disable the wretched thing.
Most all of us survived quite well before airbags but there's no question "if" you are in a head end crash they can save your life.

I believe it's also illegal to tamper with them, that being said it's your car do what you want, just be sure should you sell it that whatever has been done is reversed so the next owner can make their own decisions!
 
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 10:38 AM
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I added a growler using an old grille badge. Ground the mounting pins off flattened the slight curve of the badge and silicone it to the air bag cover, no disassembly required.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...c673353801.jpg
 
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 12:42 PM
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There are worse ways to die than getting a 200 mph growler imprint in your forehead.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 06:24 PM
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Default Steering Wheel Growler Badge

Originally Posted by Richxk8
I added a growler using an old grille badge. Ground the mounting pins off flattened the slight curve of the badge and silicone it to the air bag cover, no disassembly required.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...c673353801.jpg
Can you post a larger version of the photo? The small size of the thumbnail makes it hard to see the badge.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 04:09 AM
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Cheap and simple:


Genuine Jaguar XJ X300 1994-1997 Drivers Steering Wheel Air Bag In Antelope O3 | eBay
 
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 12:07 PM
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We'll try this, it is also in my profile albums.



Growler on Steering Wheel
 
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 02:08 PM
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That airbag wont fit 1999-2006 steering wheels. It's flatter up top, doesn't have the same arch. Really hard to tell, only when you have them in your hand next to each other does it become obvious. Plus, it's the older single stage airbag---likely will trip airbag light
 
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Richxk8
We'll try this, it is also in my profile albums.



Growler on Steering Wheel
Does it completely cover the embossed growler on the leather?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 10:42 AM
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Yes it will completely cover it.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 12:11 PM
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Ok, just ordered one of eBay. Will experiment with heat to try and make it flush like on the oem airbag. We'll see
 
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 02:03 PM
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Let me know how it goes hm1 or post back after you install it (if you do) I'm curious how you like it - looks good
 
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Old Dec 7, 2016 | 12:41 PM
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To flatten mine out I just put a piece of towel on the face side, put it in the vice and tightened until flat. Was very easy to do, not much pressure required.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 08:49 AM
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How did you remove the air bag cover in order to get it in the vice ?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 08:50 AM
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That looks pretty good and could be the solution to my little aesthetic problem. Where did you get the Jaguar head ?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 12:54 PM
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You do not have to remove anything. You can get the growler on E-Bay, then as I stated earlier, grind off the mounting tabs, place a towel or something soft on the face side and gently press in the vice. Doesn't take much just has a slight curve to it. Then wipe the area with embossed growler with isopropyl alcohol, put s button of silicone on the back of the badge and press in place, covering the embossed growler, make sure it doesn't slide down. a piece of tape will hold it until dry.
 
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