IMHO, what would make it even better looking is the removal of the side rub strips (Less is More). But if that involves repainting, fahgettaboudit (as they say in Brooklyn).

 

That might be a little to dangerous on Maui. Parking spaces on this island are very narrow, XK8 just fits line to line with a hair to spare in most parking lots so the risk of door dings is very high.
Thanks for the suggestion..

 

I did both....But I make sure to park away from EVERYONE!

 

Later cars didn't even have them. Cost cutting?

 

Maybe because they will think you are crazy if you park it where it will get dings:O)

 

Evolution/perfection of the design.

 

I think the car needs the lower side skirts to pull off the no bump strip look. I actually like the bump strip on the earlier cars. Also, coupes seem to look better without rub strips and convertibles seem to need them to emphasize the long and low look. Just my thoughts on the matter

 

Yelp, I'm on the fence about the side rub/ bump strips also. I like it both ways so will likely leave them, at least for now.

 

Soooo... if someone WERE considering removing the side strips, would it require any painting or touch-up? I wouldn't think so as long as you helped soften the glue some with a heat gun and use like a fishing line to "cut" the glue. Thoughts or comments from those that have done it?

 

Well you may not like my color however lowered with no strips.....I like

 

You may recall they did the same thing with the XJ sedan (X350). The first two years - '04 & '05 - had them. Subsequent years didn't. It's their way of cleaning up the look IMHO.

 

Use a heat gun to soften the glue and it should not be an issue to peal them off. Might need a little polishing but should clean up.

BUT the thing to watch out for is if your car has had paint work done. A less than stellar shop might have painted around them. I found this out when I took an R badge off of my car to replace it... the fender had been painted without removing them!

 

XxSxX, how much drop do you have and how did you do it. I'm thinking of getting the H&R sport springs with 1.5 drop.

Your tires look close to the fender, what size are the tires and rims. My new rims/tires are about .6 closer to the fender and am concerned about rubbing if I lower it.

 

i love your car! just gorgeous!

 

Wow, Like the look.

The car looks awesome!!

 

Sorry man I totally missed this. I don't get tire rub at all. 285 out back 255 up front with a 1.5" drop. They were BMW offset rims that I had the hub bored out a mm or two. I used one of those offset calculators and played with the rim size and offset starting at factory. Also the axles out back were shimmed to help with caster camber issues


Rims are Gianelli Puerto Black with silver lip
19x8.5 and 19x9.5 with 285/35/19 and 255/40/19 Maybe it was a 35mm offset? Cant recall at the moment

 

 

Beautiful choice in wheels. Looks like a factory optional set. The finish even compliments you car's particular color. What is especially nice is that the wheels look great without drawing the eye away from the car overall. If I had not just restored my 18's, I would do what you did in a second.

 

Jandreu,

I like it!
The Top is sort of a Dark Green....Wonder what the Grey Wheels would look like if they were that color Green? Just a thought.....?
Billy Clyde in Houston