First I apologize if this has been on the forum recently... As much I as love the rotary shift knob I'm not crazy about the aluminum face. I recently purchased a ebony knob with the Jaguar logo on it and was curious if anybody else has done this before I begin this job. Is it a simple adhere on top OR replace the aluminum center piece. thanks...
Steve

 

I've done this.
I thought it would look better, more "OEM" if the new top was recessed into the rotary shift knob as is the original top. I removed it using 2 small screwdrivers, not forgetting to protect the rather soft aluminum rotary shift knob edges. It's held down by two sided tape, so gentle and constant pressure lifted it without any difficulty. Once the old tape was cleaned away and new 2 sided tape applied the new top fit right in.
I think it looks really cool and matches the black ends of the seat adjustment controls on the doors.
If you don't feel up to removing the OEM shift knob top, you can simply stick your new top over the OEM one, using the provided two sided tape.
Regards,

 

I seriously thought about doing either this mod or the other one done by..... I can't remember who, but the thin metal leaper logos.
Only problem, I'm too **** about symmetry and alignment. When the knob gets rotated the kitty will be askew, and bother me no-end. It'd me nice if some counter-rotational gearing was involved to keep the emblem nice and straight.

 

For the $2 microthin Leaper logo, see my post #12: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-%246-131083/

 

Yeah, that's the one!

 

I have the black and chrome Leaper insert on our 2015 XF. It looks so much better than the OEM aluminum insert.

I chose to purchase a centerpiece that was already complete. By that I mean, the leaper logo is already inset on a black background with a clear piece covering it. This suited me better, as our car had the aluminum disc in the center of the rotary gear selector. As was suggested above, I considered just sticking it over the top of the old one, but I wanted it to set into the top of the gear selector for more of a factory look.

To remove the aluminum disc center piece, I put some painter's tape on a couple of the edges of the gear selector. Use enough to adequately protect it from being accidentally scratched. I then used a small pick to get beneath the the disc, by carefully placing it in the gap between the two objects. Once i was able to pry it up, I too used a tiny straight blade screwdriver to remove the disc.

I installed my Leaper just as it's pictured above. You're right, the Kitty does change position as you rotate the selector. I thought it'd bug me too, but I don't even think of it at all any more. I kinda like my Kitty a bit askew anyway...

The end result is just as shown above and was well worth the little bit of effort to bring a bit more class to the console.

 

I also changed my boring rotary knob top. I found a Jaguar key chain I had laying around, cut off the loop and sanded it, and then glued it right on top.

 

^^^ That looks very good!

 

I bought the Jaguar upgraded Leather-Topped Gear Selector for my XKR and don't regret it. Suits the car well....


Vince

 

CleverName,
Pic's.....

 

+1 and where did you acquire it?

 

Seems like the vendor for these got greedy.

 

Will do...

Bought it at the Dealership. Standard upgrade accessory.

V

 

I followed Stuart's approach and bought some cheap metal Leaper stickers online that I affixed to my black shift knob. It does get noticed and looks great in my opinion. When you shift into Drive the Leaper rotates into a forward leap which I actually like. It's as if it's saying 'time to leap forward'.

If your shift knob is silver though, it doesn't work as the Leaper won't stand out. The Growler keychain mod mentioned above looks great and could work in that case. The floating Leaper shift knob idea CeeJay suggests sounds like a really cool idea as well. Somebody smart get on that!

 

This was straight from the Jag Accessories Catalog. Machined aluminum, with 2 rubber textured bands and of course the top is leather....
A much more pleasant feel than the stock rotor. <sigh> I still miss my shift lever from my '07 over any rotary..... Ah well, that peddle under my right foot helps me accept the loss....

 

Hi, I found the picture on AliExpress, comes in 2 versions. Check it out.
I saw one, that was like a diamond cut design (not with diamond like stones), less bling, but very impressive, but they don't make it for the 2010 XF Jaguar. Actually it was the whole knob assembly. Saw it on Aliexpress. Still looking for something else. Let me know if you guys find something.

 

Does this fit the '10 XK's then because the accessory catalog says 2012 MY on?

 

 

This is a top piece I ordered from British Autowood | Dashboard and Woodwork Restoration. Also available in Walnut, cost about $30.00 simple glue on cap and can be removed with ease. Comes with adhesive applied.