Our 2004 XJ8 came with the typical missing leaper since the yute <G> of America doesn't seem to value private property much anymore and it's bling quotient is pretty high.

Anyway, I bought a replacement on eBay after looking carefully at all those available and decided that this was the best choice. It came in today and I have to say that I am very pleased with it. It's solid with good heft, the chrome looks smooth and well applied, and the likeness is very good. Perhaps it's even the genuine article.

Jaguar XJ8 2004 2006 Leaping Cat Hood Ornament | eBay

Given the near $300 cost from Jaguar sources I'd say this was a bargain.

SNG Barratt - The Ultimate Jaguar Parts Specialist

 

Was this an easy install RD? My leaper recently lept off the car ('06 XJR) on the highway. I've not yet contacted the dealer for a quote, but this sounds like a much more economical solution. Thanks.

 

Yes, and I'll tell you just how easy. First, the one I bought on eBay is easily as good as anything direct from Jaguar and since they don't make them and sub that out it probably came from their same supplier and was way cheaper then theirs'.

You'll need two tools to do the job. A 10mm deep well socket with a relatively long extension to get at the plastic nut that holds the whole shebang together, plus a length of strong dental floss or a new and sharp safety razor blade.

The floss is probably safer for the paint but I used a blade at an almost flat (sharp) angle and VERY carefully cut the layer of sticky material loose from the bottom of the leaper. I did this BEFORE loosening the nut that holds it down so it wouldn't wiggle while I was trying to separate it. Do not try to go between the adhesive layer and the paint as you'll probably scratch something.

Getting the adhesive off after you've removed the Leaper is no real problem as you'll see when you get there. Once I figured out how to approach the job it took me all of about 10 minutes, or less, from start to finish.

 

My wife is keen on me putting a leaper on the bonnet of my car.
I bought another one on Ebay (from another seller) and was somewhat disappointed wth the quality. It has a few small dents in the surface and overall looked no better than 'OK'. I can't bring myself to put it on the car, so I will see if I can get one of these ones instead.

 

Marvelous, thanks for the endorsement and thanks for the instructions. I'll place my order today. Cheers,

Ken

 

I've just placed an order for one of these Leapers. You can tell its better quality than the first one I bought just by looking at the photo on Ebay.
As its my wife who is particularly keen on me fitting one to the car (her first question when I told her I'd found the car I wanted was "does it have the cat?") she can have the other leaper as a desk ornament. Dare I fit it to her PC?

 

Well, the leaper arrived today and there is no comparison between this one and the one I bought a couple of weeks ago. THIS one will be going on the car!

The seller replied very quickly to my query regarding shipping to a non-US destination (I did mention this forum thread). Postage was much more reasonable than many sellers charge and delivery was quick. This seller deserves his 100% rating (though I would happily rate him at 110%).

Wonder if he is a member here?

 

I used a different seller, but also got one off of eBay after seeing how much Jag charged for a replacement. I must say I was very impressed with the quality. I just had to take off the sticky rubber mat they had on the bottom, it stuck too far off the car. Besides, if it scratches the paint a little bit, it will only be under where the leaper will remain till the car's dying day haha.

 

Update - the Ebay-sourced leaper (suggested by RDMinor) arrived and as RD noted, the feel and heft replicates the original. Very solid and I doubt anyone could tell the difference. Easy to install too - as noted above, using dental floss or fishing line, with perhaps a single-edge blade (with a microfiber towel between the blade and hood). Reinstall is very simple - hard to mess it up. If I can do it, anyone can do it!

Thanks again RD for the info.