Hi,

my XJ8 came without a leaping cat, so I bought one on ebay.
Unfortunately you'd have to drill a hole to get it mounted.
As I'm not sure, that I like this leaper for a longer time, I'm thinking of a way of reversing the mount after a defines period.

On my previous cars, I was able to just clue or even magnetic mount these gimicks.
Does anyone know a way to put a leaper on my cat without drilling ?

 

Begin with checking what's allowed in Germany to avoid any formal problems. AFAIK no one will chase you for an attestation, but usually the annual testing guys (however you call them) will want to get a feeling you won't kill a hit pedestrian with your leaper. Check if that bothers them and if glue or a two magnet arrangement would be convincing.

 

My leaper is one with a spring to allow the cat to reverse its direction, in case of pedestrian-impacts. ( Some very similar ones claim to have a allowance to be used..)
I think its not very healthy for a pedestrian to hit the cat's back anyway.
I would take the magnetic leaper off, before visiting the technical inspection agency ( german = Tüv) ... that's one more reason why I don't want to drill ..

 

Hi,

I am thinking the exact same thing. It would be great to be able to have a leaper without drilling holes in the bonnet. The question is, where one can find suitable magnets and if you can have a thin membrane on the leaper base so that it doesn't scratch the paint?

 

A few niobium button magnets let into the base will hold it on but
1. You'll have to take it off every time you park or someone else will !
2. Don't you think it will spoil the lines of that beautiful bonnet?

 

magnets sounds like a great solution....but only makes it easier for people to yank off.

IMO just drill the holes. it was very rare that the XJ's came without leapers....but damn its a think of beauty with that cat pouncing off the hood

drill it and enjoy it!

 

Hi guys,

you are right – I would have to remove it when I park the car, but I seldom park my precious jag out of sight and if I occasionally do I can just remove the leaper without the risk of someone prying it loose and damaging the bonnet.

Regarding the looks I cant make up my mind. That's why I'd love this solution. The leaper is the prettiest hood ornament ever imho. But I am not sure I'd want it there forever. As Steve writes, that bonnet is beautiful the way it is. And in Europe, leapers are very rare on post 1994 XJ:s.

Perhaps I'll buy one and try the magnet thing. Thank you for the tips. Because those supermagnets will hold it firmly there, right?

 

Will a magnet work with the Aluminum body? Presumably the bonnet is also aluminum? You'd probably have to stick on a steel mounting plate to make it work.

 

Duh - didn't realise this model is aluminium.
They haven't quite perfected the aluminium magnet yet and I don't think you'd get a very good hold on from a steel plate under the bonnet.

 

I cannot believe it's such an issue for a car with magnitudinal historical value! I hate the powers that be in Europe and the UK today.
You guys are all enthusiasts, like myself and I have a Leaper to.
Shucks I had tears in my eyes when my Good Lady bought one as a Christmas Xtra!
The advice was to go for it, but sadly watch out for the police as a sharp one will pull you!
Now, I have serious issues with this because it is sprung loaded and as many have mentioned already, I know I'm not going to hit a pedestrian!
If he jumps out then sorry, he hit me, it's just that simple
Sadly that isn't the way the Euro-Cop will see it!
I do believe that most pedestrian knockdowns occur with the driver being distracted OR someone who jogs and darts between slow moving traffic! In the latter case, the injured party is usually the assumed innocent when often the case is completely the reverse.
Now I do have a liking for preservation of life and must insist that this statement is not a judgement but a vague belief!
However, I don't think I am wrong!
The Jaguar range have historical value and much more in my mind! I also think the police have better things to do as well!
I like my car and want to put the Leaper on and as soon as I have the car touched up and in decent tether, I will.
I intend on drilling it and keeping it that way as quite simply, it's a JAG!
No disrespect to others as IT'S YOUR CAR!
Be Happy Guys (N GALS!!) Stu

 

I believe EU law now trumps our old Construction and Use regulations, (or they've been updated to incorporate it). I think leapers are legal in Germany so if that suits the very finicky Germans it should be legal here too. I don't think the new law has been tested in our courts yet, but I may be wrong.

Having said that, I don't think the XJ salooon style suits a leaper at the front. I have put Adamesh stick-on leapers on the front wings low down behind each wheel arch, and they look pretty good, (to me anyway !).

 

Hmm, do I don't I?
It's your choice and you have a decent car too!
Flaunt it, why not? Stu