Not sure if someone else has already covered this elsewhere, although a quick search didn't turn up any posts on the subject....

Although the rear deck fuel filler on the X300 is a nice styling homage, I've always found it a little less than practical, especially with regard to potential physical and chemical damage to the surrounding bodywork.

So, I looked around for one of the many protective "bibs" or "flaps" that have been available for years on other makes/models of cars to project the area surrounding the fuel filler during fueling.

I didn't find one specifically made for the XJ (which I find surprising, or maybe I just missed it), but I did find one made for Porsches that fits with some minor modification.

The bib/flap is for a Porsche 911 (1965-1973) and 912 (1965-1969). If you find a reproduction of this flap, it will fit if you increase the fuel filler neck hole just a small amount. I think I increased the diameter by about 1/8". It may have also been possible to gently heat the flap and stretch the hole, but I didn't think of that until after I had trimmed it

Anyway, if you like this solution, these flaps are dirt cheap.

I bought mine here (no personal association):

Porsche Fuel Filler Flap 911 912 65 73 | eBay

 

Karman-Ghias had them, as well as the New Beetle. I just grab a paper towel while it's filling to cover the nozzle when removing it from the car.

 

Yeah, I looked at the NOS/repro bib for the KG, but it has a big rubber seal, etc that I thought would probably not fit. This flap is flat and very simple, and once slightly enlarged just "pops" over the lip of the filler neck.

I had been using a paper towel as well, but that was a minor inconvenience to go find one, plus a lot of stations are often out.

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Al, i love the color of your jag

 

Thanks!! (I'll pass that on to Jaguar's designers! heh)

I actually wasn't too "hip" on this "gray" color, inside and out, when I first saw that in 1997 it was only one of a very few exterior color options for the XJR. The photos of this color online and the brochure color chip didn't really do it justice.

I thought I was looking for something more vibrant, like the Carnival Red (I still like it a lot), or one of the Turquoise or Aquamarine type colors available in 95 & 96. But beggars can't be choosers, and of course good condition and low mileage trumped the color combination on most used car searches, this one included.

But I have to say this color really surprised me in person, and has really grown on me.

It is one of those colors where the right lighting really makes a big difference. It looks "good" just about all the time, but when clean and in bright Sunlight it really is good looking. It turns into more of a dark liquid silver with hints of blue and maybe even purple. The "Titanium" name is pretty appropriate.

And the gray interior goes with it very well. I think it is a pretty sharp color combination.

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Thanks Al,

When I saw how well your trunk lid is aligned, I had to go do my six. It was a PITA with trial and error on the hinge bolts and adjustment of the latch, but it's much better now. Thanks for giving me something to do. Like I have nothing to do.....

 

Al, just want to share with you the consequence of having to put a bib versus not to put anything there, the gasfiller tank is designed with an existing molded soft plastic with a drain strainer plug (usually debris would clog up that drain strainer) all that's needed is to pull that plug out, clean and replace, with a bib it will cause that area to flood in case of a down pour or car wash, causing the gas tank cap and its lips to rust/corrode will post some pictures soon

 

Hi, thanks for calling that out.

I had accounted for that issue, and this bib in no way blocks that drain.

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After reading these I decided to try a make one from an old inner tube I had and you can see the result. Just cut freehand in about 5 minutes and any thin rubber would do but, it works and is free!

 

Good job! That actually covers the entire area better than the one I bought

BTW, mine has worked out great, no issues with drainage and it has absolutely protected the paint around the filler. I'm really glad I found this cheap option.

The only minor caveat is that you do have to work a little harder to clean out debris that gets in the cavity as it can get under and behind the flap. But it just takes a little effort to do so.

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