The rock guard (is that what it's called?) on my 1995 XJ6 became torn up enough that I have pulled it off completely.

Of course, right after that, my A/C condenser went out, and my repair shop says it looks like it was hit by a rock!

Question: Does this sound like a coincidence? Would I be foolish to get the A/C condenser replaced without replacing the rock guard first?

 

The "rock guard" that you refer to is called the "splash shield" and very few x300's have them intact. I don't know how effective they are, especially in their current construction and maybe in your case it was just a coincidence. Mine is missing and it's on my "to do" list, but I intend making something up in aluminium. Light weight, but a lot more durable than the plastic original.

 

The splash shield is integral to the cooling design as well as aerodynamics and component
protection.

 

Can someone post a photo and or parts diagram of the piece you are referring to?

 

Item #11 in this drawing, I think

Bumper-Front-Energy Absorbing - Parts For XJ Series from (V)720125 to (V)812255 (X300) | Jaguar Classic Parts UK

Cheers
DD

 

Coventry West in Georgia, US sells an "aftermarket undertray" for $99. Of course then you have to buy the screws since those on your tray, once removed, don't seem to fit or hold anymore.

Mine's in bad shape so it's on the list of projects.

 

over here in the UK I guess they'd be called "splash guards" and would be the underside engine bay plastic cover.

I believe they do help with aerodynamics as well as offering some component protection and helping to keep the engine bay clean.

They can be a pain to remove for oil changes and there's many lying by the side of the road from many different vehicles.

Some replace them and some don't, I guess like most things its an individual choice.

Me personally?

It was on the car from new and I want mine there.

 

I just replaced mine just before winter and it's already shot. What a waste of time and money. An aluminum replacement is the answer. As these plastic things can't encounter a rodent without busting into a million pieces. Actually, I think the tire guard rail in the auto wash rips it up also.


Can some enterprising individual with a CNC table, cut out replacements easily?

 

Lots of interesting, informative answers! Thanks, all.

 

I thought of molding one in fiberglass since the mid-section of mine is missing. But, the plastic ones are cheap enough that there's not much to be made marketing fiberglass versions.

Rock Auto has them for $60 - More Information for ÜRO PARTS BEC19939

 

That's the same illustration that I picked up from a parts catalogue/website. I have quite a bit of experience using fibreglass and it would be very do-able. Some extra integral strength could be added with the inclusion of ribs, running crossways, between layers of fibreglass. Woven fibreglass fabric would be the way to go, as opposed to chopped mat. So, now I have two replacement options. Thanks, never thought of fibreglass!

I think a simple card template would do to start and then some fettling would finish it off.

 

Heh heh, just a couple months ago I found out that X300 are not a suitable substitute for a snow plaw and I found my undertray/whatever you wanna call it layin' in my driveway! I was able to patch it together....a bit crudely. I really should just get a new one.

The push-in fasteners are a bit of a bitch to contend with. I replaced 'em with J-nuts and sheet metal screws.

If I had my coice of materials or construction, though, I'd want something more flexible, not more rigid...perhaps some sort of rubbery-ish or vinyl material? Something that flexes rather than splits.

<shrug>

Cheers
DD

 

I LOVE Rock Auto...an X300 splash guard for $60! (google rock auto discount code and you'll always save %5 on your total order, put it in the box 'where you heard about us') I "chringe" every time I hear someone mention an "auto wash" and a Jaguar (or any poor car for that matter) they will destroy far more then your splash guard my friend, far more via brushes, harsh chemicals, old grit from others ahead of you. Just say NO to auto washes!

 

Take a good close look at your upper and lower iso-mounts on the condenser. They have a tendency to disappear and then the condenser beats itself to death on structure.

 

I generally use a couple layers of csm, then a layer of 1708 stitchmat in the parts I make. I'd add a little black dye and probably not even bother with gel coat.

I'd make this in 3 pieces that rivet together for two reasons; reduce shipping costs, and easy to replace just the damaged part in the future.

 

FYI, these "under tray" are currently on Amazon for about $24, plus shipping brings them about $60 total.



.

 

Mine didn't have one when I bought it, and I've plowed (gently) into the occasional snowbank with the front end and nothing untoward has occurred yet.

I had my XJR up to 230 kph and it drove like it was on rails, so nothing major regarding aerodynamics at that speed. There was lots of wind noise though, and it was rather slow accelerating past 180 kph but it kept climbing. I ran out of road before it stopped accelerating so I think it could have gone up to 240 kph.

Anyway, I have no plans on replacing my undertray.

 

I just purchased another splash guard. This time I will reinforce it with steel and pop rivets. And as far as using the car wash...this is Michigan not Florida. How would you wash a salt in cased Jaguar at 10 degrees F.?