I didn't notice this until the other day. The exterior door trim on the passenger side is shorter than the other side. It looks as if it was replaced with a normal XJ8 part and not a L or VDP. Can't be right?

 

Trim on my 02 XJ8 VDP is the same on both sides.

 

not perceptibly... If it is it is a difference of millimeters

 

This trim part is about 5 inches too short. Looks to me like someone stuck on the wrong part.

 

On mine are equal. Maybe the previous owner had a fender bender and they screwed up the repair using a trim from the regular XJ8. Just a thought...

 

5" is exactly the difference in size of the long wheel base, so you solved the mystery.

Lol, how did you not notice a 5" gap right away?!

 

I was more concerned with other aspects of the car when buying it so it took me about a week to spot this.

 

Those are pretty easy to take off. With the door open use a wedge shaped tool that wont scratch the paint (not a screwdriver) and wedge it between the top of the door skin and the trim piece. Gently pry the trim piece upward until you can get your fingers under it and pull it up the rest of the way.

Installing the new one is easiest if you start with the trim tipped down at the front and locate it using the glass and forward edge of the door as a reference. Push the front end down to seat the clip and then tip the rear edge down and seat the clips as you go.

If you buy a used part make sure to ask if there is evidence of corrosion on the back side of the weatherstrip. They are prone to having that issue and if you get a rotten one to start with you'll be buying another one soon.

If you buy a new one let us know what it costs. I know mine will need replacing in a year or so.

Ken

 

I'll do something about one day. Right now I need to deal with J Gate problems.