I have a 2003 XJR and would like to remove the leaper and either fill the holes or replace it with a growler. Has anyone done this? I know that the euro versions of the XJR had no leaper and had black rather than chrome trim. I think that makes the car look even better and am considering starting with the hood. Any thoughts / help would be appreciated.

 

It's easy to do if the spot you have picked for the growler is the same as the hole for the leaper.

Just remember to remove the leaper and base properly by releasing from the underside. It's pretty obvious how to do it once you look.

The paint may need a bit of cleanup to remove any accumulated dirt underneath the base before mounting the growler.

You might try removing it, and driving it with the hole taped over with masking tape for a while. You will be surprised at how useful a hood ornament is in lining up the car on the road.

Calling dibs on the leaper!

 

thanks - that is helpful. I figured the mechanics of the process would be easy, the question I guess I have is does the growlers fit the hole for the leaper and does it cover up the guide hole as well? I really don't want to have to do any paint work if possible as the car is in amazing condition (2003 quartz with mint paint and only 68K miles).

 

It's possible to repair the left over holes with loads of patience.

Have you ever built your own models as a nipper? We had 'airfix' kits, made Spitfires, messerschmitts, Lockheed Lightnings then lined them up and shot them to bits with an old Webley air rifle in the back garden, oh to be a kid again.... If you can paint an 'airfix' kit, this is easy

Use a good quality auto body filler to fill the holes using just enough to flush it with the paint and fine grade 1200 or 1500 wet and dry paper then light coats of body colour from Jaguar in one of those touch up pens.

Paint a very fine tip artist's paintbrush with the pen and build up the colour with light coats, maybe flatting between coats then a single light coat of clear to seal it.

Any good quality paint shop can do this fine detail work, it's a couple of hours on a stool with a steady hand.

I'd avoid a growler. You're only looking to rectify a couple of 3mm dots on the bonnet. I think the clean look is best, the leaper is illegal here in the UK and looks out of place on anything other than 1960's and older Jaguar. Leapers are only good as paperweights if not fitted to the early Jags

On dechroming the window trim see XJRprotoype's thread here...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e5/#post586049

Or I can send you a bonnet from here in England, shipping would be a wee bit prohibitive...

 

Can you send me a non-sunroof headliner? I'm thinking about deleting my sunroof in the future. Wonder how much shipping would be?

 

Guess it depends on what you're used to. Every X308/X300 in the North American market has one fitted, so it's what North Americans see as normal. Despite the generally clean lines of the series, it adds that anachronistic touch that separates them from the big sterile Merc's.

 

thanks all - I will likely start with the hood and consider the chrome later. Anyone have pics of a euro converted hood?