I have been contemplating fitting a body kit to my VDP for the last 2 years.
Main reason; to cover the rather “unfinished” underbody between the wheels, where I hated to see the weld-flange and jacking points in full sight.
Further, to give a bit of individual feeling to the car, and add some “weight” below the waste-line.

However, the supply of kits is rather limited, and not everyone was to my tasting (here it becomes individual).
As far as I could find, there are actually only the Arden kits (1/2 type), and 5 versions (1/2 and full) from Japan.
Some are out of production, reducing the choices even further.

I decided that I wanted to maintain the flowing lines of the original X308, bit following the exterior of the Chasseur XJ40’s.
That ruled out the full sets from Japan, as they are simply too bulky.



Long story short, decided for Glanz kit, still newly available in Japan for the LWB cars.
Problem was, the manufacturer, nor its dealers were /are willing to accept export orders.
I met this before, and ordered through a friend or through a proxy; not the easiest but it can be done..
Even managed half way the process to have them painting the kit in the correct color.

The kit arrived in 2 separate large boxes, moderately but not overly packed, but without damage.
It comes in 6 pieces (front, 2x side, 3x rear), plus some mounting stuff, instructions (in Japanese), a free calendar and a roll of chrome stripping.

Installation itself is pretty straight forward, with only the rear sides requiring a bit more attention to have them lined up well in all directions.
Some parts are prepared for, and installed by using double sided tape (not included), all are secured by 1 or 2 self taping screws at each end.
After installing, the rear wheels need to come off to install those screws in the wheel well.

I should say the result is great.
The front spoiler looks like it was a factory fit (beware, the spoiler lips under it were not included).
The side skirts cover the flange and the jacking points, just as intended (and as Jaguar should have done initially ).
The rear bumper now flows from a much lower point behind the rear wheels, but keeps it gracious lines.

The negatives:
Not really, although it remains an add-on, meaning you can see where the kit adds to the original bumpers.
However, one of the reasons why I choose the GLANZ kit is that those are rather low positioned, and not really visible.
They probably stand out a bit more on a lighter colored car.
The jack does not fit any more, and there is no provision in the kit for it.
I am modifying the jack right now for a safe operation in a slightly other way.

Finally, I already got 2 reactions on the kit and the supplier, I will handle those by PM’s.
However, if there should be sufficient interest, I might be willing (but no promise yet) to help purchase direct in Japan.
Let see.

Eric

 

Hey Eric, did you toss aside the chrome stripping? As said in the other thread...very nice sir, very nice...it looks like you dropped her an inch. For the jack points, I personally would just go with a flat black arrow that somewhat masks it in the paint, but is showing where it is. I use a low profile dual pump jack anyways, I've never used the factory one.
You say you got them to paint it to your body color, how much ($$) convincing did that take? My issue with mine is its the special HGG (blue pearl underlay, emerald jade overlay), would they be able to accommodate that possibly?
Lastly, you say you used double sided tape....is there enough room if I were to also use panel J clips (the sprung threaded steel type like on door panels)? Its not that I don't trust the tape, but lets say I prefer a more secure set of mounting points.

 

Wow, those are a lot of questions , let me answer them one by one:

Chrome strips:
There is a recess in the side skirts, but nothing in the front or rear.
my VDP already has the chrome from the bumpers extended over the doors, which I think is enough.
However, if I should install an other line of chrome, I want it to be parallel, which does not coincide with anything on the front or rear.
Need a sunny day to watch and think a bit more, but probably leave it as it is.

Lowered:
Nop, still on her original springs, but probably sagged quite a bit in her 18 years...

Jack points:
There is ~2" between the skirt and the jack point, not enough to slide the jack in.
I cut a fair piece of the jack's upper arm (the part which actually slides inside the car point), but will need to weld a support to prevent the jack able to come out. Not a biggy, and will be totally safe afterwards.

Paint:
I paid ~700 usd extra, which is probably double than what it should have costed me here in Taiwan.
However, I am in the middle of moving, with many other things happening, so coughed up the extra cash.
All I did was sending them the Jaguar color code (HGL), and it just worked out perfect. Of course I had my worries, but it is spot on.
I am not sure they can do HGG, but considering the workmanship in Japan, they probably can.

Double sided tape:
I had the same worries as you, and had all kind of ideas prepared for the installation.
However, this kit is rather thick, strong and sturdy, made from hand lay-up GRP, not the flimsy ABS you sometimes see.
There is a very nice and rather wide gutter for the tape where applied.
Take the side skirts, they are bolted front and rear, and just those 4 bolts are holding the skirt so tight that basically you will not even need the tape.
I can guarantee you that once you see it, you will agree.
No worries needed there.

 

Looks awesome, but the roads here are already murderous on my front end tray so a kit like this would last me maybe 2 trips lol.

 

Very nice, but you've heard me say that already

A bottle jack is sufficient to raise the car as long
as you position it carefully on the bottom of the
jack point. A modification to the top of the jack
with a welded "U" shaped channel might be
advisable. You may also wish to weld a larger
bottom plate to the jack.

Due to the position to the side, this is *only*
for changing tires. Never for getting underneath.
The car wants to tip the jack over.

 

Eric, I just realized you don't have the stainless mesh grill, is that stock or custom?

 

I had to google "bottle jack" .
I think I will stay with the OEM as it fits nicely under the spare in its tray, and after modifying it will be working fine again.

NA engine remember? They came without mesh.
I still have some mesh laying around, and might give it a try.
I always liked this one more than the OEM, and might try to duplicate it:

 

If you buy a body color grille surround, Mina has the mesh inserts.

Or, just buy a complete XJR grill and mesh inserts on epay. Better quality.

 

NA engine remember? They came without mesh.
I still have some mesh laying around, and might give it a try.
I always liked this one more than the OEM, and might try to duplicate it:

Dang, we talked about a lot, I just don't recall....oh well, either way I like that grill better than the mesh. But then again I see the mesh all the time with mine. I think your grill looks even better with that kit. With more dark body on her now, that bright grill just stands out so nice.

 

I am normally not a fan of chrome, but I think on the Jag it looks fabulous.
Probably, as Highhorse mentioned, because of the body color.

I don't want to change for a body color grill surround, and that might limit my options.
I tried 2 alternatives already; gun metal black inserts (for more contrast), but it looked crap, and a set of Mina mesh inserts for a X300, which I made to fit. I did not like the mesh inserts either, the mesh is too fine and it misses contrast with the chrome surround.

That's why I am contemplating the larger mesh.
In the meantime I appreciate the OEM grille much more .

 

 

Looking at the pictures, looks (at least to me) it belongs
great and not over done. Looks like

 

Looks awesome ;-)

 

Curious, what wheels are those, and what exhaust tips do you have?

 

Wheels are "Double Fives", Optional on the ~2001 XKR's.
They come staggered, 8Jx18 in the front, 9Jx18 in the rear.
Tires are F245/45 and R275/40.

The tips are from Resistanz, sold in the UK, beautifully made and perfect service (they sent me a replacement for a slightly damaged one half way the world, free of charge).
Personally I think their diameter is a tat to large under a standard bumper, although they fit perfectly with the body kit.

 

Looks good!