79-81, 82-87 Door Differences
 

I'd like to replace the door panels on my '81 XJ6 with something in a bit better shape. I see numerous panels on ebay and other sites for sale. Following up on an ebay ad for door panels, I ended up talking to someone at Paul's Jaguars who informed me that I could not swap later Series III door panels into early Series III. Specifically, he said the changeover year was 81 which just happens to be my model year and that it is the design of the door itself that causes the issue. Having no other XJ cars available to me to look at can someone educate me on these differences that cause the incompatibility?

Paul's has some Knowledgeable folks (and if the person took about 3x as long as the average Joe to let you know this, but did so in a pleasant and informative way: his name was 'Jeremy').

That said: I'd double check with the folks at Muncie Imports (Jaguar Restoration & Parts, Bosch Service Center, Body Shop | Muncie Imports & Classics) and Welsh (If they carry interior parts -- I'm not 100 percent on that).

Early cars used a two piece trim panel; later cars a one piece panel.

I helped a pal put 1987 door panels on his 1980 car. No particular difficulties that I recall; it's doable. Maybe a couple small mods/adjustments needed? It was a long time ago so my memory is foggy but any problems that cropped up must've been easy to solve.

Cheers
DD

Thanks Calhale & Doug. I went ahead and bought a set of panels off an '86. I'll post my findings once they arrive.

J