I'm ordering new upholstery for my '86 XJ6 from a supplier that a friend used for one of his cars. Their work is very good and I like the material even though it's obviously not the same as the originals, which is definitely not a problem for me. But they list the series 3 seats as 1980 through 1985, so not 1986.

Then they list 1986 through 1994 as "XJ6-XJ40", which obviously isn't the same seats as my car. So my plan is to order 1985 upholstery, not 1986 since they obviously aren't familiar with the model changeover. My assumption is there is no difference between 1985 and 1986 front or back seats. As long as that's confirmed here, I'm ready to order.

 

Hi Emil,
Looks like the real experts are not here yet, so I'll pitch in. As far as I understand it, all of the US market Series 3 seats should be the same except for the Vanden Plas models which are a completely different design. The 1986-1987 did use chrome front seat adjuster bars, wood ski slope panel, different door cards and maybe added rear head rests ( can't remember those details, experts help ! ) but I believe the seat covers were the same.

Hope this helps,
Brian

 

Thanks, I believe you're correct, just being overly caution before ordering. If others know otherwise, please let me know!

 

are you ordering from www.LSeats.com ?

they do show the Series 3 front & rear up to 1987.
In the UK, the XJ40 was available from 1986.

In the US, the XJ40 was available from 1988,
In the US, the Series 3 XJ-6 was available until 1987.
in Canada, the Series 3 XJ body was continued until 1992 but only with a 12 cylinder engine.

I would be weary of ordering from a business that does not know the correct years for your model car.

Make sure you can return the covers if they are not correct.

 

I used LSeat for my 95 LWB range rover and they did not have the pattern, or didn't know which other years/models it would fit. they worked with me well through email and suggested I send one of my covers to them so they could be sure. I did that; also asking them to match the color as close as possible. they made up two perfect covers and gave me a good discount for my trouble. I'm probably going to use them again for my Jag. Pictures available

good luck geneo

 

Yes, I'm planning on ordering from Lseat. Reviews about quality, etc all show very high praise, but some have had problems with customer service. But paying with my PayPal card offers buyer protection for anything not delivered, damaged, or incorrect item sent so although that would be a hassle, at least I'd be covered. The leather sample sent is really nice and their navy blue is pretty close to the stock Isis blue interior, although it's not a perfect match.

So is the consensus that 1985 and 1986 seats are the same?

 

83,84,85,86, and 87 XJ seat covers are the same. But if the XJ is a Vanden Plas or Sovereign model, they are different patterns.

Let's see if Gregory shows up.

I wrote to LSeats asking if they had the Biscuit color, never got a reply. But the same thing happens with BAS Ltd. and OSJI. They don't reply, So, no reply, no business.

Also check with World Upholstery in California. They always reply and send samples.

 

FWIW, I agree with the others. What you are wanting to do should work out fine.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Jose and Doug.

It's not a Vanden Plas or Sovereign so what they're offering should be fine. They've been responsive and helpful through email, getting back to me quickly. They don't answer their phone and voicmail messages go unanswered and that's one of the complaints some have had about the company. But as long as they continue answering emails, I'm fine with that.

 

emil, where are you going to get bottom seat foam?
ok all, where is the best place to get bottom seat foam. I hear you should never replace the seat covers without new bottom foam.
geneo

 

I've never reupholstered a Jag before but I've done other cars and I don't see how this will be any different. Although I haven't yet removed the original covers, I'm confident the foam underneath will be fine. The current upholstery isn't torn, sagged, or misshapen. In fact, the shape of the seats are perfect. But the leather has shrunk from age and is starting to rip the seams and pull the threads apart. Many, if not most, people wouldn't even be replacing them until they got worse than mine are. They're probably even repairable, but once off I'd rather have new since I don't care about originality for this car. I will keep the originals, properly stored.

With my MGB, the foam was obviously bad even before removing the covers. So I replaced the foam. Same with the seatback of my 356 although the bottoms were simply a little compressed (originals are horsehair and I just added a couple layers of foam on top of them in a couple spots to even everything out, maybe half an inch). I don't see this as an issue with the Jag.

If once removed it turns out I'm wrong, I will of course address it appropriately.

 

World Upholstery has the foams.

 

Jose:

Weary or wary? Just kidding, I mess up words with the best of them!!!

Carl

 

Carl

potato or potatoe ?

ask Dan Quayle.

 

Gregory here...and yes, all the 1979 to 1987 Series III XJ6 seats have the same pattern and size (note: as has been stated, the Sovereign and Vanden Plas seats are different).

 

Thanks for the additional confirmation, Gregory. Much appreciated!