I know many people here are way out of my league in terms of skill and knowledge, so I thought I'd check in with all of you before my 1990 XJS goes to get the new roof.

I found a great deal on the German roof online, and it just arrived today. I have an appointment next week with a recommended upholstery shop to have it installed, but since I'm quickly learning that Jags are sensitive souls, I thought I'd check to see if there are any tips or specific instructions I should give the shop? They did guide me to select the appropriate black with tan interior color roof, so I'm hoping they are well aware of what's needed, but it doesn't hurt to check with the experts here, I figure.

Thanks!

 

FYI - here's the roof I got: Jaguar XJS Convertible Soft Top 1989 1996 | eBay

 

I hope you will let us know if the e-bay top is of good quality.
RagJag

 

Car and roof are currently at Enterprise Upholstery...wish me luck. I'll let you know how it turns out & try to post a photo...hopefully next week.

 

Your new top is lacking a part that the oem Jaguar direct exact part would have and it makes a BIG difference with the new install. The very bottom at the rear of the top where it is fastened to the body by a cable there is a sewn in tubing (actual vinyl in the original). It acts as a border after completion. In the original jaguar top there is a metal rod at the 2 ends where the rear bottom of the top ends at the quarter window. There are plastic pieces that cover the ends that are screwed in with snaps for the top cover. These metal rods are approximately 6-8 in. long and span the last distance to the 2 ends and there is a good reason the original top has the metal rods. If they're not there the material will tend to pull up as it is stretched onto the top upon installation,and this does not look good on completion. I found this out by doing the job myself but, I didn't have the ability to sew in the metal rod. If you are taking your top to an UPHOLSTERER then they may be able to put your original rods (you must cut them out of the tubing) into your new top. If your upholsterer Knows about this and knows a way around it then good. In order for your new top to look right it must stretch slightly upon closing to look smooth and this area is pulled upon greatly thus why the jaguar people put the rods in, but the repros eliminated it. Maybe the pros have sorted this out but you should at least inquire about this aspect to make sure your top is PERFECT. Tryin to help BUD

 

Glazimir and Buddyluv,

Are OEM tops available? Do either of you know what they cost, if available? The e-bay top costs about $325, if I was looking at the right one.
RagJag

 

From what I've been told from the upholsterer OEM tops - ie from Jaguar - are not available for something as old as my Jag, but the ones online are acceptable options and work fine. There are actually only a few manufacturers of tops, although there are a ton of resellers, and about 3 fabric options - Haartz Stayfast (ok, not AS pretty but the least expensive and just as durable), a mid-range German fabric and then the top line German that is closest to OEM (that's the one I got on sale). The upholsterer I'm working with does a lot of very old classic car restoration and guided me on getting this, so I'm hoping they get this right.

They did mention needing to order something from Jag - they've done XJS tops before. I did ask for a beige interior at their direction to match, but when they looked at it they think the replacement may have some beige on the sides, but the small bit under the window may be black. It won't bother me, but could be something to be aware of if you're looking for a perfect original restoration and are ordering online el cheapo like I did.

We'll see how it turns out...thank you for the info!

 

You'll see what happens not having that rod in there. I suspect that your upholsterer can split the threads and insert it and sew it back up? It really needs it. Bud

 

I've copied your note and sent it to them...since I'm paying for the job, if it's not right, I won't accept it :-). Thanks!

 

By the way, are those 95 rims on your car? I put them on my 82. I think they're one of the best looking rims ever on the xjs!

 

Yes - the previous owner changed them out. My specialist mechanic heartily approved of the change. I actually like the original spoke rims also but they are apparently impossible to clean, have a strong tendency to rust and are so heavy that they put significant strain on the car and diminish performance. So I am the lucky recipient of a very smart swap!