I see threads on this subject come and go every so often. It seems like there is still no resolution.

My 96 XJS 4.0L still has the original driver side (Left) washer jet cover. This is a chromed PLASTIC piece. It is slightly less than 5" long and about 2 1/2" wide at the end closest to the car. It is exactly the depth of the chrome piece on the bumper (again, this is PLASTIC).

I had ben searching for the passenger side piece, and was directed to a supplier. (I am purposely not mentioning the name of the company. They are very reputable and this is a quality part) I contacted them and ordered what I believed to be the correct part (DAC 7928) back in September. On the advice of another owner, I decided to order the piece for the driver side (DAC 7927) because the parts (although supposedly OEM parts) were not an exact match to the original. I was also told there might be a long wait time for the parts, but they were available. I ordered both Left and Right covers. Last week, after many months of waiting, The supplier informed me that the Driver side (Left, DAC 7927) was no longer available as Jaguar was no longer manufacturing the part (Not all that strange as I had previously been informed by several people that both parts had been discontinued long ago).

I received the replacement for the Passenger (right) side (DAC 7928) yesterday. It is a chromed METAL part. I thought, "Great, this is better and will last longer than the plastic). however, it is about a full inch shorter than the plastic piece, meaning it does not extend all the way back to the chrome trim, and it is narrower, meaning the washer jet does not fit inside.

I am not really concerned about the jets functioning/ I keep it garaged and don't drive unless the weather is decent, so this is purely cosmetic. I have been searching for the part for over two years. It is odd, because when I started searching, I was able to located the Driver's side easily (the part I already had), but not the passenger side. Now I am told the Passenger side is available, but not the Driver side. I only saw one other post where someone mentioned the fact that the cover is plastic, not metal. (Is my "original" plastic part not so original after all?) I can't figure out how to remove it. There are three holes om the bottom, one large center hole and two smaller holes, one on either side. I did see someone mention there being three "alignment holes." I don't want to break it trying to pry it off. On the new part, there is only one hole rather than three. I have found what appear to be used Driver side parts, now upwards of $100. I am not sure whether they match the new part I ordered or what I believe to be the original part on the car. There is no mounting bracket on the passenger side, and I cannot tell what type of bracket is on the Driver side without removing (and probably damaging) the plastic part.

All that being said, I am hoping for some advice:
1. Was the original piece metal or plastic? The longer plastic part looks like a better fit.
2. Should I just remove the plastic piece, bite the bullet, and purchase a metal piece that matches the new part?
3. How are these attached / removed from the bumper? I was advised to just epoxy them, but I believe there is / was a mechanical fastener or clip.
4. Were the older XJS models equipped with the headlamp washers, and am I mixing and matching model years?

Everything else on the vehicle is original (except the radio), although by no means pristine. Do I go for original and keep searching or do I compromise and either cover up the holes or use the parts that are close, but not exact?

Photos attached of both covers with the passenger side sitting, but not affixed to the bumper

Original on Driver side - is the same depth as chrome. This is a plastic part

Original is about 5" deep

Original is about 2 1/2 wide at the base

Replacement is not the same depth as chrome. This is a metal part

Replacement Is only slightly more than 4" deep

Replacement is only about 2" wide at the base


Thoughts?

 

LOL you are not alone in the world! I too discovered this exact same issue. I ordered replacements from SNG and was surprised when they arrived that they were in fact metal, not plastic like what I had, and of course did not fit. For the life of me I could not figure out how they were supposed to attach, or if my 96 was somehow different or what exactly. The original plastic clips that went inside the cover did not fit in the new ones. These replacements cost me over $100 and were much nicer quality, but no way to attach them. And my plastic ones were shot, and there is no way to otherwise cover that gaping hole left behind. I wrongly assumed there would be a metal clip or something, but no it couldn't be that simple and is instead a whole different piece of chrome trim for cars without headlight washers.

So.. I decided to cut off the washer nozzles, plug em up, and tuck them inside the bumper. Then I bought some ClearWeld epoxy and carefully applied it just to the bottom lip of the cover. Be sure to exactly place it just perfect as you only get one chance to put it in place without making a mess. It's strong stuff and will quick set in a few minutes. Been on my car both sides now for over 6 months and still holding strong. You wouldn't want to knock it in any way and I even avoid washing it, but otherwise it won't come off.

Not perfect but good enough! I never needed headlight washers anyway and wish it never had them to start with. There are no other replacements that I could find and even these from SNG were backordered, and pricey.

 

The metal parts are for earlier cars, up to VIN 188104. The later facelift cars (roughly 1993 and onward) are originally plastic and are part number LHC7055AA for the left and LHC7054AA for the right. The washer jets underneath are different also between the early and late.

The plastic ones are screwed from underneath the chrome strip on the bumper.

 

I just found one available on eBay at a reasonable enough price. It does not look to be in great shape, but if it is indeed the right part I’ll make it as presentable as possible. Since this seems to be so hard to find I’ll look into the cost of 3D scanning and printing the part in a chrome finished plastic. In my search it seems that the left side covers have mostly survived, but the right sides have not - I wonder why?

 

I deleted mine and simply bought the, easily found, chrome bumper insert made for cars without the jet sprayers.

 

Where did you find the chrome bumper insert made for cars without the jet sprayers?

 

The one I found on eBay was found to be out-of-stock after I ordered it, but I found a guy on Facebook that 3D printed these for the 1993 and later. Perfect fit & finish. They were expensive, $200 roughly for the pair because he’s in Slovakia and the shipping was €40. If anyone else is interested I’ll see if he has any more and pass along his email address. He invested a lot of time & effort to get it right.

 

I have a feeling that SNG Barratt are now making them. I think I saw something about it in the latest JEC mag. PTJS1 will know!

 

Most likely eBay. I don't recall thinking they were that hard to find.

 

Yes, SNG Barratt have just started remanufacturing these in Chrome finish. DAC7927 & DAC7928. Check on their website.

Paul

 

Thanks Paul for the info.
I have those headlight washers on my 96' 4.0 As well as the plug-in engine heater. I think (?) both came with what they called the cold weather package option. But the headlamp washers may have also been a separate available option. Not sure. Somewhere I read that the late model 6.0 cars came with the headlamp washers as standard. But an option on the 4.0 models. At least on USA spec models. To my knowledge, there was no 6.0 variation offered in USA spec cars for 1996. Maybe someone can tell me where I'm right or wrong here ? LOL Thanks.

Rick

 

I want to delete my broken ones so will be needing a washerless blade

 

Hi ... do you think the Slovakian guy can still deliver the headlight washer cover??

 

I’ve searched and can’t find his contact info… sorry 😞