2008 XK - black. I'm looking into buying Chrome Fender Louvers. I've found there are two types offered.
1. Finishers - which attach over the existing louvers using auto tape.
2. Jaguar replacement parts that require removing the old louvers.

A very reputable parts seller now sells only the finishers because they say the removal of the old louvers is rather difficult... need to go behind the fender.. there are clips that sometimes break as well as the danger of breaking the old louvers. They say their overlays fit perfectly , use 3M tape and if removed will not damage the paint on the originals.

The finishers are $125, the Jag replacements are $195 (prices I've found) so while not a terrible difference.. if the cheaper ones are easier why not get them?
Anyone here have any history with either? Opinions?

 

There's another option - the fender louvers used only on the 2008 and 2009 XKR Portfolio models. They're illuminated, highly detailed polished cast aluminum with mesh screens, but they're much more expensive. You can't tell the difference unless you're less than a foot away.

If the tape-on overlay meets your needs, why pay more?

 

My suggestion is to keep the Jaguar original. Although the cost might be slightly higher ($70+ - ) I would go with the real louvers rather than an overlay.

I would think over a period of time, dirt and grime would find a way to work its way under the overlay. Using 3M tape to secure the overlay will cause a micro gap between the two louvers. Water and dirt will eventually seep into between the louvers.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I have had the 'tape' overlay louvers on my car for over 3 years now and I would have zero hesitation to place them on another Jaguar. The fit is perfect, and there has been zero issues with the finish on the product. richzak is correct in saying the there's a gap between the overlay and the original louver caused by the adhesive tape, however, due to the rounded edges of the louver it is near non-existent.

 

Do you have a link for the chrome overlays? I was considering doing this as well.

 

Mina Gallery has the overlays. You can get them cheaper by a few bucks on ebay but they come from Taiwan.

 

I have had the tape overlays from Adamesh for several years. Look great, no problems at all.

Just be careful with alignment, because once the tape grabs, it is not going to release.

 

Updated with pics:

 

Yes, I did buy from ebay vendor youstar_usa and have zero issue with fit and quality. My XK is a 2007.

 

Looks great!

 

Agreed! Hard to tell the difference from the Portfolio version at a substantial difference in cost.

P.S. Portfolio vent grille MSRP is $920.00 each! https://jaguarmerriamparts.com/parts...?siteid=215718 Must be platinum, not aluminum. Seriously, I think it's milled from a block of billet aluminum but I'm not positive. The "lesser" part must be stamped. Just one of those little details that justified the premium price for the Portfolio.

 

thanks everyone... adamesh is the cheapest I've found. And seeing someone has them already I think I'll buy there

 

I can vouch for the Mina Gallery overlays. They look fantastic and have had no issues in the two years they've been on.