Tried to search for this but couldn't find anoint.

Just bought a 2009 XK. There's a slight aesthetic issue that's bugging me: the chrome "border" around the gear shift has started to flake off. One of those things probably only I notice, but it's driving me a little nuts! Anyone know if it's possible to fix this yourself?

 

I think you could use touchup paint, but they don't sell this piece separately, at least when I had this happen to me on my X350. If you don't want to use touchup paint, the only other option is replacing the entire shifter assembly, IIRC.

 

Is this actually paint? It looks more like a film or tape of some sort. What sort of touch up paint would you recommend?

 

On my X350, it wasn't paint--it was some sort of chromed plastic finish. I wish I had more details!

Your guess is as good as mine on the touchup paint. I think chrome touchup paint would at least minimize the appearance.

 

On my 08 XK the paint flaked off multiple times. The dealership replaced at least two maybe three of the surrounds for this problem under warranty.

 

How about something like this cut to fit?
Trim Gard Chrome Door Edge Guard "L" Style Edge Molding

Vince

 

Any idea if they had to replace just the chrome piece or if they had to replace the whole shifter assembly?

 

They actually replaced the whole surround. It is described as a Hand selector lever assembly. It is a known problem and may well be covered under a factory extended warranty/replacement program. If it were me, I would take the car into the nearest Jaguar dealer. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck

 

I had the same issue with my 2007 XK and had the dealer replace under warranty. The replacement has not flaked. It's very cheaply designed :-(

 

If its out of warranty have you considered taking it off and getting it chromed at a professional chrome-plating place? I think some can do plastic.
I have a 2008 portfolio ed. XKR. I think my surround must be polished aluminum rather than painted/chromed plastic. It looks very nice. Maybe you could get the same part as mine?.

 

BiggySmall,

I need to fix the same issue in my 2009 XKR (being delivered this week). I'm going to try to take it to the dealer, as it's still under CPO warranty. How did you finally address this?

 

FYI this is not just limited to the XK. My X350 XJ had the same problem.

 

Hello BiggySmalls, did you ever figure out how to replace this chipped away foil? on the gear shift? Thank you

 

Did you ever find a way to fix this?

 

I have the same issue on my 2009 Jag XKR Portfolio. The chrome surround around the gear shift lever is lifting off and when touched it is quite sharp.

Has anyone found a solution to this problem of the chrome surround around the J Gate lifting off?

Is it possible that Jaguar sells the chrome film rpelacement that just might have an adhesive backing, then simply apply?

 

For those who might be interested - the material is what is called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). It's applied to plastic parts (and some "chrome" wheels) under a vacuum by sputtering (heating material in a crucible then vapor deposits on plastic parts). There are a number of small shops who can re-plate with chrome (or tinted chrome, black, red, etc) if you G**gle pvd plastic coating.. the reason the Jag version flakes is the OEM who made it did not do surface prep right on base plastic part (like any coating, surface prep is key) many use a two or three step process just like real chrome (nickel/copper/chrome).

 

ctsemicon is correct, this version does have a metal base which is why it is so sharp, on the Super V8 I cut my finger on it. The solution was to buy a "new" one on eBay, there is no easy repair. The closest thing I could think of but would probably look hideous is that aluminum foil tape used in the HVAC industry.

 

Richard,

You might want to see if it can be hydrocoated, like you had done with your engine cover, but use a chrome look instead of carbon fiber.

My surround is still ok.

Stuart

 

On my car the chrome that I am discussing is the thin strip surrounding the J Gate. While it has not come off, it is starting to lift every so slightly. The shifter when moved from P to D travels against the chrome edge the inside edges of the chrome have began to become very sharp. I had thought about replacing the chrome edge, but it was difficult for me to find any type of replacement. I am not sure how to pull off the panel, but the Hydrographic Coating is a viable alternative. It is such a small area surrounding the J Gate. While it is not an immediate concern, this post has me now searching for an alternative of some type to prevent the chrome from lifting off entirely.

 

Unfortunately, I don't think there is any stopping it. Mine wasn't too bad a year and a half ago. Now it is completely coming off!

Honestly, though, this is small apples compared to the problems some of the German cars have...