Anyone know of a source for a fiberglass or carbon fiber cowl to cover the rear seat space on an XK convertible? I think the windscreen that Jaguar offers looks ridiculous but would like a way to close off that space, for aesthetics more than wind protection. If there's nothing out there I will be developing a prototype that would snap into the rear windscreen holes and seal behind the rear seat backs. Once the prototype is done I'll post pictures here along with a price to order.

 

As I recall, Bernie (forum name Sherbercars) has already done a beautiful custom rear seat delete with double headrest tonneau cover. Looks like it came from the factory. Try searching this forum to find his posts including photos of the work in progress. Reply from my smartphone so I'm unable to do the search and post the link.

 

Stuart S is correct. The prototype is now at Mina Gallery. If memory serves they are working on commercializing the the rear seat cover. Contact Kris at Mina for more information his phone number is (818) 342-0273.

 

Here are some photos of my rear seat design. I gave this to chris at mina for develepment ,I beleive he his working on it at this time ' I will give him a call and see how he is coming along, you can give him a call also. You could just install the cover without removing the seat but it sure helps with storage. the rear window is glass and sure works well'
Chris is making one for me in carbon / fiber mine is covered in leather. Bernie

 

Your design is really nice; I look forward to speaking with Mina about their plans for commercializing it, because I'd buy one. I'd also like to remove the rear seats as you've done, since I have neither small children nor legless friends. But my local upholstery shop told me if I removed the rear seats & seat belts lots of warning lights would come on, the restraints wouldn't work and I might not even be able to start the car. Is he right?

 

Hi,
Check with Adamesh. They carry a nice looking cover for the 1996 to 2006 XKs.

 

Spoke with Chris at Mina. He infoms me they are working on the cover at this time and should have a prototype finished in a matter of weeks. they have the New style c/fiber rear defuser finished now and should have the the front defuser finished in aprox two weeks.

Regarding the seats and seat belts , I removed the bottom seat belts compleatly , and left the top parts of the belts rolled up hidden behind the back panel. no problem with any lights , bells or whisels. Hope this helps if you have any more Q. I will try to help . Bernie

 

Hey Bernie,
I like your choice in finishing the back and floor areas. It reminds me of the floor area behind the seats of my '67 2+2. Is that custom built? If so, can you expand on it? Thanks.....

 

As I have posted above. I designed , built and installed it myself , and passed it on to Chris at Mina gallerys to develop and and make available to all Jaguar owners.

If there are any specific Q. please ask. Bernie.

 

Thanks Bernie. Looks like I missed that detail (finishing covers) in one of your post. Nice work!

 

Hey Bernie,
What's the status of this tonneau project?
I'm getting the winter blues and looking for a new spring look.
Thanks for your effort in this project.

 

Thanks for your interest, I just sent Chris another email but havent heard back , somtimes he do's seem to take awhile getting back , if I don't get a reply soon I will give him a call ,maybe he's away ?. It maybe would help if anyone that is interested would email him or give him a call. The more the merryer, A squeky wheel gets the most attention.
Chris at at Mina Gallery. info@minagallery.com 818 342 0273 Thanks Bernie

 

I called Chris at Mina a couple of times. He said they were making good progress now that they had a current XK to work with - they had fitted their prototype to the car and discovered it needed a couple more adjustments so they were working on the second iteration. Sounded like they were a couple weeks away, so I thought I'd leave him alone and let him work. Sure would be a nice Christmas present...

 

OK, that's good enough for me. I'll let 'em work and not be a pest. I'm chomp'n at the bit, as well.
Happy Trails me lads.....

 

Wanted to know more about this, is it in production and ready for sale, I would like one for my 2010 Xk

 

As it turned, looking back on this thread in 2014, Chris (Mina Galleries) didn't take the rear canopy/tonneau cover to market, as far as I know. I had maintained contact through out some period of time and nothing developed. At one point, I considered doing my own version, but, abandoned that for what I eventually named "Rear Seat Delete". Therefore, in the winter of 2016, I proceeded to remove the rear seat, and create a shelf with storage in the base.. This project is documented here.

 

In actuality, the rear seats are very thin and removing them doesn't so much provide 'more' room, but you could get a flatter surface by a delete kit.

 

I view it as better defined usable space. I picked up additional storage beneath the previous seats as there ia a "bunch" of wasted space under them. I have easier access to the fuse panel too. Most of all, it made for a better safer area for our two Yorkshire Terriers and their seat belts.
I was able to accomplish all of this without drilling any holes are mutilating any existing structures our upholstery. Easily reversible.