Hi guys! I'm based in NZ and working on an XK 2007 accident repair project. Vehicle has sadly had a front left impact just behind the tyre, therefore pushing in the reinforcement/apron panel in by a couple of inches. Upon stripping it down, it now appears that the left post (A pillar) has also shifted a few mms and hairline crack has developed.

Local repair certifiers have asked for repair procedure for the A pillar as i'm using an independent repairer, however, the repair manual doesnt seem to cover this.

Has anyone successfully carried out such a repair/replacement or can recommend repair procedure for A pillar/post.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Shane

 

I JUST literally carried out an apron repair myself on my XKR so let me know if you have any questions. I think the A-pillar requires a 'cut and weld' however. I'll have to check but I am almost certain the A-pillar was the ONE and only spot on the car that had a weld

 

Here is the repair procedure for the Outside A Pillar Panel.
I assume your tech has the Jaguar approved repair tools? They recommend either an ENS50 self piercing rivet gun (about $7500 USD) or the much cheaper Avdel Genesis nG4. If you need one of these tools, I have the Avdel Genesis nG4 rivet gun that I purchased to repair my car and am now willing to sell.

Good luck with the repairs

 

Also a weld on the rear quarter section of coupes, at the top of the c pillar.

Would love to see some photos of the repair being done.

 

Hi! Thanks for sending repair procedure and photos through - much appreciated and certainly saved me tonnes of headache. My A Pillar Post has a hairline crack and I'm making a case for weld repair which is common sense. My repair certifier is insisting on taking it to an authorised Jag repairer who in turn insists on using brand new parts only (pointless in repairing in that case). As for the rivet gun, how much are you looking at getting for it? My independent panel shop says they can source it locally but wouldnt mind knowing my 2nd option as a backup?

Post some pics soon!!

Thanks again to both of you, much love!

 

The exact location of the crack is critical, depending on where it is will determine how far the forces traveled.

In a perfect world you should replace everything that is damaged, however as this is not cost effective you could very well leave it be.

I agree with having the car sent to a certified jaguar repair shop to get the opinion of someone with a lot of experience working with aluminum cars. They may say it is safe to leave alone.

Again the exact location of the crack is what will decide that.

 

If you do decide to not do the repair and leave the cracked A-Pillar.
I would suggest at a minimum beveling out the crack using a power tool and then fill with a product like Alumiloy or better yet use a TIG welder. Sand flush and then re-prime & paint.

If you could post a photo that would be great.

 

+1 on welding if you're not replacing. A decent weld should be as strong, if not stronger, than the parts it's joining. And if, god forbid, you ever roll the thing, you want that pillar to be nice & strong!