What do you think?

Before, factory original:


After, modified:


Which do you prefer?

Stuart

 

Stuart:

Did you replace the entire gear shift knob or simply remove the rubberized top from the old and replace it with the new without having to unscrew the old gearshift knob?

If you removed the old shifter entirely, did you find it hard to turn off?

I have replaced mine, (the same type as your old one pictured in the top photo) with a new Jaguar Growler "Unique" knob from the 2009 Jaguar XK accessories catalog, but it was bear to get off.

I do like your new over the old, as the Jaguar logo looks AWESOME.

 

Looks like you simply added a sticker to it....looks tacky...sine you asked. (sorry)

 

Would have to agree with you on that one.

 

Always good to know we can get honest feedback here! lol. I immediately prefer the new one. Good job! To each his own, of course, but I'm a fan.

 

I was wondering the same thing, about the Jaguar Logo being an adhesive sticker.

The "Unique" gear shift knob shown in the 2009 XK accessory brochure (page 15) comes with an adhesive Jaguar logo that simply adheres to the new all aluminum shifter on the top, so I suspect that Stuart may have just added the sticker as the gear shift knob is real work to get off. I mean difficult as Jaguar seals the threads using a red Locktite type thread lock compound. The only way to get it off is apply lots of heat to soften up the compound so it may be removed, using pliers or a pipe wench, it's that difficult.

Perhaps he will inform us all, but think poster Donzi is on to something here. As mentioned in my post above this shifter has a removal rubberized top and back panel and perhaps only that was replaced.

Otherwise, I don't believe that Jaguar produced a shifter knob that looks like, what Stuart has.

However, it is an innovative idea, and I do like the look. He has my seal of "approval".

 

To each his own!

 

When I posted this, I knew that some of you would like it and some of you wouldn't - just like any other customizing. I also thought that those of you who do like it would welcome an inexpensive and easier-to-install alternative to Richzak's new shifter (which l like).

If my Growler emblem looks like a cheap sticker, the fault lies with my old cellphone camera. It's not a sticker; it's a metal emblem. But Donzi is right - it does stick-on and it was cheap! My photo doesn't show the high quality and sharp detail of the metal and enamel work and slightly domed clear top. It is much nicer than I expected, particularly for the price.

I was browsing around eBay and found it for only $3.75 delivered! Here's the link:Jaguar Round 1" Green " Coventry " Growler Emblem Real Metal with Gloss Finish | eBay

It is available in 2 designs and 3 colors, green, red, and burgundy. Go to the seller's store and search for Jaguar items.

My shifter is nice, but plain. I always liked the V12 emblem on my old 600SL shifter, so when I saw this little inexpensive emblem on eBay I thought it might improve the look of my Jag's shifter. I would have preferred a small "R" logo emblem, but for the price I thought I'd give it a try. If I get tired of it, it's easy to remove without damaging the leather shifter since I stuck it on with removable adhesive putty.

My Portfolio has retro design Jaguar logo hubcaps, and I thought the old-style Growler emblem would continue that old/new theme.

Stuart

 

You could look for a gear lever knob from an '07 XKR. It looks like they were fitted to the last of the X100 XKR's as well.

 

Stuart S:

If you can use the leather top and back from the gear shift knob that I replaced you are more than welcome to have them as spares (no cost). Send me a PM and we can proceed from there.

 

The added emblem adds some age to the shifter and looks less contemproary.

Either OEM or replace it with the R specific shifter knob - i quite like it in the picture.