The orange reflector and turn signal light are really starting to bug me. I did a photoshop just to see what the car would look like without the orange. I completely eliminated the reflector on the fender, and I made the turn signal white. I think it looks sooooo much better this way. I'm going to have to buy that LED turn signal kit I saw somewhere. But getting rid of the reflect won't be so easy. Maybe I'll buy one of those emblem things.

Here's the before and after for comparison.

 

can't delete it Sam, its a repeater!

you've got way too much time on your hands... go dig a hole (<- get it?)

 

A repeater? You mean it's a flasher? I thought it was just a reflector. Damn!

If I filled it in, I bet the car would still pass inspection because the guys at Jiffy Lube would never know it was supposed to be there.

 

I thought about removing the side markers when I had my front fascia patched up and repainted. However, I think a better idea would be to find some clear lens (w/orange bulbs), especially for light toned cars like white and silver. gordo

 

Sam I agree, it looks soo much more up to date.....It was one of the things I did with my X type to freshen up her appearance.
clear-reflector-lense-kit

If you do go for the kit though Sam, make sure you go the whole hog and buy chrome tipped amber flashing bulbs to avoid the fried egg look with the original amber bulbs

 

Where does one buy the chrome-tipped amber bulbs?

 

Never mind. I found some on eBay.

 

Have you considered a "Smoked" or darker lens? They stand out nicely from the Platinum paint job. Just a thought.
Brian

 

Yep, they're nice too Brian and as you say a nice contrast

 

Here it is on mine:



I don't mind the front and rear so much, but the amber in the middle just didn't set well with me.

 

Hi Lew,
My '00 had Red Leapers in the middle which I didn't mind (although I changed them anyway), but I don't care much for the bright orange reflectors. Just about any of the replacement options are an improvement in MHO.
Brian

 

I took the liberty of taking off your door molding and filling in the reflector thingy. I removed the front turn signal's lens and replaced it with a clear lense. I also lowered it about 2 inches. I think I lowered it too much, but this was a five-minute photoshop. Don't fault me for bad paint job. Doesn't it look so much better now?

 

I must be in the minority that actually likes the horizontal trim stripe. It works on these early cars to break up the space and give a sense of horizontality to the design. The later cars have a side skirt creating a hard line just below the door to accomplish the same thing. That, to me, is why the later cars look so right without the stripe and why the early cars just seem a little unfinished without it. Of course if you put side skirts on early cars then you might want a later front air dam as well, which transitions into the side skirts ahead of the tires.

That's my opinion, and I went to school for (Architectural) Design, so I'm an expert I don't know if its the angle, or the way the shadow falls, or what it is, but Sam's signature looks pretty good without them while the photoshop doesn't look right.


Getting back on subject. My 2000 XK8 has green leaper logos on it that look great. As Brian mentioned, the early XKRs had red leapers. Either one would look better than the amber reflectors do.

 

Nice Wax Job Keith!
Brian

PS Are you flying to West Palm, or driving? If you are driving, stop by here in Merritt Island and we'll have some Pizza!

 

I like the horizontal guard...............especially without the Orange Light.
Brian

 

Brian, I'm flying and thanks for the wax compliment. One of my friends coworkers told me the other day "Every time I drive by it seems like you are either washing or waxing your car" lol

 

They truly are beautiful cars, so it's a shame NOT to allow them to SHINE! Have fun on your trip. If you and your brother drive up this way, give me a shout.
Brian

 

I'm curious, since your leaper logo obviously isn't a repeater, does that orange lense in front actually become the signal?

On my 2003, I have the front reflector (pretty sure it doesn't light), then the blinker. See video.

 

Matt, there is no side repeater on mine; the front lens is just a marker light.

 

Hi Matt,
On my '00, the Side Leaper is just ornamental, although strangely enough, one side is pre-wired for a light fixture. As I understand it, the Side Leapers are required to be lit in the UK. The front Side Orange Lights and rear Side Red Lights are all Running Lights, no blinking/flashing. I didn't know that there was a difference among the various year models until recently.
Brian

PS My nephew is loving it at Texas Tech. He just completed his second semester with another 4.0 GPA. Shows you where the brains were allocated on this family tree!