1999 XK8 Coupe... modifying the rear lights.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 30
From: San Diego, CA
I know this thread is silent for quite a while, but I will give it a shot and perhaps someone could answer my question.
I truly love the aesthetics of 01-06 clear lens tail lights. With that being said I am curious whether it would not be possible just to separate the jewel lens and install them on the 97-99 base fixture? Far fetched I suppose
, but worth speculation...
I truly love the aesthetics of 01-06 clear lens tail lights. With that being said I am curious whether it would not be possible just to separate the jewel lens and install them on the 97-99 base fixture? Far fetched I suppose
, but worth speculation...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Island, FL
Hey Danny, Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question. I'm sure someone must have tried it though, so they will probably chime in. I went the LED Quad route from Adamesh, and have been thrilled with them.
Brian
Brian
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 372
From: South Carolina
I know this thread is silent for quite a while, but I will give it a shot and perhaps someone could answer my question.
I truly love the aesthetics of 01-06 clear lens tail lights. With that being said I am curious whether it would not be possible just to separate the jewel lens and install them on the 97-99 base fixture? Far fetched I suppose, but worth speculation...
I truly love the aesthetics of 01-06 clear lens tail lights. With that being said I am curious whether it would not be possible just to separate the jewel lens and install them on the 97-99 base fixture? Far fetched I suppose
, but worth speculation...I don't believe this is possible. Tony Murton (XKRacer on the forum) would be the source of your definitive answer to this question.
I did this upgrade last year and it made a profound impact on the visual appeal of the car. Highly recommended. The upgrade also solved the "rear bulb failure" messages I was getting, which were rooted in a commonly-known grounding problem with the original style lights. An added bonus for the change.
I've attached (below) a PDF instruction sheet from XKRacer on how to do the conversion. The cutting was a bit scary...my first attempt at such a thing...but in the end it all worked.
.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 30
From: San Diego, CA
Hi there!
I truly appreciate the feedback in regard to my question. The PDF file is a keeper!
I followed the contact to find Paragon Design UK website full of amazing (and pricey)
conversion options. They also offer the internal composite panels to properly fit in the updated rear jewel tail lights. Much easier project now...if I could find someone with cutting tool 
, hahah.
Anyway I thought I'd take a liberty and post couple pics of the actual aftermarket Paragon Design composite panels (priced within reason btw) below. Hope Paragon won't get mad for taking them from their copyright protected website
.
I truly appreciate the feedback in regard to my question. The PDF file is a keeper!
I followed the contact to find Paragon Design UK website full of amazing (and pricey)
conversion options. They also offer the internal composite panels to properly fit in the updated rear jewel tail lights. Much easier project now...if I could find someone with cutting tool , hahah.Anyway I thought I'd take a liberty and post couple pics of the actual aftermarket Paragon Design composite panels (priced within reason btw) below. Hope Paragon won't get mad for taking them from their copyright protected website
.
Last edited by dannyS; Jan 13, 2013 at 10:04 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 30
From: San Diego, CA
Aaaand they're in aaaaaaaaaAAAHAHAHAHAHAH...
Thank you all for help, and above all to Paragon Design UK - Jaguar XK8 XKR Modification along with XKRacer for allowing me to do this.
I may only add one thing, XKRacer. The rewiring Guidence was on my car inversed (Driver side in place of passenger and vice versa
). Also, I did not have an orange red wire as listed under passenger side (my driver side) instructions. The wire that accomplishes the same (side light) power is instead solid red 
. Best luck to all brave souls that are pondering this project. It's totally WORTH IT! 
Btw, all problems with bad ground or faulty light bulb messages are instantly the matter of past 
.
Before & After
(I really tried hard to pick similar angle pic with same (dawn) ambience to it):
...Thank you all for help, and above all to Paragon Design UK - Jaguar XK8 XKR Modification along with XKRacer for allowing me to do this.
I may only add one thing, XKRacer. The rewiring Guidence was on my car inversed (Driver side in place of passenger and vice versa
). Also, I did not have an orange red wire as listed under passenger side (my driver side) instructions. The wire that accomplishes the same (side light) power is instead solid red . Best luck to all brave souls that are pondering this project. It's totally WORTH IT! Btw, all problems with bad ground or faulty light bulb messages are instantly the matter of past .Before & After
(I really tried hard to pick similar angle pic with same (dawn) ambience to it):
I may only add one thing, XKRacer. The rewiring Guidence was on my car inversed (Driver side in place of passenger and vice versa ). Also, I did not have an orange red wire as listed under passenger side (my driver side) instructions. The wire that accomplishes the same (side light) power is instead solid red :
). Also, I did not have an orange red wire as listed under passenger side (my driver side) instructions. The wire that accomplishes the same (side light) power is instead solid red :There is a difference in the wiring on 2000 MY as that is when Jaguar were getting ready to bring out the facelift and maybe they ran out of looms for the earlier cars and instead of getting more made fitted 2001 looms instead..... Just my assumption
But we'll done.... Looks good.... Always say this is one of the best body mods to do
Last edited by XKRacer; Feb 24, 2013 at 06:32 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 30
From: San Diego, CA
@XKRacer OmG, what a dense american have I become 
...
I had to ponder your response for a second to actually realize the car design on the Royal side of the pond
. Thanks for the reality check, mate.
@Frog now that I've learned about the existence of dual intensity LEDs from your recent thread
, I will most likely go the LED route . Until then I am going to keep my indicators mostly OFF with others guessing which way I'll go , hahahah.
Tnx for great suggestion, Frog.
OmG, what a dense american have I become ...I had to ponder your response for a second to actually realize the car design on the Royal side of the pond
. Thanks for the reality check, mate.@Frog now that I've learned about the existence of dual intensity LEDs from your recent thread
, I will most likely go the LED route . Until then I am going to keep my indicators mostly OFF with others guessing which way I'll go , hahahah. Tnx for great suggestion, Frog
.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 328
Likes: 86
From: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Looking for an active thread or similar thread
Hi guys,
I have not done this conversion myself, and am certainly no expert, but here is a thread between two fellows that have actually done it on their own cars back in '04.
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jag...5763593-2.html
One of them said: I've fitted them on to a 99 XKR and they do look great, especially with the chrome plinth and the new style badges. HOWEVER it is a BIG job to do it. The new lights are deeper than the old style and so you need to cut the bodywork to make them fit, you also need to rewire the connectors as they are setup differently.
If you are thinking of doing it make sure you get a body shop to do it.
I seem to remember the price was around £150 for both lights.
Here is a series of pictures that detail it from beginning to end.
http://www.roadfly.com/jaguar/galler...th=31670,1;0,1;
I have certainly been wrong before, (and will be again) but it seems that the new light fixture is deeper, and that is where the modification comes in.
I know that it is a totally subjective decision, but I like the "Quad" look of four round tail lights..........very sporty. Of course, with a car this inherently gorgeous.........you really can't go wrong!
Good luck.
Brian
I have not done this conversion myself, and am certainly no expert, but here is a thread between two fellows that have actually done it on their own cars back in '04.
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jag...5763593-2.html
One of them said: I've fitted them on to a 99 XKR and they do look great, especially with the chrome plinth and the new style badges. HOWEVER it is a BIG job to do it. The new lights are deeper than the old style and so you need to cut the bodywork to make them fit, you also need to rewire the connectors as they are setup differently.
If you are thinking of doing it make sure you get a body shop to do it.
I seem to remember the price was around £150 for both lights.
Here is a series of pictures that detail it from beginning to end.
http://www.roadfly.com/jaguar/galler...th=31670,1;0,1;
I have certainly been wrong before, (and will be again
) but it seems that the new light fixture is deeper, and that is where the modification comes in.I know that it is a totally subjective decision, but I like the "Quad" look of four round tail lights..........very sporty. Of course, with a car this inherently gorgeous.........you really can't go wrong!
Good luck.
Brian
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
99xk8guy
XK8 / XKR ( X100 )
12
Sep 29, 2025 10:51 PM
OkieTim
S-Type / S type R Supercharged V8 ( X200 )
3
Sep 8, 2015 04:48 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)