I know this sounds really picky but does anyone find the long antenna to be annoying or unsightly on the 2003 XK8 ? I am getting XM radio but still you have to turn the radio on.

 

Cosmo, you can unplug the antenna at the back. Just be careful as they sometimes are very brittle and you might want to plug it back in at some point.
You didn't say if yours is a convertible, there are a lot of wires behind that panel and some go to the top pump, they are ready fragile, not a place for the ham fisted.


Wayne

 

Do this mod: Disconnecting the power antenna (adding a switch for the antenna) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Will that cut off radio reception? I normally just have XM radio. It would be great if I didn't it. Yes, I do have convertible. I have a lot of maintenance ahead of me this coming month. The car is being delivered on Saturday from out of state. I am hoping for the best. What a wonderful forum. Its a real comfort. I feel I am not alone in the days that lay ahead

 

If you do the mod with a switch you have the option to raise the antenna only the the rare occasions you need it for reception.

 

I bought my 03 XK8 9 months ago sight unseen, shipped it from CA to Hawaii, and without this forum I would never have been able to make my Jag all I wanted it to be, you will find the XK8 a wonderful machine that at first may fluster you but hang in there ask for advise and before long you will have the Jag of your dreams and loving it more every day.

I know about three months in I thought about throwing in the towel and selling it, I'm so happy I didn't. Now that all the little nit picky stuff is repaired I would not trade it for any thing, well maybe but it would have to be something really, really special.

 

My ant on my 03 does not go down if I turn the radio OFF when the car is running.

 

I put a hidden antenna in that I got from ebay. I used an adapter from Crutchfield so that it just plugged right in. Works pretty good and I don't have that 70s CB antenna look.

 

I just pulled the fuse on mine. Still get radio reception when I need it.

 

Just to plug the switch mod I listed earlier. It allows you to get strong stations with the antenna down, or put the antenna up as needed. I listen to radio maybe 1% of the time, but being able to just flick a switch and have the "alien beacon" rise into place, is very nice. Pick the right switch and it can almost look stock.

 

This is what I installed on mine following the instructions in the link:

 

As most of you know by now I just purchased a my Jaguar about a month ago. I took it in for repairs and came out with a 1,700 bill which took care of a lot of things that needed to be done. So.... now I am thinking I am about ready to enjoy the weekend and my convertible. However, although the transmission has been rebuilt it was adjusting itself when I came to a stop and sort of surged a little. The mechanic who did the original repairs thought it might be just a clogged filter, a pan , and some new transmission fluid. I took my car to AAMCO because they are the ones who did the rebuild about 35k miles ago. They said it is the "Valve body " which controls all the computer functions and they would give me a break on price. The price is $ 3,350 !!!! I don't have that much cash or credit after paying cash for the car, having it shipped from another state and then have the $1700 repairs done. What do you guys think ? I never even heard of a Valve Body before now. They said if I continued to drive the car which I REALLY have not had a chance to do yet it would damage my transmission. It shifts O.K. Its just when it come to a stop that it acts up. THANK YOU

 

Cosmo, you may get more traction if you launch a seperate question thread. A lot more people will get to review it for you mate.