I realize that, being a relatively new Jaguar XK8 owner, I may be committing some sort of sacrilege in entertaining this project, but I'd like to remove the center console glovebox -- perhaps just keeping the padded lid at a much lower level. As it is now, shifting the car manually is somewhat difficult and awkward, having to reach down, over, and around the glovebox to
maneuver the shifter.
Has anyone done, or considered this removal, and for this same reason?
I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thanks!
(P.S.) I don't think I would really miss those cup holders either . . . )

 

Your choice, have not heard of this being attempted. I find shifting mine, if I chose to, very easy. It's not like you are slamming gears or working a real shift gate. It just slides easily, just my 2 cents.

 

Mine shifts really easily also, it's just the position I have to have my arm is not "natural".
I don't know if being tall has anything to do with it, but I have to have the seat all the way
back, and so I reach down and over that glovebox. I like shifting manually on the small
twisty roads that I drive on. Thanks for your input!

 

You could extend the length of the shift lever with an extension between the current end of the metal shaft and the shift knob which would be much easier and would not change the look and layout of the whole area. If you ever chose to re-sell the car, it could easily be restored to the original design by simply removing the short extension.

 

Thanks, Kevin, that's a great solution! Any idea where to get that extension?
Much obliged,
Bob

 

You may not need much, first try unscrewing the knob, i believe there is a locking nut below it or you could put one on it would gain 3/4" or so maybe just enough. Raise the locking nut and tighten back the knob.

 

Yes, assuming that it is the same on yours as it is on mine, the knob can be unscrewed and then underneath it is a through and through nut. Just by adjusting that, you can get some added length to the shaft. If that is not enough, you could have a machine shop fabricate you a piece that would look factory made.