Does anyone know if the chrome tail light trim and chrome nameplate above rear license plate added to 2001 xk8 can be added to earlier models such as my 1997 xk8? Much thanks to all respondents.

 

WElcome, I am moving your thread off to the XK Forums ,it's surely owners know better

 

Yes you can. The tail lights will take a little metal work on the body. The updated tail lights on the later MYs are the "jewel" type and had a different back, but with a little trimming it can be fit to a 97. The trunk plinth should be a direct replacement.

 

Thanks Steve11. I thought maybe the light trim could be added. Glad to know that the light will have to be replaced. Also glad to have a name to put on that chrome piece above license plate.

 

The chrome plinth also has a trunk release push button dead centre that I believe is not available on your '97 so will be nonfunctional.

 

I will elaborate a little on this....As has been said, yes it can be done....but....you will have to cut out the rear panel behind the lights, to give you an idea if you remove one of your light units you will see where the rubber seal has pressed against the panel, this is where you will basically need to cut.
For best results you will need to fit the later style rear panel so the new lights can be bolted back in. I can tell you now Jaguar are out of stock and see no time they might be getting new. However I have a mould to make them in composite and as there is no welding involved you can easily bond them in.
The wiring is also different, the only wire that stays the same is the rear fog light, it is the same plug but the wires are in different positions, this I can let you have too.
The rear boot chrome trim needs 2 extra holes drilling and one for the wire on the button release, to wire up the button is simple, there are 2 wires fit anyone to earth, I use one of the mounting bolts on the chrome trim, the other you will need to extend to the button release switch inside the car, I beleive it is the orange and gray you need to splice into that, then it will work.

Regarding the rear lights you can buy just a chrome trim that fits around your existing units, does not look as good as the full conversion but a hell of a lot less hassle, Adamesh sell these

Good luck

 

Thanks everybody. Where do I get the chrome plinth? I did find the chrome trim for the lights at minagallery.com, but couldn't find the plinth yet.

 

They are not all that expensive from Jaguar about $150 and they often come up on Ebay

 

Try Ebay - I see them there along with the tail lights from time to time.

 

Thanks again, everybody. This is a great forum.

 

The tail light retrofit has been done, but some customization is necessary. The boot lid is another story. The chrome trim also includes a boot release button that is not on earlier models. Boot lid replacement is probably necessary.

 

You should read my post above

 

Re the rear light conversion I have a PDF I did with some pictures I had to give you a better idea what is required.