I’ve seen that a lot of convertible top inside handles are missing, mine on 1997 xk8 is as well. Looking at older posts, have seen the suggestion of using u-shaped edge trim. Just to keep the headliner fabric from tearing around that hole, and to make it look a bit better, I’ve ordered trim that is 3/4”wide, in black. The trim I ordered isn’t self-adhesive but push/clamp on...didn’t want anything permanent as I might find something that is closer to original.
Keeping fingers crossed.

TTFN

 

Sister, you're in deep. It's called being a "Jagaholic" and there's no 12 step program. Hope your car is purring. Look forward to seeing it one of these days.

 

My 97 didn't have a trim piece but my 06 has a sewn roll that provides a finished edge. I don't think the early models had a OEM cover to fit.

 

yep, you are soooo right. Not only am I buying gifts for the car, I’m dressing so I don’t embarrass it.
LOL!!!!!

 

This is the original setup on my 97, no trim, just a sewn pocket.


Pocket loosely tucked up inside.



Pocket untucked to show.

 

Hmmm... mine must’ve come totally unstitched, if it were like that. But I don’t see any evidence of stitching. And the loose flaps won’t stay tucked(they’re “corner cut”... which I do for upholstery).
Will get the edge trim tomorrow, so will try that first.

thanks , I love having multiple answers.

 

Ditto... My -98 is just like yours. Have not yet needed to use it so I leave it alone.

Have a great holiday weekend.

 

Sista this a repair on some piece of clothing you're wearing? Thought yo didn't want to embarrass the car. Wait, does wearing it ward off the Lucas demons? Complicated repairs? Unstitched sounds sort of like unglued. I've been the later at various points as I drive the smooth highways and badly potholed roads of XK ownership.

 

I have never seen an explanation that seems to hold water, but it seems like a meaningful minority of them are not stitched. There are rumors of a trim piece or handle but at least as far as I can tell, that’s pure rumor and it never existed. I’d be curious if anyone knows more.

 

re:convertible top hand-pull hole...area just has the headliner fabric loose and tucked in, doesn’t stay put..naughty fabric. I do dislike unkempt headliner(Vegas act I think). I simply don’t want a potentially messy glue job.. how embarrassing. And once I get that back window rubber back in place, I’ll be happier. The heat makes the rubber soft , I don’t want it coming loose any more than it has.
And I’ll sacrifice to the Jaguar Gods, dance around the bonfire, if that gets me on the Hwy 1 coastal highway . Nice older gentleman, stopped me in a local store yesterday to tell me he had seen me at post office the previous day and knew that beautiful red Jag was mine. Three days ago, at Kaiser, an older fella with a walker circled my parked car and told me if I ever wanted to sell it, to call him first...gave me his card.
Satisfying... big smile days