I have owned this XKR over a month now. In that time I have discovered: stripped tow eye, stripped rear tow mount, stripped front toe mount and now I find the Allen wrench that is supposed to be mounted on the top pump missing. But that does not matter much because the female receiver in the top header sill is stripped also. Not only stripped but mauled beyond recognition.
I don't know just how to attack this problem. I am considering JB Welding a short flat head 1/4 x 20 machine screw with a nut welded to it to the remains of the previous female receiver. If that would withstand the shear forces I could then unlatch and latch the top with a Nutdriver and still be able to cover the hole. I do not know how much torque it takes to latch and unlatch the mechanism.
I would appreciate any advice.

 

JB Weld might hold, but it also could fail when you need it most.

Consider a replacement used latch mechanism from a breaker such as Terry's Jaguar Parts, Coventry West or Welsh Enterprises.

There is also one on ebay: 1997 2006 Jaguar XK8 XKR Convertible Top Latch Mechanism Assembly | eBay