A thread on the X150 forum on this subject got me thinking. Has anyone painted the grill of their XKR black? If so could you post some pictures?
Regards,

 

I have not as of yet, but I have wondered since I purchased the car, and confirmed with the dealer that it is a 'Black Series', that: 1.)Why is my mesh grill chrome if it is a 'Black Series', and 2.)Why does it seem that my XKR is the only one in the world, that I have found so far, that has black mesh heat extractor vents mounted in the hood instead of the familiar 'slotted' 60's extractor design? Is the front mesh grill supposed to be black, on a 'Black Series' XKR and not chrome; it seems to be 'prepped' for a black grill as everything behind the grill is blacked out, or neutral in some way, so as not to reveal equipment through a black front grill. Or, perhaps the original front grill(s) were damaged and replaced with what was in stock at the time (chrome). However, I personally believe the front mesh grill(s) would look better black, especially in my case, as it would match the black mesh heat extractors. So, if I can confirm that it is supposed to be black, as I suspect, then a can of matte black spray paint, and no-gloss can of clear coat ought to do it; either way, I plan on painting mine matte black to match the hood extractors. On mine at least, it just looks wrong with the two different finishes IMO, not to mention the lack of chrome anywhere else on the car. In fact, aside from the front grill(s) being chrome, the only other chrome part on the car is the door handles themselves, not the surrounds, and those are factory, and chrome clear through, not the stick on chrome plate trims that are for sale online.

 

Was just looking at your profile pictures, the mesh hood vents you've got are Mina Gallery aftermarket. Precious owner must have put them on.

I have the same ones but with the "R" stainless trim piece.

 

And see here for the Mina a Gallery black grill

Jaguar XK8 & XKR Stealth Black One Piece Convex Mesh Grille - Mina Gallery Inc

Never heard of an 03 "Black Series" do you have any other details as to what the " Black Series" entails?

 

Here's another option.

I've never liked any of the OE or aftermarket solutions for the front scoop. It has such beautiful lines and, when left clean, evokes the racers of Jaguar's past.

I removed my bumper bar, had it cleaned, sanded, painted Dorchester Grey to match the other trim, and clearcoated it. Removed all other front trim.

Wasn't 100% sure how I would like it until it the work was complete...I've been driving the car this way for 18 months now and still love it. Not one single person has said "you know, something seems to be missing."

 

Nicely done!

 

The Coupe, on a black car that looks good! Any other color I suppect not so much!

 

Jandreu,Thanks for that link.
Coupe, really cool looking car. I found anther thread on this subject you replied to, started by Frog, sadly he's no longer a contributing member. The sad thing for me is he had a zircon coupe almost identical to mine, and he painted his grill black and posted a photograph, but I can't retrieve it. He seemed to like it though.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...on-mods-63997/

 

Jandreu,

My car is Sherwood Green...hard to see that in this grey, rainy photograph. I do believe my approach would generally look best on cars with darker colors, however I don't think it would look bad on any color. I just was never happy with the fit / quality look of the mesh grilles I was seeing on other cars. In my opinion, this scoop and its fluid lines look best when left open.



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I think gloss black would look awesome on a light color car if you chromed the verticle "teeth". I don't think it would look good with the standard grey plastic verticle peices, nor do I think it would look good on a dark colored car (except for a black car)