After my Top refused to lock in the up position, I checked the reservoir fluid level. It was 1/4" below the bottom line. As a quick thinking Jag owner, I surmised that I needed to fill the reservoir. Took the XK8 to my friendly mechanic for a fill. He suggested that I might have a leak, and proceeded to trace the lines. Seems Line going up beside the windshield is ruptured, and dumping fluid.
Now I have to change/replace the lines. Reading in the Forum, I see that there is a pressure reducer that can be put on to cut down on future issues. Can someone tell me how well the reducer works? Also, where is the best place to get the replacement lines. I hope some where besides JLR parts? ?
All assistance greatly appreciated.

 

I think most of us have bought new lines from Top Hydraulics. They are rated for much higher pressure than the OEM, so I didn't see a need for a pressure reducer.

Top Hydraulics | Rebuilt and Upgraded Convertible Top Cylinders, Pumps, Hydraulic Lines

 

Just brought a pair of top/latch lines from them for my 1999, as soon as they an the fluid rocks up i shall be replacing mine

 

You should also check with www.cabriolet-roof-hoses.com in the UK. Last time I checked (June 2019), even with shipping costs to the U.S. his price is about half of what Top Hydraulics charges. All hose fittings are an exact match to OEM. They carry a lifetime warranty....

 

No, they are not half and unless you live in the Uk you really shouldnt. This was my first port of call due to cost, their system will charge you VAT if you checkout, if you ask about it they blame the online payment system but do not offer an alternative or partial refund.

 

^^ Quite a common practice with UK suppliers, I find, and the 'tax' just becomes an increased margin. If Amazon & others can do it, they should be able to. I won't deal with those companies either.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markel

No, they are not half and unless you live in the Uk you really shouldnt. This was my first port of call due to cost, their system will charge you VAT if you checkout, if you ask about it they blame the online payment system but do not offer an alternative or partial refund.

The above was not my experience when I bought a set of hoses for the lift cylinders in Feb 2020. I paid 199.98 GBP for 4 hoses which was $263 US and got them in less than a week.

It says right on their web page specific to our hoses "We will not add VAT to orders outside the United Kingdom".

I did not use the website to place my order. I placed my order directly to Chris Porter at Cabriolet and he sent me an invoice. chris.porter@helperformance.com

I would buy the hoses from Cabriolet. They are the way to go considering prices from Top are still at $500 + shipping for the same 4 hoses.

About reducing the pressure, yes the new hoses can take it but the cylinders and latch would appreciate the lower pressure and resist leaking longer.

 

lt was mine less than a month ago.

 

lm staying out of the hoses recommendation, as it seems to be like oil.

ln my reading , watching and researching i found this write up was the best most complete one.

https://www.jaguarforum.com/threads/...5#post-1094300

Thanks Frank whoever and where ever you may be!

''How difficult'' is relative, to me theres just a lot of it and it will look fairly horrific mid way through. lm not worried about it and will do it as soon as i can get the car in and out the garage.

 

Odd that there site says specifically they won't charge VAT. Wonder if they fixed it since you purchased.

Can you share exactly what you paid?

My guess is even with VAT the cost would be less than Top charges.

Perhaps I avoided the VAT by dealing directly with a person instead of their website?

 

Jesus, have you not earned your commission yet!!
lf you are going to research, at least do it thoroughly. Go to his website where it says it wont charge VAT, order from it and try and check out, there is no VAT free option. Please dont give me the email direct BS, the whole point of online shopping is to avoid the whole ''bromance''

As for cheaper with the VAT, it isnt, added to that the shipping from the UK is dire.......................and even if it was i wouldnt buy from him because i loathe that method of operation. l would love to know how many have brought but didnt get the VAT back.

l trust that clears my buying practices up enough for you, so could you be so kind as to let it go now, the OP just wanted help to fix his roof and has probably got the message that you are a fan of Mr VAT!!

 

It seems to be working now. I've just tried an order and it does price VAT-free for the US. It even recognises Jersey isn't part of the UK - a distinction frequently lost...

 

No need for such an insulting tone dude.

I simply provided the facts as I saw them. You chose to get your panties in a wad because I challenged your "facts", which now michaelh has even confirmed to be false.

Apparently you need to practice what you preach about research before tossing shade.

I did not give YOU the email address. I simply explained how I was able to avoid the excessive costs you claimed to have suffered in hopes that others could avoid what you apparently were not capable of avoiding on your own.

Still you never told us what you paid exactly so nothing is clear at all about your actual buying practices. Just more claims without any real facts we can substantiate. FACT: I paid $263 WITH shipping included.

Why so much effort to steer others away from the best deal overall? Now wondering if you are not connected to Top in your own bromance.

Just admit you were wrong and stop being so shamefully uncordial.

 

Where is Graham when he is really needed??

 

Let's keep the discussion civil!!! Answers were provided based on EXPERIENCE so no need for the negative commentary.

SamtheSham - I used Cabriolet Hydraulics out of Bradenton Fl when I replaced my top hoses. They are higher rated hoses like tophydraulics - not sure of cost is comparable anymore as it was 9 years ago when I bought mine

 

I think I purchased the same hoses 2 weeks ago. 4 Hoses for $599. Seemed reasonable considering they are supposedly higher pressure hoses than the originals(JLR), and Co. offers assistance via telephone for any problems. Hoses arrived within 4 days of ordering.

 

I was thinking of an option to going through ALL the time and labor of replacing these lines so let me know your thoughts: When these lines fail do the always fail at the ends (couplers)? If this is the case, I think a good idea would be to buy the Cabriolet coupler kit and cut the ends off the existing lines and attach these couplers to the ends and screw them to the valve and pump ends. Would save a ton of labor it would seem.

Forgot to add: you’d need to buy a set of the 2 lines from Cabriolet to get the new ends to use with the couplers (need to cut them off). I know it sounds like a waste of $$$ but they are less expensive then Top’s and saves so much time and heart ache (worth it to me IMO). Any way just an idea.

 

I believe the answer is yes they do tend to fail near the ends. In my particular case that was true.

That being said I don't think the original lines would be good candidates for end replacements only. They don't have a lot of excess length for one thing. Another is that the outer sheath usually has deteriorated to the point where it would likely be a problem getting new ends to secure properly.

IIRC Jaguar made just such a kit for a short time but abandoned it due to poor success rate.

When I first did my latch lines I removed a lot of the interior because I was not clear on how the lines were routed. After doing that job I now think it could be done with just removing the header cap, left A pillar cover, left seat, left kickplate, left sill plate, the rear seat and the right trunk liner.

 

Do the job right and go with all-new hydraulic lines. Helping Wayne (cjd777) replace his 2000 XK8's rear lines in March/April 2015, I got a first-hand view of just how badly the factory lines had deteriorated....

 

I finally have my lines replaced. Not exactly cheap(should not expect that. It IS a Jag..). Top is working well, now on to the next emergency.....