So for quite a while now I have been wanting to order the stainless steel hood louvres from mina gallery. But I just couldn't justify the $350. For about $200 I'd have done it, but I couldn't go more than that and feel OK with myself The louvres were fading and just didn't look very good. Then I got to thinking -- why don't I just paint them... duh? Since they didn't look very good with faded paint anyway. The next dilemma was what color to paint them. Should I try a shiny silver color, black, red to match the calipers? Decisions, decisions. I decided to go with a metallic color that would closely approximate the wheels. I went with this because it stood out, but was not exceptionally flashy like silver/chrome would be. I must say that I couldn't be happier with the results... as long as they hold up.
I sanded them, primed them and blended silver metallic, metallic grey and metallic bronze to come up with a color that was very close to the detroit wheels. They sparkle in the sun and are somewhat subdued in the shade -- just the touch I was looking for.

 

GOOD JOB!
Brian

 

That's very good thinking. Why spend 350 for a look that you can acomplish yourself. You must be the first to do this. Those at 350 are overporiced, and the look is at best is blingy, and at worst tacky.

 

Blingy? Tacky? I respectfully disagree, as I love mine! They clearly might not be well suited for everyone, but they definitely have their place. I think that they tie in nicely with the SS Grill. They can also be found for much less than $300.00.
Brian

 

I think... if you like how your car looks.. that's what matter the most!!!
Everyone has different taste on what looks good or not.

However, I think Louvres should be same color as hood... or using SS mesh Louvres will give more custom looks...

Many people do like my SS mesh Louvers on my car and it looks good with SS mesh front grill... (but, I don't like the chrome frame... I think, it will look better with same paint as hood)

 

Hi Lee,
Good looking XKR! After your ordeal with the wrecked XK8, I'm happy to see that it all worked out so well for you. I know that it must have been a long, hard road to pick out a new Jag and get all your body parts transferred onto it! I have considered the Arden Body Package many times, as it looks quite nice.
Take care,
Brian

 

Looks great!

 

I agree, very tastefull !!

 

There is nothing wrong with a bit of bling !! Just look at a Mark 2 of the 60s for body chrome: I love it, but nothing too OTT, mind you

 

Thanks... for your compliment on my XKR. Only thing I save from my old xk8 was my Rims... my body shop did such good job on installing the body kids... it was impossible to take off without ripping of the body kits..

I had to purchase new body kits from Mina (JaguarXP)... it not same level as real "Arden" body kits, but it was much cheaper and it looks almost same. (my body shop had to fix the poor quality on the body kit)

I have to say... I am so happy!!! I purchase "XKR" .... it is not same as xk8.
it is soooo much fun to drive!!!! and now, it has performance as how it looks.

 

I use sticker on my side orange light... it works great on Sliver color car only. from (Stickercity.com) and light still works at night.

 

That's a great option for an easy fix on the Orange Light. It now blends in nicely!
Brian

 

Hey razor, I went to stickercity.com to buy what you used on your orange lights, but I can't find it. What's it called, or better yet do you have a link?

 

Sam

click "film sheets & rolls" side menu and "solid color vinyl sheets"...
choose color "Metalic Silver (75.00%)"

I purchase 24"x36"... about $45 (you only need 24"x12" $14, but, it's better to have more, if you make mistake installing it..)

 

Are you kidding me $45.00 for a 24" X 36" my cost for that material is about $3.50 a yard, any local sign shop should be able to sell you some for about $7.00 to $10.00 a yard.
Doug
2001 XKR Silverstone