While looking at a 2006 XK8, I noticed that the J-gate around the shifter is made of metal and has 4 screws that appear to hold it down, as opposed the mine (2001 XK8) which has a plastic J-gate, where you have to very carefully push the tabs in to prevent breaking them, when removing it to remove the center console. Question is...are these 2 J-gates interchangeable ? (will the metal ones with the 4 screws fit on a 2001 ? There are 4 screws underneath the plastic J-gate that appear to be in the same location as the 4 screws that hold down the metal J-gate. Does anyone know the answer to this question ?

 

I doubt that the ZF5HP24 and the Later 6HP26 use a direct replacement gearshift illumination module but you can ask the Jaguar Parts dept if the part numbers are the same....

bob gauff

 

If you are asking if the metal J gate surrounds can be used to replace the plastic, then yes, it has been done hundreds of times. The surround does not hold the J Gate, its only purpose is to hold the wood down and the buttons.
Under your plastic surround is 2 metal pieces held down by the same 4 screws the metal item is held down with.

Many places sell these, me included.

 

...exactly what I was looking for...Thanks !!!!!

 

This is as good a place as any, my J-gate cover for my 03 has a very large scratch on it that I was not able to buff out. It looks like a nice peice of chrome or stainless. I am thinking of replacing it, any ideas?

 

1) Fill scratch, sand and paint? (Back to chrome, or other color)
2) Buy new ($215 from dealer)
3) Salvage yard (~$75)
-- added
4) Buy afternarket, like this one, for about $150 after currency conversion.