As the title says, I've become friends with the Euro parts guy at our local recylcling yard (lots and lots of trips to keep the '04 Audi allroad running!). He called me today to let me know he just picked up an '05 XKR with left side body damage.

I'm still very new to the Jaguar family and would appreciate any advice. Is there anything you'd recommend I grab for our new-to-us '05 XK8 either in terms of upgrades or common failure items? We don't currently have any problems (knock on immitation wood-like material on my desk), so it would be more about stocking up for the future.

Thanks,

 

You could end up taking the entire car once you start preparing a 'just in case' list!

Apart from any trim fixings / switchgear which may be damaged or missing on your vehicle, the commonest component failure posted on 4.2 models over the last few months has been Seat Modules.

Graham

 

How about grabbing the bonnet (hood) with the nice louvres?

 

Funny...that was my first question to him. He said there's some repairable damage on the edge, but wasn't 100% sure whether there was any further bend to the hood. It doesn't close as is, but he wasn't sure if that was due to the side damage or a tweak across the whole hood.

 

Not sure "just in case" purchasing is all that necessary, one exception might be the fuel pump as there have been a few failures noted recently and they are insanely expensive on the 4.2 cars.

Most of what I've had to replace are wear items like bushings, which you wouldnt want to get used, but you might look at the potential upgrades though.

Mesh grill, if you like the Jag version over Mina or others. The little rear wing. If it is a victory edition then the "smoked" tail lights (I'd like to do this one).

Ok, now I will throw in my own shameless cry for help. I need the little plastic knob for the Nav system and have been balking at the $50 new price. Any chance you could PM me the name of the place? I promise not to steal any good stuff out from under you.

 

Throttle body, ECU, oh sod it, The complete engine including the S/C. Is it a Brembo equipped R?

 

I would grab trim rings from the BBS wheels, if it's a car with 20s, door latch module would be the other and fuel pump are the others.

 

Grab the whole thing if you can, years ago when I driving a TR3 I had a spare non runner just for parts, very handy indeed. Good luck!

 

Grab the convertible top pump in the boot...they go for big bucks.

 

Convrertible seals! All six of them (and i'll buy one off you immediately)

 

Thanks for the great advice. It sounds like an on-site visit is in order to see what's there. I'll try to make it out this weekend and see if I can grab some pictures or at least draw up an inventory of what's available. I'll be glad to pass along his information as well after I get a quick look.

 

Here's what I would take...(as in buy from you right now)

Dash center wood piece

Arm rest if oatmeal or black - complete with cup holder

Over head console piece with the dome lights - Actually I just need the black plastic bracket it clips onto, godzilla used to own one of my xk8's. It's held onto the car with 2 torx bolts. BUT i'd take both.

Power seat controls for passenger side - actually just need a couple knobs. preferably black.

Let me know

Thanks,

George

 

If you post the last 6 digits of the vin I can post the specs on the car.

 

Headlights + tail light cluster

 

If they are not smashed up, I would love to get the front and rear bumpers, and the side sill covers, and the trunk spoiler, if you could grab those for me, I would be happy to pay you for your time

Thanks,

Ben.

 

Goodness me ! Wil there be so much as a wheel nut left?

 

Yes because they are no good and people replace them for the 1pc ones!

Take care,

George

 

might want to get the coolant expansion tank? Rear view mirror? Trunk latch release?

 

Quick update:

I saw what's left of the XKR (yes...already well picked over) today and was very disappointed with my friend's description of the car. Apparently, to pick up cars like an XK, he has to show demand prior to purchasing the wreck. In other words, about 40% of the car was spoken for before it landed on his yard. Lesson learned, I guess.

What we discussed this morning was that I'll compile the list of requests from this post and forward it to him this afternoon. By early next week, he'll tell me whether the part is available and a price if it is available. He said if I do it as a group, he can give a better price, so we'll see what he comes up with. I'll post up his response so you can decide if you want to commit to the purchase or not.

Sorry to get everyone's hopes (including mine) up...

 

if it happens to have light grey sun visors i would have interest and help support the cause.