My wife's '97 XK8, bought new, is in need of some sprucing up and I'm at a loss as to where to find the parts. Here's what it needs:

1. The rear view mirror glass has self-destructed. Is that something I can replace myself and, if so, where can I find a replacement mirror?

2. The console cup holder hinge broke years ago and hasn't functioned since. Do I have to replace the entire console? If so, how big a job is that? Source for parts?

3. The stock mag wheels have always been our least favorite aspect of the car. I know wire wheels are a bit impractical but I've always liked the look, a throwback to my love of the XKE's styling. Seems that I remember finding a source in Santa Cruz ten years ago but didn't buy them and now I can't find the company. Any sources? And if not wire wheels, other suggestions?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer me.

 

Try Dayton Wire Wheels 800-862-6000 / www.daytonwirewheels.com

 

Dayton didn't have wheels for XK8s, Links. But thanks for the lead just the same.

 

They weren't listed under "British Cars" but instead under "Sports Cars". Thanks again for the tip!

 

The mirror is available from these people:

http://www.sybesmas.com/

They are apparently the best price and about as close to an 'offical' supplier as you get these days.

About the best discussion on removing the mirror is found here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17719

 

This guy on ebay has the cover with cup holder,he also has other colors listed.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...8832&viewitem=

 

You can also get small hinges from your local hardware store and retrofit them to work. Work better than OEM!!

 

Many thanks for both leads, test point and eagle. Eagle, regrettably the e-Bay source appears to have console armrest covers for only post-1994 models. But I'll check with him on other sources and to see if future parts will be available.

Again, many thanks, guys!

 

hlgeorge, I had checked into hardware store hinges awhile back and didn't find any that looked like they could be jury-rigged to work. But if I have no luck on the e-Bay armrests, I think I'll do some further checking. Thanks much!

 

I just pulled the whole darn console cover including the cup holders out.

Then I made an insert covered it with matching leather and put two stainless steel cup holder in it. Added a tail on the rear to hold tissues. You know the big honken square kleenex box. (Its the Ohio valley, you try living here without them).

These work the factory ones work when you aren't moving! The console usually was just full of garbage anyway.

I got the stainless ones from a yacht sales and service center. I'm sure any boat store would have them also.

I wasn't worried about keeping this totally original. But I still have everything that I have taken off the car just in case. In case of what I don't know.

 

How about posting a pix of that retrofit!!??

 

Yes, daddyo, I'd be interested in seeing your creativity, too.

 

Don't neglect to try Welsh Jag Parts. The have a wrecking yard plus they source lots of new and used assemblies. Good prices too. I've used them sinse 1974 and XKE days.

 

Here's how I fixed my cup holder hinges. It is a pretty easy fix. I got some plastic tubing with the same ID as the hinge pins on the cup holder cover. I then took an exacto knife and carved the female part of the hinge (this is the part that seems to break) the same radius as the outside diameter of the tubing. I cut the tubing so it was about 3/8" long. I fit the tubing over the hinge pins on the cover, snugged the tubing into the new radius of the broken hinge, applied Gorilla Glue, and clamped it for several hours to set. Its now held for close to 3 months. Just make sure the hinge pins rotate freely in the tubing or you'll wind up glueing the cover shut (which is ok too since the cup holders are worhtless). Total cost - almost free.

 

I'll post this evening. Everytime I look at it I want to do a little better job. I did this in about 4 hours.

 

Like I said I did this very quickly. Basically I used 3/4" poplar plywood and cut it to fit within the slots in the storage bin. this is what holds it in place.
Then I made a shape that I was happy with, (at the time), and attached it to the pieces already cut to fit the slots in the bin. Then I wrapped the top shape with some polyfil for cushioning then covered it with the scrape leather I found at a leather shop.

Looking at it now it looks very crude but it works. The ultimate would be to cut a better shape and wrap it in walnut veneer and then but a lot of lacquar on it.

But it does hold a big gulp or a large mickey d's ice tea.

 

First I'm going to try qwakwak's solution, since that sounds like the simplest and, if successful, won't affect the aesthetics. And while daddyo's solution allowed for improving the functionality, that's not a big issue for me. However, daddyo, you did a GREAT job on your conversion. I'm impressed! And I never would've imagined that you could've done it in four hours. Great job!

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I'm off to dig out my Gorilla Glue, my exacto knife and find some plastic tubing.

 

I agree, that looks like a an excellent project! Sure you can second guess yourself and find room for improvement in minor aspects, but overall, that was a brave undertaking with very acceptable results. I find jobs like this so gratifying...................but scary when doing it on the Jag! I'm much more likely to tackle one around the house then take a chance with the XKR. My hat is off to you!
Brian

 

I was really impressed with this myself. That was until the guy at the dealer said he like my condiment bar! Then I started looking at it again and thought wow I can do better than a condiment bar!