So, in stead of jumping over from the X308 forum with a picture and a "hey, here is my new XK", I am actually asking for some advice on a rather trivial point in the decision making process.

After 5 years of super satisfying ownership of a 1998 Vanden Plas, we ran unintentionally into a 2003 XK8 a couple of days ago.

I spent the weekend reading through tons of XK related posts, and watched about all the XK videos on the net.
Conclusion is that with 5 years of XJ experience under the belt, and being an active member here, a 2003 XK will probably not throw too many unfamiliar problems.

However, the only thing which really annoys me on this car (to the point of probably not buying it) is the leaper on the bonnet.
It must go, no discussion, but it will leave that terrible hole, too high up to replace with a badge.
Anyone got a brilliant suggestion how to deal with this?
Seems I am down on ideas right now.

 

Hmm I assume its glued on? First off Id pop the bonnet/hood and feel the back of it to ensure its not been screwed on first.. I cannot think of a way to remove any glue etc without damaging the paint. Shame it looks like the car is in lovely condition.

 

 

I frankly forgot to check the mounting, but I am 99% sure it is bolted.
The leaper is of gigantic size, and heavy, the same one I took off my XJ-S.
I don't get that people here stick that one on about every Jaguar here.

 

That is a shame, the car would look so much better without it. Maybe you can work a deal with the seller. It's probably going to need to go to a body shop.

 

go to one of those aftermarket accessories stores and peruse the stick-on chrome items. perhaps you will find something that will conform to the curve. if you do find one, purchase two and paint one with your vehicle's appropriate color while using the other to test fit. done properly, it might work rather well.

 

I would get that abomination off of there asap and see what kind of holes you are dealing with.

I went thru a similar thing with my X350 where it had a front plate mount that I didn't need in Florida.
Removing it left holes that I filled with small plastic plugs painted the same color as the car.


Properly painted plugs would be hardly noticeable - unlike that leaper.

 

Usually. "Leaper" is attached by 2 screws,one (the rear is attached from underneath and the other (front) is a threaded stud that requires a little larger hole. Since there is not a ridge, the Plastic plugs would do or countersink the 2 holes and use countersunk stainless steel screws with nuts behind them on inside of hood. The screws should not protrude too high on topside. Costly way is to mig weld the holes.grind smooth and re finish hood.

 

Thanks .. still not the "brilliant" solution I was after (~~kidding~~), but something to work with ...

I decided to check if the cat is still available, if so, I will go over with my tools to have a better check and probably a ride.

Knowing myself, that also means that I will have to find some caps tomorrow

 

Well, I feared too much, and might have a way out, maybe.
To my big surprise the leaper is fitted with some super thick double sided tape ... thank God ... although I really need to carefully think how to tackle that one.

Although far from perfect (at least to my standard) the car showed pretty good in a daylight inspection.
Had her on the lift as well, and there she looked brilliant, super clean, no scrapes (besides of a little bit on the front transfer under the bumper), clean exhausts, re-done bushings, no leaks whatsoever, and with fresh tires, pads and disks all around.
She drove good, straight, smooth and quiet.
Needless to say that, with 6 hours left in the old year, we bought her .
A proper introduction will follow shortly.

 

Well done

 

QUOTE Well, I feared too much, and might have a way out, maybe.
To my big surprise the leaper is fitted with some super thick double sided tape ... thank God ... although I really need to carefully think how to tackle that one.

You can use fishing line or dental floss to carefully remove the leaper.

 

I was just about to suggest the floss.
You can then use Goo Gone to remove the residual adhesive.


Congrats Eric! It's a beautiful cat! May you enjoy it for many miles to come! I love those beautiful Apollo wheels!

 

Be sure to heat the leaper glue with a hair dryer before you use dental floss or fishing line to remove it. The job will go much easier for you if you loosen up that adhesive with some heat....

 

Nice way to celebrate the Gregorian New Year!

 

You will really be celebrating a Great New Year. Will this be "The Year of the Additional Jaguar"?

 

I really promissed myself that the XJ-S was the last car ever to buy.
But the enthousiasm of the wife for this XK was too overwelming ... Now how does that sound?

 

Goo Gone and a microfiber towel will work wonders. Nice Jag!!

 

Thanks.
I don't think we have that stuff here, but am sure to figure out something successfully, just need the car first.
It will probably be the very first action to take on Saturday .

 

I was going to suggest https://www.ebay.com/i/401156731358?chn=ps

But seeing you are in Taiwan shipping could double the cost.