Hi everybody. I have a new to me XK8 convertible 1998 model LHD car and I am very happy with it.
As I live in Norway parts are not easy to come by and after having used the car for a few weeks I have a few parts I would like to get and replace on the car and I need a little advice on where to find them etc.
the first part I need is the piece that has has the P N R D 1 2 3 4 markings on it that the gir stick rides in. My current one is cracked in the top left corner. The only part I have found online is the trim peice that surrounds the J-Gate, not the actual plastic peice. a part number would be very useful.

I am also in need of a replacement headliner for the convetible roof. My current one is sagging and looking a bit crap inside the car and I would like to replace it. Also the convertible top is a bit tatty and has a very small hole in it, so I am considering replacing it to, Is it a good idea to do both of these jobs at the same time?
I understand it is quite a bit of work to do.

Finally my car did not come With the owners manual. I have been unable to locate one online and would very much like to have one. Does anyone know of a Source? I tried contacting Jaguar and they could not help.

Sorry for all the questions, hopefully someone will be able to help me out.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Leif

 

The piece that the gear lever sits in is called a j-gate. Have a look on ebay.co.uk for a replacement:-

J-GATE FACIA / AUTO GEARSHIFT LEVER FASCIA TRIM Jaguar XK8 XJ8 XKR XJR # 0060

You'll almost certainly find the other bits you are looking for on ebay.

The manuals are available to download - links in the FAQ section of the forum:-

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...006-faq-67827/

 

Thanks for the quick response... Gear lever part ordered Now to find a new headliner

 

I think you may want to have a upholstery shop do both the top and headliner. It's a big undertaking and quite expensive.

 

I got my '97 last year and have since replaced all of the little bits that were broken or missing. My headliner was also a mess, so I ordered a new ACME replacement headliner on eBay thinking I would probably do it myself. I'm glad I didn't! Luckily I found a retired auto upholsterer who had the proper tools to replace the headliner, and it took him three days to complete the job. But it looks better than new now. The top itself was in good shape, so I didn't have it replaced. But if your top needs replaced, definitely do it at the same time as the headliner.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I have an arrangement with my mechanic (an independant jag specialist) that he will get the work done if I can supply the parts. I will check with him regarding the top and headliner, but I have noticed that the steel wire is fraying where i can see it with the roof down (in the recess/well where the roof folds into behind the drivers side) so that will probly need replacing in any case.
I guess I will have top start searching ebay for a replacement headliner and roof in anycase. Only found these one other place and the price was north of £800 for the pair.
Does anybody know of a good source for these parts, that is possibly not quite so expensive?

Thanks for all your responses so far, much appreciated

 

That sounds like a bargain for a Jag.

 

I thought it was a little steep, but if the general concensus is that this is a reasonable price then I guess It is time to start getting in toych with companies, to se about shipping and lead times

 

I got my new headliner on eBay for $240 (USD) and paid the installer $300 (his charge) + $100 (tip) to install it.

 

any chance you remember the name of the seller? That is not a bad price

 

I think the seller was Auto Tops Online and the product came from ACME Auto Headlining in Long Beach, CA.

 

Thanks for the Tip. Found the headliner and top at a good price from topsonline
now to figure out how much it is going to cost to have them both fitted to the car

 

On further inspection The Headliner is not as bad as I thought so I may just give it a clean and live with it untill next year.
However With the top down in the area behind the driver where the top is recessed, there is a steel wire visible. This wire is very frayed and I want to replace it, but I do not know what exactly it is for I will take a picture later and post it, as I realise my description is not great, but if anybody knows what I mean any tips or replacement guide would be great. I spoke to my guy at the garage, and he did not have a part number for the wire itself. I Wonder if it is a part of the headliner or roof? anybody know?

Thanks all for you replies and time taken to read all my questions btw

 

Here is the Picture of the frayed wire. Hopefully someone can tell me what will happen if it breaks and where to get a replacement...

 

Some more Research leads me to think this is the rear tension cable for the convertible top. I have not been able to locate this part for sale online. does anyone have any tips?

Leif

 

Hi.

It is the tensioner wire for the top. I doubt you can buy it separately.
To me the wire does not look too bad, but it looks like it is rubbing on the fabric below.
This wire should be under no tension when the top is down. I can move mine with a light finger push.
See picture below.

 

I printed an entire owners manual for one of my XJS a few years ago from my computer. Took awhile.