Ok, time for the next project. After messing with the 'backseat' in my hydraulic hoses replacement, I'm getting tired of this laughable waste of space and was trying to figure out a way to not put it back in. My last fun car, an '86 Porsche 944 Turbo, had a carpet kit available that easily allowed you to remove the similar two-piece backseat and simply line what was left with some custom-fitted carpet. Popular amongst the track-day set. This is roughly the idea I'm going after- it'd be nice to use that space for more than my briefcase and drycleaning (and barely, at that). One would have to keep in mind the space at the top so as not to intrude the convertible top's resting area when down also.



It looks like the metal frame/crossmember panel that makes up the actual seatback in our XK100 convertibles is a pretty permanent fixture, welded in place between the fenders even (correct?), and likely structurally important. Is there any way of removing this and replacing it with a proper strut brace instead? Any carpet that can go from the seat bottoms up to the back window?

Anyone done anything of the sort? I couldn't find a similar job through the search here. Additionally, I don't feel like my car is entirely so rare that messing with it in this way (could always be put back if I kept the parts) would detract from it's originality, etc.

 

I know its not the same year but take a look at my post from last year ( now my XKr is a two seater ) sorry I dont know how to show the post .I have now finished my project and posting it as soon as I have some good pics. it might give you some ideas .BL

 

Ah thanks, it's right here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-seater-76896/

Interesting option! I like the look of the dual humps- got a little of that with the existing backseat but something like that might be cool. I'd like more of an open airspace with a strut brace than a cover, however (and it'd have to incorporate/re-engineer the mini-braces needed above the rear speakers, and likely sticking out the speaker panels). It seems like the seatback panel would have to be un-welded to accomplish this. Might be a good exercise in a lightweight 'CSR' kind of XKR as well, which if done to look factory, I wouldn't mind. I certainly wouldn't go crazy with it though, and perhaps aside from the CD changer that I don't use anymore, I can't imagine much else that I would want to strip out. Maybe simply removing the backseat pieces and seatbelt assemblies and replacing them with fitted carpet- the seat holes would be a good spot for two small subs on a parcel shelf floor. Then a couple rollbar hoops of some sort could more easily mount to the seatback panel. Hrmmmm...

 

Did the XJS convertibles have a parcel shelf?

 

Hard to tell... maybe some did?

http://sanfranciscosportscars.com/19...ar-xjs-033.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5104/5...bd54327e_b.jpg

 

Here's one I found by accident. Shows factory rear seat delete? Claims it was an option.

My EX- 05 XKR - Photos-By-Hut's Photos

 

*gasp*

Holy perfect! Thanks for this, Mike. May be the best option. I'll have to investigate further...

 

Oh, this was recent and I like it even more... Will have to contact this gentleman.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-delete-93547/

Other info out there...

How many XKRs with rear seat delete option?

Wind deflector, UK sourced...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAGUAR-XK8-U...item336cdd6c91

 

I found these also, from Octaaf's post here,



and I did something similar to mine, here is the old thread

Before


After

 

looking at the supposed factory option - it doesn't look that difficult to accomplish - some firm backer board with a material similar to the head liner. I like the one with the subwoofer in the center with a parcel shelf on either side. Adamesh offers a body-colored hard tonneau cover for about $600 if my conversion is correct

jaguar xk | body styling | jaguar body styling

 

Do you mean something like this. Just as a note there was never a rear seat delete option from the factory. This is my final attempt, the unit in the middle is a DVD player which displays on the navigation screen.

 

A few more phots.

 

Jaxkr - nice job - in the last few - is that the Adamesh or a custom tonneau?

 

The tonneau came from Paramount Performance. It was originally the carbon fiber look, it has since been recovered in leather to match the rest of the interior.

 

looks great covered in leather - not a big fan of the carbon fiber

 

Definitely a one-of-a-kind Jax, i really like those wheels...in case i didn't mention it before.

 

I pulled the rear seat and had a couple of reverse magnet 10" subs put in. Here are a couple shots. (the last is before I changed the headliner to black).

 

Very impressive, Rob. I like the beefy hoops. Looks ready to rally! A parcel floor like yours would be about right for me.

 

anyone considering a fridge? I'm on hols in south of France; With the family this time, counting down the years that before I'll take the XK8 down here (in 6 years..)

With these lovely temperatures travelling 400 kilometers a day in a convertible definately requires a fridge in the back. With chilled champagne and all that,....!

 

Now we're talking!

I had thought about a small cabinet for the boot that had my favorite single malt scotch, glasses, and a drawer for shotguns. Someone made one of these out of mahogany for a Range Rover (featured by Jeremy Clarkson in some Top Gear outtake I saw on YouTube as well- he got one) and I always thought that would be much cooler and proper than a box of subwoofers.