+1 on the new Michelin's - running the same

 

Agreed! We've got them on both cats.

 

Pic of the car with the new Michelins

 

I troll ebay pretty regular to watch for good deals related to my XK8.

Today I got a great one I think. Paid only $7.50 for this wheel bearing tool kit. Seller is going to hold onto them until I can pick them up next time I am in Orlando.



The tools in the kit are:
•204-193 Hub Remover
•204-194 Hub Removal Collets
•204-195 Hub Holding Tool
•204-196 Hub Replacer
•204-197 Wheel Bearing Remover
•204-198 Wheel Bearing Replacer
•206-066A Rotor Nut Socket

I don't need these yet but someday I might. Could not pass up such a deal.

I'll be willing to loan them out locally to other forum members in need.

 

nice snag for your jag's toolbox!

 

I had yet to replace the wiper blades on this car. The ones on it were working well and quiet. Replacements were on my list to do but in no rush.

A few days ago I ran across this NOS OEM wiper blade kit on ebay. Bought it for $30 shipped. It seemed like a nice upgrade that includes the deflectors. I did not know that this kit was even available. It is not in my parts list pdf.

Jaguar Part #GJA8962CA



The deflectors are mounted with screws. So the frames are different than my originals in that respect. Otherwise identical.


Comparison of upgrade to original.


New ones mounted. Now I have new frames, blades and deflectors too!


A much cleaner look I think. I was never impressed with how much the wipers are exposed on this car.

The car does not get many drives in the rain. Eventually I'll test them out.

 

Just curious - I recently purchased a 04 XJ8 and same deal - Jaguar battery has no markings. I also suspect this battery to be original - the only marking I could find is 08-04 on top of the neg battery post. (Well - after reading the thread - looks like my battery is manufactured: the 8th week of 2004 - time for a replacement battery!!!)

I have the battery on a trickle charger anyway - but I am doubtful on a 10 year old battery...

UPDATE - Battery out of car at 11.81 V (sitting for a few weeks for sure) - I had the battery on my 1.5 Amp slow charger for about 18 hours - pulled the battery off holding a charge of 12.88 V - (trickle charger still showing as "charging" status and battery not connected to vehicle) checked this morning (about 16 hours later) - battery still holding at 12.45 V - shocked to see a 10+ year battery still holding a charge. (But retiring the battery anyway)

 

I have never liked how the original shift knob looked. Its pretty bland, did not match the dash wood at all, and seemed cheap. This is my original one.


I remembered I liked the one in the 2007 XK. It looked like this.


So I have been watching for one on ebay. Finally got a brand new one for $20. Installed it today.

It is so much better now.

 

Nice upgrade!

 

Shift knob definitely looks better. Good upgrade. Maybe I should start looking.

 

Love the shift knob.
Just curious. Is the center fascia panel different or changed? It looks lighter than the side panels. I know some loose the sat nav for the gages. And the panel may not be exact. Just wondered. Like your changes!

 

Hmmm...the center panel does look a bit lighter in the pic. It is the original panel. I have never noticed a difference in person. I will take a closer look tomorrow.

 

Now that I look closer, I see the light shade actually flows a bit on the edge of the airbag panel. My 06 XJ did the same thing. I bet it's the photo.

 

I must say I'm not a big fan of any of the customizations I see...


My XK8 has nav. and not the 3-piece gauge panel. Until now, the only custom piece I liked was the chrome bezels for the 3-piece gauge set.


This being said, I find that sift knob to be the most acceptable custom modification to meet my taste, to date ! Nice Job.....

 

Wow, you must really hate my car then! Lol

 

When I got my XKR the shift knob was in horrible shape, varnish cracked, wood stain faded, wood grain WAY lighter and didn't even come close to the dash or shift surround. I picked up a hand-made one that I rather like. Color and grain much closer. The guy does very good work.

rothwell.... What you've done looks VERY NICE INDEED

 

The custom knob that you have now was my backup plan if I could not find the leather covered one. I was about to give up waiting when this one popped up on ebay. Was listed as for an S-Type. The color looked right in the pics so I took a chance and bought it. I got lucky because it is an exact match for SDZ cashmere.

 

I like to keep my modifications in the realm of "looks original to the uneducated eye". That being said I do appreciate the work of owners like Phil who transform their car into a personal piece of art.

The bezels in my 2004 are original. However I am not a fan of the bright finish on the shifter bezel. It seems very out of place. I'll be changing that soon.

 

It looks perfect. It looks like the knob they "should have put there" in the first place ! Unique yet looks like factory trim... best of both worlds

 

You probably like those because they were actually a factory addition on the later models (04-06 I believe)

But I do think they dress up the interior nicely.