[xk8] Convertible OwnersPotential Big ProblemAnd a Little Fix

XK8
1

If you own an XK8 convertible there is a potential big problem that
could be disastrous, but there is a simple fix:

The problem: With the top down and the vinyl cover in place, the
two metal snaps that hold the front of the cover down wear out,
loosen over time and lose their holding power. At highway speeds
over 50mph, the vinyl cover takes on a lot of air pressure and the
cover wants to lift off (check your rear view mirror some time at
about 60 mph). If the snaps let go the cover will blow back staying
attached at the trunk with the two metal snaps acting as a steel
studded whip, flogging the rear deck and damaging paint and
possibly metal as the cover flails itself against the trunk lid
before you will be able to stop.

The simple fix: I attached two 3/4� x 3� Velcro strips to the flap
that tucks behind the rear seat. There is carpeting on the seat
back just below the headrests so when the flap is tucked in the
Velcro secures itself to the carpeting providing far more holding
power than the snaps, which now become only secondary hold downs. I
placed the two strips along the bottom edge of the flap, just above
the hem, and at the 1/3 and 2/3rds distance along its length. I
actually sewed them in place using a needle and cord like thread
from the leather trade. Don�t trust adhesive backed Velcro as it
will not stay attached to the slick vinyl.

Check your metal snaps today before your next highway drive. If
they do not feel secure enough or easily unsnap with little
resistance, consider making this simple repair.–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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2

In reply to a message from skhannes sent Sat 10 May 2008:

Thanks for the heads up, Steve, if the rain ever stops and I
get a chance to put the top down again. :-{–
The original message included these comments:

If you own an XK8 convertible there is a potential big problem that
could be disastrous, but there is a simple fix:

–
Max '00 XK8 Convertible
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3

In reply to a message from Maxpen sent Sat 10 May 2008:

Funny you say that. Here in Phoenix it hasn’t rained since early
February and I haven’t had the top UP on my car since that last
rain. Of course, soon it’ll be too hot to have my top down and I’ll
have mine up with the air on all the time.–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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4

In reply to a message from skhannes sent Sat 10 May 2008:

What a great idea. I just signed on and already I’ve learned
something new and useful. Thanks!–
ltcox
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5

In reply to a message from skhannes sent Sat 10 May 2008:

No good: leaving the top folded for several days will at the end
perforate holes into it.–
The original message included these comments:

Funny you say that. Here in Phoenix it hasn’t rained since early
February and I haven’t had the top UP on my car since that last
rain. Of course, soon it’ll be too hot to have my top down and I’ll

–
Charles_3000
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6

In reply to a message from skhannes sent Sat 10 May 2008:

yours may be vinal but mine is leather, and when my clips came
loose about 4 years ago my Jaguar dealer repaired them.
been fine ever since.by the way its not good to leave the hood down
for long periods but then its only common sense, you need to be a
brain surgeon to know that.–
Bleasie International Cabriolet Register www.jag92hot.co.uk
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7

In reply to a message from Charles_3000 sent Sat 10 May 2008:

Hi Charles,

Yes, I agree leaving the top in the open position for too long is
not the most ideal situation, but for different reasons. It is
interesting how far the story has become distorted from the
original factory recommendation. I’ve watched it grow every time
someone makes reference to it.

The recommendation to not leave the top in the down position was
concern over dirt accumulating along the crease lines on light
coloured tops. The dirt can stain and become permanent and will
show when the top is closed. This is a problem more associated with
high humid conditions where moisture can settle and stay in
creases, sometimes even forming mildew combined with dirt. The
factory makes mention of it in the owner’s manual.

Of course, as the story is told over and over, it gets more serious
and the damage more severe and sustainable each time it is told.
I’ve heard from others that the top will dry out, shrink, tear, and
now holes.

Since I live in a very unusual climate where the air is very dry, I
not only consulted with the factory, but also convertible top
experts in the industry as I REALLY wanted to leave my top down as
much as possible. All of the tales past the dirt stains appear to
be just tales as no expert will validate any of them. One company
that manufactures replacement tops suggested there is more damage
potential by constantly raising and lowering the top causing
abrasians from the mechanical frame and he said that several
manufacturers have ussued tech bulletins on this topic. Here is his
quote:

‘‘Usually such bulletins refer to abrasions caused by repeated
raising and lowering. We know of no problems with any cars from
leaving the top lowered.’’

So I enjoy using my convertible in this arid climate in the way
that fits my lifestyle yet still unsettles some, but I’m convinced
I am causing no more ill effects to the condition of my top than
another who regularly closes his top after each drive.–
The original message included these comments:

No good: leaving the top folded for several days will at the end
perforate holes into it.

–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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8

In reply to a message from skhannes sent Sun 11 May 2008:

Hi Steve,

yes, it may depend very much on climate issues.

I saw in Germany a car with a (non-OEM of course) hard-top fitted.
It was for sale, so I asked the hard-top to be removed to test the
top. It was on for six months, with the soft-top lowered of course.

Mechnism was extremely slow, and the soft-top had very bad looking
marks into it… IMHO this was garanteed to give holes sooner and
later, and I suspected also that it was no more waterproof at these
spots. Of course, In Phoenix, AZ, the waterproof aspect of the
problem is not that much acute :wink:

Brgds,

TC–
Charles_3000
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