[xk8] More Bad Vinyl News & Headrest Repair

If you have the later style seats in your XK8 with separate
motorized headrests, and if the headrest(s) is broken, motor runs
but the headrest doesn’t move, I just repaired one per the
instructions in TSB 501-58, my first. It is not a hard fix, and no
parts are needed. I photographed mine and will share, via email,
pics, etc, with anyone requesting it. The TSB estimates 0.4 hours,
I took about 0.75 hours, but played around alot.

On the sore topic of vinyl in the XK8, I was able to completely
inspect the SEAT BACK from the inside. I can verify the only
leather hide is on the seat front face. This includes a total of 4
panels, counting the center pleated section as one. The rest of the
seat back is vinyl. That includes the outer edge, the back, the
back center section and the map pocket on the back of the seat. I
will only comment definitively on what I know, but I suspect the
seat bottom is the same, leather hide on the seat surface, with
vinyl around the sides. It also appears (but not sure) the separate
head rest is leather on the facing side and vinyl around the outer
edge and back.

Why is this important? Leather and vinyl should be treated
differently. Putting an expensive hide food or leather conditioner
on vinyl is not only a wast of money, but you could be shortening
its life. Oils that are made to be absorbed in leather will only
sit on top of vinyl. Not only that, but with sun exposure
(convertibles) the now hot oil is causing surface temperature on
the vinyl surface to be far greater. Traditionally, vinyl is only
cleaned with a very mild soapy water using a dilluted amount of a
mild soap like Woolite (found in the states). Then a protectant for
sun exposure is the best topical to use. I use a product called 303
Aerospace Protectant which offers UV protection. This is not like a
tire dressing or a glaze product. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it.
No affiliation with 303.–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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In reply to a message from skhannes sent Mon 12 May 2008:

Thanks Steve…

Rather disappointing news… :frowning:

And it explains the cost of the Recaro seats option… provided
these are 100% made of leather, which is not sure either…

Psss… Let’s hope Tata will do better…–
Charles_3000
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In reply to a message from Charles_3000 sent Mon 12 May 2008:

Good point on the Recaros Charles and yes, disappointing.

Isn’t there something about the Indian culture and cows being
sacred??..Hmmm…–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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In reply to a message from skhannes sent Mon 12 May 2008:

Disappointing about the leather, but not a surprise given
that the backs are really not exposed much at all – I sure
can’t fit in the rear seats.

I would very much like to get the repair process you used,
can you post a link to the site, or send direct?

Thanks,–
Erikgl
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In reply to a message from Erikgl sent Tue 13 May 2008:

Yes, will send direct to your email right now–
Steve Hannes – 02 XK8 - 96 VDP - 02 X-Type
Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Hey steve any chance you could send me TSB for headrest repair??
Cheers

This assumes the OP is still with us.

Robin didn’t realize that’s was 13 years ago lol. Any ways I got it sorted with a 5/16 Dorman high pressure fuel line connector seem to be a better fix them heat shrink all is working now.
Thanks robin.