Hello,

I have recently become the owner of a 56 plate  X-Type 2.2D SE, which has been in the family since new (originally my fathers car).

After sorting out a few minor issues (EGR etc), which were probably due to it sitting in a French field for six months, I am now using it as my main car.

Its a nice shade of black in colour, which I like. However the only thing I don't like, is the bonnet badge, which I understand is called a 'leaper'.

Does anyone know if there is a chrome flat plate available, that could cover up the hole, if I remove the 'leaper', or anything to cover the hole (s).

Thanks for any help.

 

 

Hi Craig, and welcome to the club.

I have an S Type with a leaper which suits the car, as its earlier model, the original s type, had one.

The earlier x types had a growler badge on the bonnet, and if you google "Jaguar Bonnet Badges" you will find several sources including eBay.

Regards,

Peter. 

Is this a 'safety' problem?

Most of the modern add on leapers (I call them Pouncing Pussies) are spring loaded so they don't cause any difficulty with local Construction And Use Regulations.

Now I've got my latest Jag fully roadworthy again (only took 9 months) I'll be putting one on the front. I'm told that drilling guides are already on the underside of the bonnet.

Hi Craig always good to hear from a new member.

Good advice there from Peter re eBay but may I add that you should carefully examine the Leaper fitting on the underside of the bonnet. Some Leapers have a locating peg which fits into a second, small, hole in the bonnet to provide proper orientation and to eliminate unwanted movement. If your leaper has such a peg then you would need a need badge capable of covering both holes in the bonnet - which may be tough to find. If there is not peg carefully measure the maximum diameter of the existing hole and use this to ensure that any badge you buy will fit within your maximum diameter. Also, if you do decide to proceed, be careful to check that the supplier provides/includes a fixing kit.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

3 hours ago, Jagnumpty said:

Is this a 'safety' problem?

Most of the modern add on leapers (I call them Pouncing Pussies) are spring loaded so they don't cause any difficulty with local Construction And Use Regulations.

Now I've got my latest Jag fully roadworthy again (only took 9 months) I'll be putting one on the front. I'm told that drilling guides are already on the underside of the bonnet.

Hi Jan,

Some safety concerns were expressed regarding 'fixed' leapers years ago and there was talk at the time about making them illegal in the UK. However, no law or regulation was brought into force. That said, most of the leapers available in the market are spring loaded to minimise potential injury to pedestrians in an accident. It may also be worthwhile checking your car insurance policy to make sure that you give them no wiggle room through the vehicle modifications clauses.

Regarding drilling guides - best advice my father ever gave me was measure twice cut once. With a Jag I'd probably be measuring four times, at least, before taking a drill anywhere near it.

On 12/8/2017 at 6:57 PM, cubist said:

Hi Craig always good to hear from a new member.

Good advice there from Peter re eBay but may I add that you should carefully examine the Leaper fitting on the underside of the bonnet. Some Leapers have a locating peg which fits into a second, small, hole in the bonnet to provide proper orientation and to eliminate unwanted movement. If your leaper has such a peg then you would need a need badge capable of covering both holes in the bonnet - which may be tough to find. If there is not peg carefully measure the maximum diameter of the existing hole and use this to ensure that any badge you buy will fit within your maximum diameter. Also, if you do decide to proceed, be careful to check that the supplier provides/includes a fixing kit.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve ,

 

I think it does have a second hole, as have seen the same 'leaper' on ebay.

I think the dealer fitted it, as I have known the car since new, and cannot remember it not having it.

It is starting to grow on me, now that I own the car, but was never keen on it when it was originally  put on the car, when the car was new (in 2006).

My dad is still alive, so I could ask him about it (though he now drives a Renault, to 'fit in' , in France where he lives).

Maybe I will keep it on afterall.

Thanks for your help & happy new year.

 

Craig

 

On 12/8/2017 at 3:42 PM, Jagnumpty said:

Is this a 'safety' problem?

Most of the modern add on leapers (I call them Pouncing Pussies) are spring loaded so they don't cause any difficulty with local Construction And Use Regulations.

Now I've got my latest Jag fully roadworthy again (only took 9 months) I'll be putting one on the front. I'm told that drilling guides are already on the underside of the bonnet.

The one on my car is spring loaded, so I guess its ok.

No mention was made of it to me in the October MOT, and its been on the car since 2006, when my dad bought the car as a retirement / selling business, present.