The Leaper !

[bigbangman]

Hi,

Keeping an eye out for a nice 358, problem is a lot I like have the leaper on the bonnet which is not for me.

Does anyone know how much it would be to have the leaper removed and bodywork holes sorted with a good job that will last and be undetectable.

Anyone got experience of doing it

Thanks

[J44EAG]

Removal should be easy. Just a large nylon nut under the leaper to undo with a pair of water pump pliers. Just a five minute job.

You will then find a half inch hole to deal with. Suggest a round Jaguar badge with some double sided adhesive tape would cover up the hole atrocity.

Leapers are deemed illegal even if sprung loaded. insurance companies regard fitment as a modification. UK Construction and Use regs apply to cars built after 1969. Modern X-350 models fall into that category having been made from 2003>.

My personal opinion. They look great on classic Jags but out of place and inappropriate on later cars. Illegality makes them an item which could cause problems if an insurance claim has to be filed.

Mike K

[jagecosse]

Sorry, but I can't agree. But. what's new. The leaper is always controversial. I have a Gulf spec car and the leaper was standard spec. The car was subject to an IVA test when imported in 2013 and passed. It has undergone an MOT each year since and it has never been mentioned which would suggest that it is not illegal. It is spring loaded and will break off on impact.

Replacing the leaper with a round badge is quite simple.

If you want to go to original spec, then it will require an alloy welded repair to the bonnet and then a respray of the bonnet. Not easy to get a good finish, but possible.

The leaper is always up for discussion.

I love it, even on later cars (up to the X350)

[jeff1954]

If it's not fitted as standard it's a modification so the insurance company must be made aware. Mercedes have gone down the same rout as to not fit the 3 star radiator emblem as it's deemed to be a safety risk to pedestrians. I've seen leapers fitted to the modern S Type and they look stupid as they are fitted so the driver can see them which means they are about a quarter of the way up the bonnet.