www.jec.org.uk

Hi
I might have to park my XKR convertible outside for a wee while when the weather could be at its coldest and iciest. So has anyone noticed any adverse effects to their roof and should I take any specific steps to give her some protection? Has anyone got any particular hints or tips to help keep the soft top safe in snow or ice? It should only be a week at the longest and the weather might not even be that bad if and when I do have to leave her outside, but just to be on the safe side, can anyone suggest anything useful please? I won't be able to garage or car-port her for this one week, and I distrust 'outdoor covers' as I have seen damaged paintwork as a result of these things! Any ideas? I know Jag tested some of their XK8's in Canada when they were first released, but no-one mentioned soft tops being out there!
Thanks
Tara

I think the soft top should be OK and has surely been designed for all extremes. The car was intended for the US so I'm guessing it can withstand even a Chicago-type winter! My suggestion would be to give it a good clean and recoat a couple of times with the Autoglym convertible hood kit, £20 or so from Autoglym stockists.

If you check the usual sources (eBay etc) or even your Jaguar dealer you can sometimes buy cheaply one of the original nylon protective covers that Jaguar used to transport the cars from the factory to the dealers. These covers were used specifically to protect the cars' hoods and don't cover any of the bodywork. Mike.

thanks ok1904, good tip, good job i already coated my roof this summer! thanks for your advice and the time you took to help
thanks also mike 020150-i'll keep my eyes peeled and see if i can't bag one of them covers, sound good.
thanks all you guys i really appreciate the time taken and it has helped.
Tara

Hi Tara,
I think you are worrying too much, the cars were designed to be outside, I have seen mine covered with frost many times (the morning of the last XK8 seminar!) and even hard ice and snow on one occasion, it has not come to any harm and is still water tight, nor has it yet been treated, it does however live in a nice warm garage most of the time!
I think yours will survive a week with no problems

Bob

Hi Bob, you're probably right, I'm a bit too precious about her as I've only had her since May this year! I'm sure I'll relax more when I've had her longer. They are designed to be outside after all. I just remember a few Xmases ago having to chip my XJ-SC out of an ice cube just to get the door open!
I do appreciate the time you took to respond. I need to relax more!
Thank you
Tara

Just to revive an old thread I think a large part of the reason for re-treating your hood is to keep the mildew down as well as keeping the fibres supple and looking good. just a thought.