Outside Door handle seals

[tohio]

The black rubber seals around the outside door handles of my '98 XK8 convertible have deteriorated and pieces are missing. The local Jag dealer wants $400 dollars for the seals (they only come with new door handles.) The salvage places I've contacted also want to sell the entire door handle with the seals. Does anyone know of a source for these seals? I may end up trying to make my own.

[mike020150]

Hi Tohio, Haven't heard about this problem before. It sounds like you must have strong solvents in your local polish! Seriously, if you find a source for these seals it would be good to hear about it on this forum. Good luck with the search. Mike.

[tohio]

Mike, the car came from Florida and I guess the sun had its way with the seals. I'm going to take off a door handle and see what's involved in making my own seals. If I have any luck I'll report back.
Regards

[mike020150]

Hi Tohio, The Florida connection makes sense of the issue. Keep us posted. Mike.

[MarkX]

Tohio, My XK8 domiciled in the UK also has a passenger door handle seal that is going in places - it is also a 98 - could it be a poor batch of seals rather than the sun I ask myself?

I'd be keen to know how your DIY seal goes

[GrandTourer]

You could be right, MarkX.
I have seen literally thousands of forum queries over the years about the XK8/XKR but this particular issue had never come up before.
Of course, that does not help the guys with the problems

[MarkyM]

I'ver heard of it happening before a couple of times on XK8's R's.

The problem is usually due to overzealous full service car valetting companies that use an orbital polisher too close to the seals.

Easiest/cheapest thing is to purchase a whole new handle assembly from Ebay (there are a couple listed now for around £10 and getting them sprayed up. I know that the seals themselves cannot be purchased seperately.

Personally if a bodyshop has done this I'd get them to pay for it.

Regs

Mark

[MarkX]

Finally got round to replacing seal on door - very straight forward - turns out to be cosmetic as seal was very much holding water back - used donor seal off e-bay purchase - many to choose at time of looking - carefully prized good one off and swapped over to existing handle - looks so much better.