Jaguar
Last time we talked about how important it is for our customers to tell us what color they want to order. Today let’s discuss the flip side: colors that closely match, and how can you tell between them?
One situation which recently came up was in regards to the replacement convertible top headliner for a Jaguar XJS. This top comes in either beige or light gray, and we also have two shades of tan (beige and antelope) available.
When you are replacing the entire convertible top, the specific shade may not matter as much. After all, the difference between antelope and beige is fairly slight. However, if you are replacing only one part of the convertible top – for example, just the headliner – you want to be sure that you are matching the original color.
Another factor is that the original color may have faded, or become somewhat dingy over time. What was once beige may have aged to more of a light gray, and vice versa.
If you are ever torn between which shade to order, or if you are not sure which shade will best match your car or your existing equipment, just ask! We can help you choose the right shade for your car, send more pictures, and even mail you a swatch of the actual material if necessary. We want to be sure that you get the right material for your project.
Photo credit Flickr/Automotive Rhythms
We have a lot of different options for the canvas material that we use for canvas replacement convertible tops. Regardless of which canvas top is original equipment for your car, you can choose any of the following canvas products for your replacement canvas convertible top. This is a common industry practice, and will not sacrifice the quality or the look.
Stayfast Canvas
This is a special canvas fabric designed specifically for convertible tops. It looks something like tent material, and is a three-ply composite material with an acrylic weave outer layer, a rubber inner layer, and a cotton drill inner lining.
Stayfast canvas is original equipment for the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Pontiac Firebird, Alfa Romeo Spider, Lotus Elite, Rover MGF, Peugeot 306, RR Bentley Azure, Toyota Celica, and Mazda Miata.
Stayfast canvas is also often used as a replacement material for European cars, as a less-expensive alternative to the original German or Sonnendeck canvas.
Sonnendeck, a.k.a. Twillfast II Canvas
Sonnendeck is similar to Stayfast canvas, but with a textured backing in either black or tan.
Sonnendeck is original equipment on the Aston Martin DB7, Audi Cabriolet, Jaguar XK8, BMW Z3 Roadster, Chevy Corvette from 1998 on, BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E36), Opel Astra, and the VW Golf III.
Twillfast, a.k.a. Twillfast JX
This is the Sonnedeck/Twillfast II canvas, but with a gray backing. It is original equipment on the Chrysler Sebring JXI.
Original German Canvas, a.k.a. Sonnenland or A5
This is the original German canvas, made with a twill weave outer fabric, a rubber inner layer, and a dobby weave lining fabric. It is original equipment on the VW new Beetle Convertible, Mercedes, Porsche, Saab 9-3, and Volvo C-70.
We are pleased to be able to offer new replacement seat covers for Jaguar models XKR and XK8, both convertible and coupe. There are two seat cover styles available: for 1997 through 2000 models, and for 2000 through 2008.
The seat covers are made with original Jaguar Euro Autolux leather. They are replacement original seat covers, not a slip-on cover. The seat covers are made with factory-style plastic retainers, factory-style stitching all around, and are lined with the same high-density foam rubber as original seat covers.
When ordering covers for a 2000-2008 model, there are four different styles of seat cover to choose from. You will want to be sure to match the style which is original to your car.
Style A: This style has vertical pleats in the center panel of the seat.
Style B: This style has oval pleats, and plain inserts in the center of the seat, without perforations.
Style C: This style has oval pleats and perforated inserts.
Style D: This style has horizontal pleats and plain inserts with no perforations.
