Hello,

I recently purchased a 2011 XKR convertible, which I must keep outside.

Does anyone know of an outside cover for just the convertible soft top? I’ve only found this:https://cabrioshield.com/uk/jaguar-xk8-2007-2014-premium.html

Would anyone else happen to know a less expensive option? The Cabrio Shield looks like an item shipped from Great Britain.

Thank you.

 

Call Covercraft at 800-274-7006. They might be able to make what you need, but it might cost more than the Cabrio Shield.

Do any Forum members from across the pond use the Cabrio Shield or have any comments about it?

 

Here are some thoughts from non-Jaguar owners that might be helpful:
BMW:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2081032-Cabrio-Shield-vs-Roadster-Solutions-roof-cover

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ons-roof-cover

FIAT 124
https://www.124spider.org/threads/ca...-covers.22033/

Your car, your money, your choice.

 

I’ll try calling Covercraft on Monday.

I live in an area with lots of tree gum, and I don’t want to ruin the soft top fabric.

 

So, why do you want to protect the top but not the paint? Why don't you want a full, custom-fit outdoor cover? Is it because you think a full cover will do more damage to the paint than tree sap? What's worse, removing the tree sap or the paint swirls?

A ceramic coating can minimize paint swirls caused by a car cover, but I don't know if a ceramic coating makes it any easier if you have to remove tree sap every day. Tree sap is bad stuff that hardens like epoxy; a typical DIY hand wash won't get it off.

IMHO, I'd invest in a good, custom-fit full car cover. It's is the lesser of two evils and I wouldn't have to spend so much time removing tree sap.

Let's assume that your 2011 XKR Vert cost $25,000 and that a quality, custom-built full car cover will cost $500. That just 2% of the cost of the car, a small price to pay for protecting the entire car. I think it's worth the incremental cost over the Cabrio Shield or similar top-only cover.

But that's just my opinion, and you may disagree. As I previously said, it's your car, your money, and your choice. And congrats on making a great choice for your new toy!

 

That cabrio cover looks decent but that magnetic hold down edgework is useless on your aluminum jag.

That **** is gonna flap around in a stiff breeze!

 

. Good catch!

 

I’ll have to email the manufacturer and ask about that.

I will be driving this car 2-4 times per week, and don’t want the hassle of an entire cover.

 

It's really not a hassle to put it on and take it off if you know how to do it. Note that a fitted cover has a front and a rear and fitted mirror pockets with an elasticized bottom edge.

Take it off by first undoing the front and rear. Then fold the entire length on one side into the center followed by folding the entire length on the other side into the center. Then, starting at the front, roll the cover up into a log shape. If you pull the cover towards you while you're rolling it up you could scratch the paint. Put the rolled up cover under your arm and stow it in the back seat of your car or in your house or wherever you wish.

To put the cover back on, start at the rear and roll the cover towards the front while affixing it around the mirrors one side at a time. Then pull it down around the front and rear so it's a snug fit with the elastic.

I'm sure there are lots of how-to videos on YouTube.

P.S. If you think tree sap is bad, it's nothing compared to bird poop. It doesn't sit on top of the paint; it's acidic and etches into it.

 

Take a look at California Pop Top. They make simple covers that just protect the passenger section. They are made from Tyvek. I bought one for another car I own and it lasted a couple of years in New England weather, snow, rain, pollen, etc.. Actually could have used it longer but the Tyvek started to degrade a little from using it year round and was leaving fibers in the cloth of the roof on the car. Super easy to install and remove and folds up into itself about the size of a football. Price was very reasonable as well. I will also add that it never damaged my car in any way so I was pleased with the product and would buy another.

 

I drive my car everyday, I cover it everyday with a full cover sleeps outside,takes less than two minutes to fold and stow and maybe 2.5 to unfold and cover.. I do so often it's almost automatic by now.