Does anyone know if this is true?

Auto Reserve Jaguar's website says that for the early style, integrated headrest, Lear seats (XK8 XKR 1996-2000 (VIN Range 000001 through to 042775, A00001 through to A11050) the leather seat squab covers (basically the upper portion of the seating surface, not the bottom cushion covers, sometimes called the "Seat Back Panel") are interchangeable form side to side and will fit either front seat.

Jaguar did give them separate part numbers for each side: GJB4601AALEG & GJB4600AALEG

But it looks plausible to me that they actually might be pretty interchangeable. In the few pics I can find, the only potential difference I can spot is a little extra fabric to tuck around the outer hinge on given side. Which seems to me like it may be an unimportant or easily modifiable detail...

I am asking because I am thinking of getting a used passenger-side (generally used far less so way less worn out) leather seat squab cover (upper) from either a US junk yard or a UK breaker to replace the one on my 1997's driver's side (with it's worn outer side bolster). And I am wondering if which side it is actually matters... I already need new cushions and am planning to have the upholsterer put in seat heaters and use the original seat heat switches which I bought. I also confirmed already that my driver's seat frame already has the seater heater wiring (yellow plugs) in it, just no heating elements. But I think I'd prefer to keep the original-style Connelly hides rather than replace everything with new covers from Topsonline or similar.

 

I believe they are interchangeable, and I have been planning for some time to buy a passenger cover to replace the driver's side in my car for the exact reasons you mention.

 

I went ahead and it definitely looks symmetrical. Tho oddly, the used one I got has leather on 1 side panel instead of both side panels being vinyl like on my original seats in my 97. I’m thinking maybe that bolster was repaired/replaced maybe?


I circled the extra bit that’s leather on one side.

 

Red, Did you ever install this seat cover, and was it indeed symmetrical? Thank you, Waren C. Warburton

 

I haven’t yet. The waiting list at the upholster is full till this summer or fall. Currently thinking I will have the upholster take the good, original, non-wrinkly bolster from this one and sew it onto my existing squab much like was done on the wrinkly side of this one.

Upon closer inspecting, the wrinkly, all-leather side bolster here is definitely not original and was a patch panel made with different leather which is disappointing. We’ll see what I decide to do when we get there... Might keep an eye out for a different used one.

 

Thank you for your reply