Edited on 2007-01-09 10:04:24

I know now that my 88 XJS Convertible is not a Hess. It has a back seat for passengers. Sooooo my question is, did Jaguar make any other convertibles besides H&E in 88? Or is it that I may just have a custom conversion that I'll never know about and don't know what kind of top to replace. I need a new top but don't know what to order since its not a H&E. Keep in mind I have no Jaguar mechanic anywhere to be found in this part of the state of NM. And the dealership in Albq. can't help me.

You can tell I'm new at this and desperate. I've had such wonderful help with other posters. They are they reason now that I know I don't have a Hess. Just don't know where to go from here. I need parts and want to make sure I get the right ones. I can email pictures of the car to anyone that can help identify it. I know the steering wheel is custom and has an engraving of the makers name on it. Don't know if this is a clue.....

Submitted by esane@msn.com on Sat, 07/14/2007 - 12:18

Michelle; I placed a cal to Coachbuilders this morning. their answer was if it has a back seat it is theirs as Hess did it for the Jag factory and did not include a rear seat.
Their current tel number is 386-454-2060 Office or Larry Moran at 386-984-6088.
I asked Larry about the top and his suggestion was to locate a local top and upholstery shop and they could use the existing one to copy for a new one.They do not carry any parts for Jags at all.
They have a web site under coach builders Inc.
Sandy

Submitted by esane@msn.com on Fri, 07/13/2007 - 21:17

Michell;; I have an 86 XJS conv. It was created by Coach Builders Limited Inc 1320 S. Main street High springs Florida 32643. I have a letter from them stating that the conversion in 19896 cost $12,500.
The top is black Hartz cloth and has a full innerliner.Please contact me at esaneatmsn.com.That way you can send me a photo of your car and I can compare it to mine.
Sandy Sanders

Submitted by dcamburn@nc.rr.com on Tue, 01/09/2007 - 12:02

Check with World Upholstery (url is http://www.worlduph.com/jag6.htm). They sell replacement XJS convertible tops. Their website shows the following info:

CONVERTIBLE TOP 1986-88 Convertible (Hess & Eisenhardt).....#215 3419 #11
Pre. 1989 cars are factory conversions, please indicate builder. Hess & Eisenhardt or Baur.
CONVERTIBLE TOP 1989-96 Convertible ...................#215 3420

It would be worth calling them to get some help.

Don Camburn
1993 XJR-S