What frustrated me about it was that it wasn't even like the person could sell it or do anything with it because they just broke the base removing it. It was a stupid thing to do.
I explored potential security options to help protect the leaper hood ornament, but none of them seemed very practical. You could have it wired to your car alarm or someone even suggested putting razor blades on the under side of the ornament so you'd cut your hand if you grabbed it. All of these options seemed like they'd cause more of an issue than provide a solution, not to mention that if someone really just wanted to take it again they probably could anyway.
Replacement of the ornament wasn't difficult to do when it arrived. There's a plastic plug that you can use a pair of pliers to unscrew underneath the hood. The remaining base was pretty much loose from the force of the actual leaper being removed, so installing the new leaper just meant lining up the new ornament with the holes on the hood and screwing the plug on underneath. I think I used tape to hold the leaper in place while I attached the plug with the hood open. There was some minor damage to the paint from the force of the hood ornament being stolen, but the picture below is from after I replaced the leaper. It looks good as new.
The irony is that after I posted this my hood ornament was stolen again. I think I'll be looking to replace the leaper with a badge now to keep from this happening anymore.
ReplyDeleteJust happened to me last month on my 2004 XJ8. I tracked down the idiot who stole it and got it back. Now in the process of putting it back, however, the cord was cut that attaches the jag ornament to the inside of the hood. So, lets see how to solve this!
ReplyDeleteMine was stolen today, I want to break their hand...very frustrating situation...
ReplyDeleteMy wife drove into the garage door while it was still opening. Ripped the leaped right off.
ReplyDeleteSome asshole attempted to take mine last night, but couldn't get it off. I only noticed on the way to work, as the head of jaguar was starring me down. The fucker stratched my hood and didn't give a shit enough to put it back into position after failing to steel it. If I had a baseball bat, fingers would be broken.
ReplyDeletemine was stolen for the 2nd time, 2000 van den plas....and to boot someone else gouged the paint in a huge scrape on the bumper, my car is like a red target for vandals and reckless drivers. DOes anyone know if I can get a reasonably priced replacement ? My mechanic says if I din't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all !
ReplyDeleteLost a leaping kitten too. May the b@stard who took mine be confined to casting Jaguar ornaments for all eternity! :D
ReplyDeleteAm considering buying a 2009 with ornament ... I like the idea of replacing it with the badge and eliminating the temptation for the goofballs...yet still getting an awesome car. Maybe I'll have the leaping kitty mounted and enjoy it on the mantle?
ReplyDelete