my e type is a 63 build and titled in 64.....it has the black dash/console.
Is it sacrilegious to swap it out for an aluminum dash/console?

thx
chas

 

To purists, yes. It is your car, modify the way you like. Save the original parts to go with car, or if you want to put back later.

 

I'm a bit surprised it doesn't have the aluminum to begin with, being 1963 build.

I thought the black trim came along in mid-late 1964 calendar year.

But, I'm not authority..... and Jaguar did some strange things

Anyhow, I agree, do as you please. You won't be smote down by a bolt of lightening from the heavens


Cheers
DD

 

Doug it was a year end 1963 build (Dec 20).....maybe that has something to do with it.....Id sure like to find an aluminum dash and console though :-)

 

Though I'm risking being tossed out of Jaguar land and whacked on the bum with a bad wiring harness, I am in the camp of "tasteful, reversible modifications".

I realize at least one of those words is up to the beholder, but in the case of the aluminum dash face, it seems you could do that nicely, and generally w/o having to explain other than those who've memorized the VIN change to black.

It could be a decent pain in the tail to do, but with patience, some good needle nosed pliers, and the willingness to tighten every connection back there, it'd be rewarding.

Also, given that the car is 'new' to you, I totally understand the desire to make it yours; to do the things you envision (within reason) when you pursued it. Basic concept: Have fun while respecting history!

 

Just for the record, according to the JCNA judging guide, the 1st 3.8 going from aluminum dash/console to black vinyl were:
LHD OTS @ 879803 / FHC @ 888984
Actually, there was an earlier transition from dot pattern Al to crosshatch pattern:
LHD OTS @ 878302 / FHC @ 887132

But if you are doing your car for yourself rather than for some grumpy judges (moi!), who cares....

 

Im 889707

 

There is an aluminum panel kit available from SNG Barratt's in New Hampshire.


It's pretty easy if the switches, and instruments are removed from the central panel - then remove the vinyl and glue down the new aluminum panel.


The console and radio panels on the other hand are a bigger deal. To recover the top of the console with the aluminum panel, you will need to reupholster the console sides - or if you can (and I don't know if this is even possible), you can try cutting off the top panel of the console covering to reveal the bare metal top. Then the cover panel which comes with the aluminum mounted to a plywood panel is installed onto that. The vinyl welting on the sides is left in place to fill any gap between the edge of the top cover and the sides. I used a few very small screws from below to affix it permanently in my '63 FHC.


The radio panel is also a little complicated and you want the welting to remain along the edges, so if you can take it apart and reuse it great... Otherwise it's new trim here too.


Good luck if you try it, and I am with the others on this question if you want it, it's your car, do what makes you happy.

 

Thanks John......my car finally arrived and the dash is so perfect that I have decided to leave it as is............the black and red go so nicely together and I think the aluminum panel will make things to busy