I checked the owners manual on my 2003 S-type. It does not explain how to clean the wood. I would expect to use a damp cloth with a mild soap. Is that correct?

 

I used a good auto glass cleaner (without ammonia). Then put a coat of NXT sealant on it. Looks beautiful!!

 

Good to use, really looking beautiful.

 

Probably different on the newer cars But I've used pledge on some of my wood before in the 93

 

I use Pledge. Works really great, just make sure to get all of it off. I hate streaks! lol

 

The Pledge will clean it and make it shine for a while, but it is only a temporary "oily" shine. The urethane coating on the wood of the newer cars is a very hard surface and doesn't absorb anything. It is best to use the polymer waxes as they also have a UV blocking agent in them also, especially helping the drop top cars. Have you seen the milky urethane over the wood on some convertables? Results of UV light!

 

Don't use Pledge for ANYTHING -- it will actually harm the finish.

Best product I've found is Scott's Liquid Gold.
--Apply it liberally and thoroughly -- use Q-tips to get in all the corners and hard to get to places. Rub it in good.
-- Allow to soak in about an hour
-- Wipe off excess then buff with soft dry cloth. It will look like NEW!

 

Where should I get the polymer wax? Also, what would be the best way to repair the finish on the wood? On my XJR, there are 2 cracks in the finish, not the wood, and I would LOVE to fix that. Also, on the passanger door, there are lots of little dots in the finish, I'm assuming from the seatbelt hitting it or something, how should I get that out?

 

polymer wax can be had at almost any auto parts store.

For the cracks, not much you can do, if the crack is all the way through the coating to the wood. You can try to repair it by using some new polyurethane, but I can't guarantee that it will fill the crack.

As for the "dots in the finish," you can use some FINE grit sandpaper (about 2000 grit) to sand the top layer of urethane, and then put some more on. IF YOU DO THIS, take the panel off the car first (I know...it sounds dumb to have to mention that, but you'd be surprised), wet-sand it lightly, and, before you respray the urethane, make absolutely sure there isn't any dust or other particles floating around in the air. If there is, you're going to be VERY upset...lol.

 

I have an 06 Xtype. Is it really even wood... it looks like plastic.

 

Yes, it's wood. It has a very thick polyurethane coating that makes it appear plastic. That covering protects the wood from UV rays, moisture, etc.

The wood (at least on the 70's models) is a veneer, and almost typically isn't solid.