Anyone try it?

Is it as simple(ha ha) as pulling the trim, sanding thru the finish, and re-staining? I've got some sunfade I'd liek to take care of.

 

Hopefully, Jagwood sees this and can give you some advice.

 

Well if you do decide to have a go, do not think you can easily sand that finish off . I highly recommend using a stripper on whatever part(s) you are doing - Something like Savogran brand semi-paste will lift the Polyester finish without harming the veneer,but you may have to leave it overnight to see results. It won't all come off either, you will have to carefully go over the part(s) with a heat gun and scraper to get it all. Once down to the bare veneer, neutralize with water, let dry and very lightly sand. Also remember that getting rid of the faded/yellowed finish will alter the colour - so if you are doing the air bag panel (for example), you will have to to the other pieces too.
Finishing is a whole other thing,and to obtain the factory look, it's going to have to be a Polyester either as a base, or full finish. Polyester needs to be applied over a 2K Polyurethane barrier coat, and all this stuff is very nasty,not to mention $$$ and the learning curve and supplies extensive.I recommendposting on the woodweb.com finishing forum to get the details on this type of coating technique.

Cheers,

 

Yikes! I'll just look for replacements then, thanks!

 

That might be your best bet.

 

Any recommendations on where to find them?

 

For used late model wood, I recommend Coventry West, as well as keeping an eye on eBay etc. For the parts that are veneered metal (XJ6 S3 console and trip computer panels, XJ6 1988-97ashtray units andA/C vents, 1988-93 XJS consoles and switch surroundsetc..) it is possibly better to have these re-veneered/refinished, as used items are more of a gamble. Once the original adheisive dries out on these veneered directly onto metal parts, they are not worth buying used.What do you need?

Cheers.

S.Chaplin
67' 420 RHD
68' 340 Mk2 RHD