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The one I described in my original post is a shorter version that just covers the demister/defogger area of the dash. The other ones the manufacturer offer are the complete dash cover.
But looking at photos, the demister design definitely looks different between the two models.
There is talk here about the demister panel for a 2002 S Type. Would it be different for a 2005 model? I am in need to replace my defroster panel.
The dash design changed in Europe/GB with the mid-year facelift 2002.5 model; this model is a 2003 here in the States. There are usually plenty of pre-facelift panels around, but not so much for the later ones...
We should all contact Jaguar Classic (Heritage) and request that that part be put back in production as every post-facelift Jag will need at least one replacement during its life. The dash cover certainly looks like a good idea for preserving an existing panel...
Last edited by S-Type Owner; Jun 1, 2019 at 09:58 AM.
That dealer is telling me the part is no longer available..
Could a cracked panel be repaired? I wonder if you could carefully glue a doubler on the bottom side of each cracked area, out of view. I've repaired plastic door panels (on other vehicles) this way. If you get both sides flush with each other, the cracks are not obvious at all unless you get your nose right in there.
I have the two pieces of mine and I have been meaning to repair it just the way you described using a stiff. small diameter steel wire/rod as reinforcement and Epoxy glue or even JB Weld to hold it together.t. Also. the plugs to hold it down are about $10 a piece...if you can find them. I plan to just use a small bead of rubber around to prevent rattling and use Velcro to hold it down after covering the hole for the plug
A better way would be to make a scan of the vents and fabricate them using a 3-D printer, perhaps as two interlocking pieces each so it can fabricated using a smaller 3-D printer. The first set would be pricey but afterwards it could be relatively inexpensive (under $20???). With as many Jags needing this fix, I imagine one could easily sell 20+ sets relatively quickly.
There are three panels currently listed on eBay; one in tan, one in grey and one in black. This is a proverbial bumper crop of them as when mine cracked there was exactly one in a non-matching color and at a higher price. I purchased it and then had to get the piece resprayed to match my interior. The current listings are in the $140 to $160 range and shipping is expensive...
Last edited by S-Type Owner; Jun 7, 2019 at 10:12 AM.
I have the two pieces of mine and I have been meaning to repair it just the way you described using a stiff. small diameter steel wire/rod as reinforcement and Epoxy glue or even JB Weld to hold it together.
If anybody does try a repair, I'd be interested in the results.
One caveat: On the other vehicles I've repaired, I had initially planned to use plastic cement, i.e. the stuff used on model airplanes, etc. Plastic cement makes a super strong bond by chemically softening the surface of the material, so the two pieces fuse together. Before the job was even done, I was patting myself on the back.
What I discovered (the hard way, of course) was the door liner material did not react to the plastic cement. I think plastic cement only works on certain types such as styrene, etc. I clamped it all up, let it dry, and then the patch pieces promptly fell loose when I breathed on them. There was not the slightest bit of adhesion. My post-morten hunch is auto manufacturers don't use styrene or similar materials due to concerns about flammability and toxic fumes. Whatever type of plastic it was, you had to use epoxy, not plastic cement. The bad part was I had to scrape all the plastic cement off the door liner, and make new doublers because I had used styrene and those pieces were affected.
Okaaaay.......I bought one of the panels on eBay. And the mechanic said he would install it. On the A pillar of my car “airbag” is written and I don’t want to fool with it. Now I just need to get some paint to put on it and one dealer indicated that the color I want is mocha. Any ideas about paint. I am thinking of some sort of spray.
Glad you got the part. I had mine installed by a body shop, so they took care of matching the trim color, painting the panel, replacing the solar sensor and doing the install.
Mine came in “mocha” and was resprayed to “slate”.
They did mention that not all paints are good on plastic, so choose carefully if you are doing the paint work yourself.
tio
No need to worry about the color because the panel matches perfectly. Mocha. The dealer described it as “tan”. But it is really mocha. The shop will install it next week.
A huge shout out to S-Type Owner. I just picked up my car with the panel in the link he provided. the part looks like new!!!!! And I am very happy with my car.
Found 4 S-type today at a junkyard, all had broken panels, plastic is absolute crap, fragile as thin glass. next to the last jaguar I saw a 2003 lincoln LS , I've removed the panel and fit it in the jag, fits great, good quality, flexible material will post pictures installed next week Price $14 + taxes
