I'm having trouble finding a good dash mat for my 2004 xj8. There seems to be a couple of dominant mfrs, but their web pages don't show an actual Jag version, just generic pics. I'm specifically looking for a black, fitted mat with a leaper logo or Jaguar printed on it. Any suggestions?

Steve

 

Steve give me a few days as I just ordered one which should be here in a week or so. Here's the link for your convenience if you want to research. They also do custom logos for an additional $10.

Jaguar XJ Sedan Coverking Poly Carpet Custom Tailored Dash Cover | eBay

 

Nice, thanks. If you don't mind can you include a couple of pictures on your review?

 

Years ago I worked in a local auto parts store, in the late 80's, and dash mats were pretty popular. Don't think Ive even seen one in a car in over 15 years and I see 40-50 cars a day that pass through our service drive at work. That being said I'd also like to see how this looks on your XJ as well.

 

I'll be sure to do as you requested but be mindful that it might be a week or more before I get mine from the vendor so be patient.

 

I tried ordering a suede dash mat from an ebay seller, but the next day they refunded my money saying they couldn't find a template for the X350. So, I'm interested in a dash mat as well, but I'd prefer a suede material instead of just regular velour or carpet.

 

FedEx delivered the dashmat I ordered today and here's my preliminary report including some pics.

I was initially a little put-off by the relative thinness of the finished product but realized when installing it that if it had been any thicker it would have been too thick to fit under the various moldings around the dash. The binding tape sewn around the edges is a bit flimsy but since once you put it in place you want need to handle it very much so it will do the job.

The mat comes with several tabs of Velcro sewn at various points around the perimeter and also comes with two lengths of Velcro with one side adhesive that you can cut to fit the ones sewn on and then stick them to the dash. DO NOT try to stick them to the dash in what you think will be the correct spots to match those on the mat. It will never work out.

I decided to try mine without the adhesive Velcro and see if that works O.K. as I really don't want to use even that mild sticky backing on my dash. That stuff might be a bitch to remove a few years down the line.

The mat comes pre-cut to go over the various speaker grills and ventilation ducts as well as the auto-headlight sensor in the forward center of the dash. From the back it looks like some sort of felt but the surface is similar to a very short nap carpet and although not as light as the sand interior in my XJ it compliments very well.

Given the value of a dollar these days I'd judge it to be a good investment even if not an excellent one and should be very serviceable for years.

 

What are dash mats used for?

 

Thanks much for sharing your info and photos! That was a great help to the rest of us. I'm happy with the appearance, I think I'll put my order in, I also like your suggestion on skipping the adhesives, good idea. When you get it set up on the dash, I'd be curious to know if you have to remove the vents and sensor and remount them over the top, or does the mat just lay over the top providing openings for the below mounted components. Thanks again and good choice.

 

Plums...you crack me up<G><G>

RDMinor

 

Your welcome, and no you don't have to remove any vents, etc. Just lay the mat on top of the dash and position it so that the cutouts are positioned over the appropriate vents, etc. You really can't miss as it is cut to fit pretty much right one. It will take a day or two probably to really lay out flat since it arrives rolled up in a tube. I'll get a couple of more pictures tomorrow since I installed mine yesterday after it arrived and by then it should be pretty well unwound.