I am a fairly competent DIYer, but when I received some new dash wood panels in the mail today I eagerly went out and installed them; they look great!

The airbag cover panel was shipped with the straps cut. I, in autopilot mode, cut the old panel out in similar fashion. I then simply put the new panel on and admired the results.

How much danger would my passengers be in if I left the installation as is? Is there a way to get just the straps and replace them? I went from being very excited to feeling defeated.

Any advice would be helpful, thanks.

 

The straps keep the wood veneer panel from SMASHING the face/chest of the passenger seat occupant in the event of a deployment. The panel is tethered and directed upward usually breaking the windscreen and allowing the softer airbag to cushion the passenger.

If I was your passenger I would prefer that the airbag was disabled and take my chances with just the lap/shoulder belt restraint. A metal/veneer projectile launched by pyrotechnics will likely be MORE dangerous than the accident impact itself??????

bob gauff

 

I had pretty much surmised the full intended function of the straps AFTER I had cut them. But, thanks for confirming my fears (I DID ask). In my defense, I reasoned that if he sent the panel to me with cut straps there must be a way to install it in that condition.

I searched for a way to turn off the airbag. My BMW does not have a passenger airbag and the one in my wife's car can be turned off. Apparently there is no such option in my 2001 XJ8. It's my work car and I rarely have passengers. If I do, it's my kids and they are in the back. If we go somewhere as a family we take my wife's "newer and nicer" Jaguar.

Anyway. Now I need the advice part. I can order a new panel with the straps, but it probably won't match. I can get heavy nylon thread and sew the straps back together? If there is no way to connect the panel with cut straps, then did he ship me an essentially useless wood panel?

Ok, thanks again. I will keep an eye on this thread for some advice.

 

The straps can be removed. When we sent wood veneer panels to Madera Concepts for warranty repair we had to strip off as much mounting material as possible.

I don't remember exactly how the sedan passenger panel straps are attached but I THINK it has a steel rod that can be slid out???? It's been a decade since I have done veneer removal repairs and the XK, XJ and S-Type are all different.

You might have to chip away some of the foam to expose the rod???

bob gauff

 

I ordered another nylon strap (came attached to a less desirable piece of wood trim) on Ebay. It turns out you can just tap out the rod holding the straps to the panel. They will slide out the end. I slid it out, positioned the new straps and slid the rod back into place. I did not have to damage ANY of the foam backing.

I did of course have to remove the air bag so I could install the new straps, but that wasn't so bad.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Glad you got it resolved, thanks for sharing