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My recently acquired '87 XJ6 needed a new dash. I installed a decent dash on hand, which I installed, but didn't have a matching (or even decent condition) center panel nor ski-slope panel. I decided to cover both in black vinyl.
At the same time I dyed the black upper console surround to match the rest of the interior. This was done on the upper-line models beginning in '86 or so.
That is a beautiful motorcar. Would it be possible to lightly sand the steering wheel and stain it a darker color. Having the vinyl vs wood looks fine and is easy to put back to original later if desired. Do you still have your white V12?
That looks perfect Doug. Can I ask what you used to change the "parcel" shelf to the beige colour? And, how were you able to do such a perfect colour match? Or did you just do all those cheek/concole panels with the same stuff? I would happily do mine. Looks like a factory job to me!
That looks perfect Doug. Can I ask what you used to change the "parcel" shelf to the beige colour? And, how were you able to do such a perfect colour match? Or did you just do all those cheek/concole panels with the same stuff? I would happily do mine. Looks like a factory job to me!
That looks good. The veneer on my '87 is maybe a 6/7 out of 10 but the ash tray surround area is a 3 or 4. This is a great idea and I think I'll try it on mine as well. Might even try and match it to my seats (cranberry). Thanks.
Last edited by jbellK75; Sep 11, 2025 at 07:56 PM.
I did same to mine years ago when I did the lt1 swap, had the panel off while doing some wiring and the wood veneer was in bad shape, but I just scraped it off sanded it and spray painted it instead of vinyl,
@Doug I just replace the crumbling veneer on my ashtray/gearshift surround with black vinyl. Easy peasy and very happy with the look and "free" because I had the black vinyl and adhesive on hand from another project. Thanks Doug.
I do like the shelf upholstery color, I didn't know that it came black. Mine was already that way, 1983 model. But I went the other way with the console. All veneered, there is a place in the UK that has the parts: lower console radio and AC panel as well as the shift/ash tray and ski slope panel. They also have the snazzy wood trimmed steering wheel. Full Monty?
I really like what Doug has done here also.
I had already replaced the ashtray / gear selector panel wood veneer with black leather, and have now copied Doug's idea and done the surround in grey to match the seats and the trip computer panel in black.
Black vinyl vs Wood veneer, center console
