The only real issue with the interior of my '86 XJ6 is the condition of the wood veneer. I plan on removing all the wood panels and redoing the veneer myself.

I've been able to find a video online on how to remove the main dash panel but can't find anything on removing the center console and trip computer panels. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

 

very carefully.

the inner console tray and stay are removed first,

then the 6 switches on the ski slope are disconnected from behind,

then one screw at the top of the ski slope is removed,

then the shifter knob is unscrewed from itself,

then the ashtray panel is lifted complete with ashtrays and carefully pulled up and out over the shifter

then the a/c knobs are pulled,

then the notched nuts are unscrewed using a screwdriver walking the nut counterclockwise.

then the radio panel is pulled and "folded" forward on its face,

then there are two hidden acrews that are visible when the a/c - radio panel is pulled,.

then remove those two screws and pull the bottom of the vertical panel out and down at the same time,

then start disconnecting everyrhing behind the vertical panel.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the great details! Won't be doing this project until winter but that doesn't sound so bad at all.

 

you welcome.

the first time is the most difficult.

I reccomend to first disconnect the battery, then apply sticky labels marking / naming each connector and wires as you disconnect them. Otherwise you will end up with a total spagetti of wiring, ahort circuits, blown fuses and who knows, fried wiring harnesses!

for screws I take a piece of cardboard and push each screw through it as I remove them, and naming each screw where they came out of.

Removing the console lid catch usually breaks them. You can get replacements where they sell clothes dryers, they are the same catch made by Maytag or GE.

 

More great tips, thanks! And I'm guessing the air conditioner unit will be accessible when the dash is out? If so, I'll replace the relays while I'm in there.

 

what relays? there is only one relay for the fan speeds and it is located behind the left side floor vent panel.

the a/c controls remain where they are. Nothing else is seen behind those two panels that you want to refinish.

 

I don't know why I thought they're were multiple relays behind the dash but thanks for setting me straight, now I won't be confused when I don't find them back there.

 

is your car a USA car from 1986?

 

Yes it is.Does this matter?

 

yes, 1986 was a crossover year for the Series 3 XJ-6 and the Series 4 XJ-40, the "new" style XJ-6. Different body, different electronics, etc.

Although the XJ-40 was not introduced or sold in the USA until 1988, it was being sold in Europe by 1986. ( UK, Germany, etc.).

Some of those 1986 XJ-40 have made their way into Canada then USA. They are called "grey market" cars.

When you mentioned relays (plural), a light came on and I thought you might have a XJ-40.

 

OK, and I probably was reading something about the XJ-40 air conditioning and thought they were talking about the series 3 air conditioning, but mine's a series 3. Thanks.

 

yeahh you want to stay away from the XJ-40, it is a pretty car but has many electronic bugs. It is the first "digital" Jaguar, full of digital circuits and a pita to repair. It also has a smaller engine, a 4.0 liters, therefore its name.

the Series 3 XJ-6 (6 cylinders 4.2 liters), was made until 1987, the same body style was continued until 1992 but with the 12 cylinder 5.3 liters engine only, and it was renamed "V12"

So, unoficially, a XJ-40 is a Series 4.

Stick with the Series 3, they are better and easier to repair.

.

 

Jose gave you great advice. If you want another source of information, David at everydayxj.com has a write-up with photos. Link

If the video on YouTube you are referring to is the one entitled "Jaguar xj6 dashboard removal" that has been viewed 24k times, I am the guy that shot and posted that. It has been very gratifying to me that it has helped some of our fellow enthusiasts.

This summer I have been busy replacing all the woodwork in my 87 SIII which, of course includes the trip computer panel, shifter panel, and door filets. I shot a bunch of video and plan on posting one on YouTube about the two center console pieces. Your project gives me an incentive to whip it into shape and get it posted sooner rather than later.

Below is a photo of my completed project.
Jeff

 

I've never cared for the looks of the later models and although I like the series 1 and 2, they're just a little too 'vintage' for my purpose and I already have a couple vintage sports cars to fill that need.

I hadn't planned on buying this car, but it showed up unexpectedly at a local auction--not a car auction--that I attend monthly and just couldn't resist since I've always loved the look of the series 3. I only had about fifteen minutes to look it over before the sale so I wasn't sure what I could be getting myself into. Turns out it was a fantastic buy, it's in such good condition and was well maintained its entire life. I'm still surprised my wife hasn't smothered me in my sleep after I won this car, she says I already have too many. I told her I was going to bid but she didn't think I'd get it for the price I wanted to pay. We were both shocked when I won. But she was there and could have stopped me if she really wanted to. So far I'm very happy with it and I'm glad I found this forum. And thanks again for your help.

 

Jeff, thanks, I'll check out David's write-up. And yes, the video you shot and posted is the one I referred to, great work, it's very helpful!

Your dash looks beautiful! I hope mine looks as nice when I'm done.

I'll keep and eye out for your video of the center console, hopefully it's up before I get to mine.

 

Well I surprised myself and got two new videos done and posted. I shot the video a couple months ago; just had to get it cleaned up and put together. I hope these help.



Jeff

 

Thanks, Jeff! They're very helpful! I think I now know all I need to know to do mine this winter.

 

Jose, I hope all is well. i am at a bit of a loggerhead removing my 1971 Center console. The tray above the radio and the radio seem to be hanging things up. Any sequence difference on the series 1? I was hoping to meet you someday as I have a farm in Ocala but my wife decided she wants to move back up to the cold!

 

DBaer, believe it or not, I am going to be checking Ocala because Central Florida traffic has become too crowded.

Unfortunately I have no experience removing the center console in a 1971 XJ. But it wasn't born there, so there must be a way to remove it.

Do you mean the entire center console or just the center console Panel around the shifter? If you want to remove the entire center console, then the best way is to first remove the two front bucket seats. Doing that will give you space and a better visual to understand how it is fitted.

Anyway I hope you are also doing well and let me know how it works out after front seats removal. .

 

Jose, i had already removed the seats and the whole unit is free except for the area around the radio or possibly the top of the heater controls. Its already getting cold up here so my fingers only work for so long after work. Stay tuned!!