I've been replacing my entire wood interior in my 88. I started with the ski slope with the cup holders in walnut, AMAZING!!
Then the dash was faded and had a few cracks so I found an original new/old set that was still in factory packing. Much better. BUT, it was a bit lighter than the new ski slope.
Next, the trip computer sides needed replacing so I had those and the AC/stereo panel done as well. Those match the ski slope perfectly.
Finally, I ordered the instrument panel from jaguarxjsinteriors.com and it's a shade off as well. Not too bad but I notice.
I guess my question is, Did the factory interior ever match perfectly?? I honestly don't think any one would notice as much as I do. It's just frustrating spending all this money and not being perfect!!
I plan to order the wood steering wheel from the XJS interior guys as well so it should match SOMETHING!! LOL

 

As far as I know/remember, the factory wood for a particular car was made in ONE batch, from the same sheet of veneer. that ensured the "match" we all come to expect.

Now that time, and odd spare pieces are turning up all over the place, the chances of buying bits from different suppliers and having shade/colour matching would be a similar chance to winning the lotto.

When I did any of the wood in any of my Jags, I found a "spare set" and had it re-veneered and then fitted it as a complete package.

Failing that, remove ALL the wood, and have it re-veneered in the shade you want. It is a time consuming process to redo these wood items, so a NO wood car may be for months in some cases.

 

For anyone re-veneering their dashes I found that contact cement (solvent type Weldwood) even with two coats and pressed very firmly to try to adhere, still might not adhere... as with my panels. Also, if you want the dash to be perfect you must remove the old veneer from the plywood backing.I would suggest some type of wood cement as it's wood on wood and use lots of pressure. Not a project you want to do twice on the same car. Bud

 

If you are doing veneer you should use a vacuum press to "clamp" it.