Here's some photos from today

 

Well, I've read this entire thread and I'm sorry to hear that this issue exists. I think I may be affected by this problem also--but I'm not sure. My particular problem is not mentioned at all in any of the previous posts. Instead of an issue with the leather coming detached at the windscreen or around corners or speakers, mine is occurring at the top of the center A/C vent. It looks like the edge just popped out from behind the vent. There is plenty of material (I believe!) to simply staple it back in place if I can get the vent grill out. My question to the knowledgeable DIY'ers is this: Is there a way to take the vent out of the dash without having to take the dash out?

Thanks for any insight!

 

Wouldn't it be effective and easier to just apply glue to the piece that is sticking out then tuck it back in using a screwdriver or like instrument?

 

I believe that you should be able to remove the center vent, but it would require removing trim around touch screen and AC controls, then removing screen and and controls first.... Not a hard job, you just want to be mindful of not scratching anything... Plenty of information on how to pull the dash which requires these steps, you just don't have to go through with pulling the entire dash...

 

I had that same idea, wonder if it would work. Especially thinking of the door panels where I see many XKs have the leather bubbled (including mine since I bought it).

Anyone ever try this?

 

I remember when buying a leather suite 15yrs ago I was told to go with Scottish leather as it was thicker and had less blemishes than Italian leather...plus it was built for the UK climate.

I appreciate that indoor furniture isn't a good comparison but 15yrs later it still looks like new.

If Jaguar perhaps had used American cowhide from Bovina for cars destined for America, perhaps it wouldn't have had a problem with American heat and humidity...and of course you guys get a lot more sunshine!

Hey but what do I know...am on a hiding* to nothing most of the time

*see what I did there?

 

 

Here's the restored dash. I took the trim, components and vent out and Encore Vinyl & Leather Repair here in San Antonio did the rest. They used contact cement to fasten the leather back down to the deck and then some industrial strength superglue to harden the edge of the leather and adhere it to the deck under the vent. There wasn't enough leather to use staples but I will be surprised if anything comes loose. For insurance, I had the front window tinted with Hüper Optik ceramic film and some darker Wincos ceramic on the other three sides--and I replaced my old sunshade with an OEM custom fit shade.

 

Where did you go to get the first quote? The bubbles in the dash are driving me nuts and the local shop I went to quoted $2,000 (Loudoun County).

 

I’m having mine done this week at “The Trim Shop” in Newark, DE. $495.00 to remove windshield, remove bubbles and staple the edges.

 

What was the cost at Encore Vinyl & Leather Repair in San Antonio.

 

$85.00 Still looks perfect today!

 

Yes, car is 10 years old, and had been in Texas, Florida. Not expecting warranty replacement. But what I’ve learned reading this forum and talking with dealer and independents. The Jag wasn’t designed for hot weather (even though it’s a convertible meant for summer fun). It should have been designed with materials and colors better suited for use in sunshine. Stretching isn’t really a good option: you have to remove the windshield to get at it, or remove the dash, for results that likely won’t last very long, if it can be done at all. An independent quoted me a minimum of $4.000 to pull dash, remove leather, install new cover and reinstall dash. Ugh. Not the only design defect, the rear window is coming loose from the top and there’s no long lasting way to reattach it. Only option is a new top (yet the top is in good condition. The rear window problem is as prevalent as the dashboard problem.

 

Brian,
Have you read this whole thread? And searched this forum?
Others have had their dash fixed for much less, and you can fix your rear window yourself.

 

Here's the link to the easy DIY repair to reattach the glass window of your convertible top using Rhino Glue. Mine is still holding up fine.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ble-top-97478/

 

How hard was it to take the trim and vents out? Are instructions in a manual or online? Thanks.

Don
2010 XKR Convertible

 

There are several threads about pulling the dash. The trim and vents come out at an early stage of the dash removal, so you can follow the procedure as far as you need without removing the whole thing.
Here is an example:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...sh-how-172398/

 

Thanks. I'm in San Antonio also and hope to have the folks you mentioned have a go at mine in the next two weeks.

 

Good luck!
Where in SA are you so I can keep an eye out for you. Rush hours you can find my wife burning up 281 between 1604 and Ft Sam.

 

I'm over near Converse off Walzem. Since I retired I'm all over the city from time to time. Just got this about two weeks ago so still learning how to speak XKR. When I had my 94 XJS I spent time with the local Jag folks but not many were DIYers and not many could talk V12 so I haven't rejoined the club as of yet. What I want to do is get the 90K or 10 year service (my baseline) in a couple of weeks from now and go from there. Like most vets we do spend time at Ft Sam too. Hope to see ya'll around once I put the beast on the road.