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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?
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...
My husbands first suggestion was a needle with adhesive.
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).
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
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!
My dash did the exact same thing in the same spot. I tried everything to stretch it back. I hate to say it.. I think the damage is done as it’s already shrunk. Removing the dash isn’t as bad as it sounds. You can get it reupholstered in Vinyl for around $500-$600.
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.
I live in the Washington DC area and spoke to 2 upholstery shops about this problem.
1.Recommends removing the front windshield in it's entirety and do a pull and reglue ($650)
2. The other did an Aston Martin that suffered from the same proablem at $2500 and said I should probably just go through the dealer since it would so expensive.
Thoughts
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).
2009 XK dash bubble AND split seams near windshield
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.
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.
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/
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.
Not the usual dash problem
