I wish someone would reply to this thread as I have the same issue.

The Previous Owner had it in the dealer twice for bump/knock coming from the upper dash area. Obviously, it was not repaired as it is still there at low speed, small bumps. Sound like the A/C ductwork is loose.

I verified that the strut braces are tight under the lower windshield cowl but haven't elected to tear into the dash yet.

 

I understand that if you remove the speaker cover on the dash you will see the screw in question. However, I do not know the rest of the fasteners. I think on the leading edge at the glass it is glued and may create a problem but I am not sure.

 

You may want to remove the covers on the piller to see if you have any type of clips or screws in that area.

Good Luck!

I found information on the removal. Send a PM with your e-mail address and I will send it to you.

Gus

 

Has anyone had any success?

 

Hi,
Do you still have the information for removing the dashboard top cover? Does it actually come off separately or is it connected to the lower section too?

Best regards,
John

 

See if this helps.http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/...%20Vehicle.pdf

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/...cia%20Area.pdf

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/...%20Rattles.pdf

 

Hi Gus,
Thanks for the information.
I'll keep these for future reference.

I don't actually have any rattles bothering me. It was more question of does the top section of an XK8 dashboard separate from the lower section easily?

I want to restain the dashboard cover and it would be easier to do a proper job with it out of the car (if possible)

Any ideas or info on that front?

Best regards,
John

 

Hi again,
Quick update on this. I have a copy of the Jaguar XK 1999 workshop manual and have found a section on the instrument panel which states this;

The full-width, moulded PVC instrument panel is located by a dowel at each 'A' post and secured by bolts at the
bulkhead and 'A' posts. Faced with maple or walnut burr veneer, the panel accepts two separate instrument clusters,
one containing four major instruments, the other containing three auxiliary instruments.
The major instrument cluster is situated directly ahead of driver, whilst the auxiliary cluster is located inboard from the
driver, above the center console.

That would suggest that it may be removable but I don't know if there'd be anything else waiting to get in the way of removal.
Would the cluster and centre panel have to come out too.
Interesting that the dash top is PVC, since it doesn't half have a leather look to it. Cleverly moulded clearly.

If it too much work I'll be removing A post covers and carefully masking everything up to do the restain.
I like an easy life.

 

I need to do the same thing. I have not worked on getting mine out yet but this you tube video which is specific to an S type may be helpful. About the 3 minute mark. I'm still searching for more info too. JIm

 

Thanks Jim.

Well I'm led to believe that that level of removing items isn't necessary on the XK8 to separate the dash top.

The older and wiser on this forum might be able to shed more light on it. My dash isn't bad but I have a horizontal crack in the middle which I want to rectify.

Cheers,
John

 

Jim, i think I've found the information in the XK8 1999 Service manual. Pages 2835 - 2853 lays out the steps. It's pretty involved.

Instrument Panel 76.46.01
Removal
1. Remove battery cover and disconnect earth lead from terminal. Refer to <<86.15.15>>.
2. Remove glove box. Refer to <<76.52.02>>.
3. Remove under-scuttle. Refer to <<76.46.11>>.
4. Remove 'J' gate surround for access. Refer to <<76.25.24>>.
5. Remove center console assembly. Refer to <<76.25.01>>.
6. Remove radio console. Refer to <<76.25.15>>.
7. Remove driver's air bag module. Refer to <<76.73.39>>.
8. Remove steering wheel. Refer to <<57.60.01>>.
9. Remove steering column upper and lower cowls. Refer to <<76.46.03>>.
10. Remove front seats. Refer to 76.70.01.90.

Along with various harnesses. Once done you can undo the 3 bolts hiding in the dashboard top (1 under each tweeter speaker cover and in the centre under a small panel). After that the dash would move back off its dowels.

I think for my purposes i can remove the A POST trim and mask up carefully to do what I need.

I have a PDF of the 1999 Service manual. DM me if you want it.

Best regards,
John

 

The dash "top" is not removable by itself. There are panels under the steering column and there is the glove box, but otherwise it is one big piece, top sides and center console.

This is what one looks like out of the car.

 

John,
Thank you, if it is that involved I will probably leave this alone for the time being. I have a small crack in my dash pad, and a perfect one in a parts car. I think I will overlook the crack until a later date. I have an immediate problem of a seriously malfunctioning gauge cluster to figure out. I would appreciate the service manual though. I will try to direct message you if I can figure out how. I am new to this forum and navigating it is still trial and error. Thanks again, Jim

 

FYI, I restained all the 'Taupe' parts of my interior(burgundy). Managed to get most of the dash done by removing instrument cluster, center and glovebox side of dash, and the steering wheel. A pretty big job, but not as much as pulling the top, sides, etc. Pretty happy with results.

 

can this clip be accessed by taking out the air ducts in the middle dash section?