It all started with replacing a bulb...
#1
It all started with replacing a bulb...
I noticed that one of the bulbs was out in the 3 gauge panel. So I popped off the trim to get at it and discovered...Yuck!
A LOT of soft foam rubber parts were falling apart in the air vents. Some of it was stuck in the grille, while a lot of it was ready to turn to goo the moment I touched it. It also smelled old and musty like it had been around for 10 years. Go figure.
This is what it looked like.
I got the gauges out of the way (so much for that bulb right now, this was serious!) and started pulling apart the air vent.
After I got the vent parts out of the way I could see that the deteriorating rubber was everywhere. You can see that there used to be a foam pad on the vent flap that was basically crumbled away.
So I cleaned all the parts and wiped down as much of the stuff in the dash as I could get to. Vacuumed out a lot of debris inside the dash and ducts.
Then I cut a new foam pad for the flap out of the leftover 2mm dense foam I used on the A pillar recovering. Sprayed adhesive on it so I could mount it to the flap.
I installed new soft foam weatherstrip everywhere I removed it. Mounted the flap pad.
Finally, back to the gauges. I replaced the bulb and polished the clear plastic lenses with Meguiars liquid polishing compound (safe for plastics and clear coats). Then polished the trim panel up a bit.
Before I mounted it, I added some thick foam blocks to the empty areas around the inside of the panel to help deaden noise. I figured it never hurts to do it if you can.
And now all back together. Busy evening's worth of work.
A LOT of soft foam rubber parts were falling apart in the air vents. Some of it was stuck in the grille, while a lot of it was ready to turn to goo the moment I touched it. It also smelled old and musty like it had been around for 10 years. Go figure.
This is what it looked like.
I got the gauges out of the way (so much for that bulb right now, this was serious!) and started pulling apart the air vent.
After I got the vent parts out of the way I could see that the deteriorating rubber was everywhere. You can see that there used to be a foam pad on the vent flap that was basically crumbled away.
So I cleaned all the parts and wiped down as much of the stuff in the dash as I could get to. Vacuumed out a lot of debris inside the dash and ducts.
Then I cut a new foam pad for the flap out of the leftover 2mm dense foam I used on the A pillar recovering. Sprayed adhesive on it so I could mount it to the flap.
I installed new soft foam weatherstrip everywhere I removed it. Mounted the flap pad.
Finally, back to the gauges. I replaced the bulb and polished the clear plastic lenses with Meguiars liquid polishing compound (safe for plastics and clear coats). Then polished the trim panel up a bit.
Before I mounted it, I added some thick foam blocks to the empty areas around the inside of the panel to help deaden noise. I figured it never hurts to do it if you can.
And now all back together. Busy evening's worth of work.
#2
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Bob OB (08-06-2013)
#3
Nice job!
Here is another rendition a couple of years back....https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...t-stank-51711/
Here is another rendition a couple of years back....https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...t-stank-51711/
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Bob OB (08-06-2013)
#5
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Bob OB (08-06-2013)
#7
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#8
Graham,
We're considered a moderate climate, and the HVAC foam deterioration issue is definitely present in both of our Jaguars. It's not to the point yet where I need to remove the panels and address it, but I know that day is coming for both cars. My guess is that if you keep the car long enough, you'll eventually be dealing with it as well....
My strategy thus far has been to use my Shop Vac to suck any visible loose foam bits through the vents whenever I vacuum the interior of either car....
We're considered a moderate climate, and the HVAC foam deterioration issue is definitely present in both of our Jaguars. It's not to the point yet where I need to remove the panels and address it, but I know that day is coming for both cars. My guess is that if you keep the car long enough, you'll eventually be dealing with it as well....
My strategy thus far has been to use my Shop Vac to suck any visible loose foam bits through the vents whenever I vacuum the interior of either car....
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GGG (08-06-2013)
#9
I had to replace a side vent about three months ago and the centre has been out within the last six months. No sign of foam deterioration at either.
Can you just see loose foam through the vents on yours or is it blowing small fragments out?
Graham
#10
#11
Today I pulled off the left and right air vents to give them the same rework as the center. I was surprised to see that neither one had the same crumbling foam as the center area. I gave'em a good vacuum and wipe down. Also polished the lenses on the gauge cluster along with the rest of the wood trim pieces.
I think I am done with the dash area at this point. Smells better already and I haven't even driven it yet.
Looks really good again too.
I think I am done with the dash area at this point. Smells better already and I haven't even driven it yet.
Looks really good again too.
#12
#13
The hand polishing is slow and tedious but the results are worth it. For the wood I think I have polished it about 20 times now.
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...hing-compound/
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Utrider (08-09-2013)
#14
This foam deterioration must only be a 'hot climate' issue.
I've had a number of centre and side vents apart in the UK and the foam has been intact. Strange that running the at high temperatures for lengthy periods doesn't appear to have the same effect.
Graham
I've had a number of centre and side vents apart in the UK and the foam has been intact. Strange that running the at high temperatures for lengthy periods doesn't appear to have the same effect.
Graham
#15
The only solution to this is refinishing. Either Madera Concepts or BritishAutowood are familiar with this restoration.
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Utrider (08-09-2013)
#16
#17
Yeah, I have personally witnessed this happen at my own employer, many times over.
Nice looking dash. I am currently pursuing a Nav-to-gauge cluster conversion, and have been considering the chrome trim rings. I think the car needs it, but I'm not going to purchase them until after I see the job completed. I think I will stop at the gauge rings with the chrome, not adding the shifter bezel or any other chrome accessories I have seen. I think the car needs the gauge rings, but the rest is too much for me.
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