Just wondering if anyone has tried to polish the wood dash. Mine is looking very yellow for some reason. I've had 3 xk8's and the first 2 had nice, deep, dark wood dashes.

The dash on my '01 (black interior) is looking very faded and almost yellow. I'm wondering if there's a way to buff it back a bit like paint. I doubt it's possible, but just thought I'd put the idea out there and see if anyone has worked on their dash.

Thanks!

 

Unfortunately it's faded. I've had the same issue and the only way to get that deep rich tone is a refinish. I noticed the sides of my panels were darker when I removed the gage cluster center fascia. British Autowoods can restore them to the original deep color but it means sending all panels to be done at once. He has to remove the top coat and re stain them, then put a new clear coat. They will look totally different! Saul said about two to three weeks.
I decided to embrace the golden (read yellow) finish. For now!

 

I think I remember reading that there was a problem on the 2001 models with bad finishes on the wood. My dash pieces are OK, but the trim around the gear selector has become somewhat cloudy.

Phil is right, the only real cure is a refinish, as the problem is under the clear top coat. British Autowoods has gotten high marks on the forum.

 

+1 to fading

The dash set is very thin wood veneer on a metal base and surface finished with clearcoat. Prone to fading in sunny climates so not a problem we generally encounter over here.

There are a number of specialists who can refinish individual pieces or the whole set to 'as new' but this is extremely costly. A better option is to be patient and source a set from a breaker.

Graham

 

The most cost-effective option is to find a local woodworkers hobby club and let them do the refinishing for you. Most medium to large cities have several of these clubs. They are populated by old retired woodworkers who love to get together and take on projects of all scopes and sizes. They still have amazing skills and many of them own every woodworking tool known to man. Find these local clubs in your area through Google, take them your faded panels, and let them work their magic for you. Your restored panels will look better than new and will hold up far better than the factory finish did. Some of these clubs do this type of work for free....

I used one of these clubs about 22 years ago to have a custom teak jewelry box made for my wife's birthday. It is still gorgeous today. I supplied the teak, they wouldn't take any money from me for their design work and labor, so when I picked up the finished jewelry box I also brought them about $100 worth of fresh oak, maple, and walnut lumber which they gladly accepted as a donation....

Spend some time looking for these clubs in your area. You'll be amazed at the quality of their work at a minimum cost to you....

 

Great idea Jon. Thanks! I"m located in Oklahoma City, so I'll try to find a club in Oklahoma.

This forum is such a great source for expertise and advice!

 

Try finding a club at places like Woodcraft.com

 

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