Was perusing the Arden site and came across this aluminum dash kit for the XK8. Can I say WOW! But can you say $$$$$$?!?!
My detail shop has a 3m amazing brushed aluminum wrap that I swear looks real. I'm seriously thinking about doing this to my panels since its totally reversable and I can do it myself. My veneer is very faded to a yellow and its pricy to refinish. I can do this for about 40.00.
Only problem is the steering wheel. I found a leather wrap kit I may customize to cover just the wood?
There's several colors also. A killer gunmetal aluminum.

 

Everything at Arden is astronomically high-priced! I have never been that much of a fan of carbon fiber but I do like brushed metal in certain instances.

Doug

 

Actually just ordered an gunmetal brushed aluminum wrap. 38.00. If I don't like, I'll use for something else. Steering wheel still perplexing. Hum

 

Try Leather Steering Wheel Covers: Hubcaps Plus After Market Parts and Accessories For Cars, Trucks and SUVs

Used them for my 300ZX and G20.

 

It looks very Apple.

 

Shhh... Don't give him any ideas. LOL

 

Trust me I need no encouragement!! Lol
I don't love the arden bright aluminum but this gunmetal brushed I found may be sharp in my black interior with the chrome rings and shifter surround.

 

You could refinish the steering wheel wood and use a very dark stain....

 

If you like brushed metal finishes, try finding an example of "engine turned" stainless. You may like it even better. All Pontiac Trans Ams came with that finish on the instrument panel, so you could search for a picture on the net.

 

My shifter is actually piano black. Thought about having it painted.

 

Done this on my Audi A6 Phil going from this...tired and worn looking centre console...






To this...........






All for much cheapness ££

 

Hello Phil, I had Maderia Concepts in Goleta, Calif. refinish my steering wheel as I changed from the walnut veneer pieces to a driftwood grey Birdseye maple.
They will do a piano black finish or black stain for about 250.00. The finish is exactly like Jaguar Factory very hard and durable(maybe better). The only problem was is takes about 2 weeks so I bought a extra steering wheel to use while the original was being refinished.
For shipping cost you are welcome to use mine until yours gets back. You might even talk with Jeff (the owner) about just doing an exchange of already finished veneer, return your the old cracked pieces for new. About $900.00. Just google Madeira Concepts in Goleta, a bit more $$$ but in keeps with Jaguar. They do all North America Jaguar and Rolls Royce Factory Just google Maderia Concepts in Goleta.
Good luck and

Happy Motoring...

 

I think it's already too late.

 

Actually just in time!! I almost ordered the aluminum as shown on Arden, but went with gun metal!! Hate Apple!!

 

Thanks for the offer! I may take you up on that if I can't come up with a good option. I'm really trying to keep everything reversible. I've been known to change my mind from time to time!!! Lol. (Even I laughed at that understatement!!)

 

I'm still holding out the possibility of wrapping the wood steering wheel bits with the brushed vinyl. It would take two pieces on each section, one front and back. With a seam top and bottom. If done carefully, shouldn't even see it. Just wonder how its hold up to daily use.

 

WOW! Wrap looks better than the original!! Is that gunmetal?

 

Brushed Titanium if I remember.......still holding up really well, with no issues.

 

I think it'd look great in an all black XK8.

 

I agree Phil, would probably look the mutts nutts....lol

I had mine done by a professional for £70..

That was a bragain price as it included the material and wrapping the centre console area, ashtray etc, glovebox insert and 4 doorcard inserts.