So....Part of the to do list on my XKR is that I am changing the interior from Oatmeal to RED...

I have completed 80% of the transformation but I am down to the Dash. I know it's one piece...but I'm not sure how to go about removing it without tearing apart the WHOLE fricking car...????

Has anyone removed their Dash and lived to tell about it..??? any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

Dave S,

Do you want the good news, the bad news or the really bad news?

Well the bad news is that the no-one responded to date on your post as it's not a common task, with little I've seen using the Forum search tool on the X100 (I often dig for old gold on the Forum). As with most modern cars the dashboard cowl supports a whole tonne of wiring harnesses which all have to be disconnected first

The good news is that Jag's Workshop Manual documents the task in detail (item 76.47.24).

The really bad news is that the Workshop manual has 52 steps including removing glove box, steering column trim, sides' dash fascia and fusebox multiplugs, then moves onto the dash console, removing the J-Gate Module (yes the gear stick!?) , door sill treadplates (yes stuff at the door!!??).

The To Do list is long and mighty, and I've not found much here, on the Forum, of people who have successfully done it.

 

I can't wait for the pics of your redone interior! I am seriously contemplating a re -dye to Maroon. Ivory with silver is just dull. Either that or I'll trade back to a 928 that already has it.

 

You may have opened up a Frankenstein-like project here. I have a 2006 Victory Edition that started with an Elm dash Nav system, Taupe/Ivory interior, black exterior. Since I don't really have plans to hold it for resale for originality(although I am keeping all the original parts), I have replaced the elm dash and Nav with Walnut RealGauge system. Eventually I would like to dye the taupe dark grey/black, and I already have discussed a repaint of the black with a very light gold metal flake.
So maybe we do not stay to the original that rolled off the line at Coventry, but isn't that what makes our cars, "Ours"?

 

Well...for the most part I have all of the rest of the interior out of the car already...since I am redoing the whole interior. Everything is done with the exception of the top of the dash and the other small areas attached to it. I think I may just try to "tape off" the areas and redye it inside the car..? By the way...if anyone wants NEW seat covers...LSEAT sent me some very very nice ones in Real Red Leather with Black stitching. for $328 including shipping. I have yet to install them but they look VERY nice...!!!! They have all the trim code colors plus some others for guys like me... I'll post pics when I get them installed.

 

My mechanic took the dash out of my L322 Range Rover and I was amazed at the huge volume of wiring connected to the dash cowl.

My concern about removing the X100’s dash cowl isn’t the disconnection of all the wiring, and removal, but the probability of losing/damaging/pinching the wiring harnesses and connectors while re-installing. You’ll then never know what’s wrong and won’t know until it’s all back together.

Probably a good plan to re-colour it insitu. Bit fiddly and slow but safer. A lot more sensible

 

If doing it in the car, you might be able to loosen the dash and let it down a bit.

I know it sounds terrible, but removing the windshield would make the job WAY simpler to do.

 

I redid a corvette interior from blue to black. The door panels, seat covers and carpet were bought black but the dash I dyed. I forget what dye I used but got the name of the stuff from a guy who redid interiors. I do know this: make sure you know what the dash is made of so you get the right dye. And use a real good cleaner to get the dirt and silicone off the dash first. Then try a small spot. I wound up taking the windshield out because I could not get close enough to the glass to get it cleaned and dyed. Good luck.

 

I also want to mention that the Kit from LSEAT comes with the new pieces for the Center Console pad as well...!!! So...pretty good deal for real leather. I finished installing the driver side lower this morning...had to set it out in the sun to get nice and warm...then installation was a bit easier. You'll also need to make the openings for the rear pegs and screw holes for the upper back of the seat...but not a big issue. For the price it's worth it to me.

 

Interested parties would really like to see some progress pics!

 

PICS!!!