I am goint to attempt a 'downgrade' of my useless OE satnav to the far more elegant 3 instruments. I won a brand new instrument pack for just $30 on UK eBay and it arrived today. Now I want to have a look at just what lurks behind the veneer before I go any further (i.e. order new centre section veneer with 3 holes, wiring harness, etc.).

Can anyone advise, or point me to a how-to on removing the dash veneer?

 

It pulls straight out. There are fasteners near all four corners. The lower edge is more loosely captured than the upper edge. There is also a large gap at the lower edge, so it is easier to pry the lower edge loose first. Use a wide blade scraper (2-3") to spread the force. Wrap the scraper blade with several turns of masking tape for protection and cushioning. Pry the bottom end out between the center section veneer and the thin 'shelf' above the console, starting near each corner.

Once you can grab the veneer with your hands, you can pull on each of the top corners with your fingers. I'll caution you, the top corners can be stubborn, and there is some finite chance of damage to the metal tabs or cracking of the veneer. But you are replacing it anyway, right?

In my case, the tabs bent a bit, but no permanent damage.

Let me add, if the top is really stubborn, rather than forcing it, it might be better to remove the adjacent side panels first for better access to pry on the sides. Rev Sam has a video on that (of course!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3YRj60Yro

 

FantasTic answer. Thank you so much for all your tips. You guys are so helpful! TBH, I don't think I would have dared buy a Jaguar if this forum hadn't been available :-)

 

If you can wait an hour or two I post a video...

 

Rev
I don't have to repair anything right now. But the video's are great. Just keep taking it apart and putting back together. before to long any of us will be able to do a full blown restoration.
Thanks
Doug
2001 XKR Silverstone

 

Thanks! Here is a video on how to remove the center trim piece:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8AdOTMYfmY

 

Oh, cool! I always wondered how to take that piece off. Thanks Rev!

 

As always, unbelievable. Thanks, Rev. ...Ed

 

Amazing. Thank you so much. Your videos give us all the inspiration and confidence to have a go ourselves.

When you have a moment, can you do us a video on how to convert a XKR to an Aston Martin DB9 (my dream car)

 

Thanks , this will be added to FAQ

 

FAQdom is too meagre a recompense. Give the man a .com

 

BY THE WAY...

In the video mine came off pretty easily. That's because I had just taken it off and reinstalled it just to make sure there were no glitches when I did it for the video. Plus I've had it off a couple of other times to fiddle with the nav system. The very first time I removed it it was very tight. Those two top tabs just didn't want to come out. I was worried that I was going to break something. I eventually got the piece removed, it just took a lot longer than it tool in the video. Just be careful and don't try to force it. A thin screwdriver in the top tabs might help them slip out of the little claw thingys.

 

Duly noted. I will be careful. One thing I don't want to do is split the veneer! $$$

 

As quoted by FrogI agree with you Frog I want to see the video of changing the XKR into a DB9. If anyone can do it the Rev. can.
Doug
2001 XKR Silverstone

 

I've recorded all 3 of this week's episodes of American Idol and I'm going to be watching them tonight with my daughters. So, I can't do the conversion tonight, but I'll do it tomorrow morning and post the video tomorrow afternoon.

 

Hey Sam, I just noticed you put a link for your videos , that's a cool idea indeed

 

Thanks, timing is intresting. my bulb just went but I had to take it to the shop for some other work so I asked them to change out the bulbs first. If i saw this video first I would have done it. I am not even sure how much it is going to cost me yet, they are working on it now. He only calls me for estimates if he thinks I will want to discuss the amount - nice to work with someone you trust.

 

I just subscribed to Rev's YouTube channel - can't get enough of these videos

 

That's nice thus you can automatically be updated

 

Has anyone got a photo of the trim once removed so i can see where the clips are on the back as i cant seem to get mine off and its completely different to the piece rev is removing in his jag