Has anyone done the Nav unit to 3 gauge conversion on their XK? I see that the XK Wrangler has several kits with not a lot of explanations. They do not explain if any of the kits include the 3 gauge dash panel and if the 2 or more color/grains are available(Burl, Elm, piano blk,etc.).
I am looking at a couple of cars with the useless nav units that I expect to have to swap out and need to know just how much/how difficult I should expect.

 

Yes, many, many people have successfully carried out this conversion, including me.
There are many threads here on doing this. The search function is your friend.
Very clear instructions are available on jagwrangler's site: Installation-LHD - TheJagWrangler

It will be up to you to acquire the suitable replacement dash panel(s).
You need to choose whether to just replace the center gauge panel or all of them to have them match.
Pay attention to their condition, hazing during certain years and the logo in the lower corner of the passenger airbag cover panel.

Since I replaced all the wood dash panels, the biggest issues for me were:

• extracting & reinstalling the passenger airbag panel
• not breaking the very fragile plastic tabs securing the small outboard vent dash panels

The actual gauge & electrical conversion itself is quite simple, almost lego-like.
GIven the clear instructions and the complete supplied kit, I would rate this as a difficulty level 2.5 on a scale of 10

 

Doesn't sound too bad. I guess getting the replacement dash covers are the hardest parts. Finding someone parting out and XK would be the best likely source?

 

jag heaven in stockton, ca has several xk8 in the yard

 

Thx, I will check them out.

 

I have searched a lot of old threads and got a lot of good information. Now all I have to do is get a an XK and go from there. I have a couple of cars that I am looking at, both of which have the old Nav system. Plans are to replace with 3 gauge actual reading gauges, then do some type of navigation from there, but first I have to get a car. First things first. I will update the forum as it happens.

 

I also wrote an article for Jaguar Journal describing the process. Click this link, download the PDF document and go to page 27: https://www.jcna.com/sites/default/f...Jun%202017.pdf

I am also happy to answer any of your questions.

 

I read the article. Very well written. When I finally get around to doing a car I will likely have a lot of questions for you. Both of the cars that I am looking at have the Elm interiors. and I would like to change out to the walnut burl by going to the 3 gauge direct reading gauges. This would involve getting a full exchange replacement. How hard is it to pull the surround from the Speedo and the glove compartment?. Looks like JagWrangler has all the supplies needed to do the exchange. They seem to be a good supplier to work with.

 

The speedo part is pretty easy, and there is a video on Youtube (thank to forum member Reverend Sam). The wood over the glove compartment (which as you know only need to be removed if changing ALL OF the dash panel wood) is a bit more involved because of the airbag. It is documented in the service manual and I will copy the section for you if you need it.

 

Thx for the info. Now I only have to get a car. I am looking at 4 different ones. 2 Victory Editions, and 2 others. All have redeeming qualities, just have to see which one will find its way into my garage. All have nav units, so I will be looking at the 3 gauge conversion, and will likely be doing the Elm to Burl conversion also. Looks like I have some fun ahead of me eventually??

 

Jim Shaub, a forum member here, is parting out several XK8's. Super nice guy and very knowledgeable. Contact him at blsd247@gmail.com to see if he has any 3-gauge dash panels on hand.

 

Will do. Just brought Blk 2006 car home. Will start sorting thru it tomorrow. Found a couple of problems that I will put on threads tonite(cruise control/rear lite?). I sure I will find a few more things tomorrow. Overall not bad. A few loose panels, switch panels(seat controls). Needs a lot of cleaning/TLC, the exterior paint is spider webbing in a few places. Looks like a will be spending a lot of time in the garage, in addition to the nav/3 gauge conversion. Glad I have access to the Forum.
Thx for Jim's email. I will get note off to him.

 

The alternating "Cruise Not Available" and "Check Rear Lights" dashboard messages point to your brake pedal switch being faulty. All of these cars eventually suffer this failure. There are several different approaches on how to perform the fix. Search the forum using "XK8 brake pedal switch replacement" as your search phrase and read all about it. I believe that soldering new and better microswitches onto the existing assembly's circuit board is far better than purchasing a new assembly from Jaguar (which will eventually fail again)….

 

Thx. Will check it out. To day I start going through the car to see just what all has to be done.
Looks to be an adventure.