The center portion of my XK8 looks like crap. The leather on the wheel itself is in great condition. Any ideas on how to clean this up? The vehicle is Saphire Blue with Ivory (NED) interior.

 

The center pad is an AIRBAG!!

bob

 

Can it be refinished in any way?

 

XK8 Comfort,

I went with a simple inexpensive touch up paint pen on my steering wheel and centre air bag. eB%y link below.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-Le...72.m2749.l2649

Not 100% final look, as the original paint colour had changed over time, but good enough to mask my scratches and scuffs.

 

Kent, yes I think you have hope.

1) I was surprised to find a lot of what looked like scratches and weathering turned out to be easily removed and restored using a Magic Eraser.

2) I can't tell but you may have scratches that need refinishing. I had to refinish my leather seats. At the recommendation of another from here, I purchased Magic Mend brand leather refinish. When you order it, you select make model year of your car, then they actually presented the Jaguar trim code list to choose from. I selected oatmeal and ordered.

The final color is sent as part of the order based on that selection. Kent I was stunned - they could not have matched the color more perfectly. I've used the bottle I bought several times since. Color in the bottle is still stable and spot on 3 yrs later.

My point is, you can purchase the paint from that company separately. After a good magic eraser cleaning, if you need a touch up give it a try.

2 things: 1) the color will dry to match perfectly but the color will gradually synch up over 24 to 36 hours even though the paint is dry in an hour or two.

2) I mentioned magic eraser, that's an expensive brand name. You can get the exact same thing from amazon for a fraction of the price. I just picked up a dozen for under $9. These things are great for any non polished surface cleaning.

John

 

Thanks David, I am not the original owner and do not know the correct color ID I need. I will try to find someone who might know.

 

Thanks Johnken, that sounds great. Do you have an idea of the color I need? My leather is Ivory and the car is saphire.

 

There’s a Youtube series where Jon ,”To The Garage” shows how to check the interior trim colours for the X100


Well worth checking out

 

Kent, look inside the driver's door frame. See the big white sticker that among other things states GVW Front / Rear. On that same sticker look for the exterior and interior trim (color) codes. Mine is AGD or oatmeal.

John

 

Two suggestions, one after the other!
First, a Jaguar main dealer will be able to give you the colours if you tell them the VIN. I have recently been told mine by sng Barrett UK branch.
Second, proper leather paint, if necessary combined with leather filler, will give an excellent job, with full instructions on cleaning, preparation, application and finishing. It is also easy to use, and, as far as I can judge, as hardwearing as the original. I have used products from thefurnitureclinic here in the UK, and they can provide exact matches. I have no affiliation with them, and I certainly do praise their products.

 

John, The Plate reads JHE/NED I know that is Saphire and Ivory but the steering wheel and air bag cover as well as other interior trim is darker. That is the color I am trying to identify.

Thanks

Kent

 

If you can obtain a colour sample (eg a small piece snipped from a hidden edge, somewhere) I know that the furniture clinic, and I am sure many others, will colour match.

 

As mentioned above, lots of leather dye repair kits on line that will perfectly match your colour and very easy to use,I used oatmeal on various sections especially good for the seats,you will be pleasantly surprised at the results 😊👍

 

Kent, +1 with the suggestions to color match a sample. Sitting here in my living room my minds eye told me the steering wheel is same color as seat. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe different for different yrs.

I'm sure the vinyl is wrapped around and below the edges of the airbag cover. Super easy to unbolt, then just clip a sample to match.

Yes you could unbolt it with out disconnecting the battery, but just not even almost worth the risk IMO.

Put the steering wheel in 3 o'clock position.
Tilt wheel down and out
Leave key in ignition or wheel auto retracts
Unbolt bolt #1 now in 12 o'clock position on back of steering wheel
Start car put steering wheel in 9 o'clock
Re aim the tilt and telescoping for access to bolt #2.
Turn car off
Leave key in
Disconnect positive battery cable
Wait a minute or 2.
Unbolt bolt #2
Lift the airbag out of place while watching the wires routing for reassembly.
Frankly at this point you could safely unplug the airbag.

My opinion: be safe. Just like a gun - you never point it at someone or look down the barrel period.[even though you are 100% sure it's not loaded]. If I put the airbag aside while I work on the steering wheel, I put it/point it where it does no damage if it went off.

Like i said it is an easy job. Hope it helps let us know how you do.

John

 

Use the trim color matrix to determine the different areas in the cabin.

 

Bob,

Love it, saves a lot of time! I'm filing this one away.

John