One of the few things I dislike about my 2005 XKR 4.2S is the factory fit satnav: it looks like a tv set from the 1950s and draws maps like the Sinclair Spectrum I had as a student in the early 1980s!

I have been looking into ordering the central dash veneer section (I have the elm finish, which I am aware is going to be difficult to match up to the rest of the dash) and the 3-instrument pack, and was wondering what would be involved in the install. It would be nice to have at least the clock working, but TBH I'm not that bothered if the other two gauges don't actually do anything...

Has anyone attempted this 'downgrade'? Any advice much appreciated.

I have taken a different approach. I have kept the video screen and interfaced a HKS CAMP 2 meter video display and upgraded navigation with a Garmin GVN-53 which has SD-card upgradeable maps.

I now have gauges or digital displays for voltage, water temperature, oil pressure, supercharger boost, and intercooler temperature among others. I can also switch back to the original clock display.

I am just finishing up a how-to on this project which I will be posting very soon !

If it is the look of the screen that is your main issue, then perhaps this is not for you...but if it is the functionality, this modification is a fantastic upgrade.

I am intrigued and look forward to your how-to. TBH, however, I was really looking for the slightly retro look and feel of the analogue gauges, which - IMHO - suit the 'old' XK better.

This is going to be a bit of a challenge, as you seem to be aware. Besides the rare elm veneer, the three dash panel are cut from the same material and have a matched color and grain.

As was suggested in another thread not too long ago, your best bet might be to find a matched set of dash panels from a wreck, and replace all three, then sell yours on ebay.

If you cannot find the elm, and do not want to change, another possibility is to have a set custom re-veneered by an expert like British Autowood (http://www.britishautowood.com/). He is also British expat, I believe.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated. I know the hardest part is going to be matching that elm veneer, but I may be fortunate in that the elm on my dash doesn't appear to have too heavy a pattern in it.

Your suggestion of a complete replacement and then selling my 'satnav' elm dash on is a good one, though

Is the wiring loom the same for cars with gauges as it is for satnav ?
How do you intend to feed the gauges?
Not being critical, just curious.