Are all years XK8 dash panels interchangeable? Looking at converting from Nav to Triple Guage and have found 98 panel, will it fit my 03?

 

James, they are all totally interchangeable.

If you have the chrome rings on your '03 speedometer cluster though, the older panel will not have matching chrome rings. You can get them aftermarket though if it matters to you.

 

The veneer is originally fitted as a set - it matches across all 5 of the dash panels.



Not too noticeable provided it's the same wood but for example a Birds Eye Maple centre panel in a Burr Walnut dash can look strange.

Graham

 

Yes, I recommend you do no buy it without really good photos and a return policy. Both grain and color can vary significantly car to car, even with the same wood type. The grain will never be a perfect match without replacing the whole set, but have have seen some decent matches with careful selection that do not call attention to themselves.

 

Thanks Steve, advice taken.....
Looking at getting the dash panel and doing your real guage with oil pressure conversion kit. Adding up total estimated cost for everything and getting the SO's approval for the cash layout.
Matching the wood is a major concern which may be a deal breaker....will see.

 

Speaking of that, has anyone seen "creative" ways to work around the matching problem? One idea would be to get a beat-up gauge trim panel, mostly for the shape, and somehow cover it. A few things I have though of:

• Carbon-fiber stick-on film
• Leather panel matching the seats
• Faux-Leather panel matching the dash
• Flat black finish
• "Piano" black glossy finish

I have not been able to find something cool enough to try as my preference would be for something that does not attract attention, and seems to somehow fit in the general layout of the dash. Other ideas welcome...

 

Can't remember where but I saw a photo of a XK8 with the center panel covered in something other than wood due to a modification and it looked like crap. These cars look best with all wood IMHO, not to say the carbon fiber editions don't look good but to mix match the dash panels is a no go.

 

I ended up getting the whole set, got a decent price from a breaker and they were all in excellent condition. Only problem is buying one by a picture (esp where you are) you won't be able to tell shade and hue of the wood. If you can get the type it should narrow it down, you will just have some grain missmatch but may/maynot be noticeable. I too added the SS rings (my 02 didn't come with them on any gauge).

 

It's too bad I didn't see your thread sooner. I just sold (last week) a full, matching veneer set on eBay.. would have given you a good price. It's a pain to change all the pieces, but buying a full set of course ensures it all matches perfectly.

 

Matt, thanks a lot...I wish you had also.