Before i found the xk8 coupe i purchased, i saw a couple that had what i would describe as cloudy wood trim in the car. The owners insisted that the cars where always garaged so i dont think it was a result of uv damage but maybe an adverse reaction of a cleaning product and the lacquer. Should anything be used on the wood to provide uv protection/cleaning or should it only be dry buffed? What do you guys use, if anything? thanks.

 

I use this...strange smell, but it was recommended to me by a detailer. It actually keeps my nav screen 'darkened' where other cleaners streak and dry it up.

 

Story circulated that the one and only guy that created the wood dashes on the XJ/K line retired in '01. Seems his replacement did not allow the stain to adequately evaporate before application of the finish. Result was a large number of '01 cars experienced clouding of the wood finish and subsequent replacement by Jaguar. Had nothing to do with UV.

 

I have also seen some late production 2000 MY cars with Clouded Finish on the wood.

 

this does not suprise me.the old craftsman that retired may, or may not have broke in the new guy. i retired from ford five years ago,and ive seen it all.eather the guy got in a hurry or more work was added to his job,resulting in poor quality.dont get me wrong ford builds a good product ,and the whole industry is guilty of hurry up and make a buck.but then thats why everyones in the game..steven

 

I use a good polymer wax such as Nu-Finish or Meguire's Nxt-Gen tech wax.

 

Me too - I typically use zymol. The wood is completely sealed with lacquer similar to the car's clear coat, so a good carnuba or tech wax is in order.

 

I was told that the wood finish is a catylized urethane. If this is so, and it makes perfect sense, this stuff is very tough, being the same material used on prefinished doors in commercial buildings. This finish is basically a clear epoxy, it is not similar to lacquer that furniture polish is good for. A high tech car wax would be a very good choice.

 

Whatever it is, it's a pretty hard finish. So: a good wax for protection, especially from UV in a rag top ...

And if you need to remove a scratch or two, as I did, the best product I've found is something called HarleyGlaze from HD dealers. Seems to have just the right abrasive for such a job. Great on clear coat too.

 

Perfect, iv'e got some Nxt which should work great for uv protection. Where i live the sun fades everything.

 

I use paint..........who needs wood anyway

 

Here in the Colonies, we have to rely more on natural materials.

 

ky

 

Does that give you a warming sensation?

 

yea specially when your hammering it. (The gas pedal).