I am planning to replace one of the trim panels since the one I have is cracked. How do I go about making sure the color matches if I buy it on line sight unseen? Thanks.

 

The veneers across the dashboard panels have matching grain and color (literally off the same log). so you cannot get a perfect match without replacing all of the panels.

If you are not that picky, maybe you can convince a seller to send you one on approval, and see if it is close enough for you. The color in photos is too variable to really judge.

 

thanks, I was hoping that same year models were similar in color. you are right photo is not a good way either...

 

Maybe your best bet is to see how much it would cost for someone like http://www.britishautowood.com/ to repair your cracked one.

 

If your vehicle is something you would like to keep factory, send the panel out to be repaired.

 

My passenger side dash wood panel had a large crack, which was in the finish and not the wood itself, which is most likely even if it looks like its in the wood. I sent it to www.maderaconcepts.com for complete refinish. They sent it back about a week later good as new. Pretty sure the price was $150 to $200 range.

 

This sounds very reasonable, I'll get in touch with them. How hard it to remove it. There are two straps attached to the airbag cage, do I have to take the whole assembly out? Thank you.

 

I am planning to replace just the centre part of the dash as part of my 'downgrade' from the OE satnav to the 3 instruments. I have sent a photo of my dash to a handful of Jaguar breakers in the UK and asked them to look out for as close a match as possible. I have been advised the cost will be about £60.

 

I really want to get my whole set + door cappings done by them. They have some really pretty burl on that site.

 

Get in touch with Myrtle Prod they will match your wood pretty good, would be vey hard just to try and match from a breaker, a bit hit n miss.

Of course you can cheat and get a spare set and go for a piano black finish

 

...or carbon fiber.

 

Boooo Carbon Fiber! Piano black is nice. Burled Walnut is nicer

 

Carbon WHAT? Fiber!! Who needs fiber?

 

Thanks for the link, XKRacer.

As for CF, I agree: it's one of those things that sounds cool until you actually see it... I'll be sticking with Jaguar elm

 

The passenger side involves a little work, but ultimately not too bad. Disconnect battery and let sit for 1/2 hour or hour to let capicitors drain, etc so that the airbag isn't energized.
Remove glove compartment - I think there are 4 screws/bolts. Then you do need to remove the airbag module because there is a strap that connects it to the wood panel so it doesn't blow off in a passenger's face if the airbag deploys. From what I remember, there are 4 bolts holding that onto a bracket. The wood veneer pries off very easily because it has a metal backing, so its really not very delicate, its a pretty tough piece. Then remove the airbag module and veneer piece and there's a pin that holds the nylon strap to the veneer, which you can pound out.
Hope that helps. Between that and the pics in JTIS, it should be doable. I was a little nervous to get into it, but it wasn't too bad. Go for it.

 

Being new to all this I did not even think about checking JTIS, pretty detailed instructions there. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

was able to get it out today, JTIS gives pretty good instructions. will be sending it to heritage woodwork for refinish, will report once I get it back

regards

 

What is JTIS where can I find it?

Thanks

 

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