It's time to have the wood veneer replaced on my center console surround panel. even after reading the shop manual I seem to be having more than my share of frustration in pulling the panel out of the car. Does the veneer panel curve up under the stereo/AC panel? What am I missing here with the meager drawings provided in the shop manual? Thanks in advance.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Thu, 09/30/2010 - 13:42

Edited on 2010-09-30 16:42:06

Edited on 2010-09-30 13:42:51

XJS cars up until about '93 or so also had two screws to loosen, near the center of both edges. Access required removing the cruise switch and lighter bezels. then a small 8mm wrench can be used to loosen them a couple of turns so the veneer can slide off of them.

There is a place in California that does super veneer repair or replacement on almost any Jaguar veneer. Do a Google search for Madera Concepts. We've used them many times over the years. Cost isn't too terrible, either.

Good luck!

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 09/29/2010 - 02:06

Steve if you have removed the screw under the lip of the center cubby box (the box lid and liner must come off) thenthe panel should lift up-disconnect all switches and slide toward the rear-after all of these years it might be a bit stuck as there are two tabs on the pannel but they will slide out. Some of the switches will have to wait till you are out to disconnevt but the length of the leads will guide you to which ones. The rubber gromet around the shift cluster can also become stuck a bit. Good luck.