Hi , my XJ-S is in sore need of replacement wood trim , the original , esp near the gear stick is really faded and cracked. I purchased (on-ebay) a set of replacement trim , this has 3-M backing and is pre-cut to fit all the spots. The trouble is , it looks plastic , and does not have the correct inlay for a 1989 convertible. Before I go ahead.....should I ?? Or do you guys recommend another course of action.

Michael 1996 VdP 1989 XJ-S

Submitted by arsenaultd@ear… on Wed, 06/08/2005 - 15:53

I had the center console wood and ash tray surround in my XJ12 re veneered by Madera Concepts in Goleta, CA. The cost was around $250 per component, with about a 10 day turnaround time. They are very familiar with all Jaguar interior wood trim and especially the XJS ski slope as well, and did excellent work. They did the best they could in matching the replacement veneer to the color it was before the job, and they , at my request, re mounted all the veneers and their metal backing plates to the frame of the panels. I sent photos of the remaining wood to help them in the match, and when I had the center slope done, I sent in the ash tray with it to help them match them together.

Our XJS wood is in like new condition, but the XJ12 wood had considerably deteriorated and the ash tray surround had actually chipped and a piece of wood broke out, necessitating the complete re veneer. $500 later the entire center console looks better than new though.

Daniel Arsenault
Lakewood, CA
1994 XJ12 Morocco Red
1995 XJS 4.0 Rose Bronze

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 06/06/2005 - 13:26

Mike,

There has been a lot written about replacement of the wood on an XJS, especially the "ski slope" (the wood around the gear shift lever). Check "The Book" by Kirby Palm on www.jag-lovers.org, and search the XJS Forum archives there. I can't comment on the kit you bought, but it doesn't sound right. The book and a number of posts on the XJS forum on Jag-lovers describe the best methods for removing the old wood and installing and finishing the new stuff, as well as the proper method for removing the other wood panels without messing up the car. Consult those sources and read them carefully before proceeding.

As an alternative, there are several sources that you should be able to identify in those listings of places that can refinish the ski slope for you. I believe one of them is British Auto Wood in Florida (NAYYY, just heard of them and seen their work; they do nice stuff). They have the correct venier and can apply it and finish it as good if not better than new.

Be aware that because of the heat from the transmission and the heat and UV from the sun, the ski slope will over time deteriorate regardless of how careful you are about caring for it. You can help prolong its life by covering it with a cloth when the car is parked outside, even if your top is up, to keep the sun off it. I had a piece of fabric and cut a slit to allow it to go over the shifter. And modern UV protective polyurethane finishes like a marine poly varnish may hold up better than the original shelac anyway.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC; 69 XKE OTS
former '89 XJS owner