XJ 358 Rear Centre Console Project Update

[Azure123]

Looking for something to do I decided to start constructing today a rear centre console as a follow through to the front console. After 2 days I have done most of the template and framing using MDF and conventional timber. Ultimately it will be trimmed in Champagne leather and a contrast black leather around the rear air vents and switch pack which is being relocated to sit higher up. Fortunately the wiring loom section is long enough to reach the new position. I want to create a four seat look but with the option to remove the console and revert to a five seat arrangement if I need to. Only two screws hold the console in place as the side panels do the rest due to the shape of them which wrap around the rear seat cushion.
Anyway, I have a bit to do yet but I have some pics to show on my progress so far.
4.12.14
Main Console shape completed, clock yet to fit and two burr walnut veneer panels to create and then off to the trimmers. Awaiting the veneers, some Ruskin's polyester lacquer and a pop out cup holder all off e bay but still to turn up.
16.12.14
Veneered panels cut and veneered prior to lacquering and then polishing. Two gauges still to fit, a clock and an air temp gauge. Small Jaguar leaper will also be attached. Leather sample identified by the trimmer, awaiting his quote. I want the leather work to be done by a professional trimmer due to double stitching of the leather panels. Photos updated.
19.12.14
BMW 5 Series cup holder fitted, best suited for paper coffee cups I think due to no integral base support. More of a feature than anything else as their use is likely to be infrequent. Took a lot of work to create the holder. The cradles collapse when pushed back in and fold in on themselves.
14.1.15
Veneered panels completed with gauges, leaper and switch/power sockets veneered surround, photos updated.



Steve
http://s930.photobucket.com/user/bentle ... %20Project

[J44EAG]

I like it! Very nice indeed. That should feel very cosseting to rear seat occupants.

I look forward to seeing the next instalment.

Mike

[ptjs1]

Steve,

Great to see the detailed steps from Day 1. Please say that there will be something interesting in it such as a drinks cabinet with cut glass flutes?

Paul

[Azure123]

Sorry Paul, no space. Under the original arm rest there is a small space which will be covered in the same stuff inside the arm rest. I will have a double cup holder and the repositioned air vent/switch panel but no space left really for anything elaborate. It's more about having a four seat look like some of the more expensive Jags from previous years. Saw a 358 on e bay once with a factory 4 seat configuration which I was thinking about when I first started this job. A chap from the Yorkshire Ridings branch of the JEC has a Daimler with 4 seats and it looks really nice.

[ptjs1]

Steve,

Jaguar allocated VIN build codes for x350 4-seaters for both SWB & LWB in even basic trim levels. I have never seen a 4-seat SWB and would question whether any were ever built, especially if they weren't Sovereign spec.

With your design and build skills, I'm sure you could fashion a small electric cooled compartment for that 1/2 bottle of champagne with 2 USB input ports just in front of it!

Looking forward to Part 2!

Paul