Recently took delivery of a '22 X with black Windsor leather. The interior finisher selection was limited to 2 veneers - rough cut walnut (which I spec'd) and dark oak.

The walnut felt out of place so I decided to look for alternate OEM finisher options. Cost for OEM replacement was a bit discouraging and not much choice. I started exploring aftermarket where I found this kit by Vulkan Automotive. Cost was substantially more than OEM veneer but the kit is fully constructed from carbon fiber (no overlay, stickers, etc). Initial thought was its a bit sporty for the Defender but IMHO compliments the interior color scheme. Still have the steering wheel and center console to install. Fitment and quality is excellent. Also added aluminum door screw covers with larger ones coming soon for the center "hockey stick" trim.

For anyone looking to change out the hockey stick trims, it helps to unbolt the seats. You don't have to disconnect wiring or remove them but unbolting gives enough extra wiggle room to release the side panels without breaking clips.

Before


During


After


Before


After

 

Its a neat idea, personally I prefer the rough cut walnut you had before... but it probably looks better in the flesh.

What do you mean by "The walnut felt out of place" ? one of the door trims pieces fell off or something?

 

LOL. Everything remained attached securely. Perhaps it was the contrast between the plastic veneer (painted to look like wood) to the dark interior or the slight orange hue. This pic shows the color better in sunlight.

 

Oh, lol ok I thought one was damaged so you decided to change them all. I have the walnut on black leather in mine, love it, even though it is just plastic. I see what you mean tho, my exterior color is green, I guess that bit of green in the door must help the walnut work better.

 

The carbon fiber looks great in a black interior indeed -- I'd be shocked if LR didn't offer that for a hefty couple thousand dollar fee in the future as an option. It would be super easy money for them.

BTW I was under the impression that the Defender walnut wasn't paint or plastic -- but walnut veneer on a plastic / composite trim piece (as is the case with most mass produced higher end vehicles with real wood veneers). Makes me miss the almost 2/3 inch thick thick interior wood slabs on my 88 Range Rover when I examine wood trim on new vehicles. But I could be wrong. I'd be somewhat bummed if Rover pulled the wool over our eyes with fake wood. ***Not a fan of fake materials much less wood!**

 

@Urbanx
are you planning to get rid of the wood ones? I ordered a base model and couldn’t spec that on mine…but I wanted it!
pm me if interested,
thanks,
kirk

 

And if you can't make a deal with the guy/gal above me, I would love to buy the old finishers from you. Would look amazing on my Pangea/Khaki 110 with steel wheels. Send me a PM and we can work it out.

 

Is the wood real or completely plastic? I’d be surprised if all plastic.

The carbon fiber looks good, stealthy for the X trim.

 

I would like to get real wood ones..

 

any one able to source the robustek ones in the V8s?