[spacechem]

Took a look at my car and still can't say for sure what it is. I think it's Sapele, also called sapele mahogany, not to be confused with the more commonly available Honduras mahogany (propably what Centerline is offering) or the to-be-avoided Phillipine mahogany- much more coarse in texture. A unique feature of Sapele is that the grain direction changes at regular intervals, causing a subtle striped effect. Now, the dash insert is too narrow to notice any striping, but my console definitely shows it. P.O. must have had a radio mounted on it, as there is a pronounced shadow of darker wood and some leftover screw holes.

So much for More-Information-Than-You-Wanted. Some useful info: Rockler has pressure-sensitive mahogany veneer 24" x 96" for $63 U.S. - enough to do at least a couple of cars with some left over for finish tests and a coupla mistakes.

If you go shopping for veneers, take along a small bottle of Mineral Spirits and wipe on a little bit to see how the wood will look with a clear finish...