07-10-2007, 11:13 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 1,361
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 Quote:
Originally Posted by 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...
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Ok showed the veneer to my antiques restorer who trained in the UK at the right schools for this stuff, his professional opinion is that the original stuff is North American Black Walnut, we compared grain with a piece of Blk walnut veneer that he had there and we are both satisfied that this is what it is. End of discussion, this guy really knows his timbers.
That being the case I am going to get him to make me up new pieces for my upper and lower console, as the stuff in my dash is perfect and I like the perfectly oxidised faded patina that is on the dash veneer (hey I am an antique dealer, this is what I do), the stuff on the console upper and lower is water damaged and split. I am doing this as I can be assured of a perfect colour match if he does it, whereas I am not sure what we will get from pre cut pre-fab, pre-polished new stuff.
And the best part is that it will cost me nothing. Its like my steering wheel, to restore that cost me 20 bucks and a case of beer. A French polisher mate did it for me, its perfect and given that I was quoted $600 by people who specialise in redoing steering wheels,well they can just get stuffed.
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Phil
1961 MGA 1600 Roadster, British Racing Green
1966 Giulia Sprint GT ,Argento
1970 1750 GTV s2, Verde Olivo Metallica (AR213)
2005 Holden Rodeo LT Crew Cab, Fox Fire Red
{Oo==V==oO}
Previously owned
1983 Ford Laser KB, Beige
1985 Volvo 360 GLT Dark Mettalic Blue
1970 GT Junior stepnose Resprayed Red, Giallo Ochre
1923 Amilcar Sports, rusty
I may only own two ALFAs now, but the handle stays as I am always chasing another one. 
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