So I have this really nice wooden shelf here...

[ootdega]

..And there isn't really anywhere it's going to fit in this studio apartment. I found it in the trash about a year ago. I'm pretty sure it's maple, and it's really well cut and sanded. It's unvarnished and unstained, too, so I got to thinking...



Has anyone here considered trying to replace the plastic woodgrain accents in the interior with actual wood?

I would need to know the exact dimensions of every piece, but it would be more durable and less prone to damage. It would also let me add things like gauges and switches without taking up extra space and vision or looking out of place. Cutting holes in plastic is....eugh.

Plus...it would look really cool.

[gadget73]

Someone has actually done so.

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...-cluster/page2

You really sort of need thinner wood though. I don't think you're going to get 3/4" (or so) wood to fit in there and not look like someone screwed a hunk of wood to the front of the dashboard. Veneer is thin enough to blend in pretty effectively.

[VicCrownVic]

I saw that thread and also this one:
http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...al-wood-bezels

I thought there was another thread where someone had done veneer on more of the panels but I can't find it. I'm sure using actual wood like you have there could work and look good, but not with my woodworking skills.

[ootdega]

I saw that thread and also this one:
http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...al-wood-bezels

I thought there was another thread where someone had done veneer on more of the panels but I can't find it. I'm sure using actual wood like you have there could work and look good, but not with my woodworking skills.

Fortunately, this is one thing I can do pretty well. I refinished my rifle and it looks fantastic. And that was the first time I'd ever done any woodwork. I've also had some instruction and experience with it before when making sparring swords as a kid.

Someone has actually done so.

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...-cluster/page2

You really sort of need thinner wood though. I don't think you're going to get 3/4" (or so) wood to fit in there and not look like someone screwed a hunk of wood to the front of the dashboard. Veneer is thin enough to blend in pretty effectively.

Belt sander can take care of that. This was free, so I'll make it work.

Anyone know how I could get a mockup of the pieces without having to buy new ones or remove the ones I've got?

[ootdega]

And that was the first time I'd ever done any woodwork. I've also had some instruction and experience with it before when making sparring swords as a kid.

...I just realized the contradiction here.

Let me clarify, it was the first time I did so without help or instruction.