Veneer repair: Amateur Hour
#21
03-18-2014, 11:06 PM
Update!
Just thought I'd update everyone on my progress. Upon opening and inspecting the set, it's not in as good as shape as I'd hoped. Some of the pieces have surface scratching, etc. Not up to my (admittedly high) standards. But, for $300 for a complete set, I'm not complaining (especially since I hope to sell my existing set for more).
My new plans are to bite the bullet and have Saul re-veneer the set. It is expensive, but I've decided to have it done is Black Stained Ash, as seen in the Rolls Royce Phantom, among others. I can better justify the cost since it will be unique.
If you have an earlier car, you know it says "XK8" in gold inlay on the dash in the original script. They switched over to the leaper and "Jaguar" script for the later models in silver inlay. I've decided to do a combination of the two, by having the new style 2005-2006 XK8 script done in a silver inlay. With the all-leather wheel (thanks to JgaXkr), I'm thinking this will make my interior sportier looking while still retaining the warmth of wood many here favor. Also, my exterior is Slate. So, the cooler blacks/grays of the ash should complement the blue/grey of the paint better than my existing reddish toned burl walnut.
My new plans are to bite the bullet and have Saul re-veneer the set. It is expensive, but I've decided to have it done is Black Stained Ash, as seen in the Rolls Royce Phantom, among others. I can better justify the cost since it will be unique.
If you have an earlier car, you know it says "XK8" in gold inlay on the dash in the original script. They switched over to the leaper and "Jaguar" script for the later models in silver inlay. I've decided to do a combination of the two, by having the new style 2005-2006 XK8 script done in a silver inlay. With the all-leather wheel (thanks to JgaXkr), I'm thinking this will make my interior sportier looking while still retaining the warmth of wood many here favor. Also, my exterior is Slate. So, the cooler blacks/grays of the ash should complement the blue/grey of the paint better than my existing reddish toned burl walnut.
Last edited by 01Silverstone; 03-18-2014 at 11:14 PM.
#22
03-29-2014, 07:56 PM
In case anyone was curious, Saul and I have been looking over different veneer options and I've narrowed it down to a few options:
1. Mahogany Swirl
2. Gaboon Ebony
3. Brazilian Rosewood
4. Tamo Ash
Pictures in order below. They would all be stained a rather dark brown (except for the Ebony, for obvious reasons). Any comments/opinions/thoughts welcome!
1. Mahogany Swirl
2. Gaboon Ebony
3. Brazilian Rosewood
4. Tamo Ash
Pictures in order below. They would all be stained a rather dark brown (except for the Ebony, for obvious reasons). Any comments/opinions/thoughts welcome!
Last edited by 01Silverstone; 03-29-2014 at 08:08 PM.
#23
03-30-2014, 06:26 AM
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#24
03-30-2014, 07:11 AM
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FYI, Saul just refinished my factory steering wheel in piano black for me. I have wanted my interior totally unique so I used 3M brushed titanium vinyl wrap on all the wood and added some piano black accents both with black wrap and Saull's black shifter knob. Now I'm sending him a shifter surround to do in piano black as well. The wheel looks so amazing I decided to add just a touch more black.
By the way, if anyone needs a leather steering wheel, I've got a black one. May eBay it.
By the way, if anyone needs a leather steering wheel, I've got a black one. May eBay it.
#25
03-30-2014, 08:27 AM
Veteran Member
Sorry if I get off-thread, but Phil you should leave the surround chrome. It matches the rings around the gauges and the accent you have on the black dash strip perfectly.
As to the wood samples, depends on the look you want. The mahogany will look amazing with a warm brown finish, but I got the impression darker was what you wanted. For that, take the ebony or darken up the ash. I think dark ash was your first choice, right?
As to the wood samples, depends on the look you want. The mahogany will look amazing with a warm brown finish, but I got the impression darker was what you wanted. For that, take the ebony or darken up the ash. I think dark ash was your first choice, right?
#28
03-30-2014, 08:41 AM
I'm leaning towards the ebony too, I think. I'll be able to leave it natural and not have to worry about losing grain by staining. And yes, the ash was my first choice. I was looking at burl ash before, but apparently the Tamo ash has a much nicer grain. Supposedly it looks almost 3-D.
#29
03-30-2014, 08:41 AM
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#30
03-30-2014, 08:45 AM
I saw your piano black wheel on Saul's Facebook page and it looked amazing! More piano black will look great, but I agree.. Don't do away with all of the aluminum-colored trim you've added. I like the contrast.
That's my only concern with the Ebony. It might not be enough contrast since my whole interior is black.
#31
03-30-2014, 09:20 AM
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#32
03-30-2014, 09:14 PM
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I saw your piano black wheel on Saul's Facebook page and it looked amazing! More piano black will look great, but I agree.. Don't do away with all of the aluminum-colored trim you've added. I like the contrast.
That's my only concern with the Ebony. It might not be enough contrast since my whole interior is black.
That's my only concern with the Ebony. It might not be enough contrast since my whole interior is black.
#33
03-30-2014, 09:38 PM
Ok. That changes things. I originally wrapped my entire interior in piano black with black leather and it was just too much. If you don't have the chrome gage rings and shifter surround, I'd add them and a chrome shifter knob. I might rethink the ash. Maybe do a very light stain?
I do have the the gauge rings, j-gate surround, pedals in chrome/aluminum as well as the shift knob (chrome/leather). I've thought about the ash, but I really love dark wood. My LR3 has piano black with an all black interior and I like it. However, something I've noticed is that I'm not a fan of wood with a linear grain. At least not for this car.. its needs to be a burl of some sort in my opinion. So I'm leaning towards the Tamo ash again, or maybe Mappa burl (below). Both would be stained grey (kind of like the birds eye maple, but darker). That should still provide some nice contrast without going black, right?
Last edited by 01Silverstone; 03-30-2014 at 11:00 PM.
#34
03-31-2014, 06:27 AM
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#35
03-31-2014, 10:41 AM
Not to change the subject of replacing veneer, but it is possible to refinish veneer so long as the scratches do not penetrate the veneer itself.
The Brit TV program Wheeler Dealer repaired a dash veneer on an XJS. It was sent to a specialist who carefully sanded the scratches smooth and then sprayed several coats of automotive lacquer for that ultra-reflective surface. It wasn't cheap, but using the old veneer eliminated the matching problem with new material.
In my own cased my wood-trimmed steering wheel ('07 XK) had scratches that were made by the rings worn by a former owner. I lightly sanded these scratches smooth using 1500 grit wet sand paper. I didn't sand completely through the finish, but now the surface is no longer high gloss and more "satin" finish, which I like a lot.
The Brit TV program Wheeler Dealer repaired a dash veneer on an XJS. It was sent to a specialist who carefully sanded the scratches smooth and then sprayed several coats of automotive lacquer for that ultra-reflective surface. It wasn't cheap, but using the old veneer eliminated the matching problem with new material.
In my own cased my wood-trimmed steering wheel ('07 XK) had scratches that were made by the rings worn by a former owner. I lightly sanded these scratches smooth using 1500 grit wet sand paper. I didn't sand completely through the finish, but now the surface is no longer high gloss and more "satin" finish, which I like a lot.
#36
03-31-2014, 10:52 AM
Not to change the subject of replacing veneer, but it is possible to refinish veneer so long as the scratches do not penetrate the veneer itself.
The Brit TV program Wheeler Dealer repaired a dash veneer on an XJS. It was sent to a specialist who carefully sanded the scratches smooth and then sprayed several coats of automotive lacquer for that ultra-reflective surface. It wasn't cheap, but using the old veneer eliminated the matching problem with new material.
In my own cased my wood-trimmed steering wheel ('07 XK) had scratches that were made by the rings worn by a former owner. I lightly sanded these scratches smooth using 1500 grit wet sand paper. I didn't sand completely through the finish, but now the surface is no longer high gloss and more "satin" finish, which I like a lot.
The Brit TV program Wheeler Dealer repaired a dash veneer on an XJS. It was sent to a specialist who carefully sanded the scratches smooth and then sprayed several coats of automotive lacquer for that ultra-reflective surface. It wasn't cheap, but using the old veneer eliminated the matching problem with new material.
In my own cased my wood-trimmed steering wheel ('07 XK) had scratches that were made by the rings worn by a former owner. I lightly sanded these scratches smooth using 1500 grit wet sand paper. I didn't sand completely through the finish, but now the surface is no longer high gloss and more "satin" finish, which I like a lot.
#37
04-01-2014, 06:11 AM
Veteran Member
I've just got to say I'm watching this very closely. I had wanted from day one to have the wood in my car replaced with something completely unique! I may have even posted a thread a year ago or so show unit a guitar with a similar wood you're looking at. Then I found the vinyl wraps and tried some wood finishes but finally ended with the titanium and after seeing the original F type interior I decided to stick with it, adding some piano black details.
So I can't wait to see how yours turns out! And now that I see your car color, I hate to say but the clear birds eye maple with some dark inlay band could be absolutely out of this world! Look at jaguar.com at some of the upgrades that can be added to the XJ wood interiors.
So I can't wait to see how yours turns out! And now that I see your car color, I hate to say but the clear birds eye maple with some dark inlay band could be absolutely out of this world! Look at jaguar.com at some of the upgrades that can be added to the XJ wood interiors.
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01Silverstone (04-01-2014)
#38
04-01-2014, 07:50 AM
I've just got to say I'm watching this very closely. I had wanted from day one to have the wood in my car replaced with something completely unique! I may have even posted a thread a year ago or so show unit a guitar with a similar wood you're looking at. Then I found the vinyl wraps and tried some wood finishes but finally ended with the titanium and after seeing the original F type interior I decided to stick with it, adding some piano black details.
So I can't wait to see how yours turns out! And now that I see your car color, I hate to say but the clear birds eye maple with some dark inlay band could be absolutely out of this world! Look at jaguar.com at some of the upgrades that can be added to the XJ wood interiors.
So I can't wait to see how yours turns out! And now that I see your car color, I hate to say but the clear birds eye maple with some dark inlay band could be absolutely out of this world! Look at jaguar.com at some of the upgrades that can be added to the XJ wood interiors.
Thanks Phil! It was actually seeing all of your customizations that inspired me to go with something unique vs. just having it redone in the burl walnut. For non-wood interiors, yours is one of the best (well, one of the best period). I've never been a fan of carbon fiber, really. Your titanium/piano black has a nice contrast to it. So I'll be sure to keep you and everyone updated with the process.
And, Phil, if you're bored one day take a look at the link below. Saul sent me here to make my choice; it can be overwhelming but there's so many beautiful options.
Exotic Wood Veneer, Vacuum Press Systems, Veneering Tools and Veneering Supplies
#39
04-01-2014, 05:34 PM
Veteran Member
Thanks Phil! It was actually seeing all of your customizations that inspired me to go with something unique vs. just having it redone in the burl walnut. For non-wood interiors, yours is one of the best (well, one of the best period). I've never been a fan of carbon fiber, really. Your titanium/piano black has a nice contrast to it. So I'll be sure to keep you and everyone updated with the process.
And, Phil, if you're bored one day take a look at the link below. Saul sent me here to make my choice; it can be overwhelming but there's so many beautiful options.
Exotic Wood Veneer, Vacuum Press Systems, Veneering Tools and Veneering Supplies
And, Phil, if you're bored one day take a look at the link below. Saul sent me here to make my choice; it can be overwhelming but there's so many beautiful options.
Exotic Wood Veneer, Vacuum Press Systems, Veneering Tools and Veneering Supplies
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