Hi Jeff
Exotic and Unique
Graham
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff McNeal <jmcneal@ohms.com>
To: Spitfire List <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2000 5:32 AM
Subject: Custom dash -- sin or inspired?
>
> Hi everyone. I've once again found myself in a bit of a pickle. A happy
> one, this time, but a pickle nonetheless. The original, 33-year-old
English
> Walnut dash on my Spitfire was intact, but in need of some serious
> restoration. Removing my guages with their gummy, sticky mounting gaskets
> that broke off flakes of the veneer didn't help matters. The original
wood
> had faded and the varnish had taken on a somewhat milky appearance. The
> were no grain characteristics in the wood that I could see whatsoever.
> Nothing like the dash on my original Spitfifre many years ago except for
the
> shade of the stain.
>
> I've sent my entire dash facia off to a specialist who restores wood
dashes
> professionally. I told him my wishes of matching the color of the
original
> dash, but longed for some enhanced grain highlights or maybe even a swirl
or
> two of burl. He mentioned that he had some somewhat rare tiger maple left
> over from a Maserati dash project and said that he thought it would be
> perfect. Not only is it rare, but according to the craftsman, when
properly
> finished it takes on an almost three-dimensional appearance. I'm very
> excited about fitting this dash, but at the same time I also ordered an
OEM
> style English Walnut facia replacement from Rimmer Bros., since I was
> purchasing a carpet set from them at the same time. It was one of those
> "impulse" buys.
>
> So now, I'll have two dashes to choose from. One exotic and unique -- the
> other "correct" and factory new. Which one would you put in YOUR
Spitfire?
>
> Appreciate the feedback.
>
> Jeff in San Diego
>
>
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