>From what I have been able to tell, the wood is "French Walnut". Mine has
a book match down the middle. but if you could get the proper length, then
you could save a TON of effort to make the match look right.
The problem is that I have never been able to find "French" walnut veneer.
Apparently there is a difference in the grain patterns, especially compared to
"American" walnut. "English" walnut might be closer.
I agree that the color is rather dark on th TR4A dash. I agree that it almost
looks like mahogany. I'd suggest that you try finishing some test pieces with
no
stain. It darkens quite a bit with the finish on it. If you find that is too
light, then try some stains. I find that the "Dark Walnut" and "Special Walnut"
stains are almost indistinguishable and too dark. I have not found anything
like "Light Walnut"
Take a look at B&B Rare Woods at www.wood-veneer.com. Give then a call too.
They
are great to work with, have tons of info, and have a huge stock. They might
even have some "French Walnut".
I got a neat burl from them. Amboyna. It is a tropical
wood. This burl came from a log felled in 1932! It was as hard and brittle as
glass. It was a bear to work with, and required _3_ book matched panels. I
never
did any veneering before, and you need to walk before you do a marathon, but I
got a pretty nice job of it. When I finish the edge painting it will be ready
to finish. I have not yet decided what type of finish to use. THe original was
some sort of plastic and was rather thick. I am thinking of using the clear
coat
automotive urethane. UV stable and impregnable to water, can make any
reasonable
thickness too....
-Tony
>Message text written by INTERNET:triumphs-owner@autox.team.net
>From: jmwagner <jmwagner@greenheart.com>
>Subject: TR 4A Dashboard Wood
>What kind of wood should it be? I READ "WALNUT" in the literature, but
>my eyes & my experience, going back to 1977... is a wood that looks
>more like mahogony or even cherry.... based on looking at the original
>wood on several TR 4A's I have owned...<
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