A friend of WCCC has been on the hunt for a good match to the original simulated burl wood laminate found on Cougars, and he just sent us a sample that looks really good. I think this is the closest match we’ve ever seen, and we are already talking about ways to get kits made with pre-cut pieces for radio bezels, steering wheels, 68 overhead consoles, dash bezels, etc. I took some pictures to see what you guys think. Is it a close enough match that you’d be happy with it?
Note - most of these pics are taken with flash, which makes the colors look slightly richer than they actually are. The good part is that it reveals more detail that way. Below are two pictures to show the difference in how it looks with / without flash.
With flash:
Without flash:
The first thing you might notice is that the originals all look like they have a little less color to them than the new stuff… could be just the way they are, or maybe they are all a little faded.
The other main difference you’ll notice when you look closely is that the new stuff doesn’t have as much texture density as the originals - the “grain” is more spaced out. Here’s what I mean…
Original:
New:
Both, side by side:
Other than these minor differences, it looks like a really good match to me. I’m sure Don will chime in with other technicalities like approximate cost, how the kits might be produced, etc. But what do you guys think?
It’s been a while since I’ve seen my overhead console. How easy is this stuff to cut? I’d love to make a custom shifter bezel using something like this.
I need some of that for my radio Bezel piece! (The new DIN radio one)
It looks very good to me.
Hurry up and let us know pricing and availability date. (not trying to be too pushy here, just excited about the product)
I do too actually. When compared to a NOS part or a gauge opening that has been covered by the black ring, you will see that the original did have more red to it and a richer look. Not only does sun fade the applique overtime but I think age alone bleeds the color when exposed to 40 years of humidity and varying temperatures. I am thinking the 67-68 dash bezels would look good without trying to cover the recesses. Why not die cut an overlay that comes right up to the gauge, toggle switches and AC opening and not worry about trying to stretch and push the vinyl into the tight recesses? My experience is when you try to force a somewhat rigid material over a radius you will have success for a time but after awhile, when exposed to heat and cold it will lift.
That would have been way easier than what I did last year. Found some burl wood (very thin sheets) from Rocklers then cut and several coats of polyurethane later. Glued to console tray then several more coats to seal. Still looks good. Not perfect but it was the best I could do then. Took about four tries to get the cuts correct and for the wood not to break.
I think it looks better as well, this is wonderful, to actually see a fresh dash after restoring, kinda like being able to step back in time. Now I don’t have to track down a flux capacitor and a Delorean.
Don, All the links that you have say that they are all hand painted, They look fantastic! but I thought you were going to use an overlay that you just came up with?
How easy is this stuff to cut? I’d love to make a custom shifter bezel using something like this.
I can’t wait to see these coming available.