Veneers

[JasonH]

I think that I will be posting questions, info, and pictures here.  I just don't know why we wrestle with the yahoo groups when we have this!

Anyway.  I am going to be purchasing some veneer for my S2.  I looked on Richard's site and found that he is supplying dash boards in two types of walnut a straight cut and a burl.  I want to keep the dash more original looking, and the straight cut looks "correct". 
Question:  Can someone verify for me if the original veneer is Walnut, or another species?

The website that I am looking at sells veneers in lots.  The veneer I'm looking at has 4 sheets in the lot @ 10.5"x 87.5"  which is a little short to make it to the bottom of the dash where it mounts to the frame top.  (not too concerned about that)  I only need one sheet...  SO.  If anyone is interested in veneering their dash let me know.  I will have the all the stuff to do the job. 

Here is the link to the particular sheet I am looking at.  It is pretty cheap per sq.ft. I guess due to some blemishes:
https://www.veneersupplies.com/products/AAA-Quartersawn-Walnut-European-Veneer-Lot--1025-x-875-4-Sheets-Per-Lot.html

Attached (if I got it to work) is a picture of my car.  Just for fun.  I'm Pretty stoked to be driving it! 

[BDA]

You have some interesting cars there, Jason!

Walnut sounds correct but it sounds like you're going to want a more authoritative opinion on that than I can give. I really wanted to advise you to finish not only to veneer side but also the back and all the edges to keep moisture from seeping into the plywood.

[Grumblebuns]

The example you show appears to be lighter in color than the walnut on my Europas. I think I like the lighter shade. Anyway, I've always wanted to give veneering a try and I'll split the cost of one panel with you. I'll send you a PM.

I also noticed that you have Cromadora wheels on your S2, only the second set that I've seen besides mine. They look good.

[gideon]

Here's a couple of photos from a fragment of the (delaminated) original veneer from my S2.  I thought it was some kind of Mahogany, but maybe it is a straight grain walnut.  The rear of the veneer looks quite similar to the walnut veneer you linked to.  The front side has had a dark stain applied.

[GavinT]

Hi gideon,

Your original fragment looks fairly dark - very nice though.
I have no idea what the original veneer was but mine was much lighter and more of a golden colour.

[gideon]

Gavin - my car was made late '71, when was yours made?

One minor thing to note from my pics is that the holes were bevelled, at least to the depth of the veneer.  It's the details that make the difference 

[GavinT]

G'day gideon,

Mine is a '69 Type 54.

Strange . . I've never seen those bevelled holes.
The whole colour thing is intriguing. I've seen some that were darker and some lighter and just put it down to what might have been available at the time.

I don't know where the OEM dash material originated but I suspect it was from a veneered panel of some sort - perhaps originally intended for furniture? - dunno. That might explain why they don't last too well in a hostile environment like a car.

It may also explain JasonH's point about veneer not being available in the full width. That said, wider veneer might have been more available back in the day, but I don't expect the Lotus factory were gluing down veneer, in any case.
Curiouser and curiouser.

Here's a pic of mine. All I can say is that it's pretty close to the original colour and grain . . whatever that was.

[2483R]

If you are interested, I do have 2 sheets of walnut veneer, also bought from Veneer Supplies. They are left over from my dash project. Each sheet is 14" x 94.5"
Will sell cheap.