Thoughts about woodgrain on the sides?

[EJensen]

I'm sure I'm not the first to consider it, but I just got the idea that woodgrain on the sides panels and door from the belt line down would be a pretty cool look. I'd put a regular coordinating color on the rest of the body. From pictures I have found, it looks like Jeep Wagoneers with the woodgrain treatment had a putty colored trim piece surrounding the woodgrain on each panel, which would be a great way to finish it off.

I'm reasonably confident in my abilities to make and fix things. I have much lower confidence in my taste. I'm curious what others think of this idea.

Here is a page with some woodgrain vinyl.

 

[Adam W]

Someone on the SlateAuto reddit posted this mockup. I think it looks pretty good with the bed rails, whitewalls, and chrome hubcaps.

 

[Sl8Ready]

I've thought about it as well, especially for the SUV kit. I'm prob going to start with a 2 tone retro look and add white walls and chrome grill to start.

 

[EJensen]

What are your thoughts about the tan trim around the woodgrain? I think that's part of the look.

 

[Shrink36s]

What are your thoughts about the tan trim around the woodgrain? I think that's part of the look.

https://www.slateforums.com/forum/t...e-post-your-share-code-👨🏻‍💻.14685/post-226064

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

FWIW - Why not just make the panels out of wood? Some stain, Spar varnish, and there you are. A 1930s speed boat look. Better yet, tow a '30s speed boat with matching look.

 

[EJensen]

FWIW - Why not just make the panels out of wood? Some stain, Spar varnish, and there you are. A 1930s speed boat look. Better yet, tow a '30s speed boat with matching look.

Hmmm...

 

[EJensen]

https://www.slateforums.com/forum/threads/whats-your-slate-build-look-like-post-your-share-code-👨🏻‍💻.14685/post-226064

Thanks for the link. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Before I posted, I did a text search for 'woodgrain.' It didn't occur to me to search for 'woody.'

Also, in my opinion, definitely only the side panels, nothing in the front.

 

[sodamo]

FWIW - Why not just make the panels out of wood? Some stain, Spar varnish, and there you are. A 1930s speed boat look. Better yet, tow a '30s speed boat with matching look.

Good be a fun project with right veneer, and regular waxing. Weight factor?

 

[EJensen]

Good be a fun project with right veneer, and regular waxing. Weight factor?

The issue that came to mind for me was how to securely but non-permanently attach it to the composite body panels. Also, I think that much veneer would be pretty spendy.

 

[sodamo]

The issue that came to mind for me was how to securely but non-permanently attach it to the composite body panels. Also, I think that much veneer would be pretty spendy.

https://oakwoodveneer.com/

 

[Shrink36s]

Thanks for the link. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Before I posted, I did a text search for 'woodgrain.' It didn't occur to me to search for 'woody.'

Also, in my opinion, definitely only the side panels, nothing in the front.

Same! it looked much better than I anticipated, to be honest. I should have done steelies, white walls, and wood bed rails, too!!!

 

[EJensen]

Same! it looked much better than I anticipated, to be honest. I should have done steelies, white walls, and wood bed rails, too!!!

Have you looked for auto trim molding? I found this. The beige/taupe looks like it might be the closest.

 

[Shrink36s]

Have you looked for auto trim molding? I found this. The beige/taupe looks like it might be the closest.

I haven't, that would be nice addition. You could get custom wood grain wrap, put the molding on, then cut the warp inside it. I don't think you'd want the molding on top of the wrap.
Honestly, I won't do this because I'm too frugal. If I did, I'd probably just do a custom wrap with the molding on their too. I think it would be funny and funky and fun. hahaha.

 

[EJensen]

I don't think you'd want the molding on top of the wrap.

I was going through the same thought process, but I really don't know how vigorously the vinyl adheres to the underlying substrate. I suppose passing air pulling at the molding would essentially be trying to lift the vinyl whenever you're moving.

Applying the molding first then trimming the vinyl to the interior of the molding probably makes the most sense.