Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

If you are going to go the DIY route (who could blame you $$$?) I would think that it would be a good idea to do some "learner" panels on plain sheet metal to get the hang of it, before trying your car's IP.

Why not give the wood graining a try yourself? It is fairly easy to do and quite enjoyable. Unless you are looking for total original show car then you can have a lot of fun doing it. I did all of the wood graining on my 47 Clipper taxi and the results were good. First sand the pieces smooth then paint your base coat, after dry then do the grain. I used rubber base printers ink thinned with mineral spirits. I tried several applicators and ended up using only Q tips to apply the grain effect. If you don't like your results then just wipe off the printers ink and start over. When you get the desired pattern then clear coat and sand and buff.

taximan,

How about a picture of your wood graining so others can see what can be done by the DIY'r.

Pics from Taximan:

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what color is the basecoat?

This is an "Estes" job on a 1942 formal.

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RUST-OLEUM Sand #7771

Packardtaximan,
Your wood graining looks absolutely fantastic! I am almost persuaded to try that myself!

Flackmaster (David),
If you decide to get the base coat, do a few of these successfully, I would be glad to let you do my dash pieces!

Thanks for the kind words. It was really fun to do and something to take pride in. But like I said if you want to keep your car authentic, then this is not the way to go. The wood graining in the pictures was done 9 years ago and is still holding up well. Although it is not factory correct the taxi has received many national Packard awards and a 1st place senior award from AACA. If you decide to give it a try let us know how it comes out. Good luck

39Super8 - I'm a little confused on the correct graining for 39Super8's. If its like the 39 Su8 Convertible sedan on ebay right now, I can do it. If its like the "metallic marble fudge" I've seen on others, fo'gettabout it. That is one mystery I ain't gonna solve....