Pannel Replacing

[greasecarfix3r]

I am attempting to redo the panneling around the window switches on a 1984 300 SD. The original panneling is just stick-on plastic wood stuff on a metal plate. I need to find the right type of real wood and the right thickness of wood. I tried doing this with particle board, but I fugured it would break down. Any suggestions or previous experience would be greatly appreciated.

-Greasecarfix3r

[SD Blue]

The wood trim is expensive Zebrano wood veneer (not plastic) over aluminum. This prevents problems with warping in a near-hostile environment of extreme humidity and temperatures.

The best method I've found is to reattach the veneer using Gorilla glue and many clothespin-style clamps. Then apply a high-quality marine spar varnish, with UV protectors, as a final step.

[greasecarfix3r]

The probem is the trim is peel and cracked and basically worthless, i would like to replace it with real wood

[hey_allen]

He was telling you that it was real wood, called Zerbano wood. The expensive bit is that it's imported, from Africa, if I remember correctly.

You could probably replace it with other wood veneer if you were so inclined, but it'd look strange if you only did the one bit, and left the rest of the car with the Zerbano veneer.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by greasecarfix3r

The probem is the trim is peel and cracked and basically worthless, i would like to replace it with real wood

It is real wood, its a very expensive veneer/aluminum sandwich, and it looks like they finished it with a poly of some sort.

If you have the time and tools you can make up a new one, you can buy the wood its not to expensive.

I think re veneering it would be the best solution.

You can buy new center console wood for the W126 for $350 last I checked.

[SD Blue]

Yes, zebrano it is an imported wood from Africa also know as zebrawood. The wood is not extremely expensive but since it is a coarse textured wood, the veneer is pretty pricey. Woodcraft and Rockler both carry it, but trying to find a piece of stock or veneer to even come close to matching would be a lesson in futility.

The best bet is to find some replacement panels in a salvage yard if you feel that yours are so far gone. However, unless they are water damaged or splintered, I've found that they recover quite nicely with a little TLC. This is much easier than trying to make them out of solid stock and then be frustrated if they begin to warp.

[winmutt]

Might as well upgrade to burlwood while you are in there..........