If you go the magnetic route it would be very easy to make a thin little box with some AAs and LEDs in it to light the plate for night driving. Probably your easiest bet.

You can get them from many sources, but this is the general idea. Use warm white, or it will look blue at night:

http://i.ozcdn.com/mi46.jpg

Cool! Thanks for the clever suggestion!

Or screw it to the tailgate!

Magnets will work well, of course. You'll need to check to see what your state requires for license plate lighting - some require it and others don't mention it. Be careful with magnets as they can leave scratches if there's ANY crud under them or metal bits stuck to the magnet (done that one).

Dan

Today I discussed with Michael the dash board. I'm planning to use plywood for a surround at the instrument panel and for door panels. First thought is birds eye maple...anybody have other suggestions for cool looking wood?

I love birds eye maple or burl as well. Many cars of that era used wood for interior trim. Personally I like the English cars use of wood - Rolls, Jaguar, Bently etc. I don't know what you think about the use for your car, but if you can get to any auctions, concours or other shows you'll find lots of examples. The wood work in executive jets can be pretty amazing, so there might be some ideas there as well.

Bird's Eye maple has wonderful texture, as does many of the other fun tree-cancers... (Basically what a burl is.)

Redwood burl is pretty fine...

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps72635d29.jpg

As is Walnut Burl...

http://www.ca-walnutdesigns.com/images/newzz.gif

Cool! I need something I can buy in a thin, 1/8" or .25 inch 4 x 8 sheet, I think.

I got the call today saying my chrome is ready for pickup. I'd love to go tomorrow but am not sure if the logistics will work.

Make them work and take a camera

;)

I picked up the chrome today. It is astonishingly perfect....and the trim pieces are very heavy....a spear two feet long must weigh at least 3#...yikes!

I had the bumpers along and got them priced....$530 each....no way, I brought them home and left them at my favorite body shop where they will be painted the brightest silver he has for $375 for the two of them.

Now that's what I'm talking about!;)

Cocobolo
http://www.hearnehardwoods.com/z.mon...sletter_09.jpg

Or you can't go wrong with Zebrano

Look into CosmiChrome

It's a painting prices that gives a finish exactly like chrome

What wood is this?

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...e/IMGP3192.jpg

Those woods look pretty great! I have abandoned the wood inside idea though. The door card is too complicated now that I have seen what it looks like and the dash just has no room for it. Michael is going to fill the dash surround and drill holes in it for the gauges. Not what I was hoping for but it should look ok.