1970 DeVille interior wood trim

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
Who restores those wood trim panels?
Cost?
Quality?
Thanks, Bob

[Chas]

Local cabinet maker?

[Scot Minesinger]

They are actually not real wood.  Best bet is used, they are not that difficult to buy good quality for reasonable prices.  I bought a set of 5 pieces - passenger dash and four doors for under $200.  Try e-bay, or used Cadillac parts places such as "Cadillacs Only", USA Parts, Cadillac King, and/or Honest John's.  The dash in front of driver is in multiple pieces and not easy to replace or inexpensive to buy.  The steering will will need to be restored - try Gary's in PA.

[John Abend]

I actually have the dies to cut new dash pieces for 1970.  Had them made along with all my other veneer dies.  As Scot mentioned, 1970 didn't use real tamo wood, just faux woodgrained vinyl. So, if you needed them in real wood veneer, I could make them for you.  If you need them in original vinyl, wouldn't know where to get Tamo wood pattern.

[Scot Minesinger]

John,

You have the dies to cut all the wood (in real wood veneer) for the instrument cluster?  That looks like some complicated multiple small pieces and some with non flat surfaces.  I have a 1970 Cadillac so I can write IMO the instrument cluster is kind of the weak link in the styling of the car, maybe the real wood improves the dash.  Can you post a picture of a 1970 Cadillac dash re-done in real wood?

How does the wood hold up?

Thanks,

Scot

[John Abend]

I made some for a few people in the past but can't find the final pics of their dashes they sent me.  They fit real well with only the clock veneer needing a little flexing to fit and no crack at the bend.  It's a lot of work to remove the old trim to be able to put the new wood on.  I'm working on some veneers right now for the 65 Eldorados and 68-70 DeVille Convertibles so I may just prep some veneer and cut a dash set for the 69-70 so you can see them.

[Scot Minesinger]

I see you have a 1970 DeVille Convertible, is dash real wood or original?  If it is real wood, post a picture please.

[John Abend]

Have to update the car list,  sold the 70 last year.  It still had a mint original dash in it.

[Scot Minesinger]

We like the same cars.  I have a Dodge Charger R/T w/hemi I bought new in Sept 2005, still running as new. 

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys.
I'm using the word wood loosely. I have some real nice  DeVille  door & 1/4 trim panel "wood".  I'm trying to determine a fair price. I do not have the dash pieces.
Bob

[cadman56]

John,
If you manage to make the dies for a 68 convertible, including the dash part, would you be able to make the pieces out of something besides rosewood?  Thanks, Larry

[John Abend]

Originally, you were asking who restores the panels and possible cost.  As for selling a good used set, if it's for a 1970, they're about $30-40 per panel depending on the level of vinyl fade. For 68-69, it's more dependent on condition of the physical wood veneer, with clean panels selling for $50-75 per panel on average (at least that what I get in my eBay store when I list them or they are requested)

[John Abend]

Larry, I have the die for the dash veneer already.  For the door panels, I manually trim the veneer once I cement them to the new steel plates I have made.  I can make them out of practically any veneer (of course certain raw veneers are extremely expensive depending on the wood species).  The only exceptions might be burl veneers as it's difficult to get long enough sections for the dash and front panels.  Most burls are available in small square sections as opposed to long (mainly cause burl comes from those big lumpy growths certain trees, where normal veneer is stripped off the trunk in large sheets).

[cadman56]

John,
As soon as I finalize on a color scheme for my 68 convertible, it will be modified some, I will get in touch with you as to what kind of wood I would like.  Thanks, Larry