Any advice on matching mid 60's mahogany interior?

[65Safari65]

I am moving along on a rear subfloor replacement project on our '65 Safari, and am hoping for a little advice from the AS community. When I took out the rear cabinets, they fell apart- old plywood delamination, and general abuse over the years took their toll, and it's not worth it to try to put them back in their current condition. They are, however, useful as templates.
So here's the question- has anyone successfully matched the appearance of the mahogany interior wood with a modern stain and commercially available plywood? I've looked around a little, and I'm thinking of trying "Sapele", though I haven't actually seen it up close and personal. I just don't want to be the guy that switches to oak or something else that's obviously different than the rest of the interior. I'm in semi-middle-of-nowhere Virginia, and don't have the major woodworking suppliers major cities do, so places that have reasonable shipping would be helpful. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've included a picture of the "darkest hour" of the work... things are much better now.


Brad

[bwaysteve]

Check my thread "Gutting the 65" post 34 TKasten used Watco.Try to find African Mahogany.
Google online.I think this might match better.I would use the Watco or Tung oil with a slight tint , let soak in, light grade sand, clean with tack rag about 3x then use a good Carnuba wax and buff out.It will look great.

[Aviator]

Try Rockler.com. They carry most any stain or dye tint you may want.

[JLGT5107]

Most lumber yards can special order any plywood you want. Mahogany is usually available in 1/2" or 3/4" You might also try at a custom cabinet shop if you can find one nearby. Sapele ia a type of mahogany usually it has a ribbon stripe pattern which would be appropriate for your restoration. African or Honduras mahogany is plain sawn which has a wider grain pattern. prices generally range from $80-100 per sheet

[bwaysteve]

Originally Posted by 65Safari65

I am moving along on a rear subfloor replacement project on our '65 Safari, and am hoping for a little advice from the AS community. When I took out the rear cabinets, they fell apart- old plywood delamination, and general abuse over the years took their toll, and it's not worth it to try to put them back in their current condition. They are, however, useful as templates.
So here's the question- has anyone successfully matched the appearance of the mahogany interior wood with a modern stain and commercially available plywood? I've looked around a little, and I'm thinking of trying "Sapele", though I haven't actually seen it up close and personal. I just don't want to be the guy that switches to oak or something else that's obviously different than the rest of the interior. I'm in semi-middle-of-nowhere Virginia, and don't have the major woodworking suppliers major cities do, so places that have reasonable shipping would be helpful. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've included a picture of the "darkest hour" of the work... things are much better now.


Brad

Brad,Try HardwoodsSupply.com vennersupply.com for some stock I think real Honduras is hard to find.