Wood veneer type

[Silver Bullet]

The wood veneering in our '62 Overlander is in need of some attention. What type of wood was used, I'm guessing Birch but not absolutly sure. Anyone know?

Oscar

[InsideOut]

The plywood panels that all the cabinets are made of are oak on one side & what looks like mahogany on the other. I guess depending on what finish you ordered, the factory turned the pieces over so that side was facing out.

Shari

[TomW]

I am trying to nail down what is in my '67 Overlander. I am leaning toward mahogany because it is a good match, and it was more readily available in the sixties. Does anyone with a better eye for wood know for sure what Airstream used in the late sixties?

In lieu of that, any recomendations on an alternate wood/stain combination to simulate what I have?

Thanks,
Tom

[flyfshr]

The interior in my '59 is Philipine Mahogany. The better grade mahogany is honduran and not as readily available. Not sure what the factory was using in the later part of the '60s. The honduran has a reddish color to it where the honduran is a light tan color. I refinished all of the wood in mine with spar varnish. I wanted the wood to seal up real good because of the AZ heat and in case of spills and damp moisture the trailer may encounter while on trips.

FF

[joel]

There is probably a place near you where you an get good exotic wood veneers or plywood. If not there is a place in memphis tenn called Colco wood products . They have a web site and will ship veneers to you . I have bought pieces up to3' by3' from them.If your doors are other wise good shape you might consider putting new veneer on them. Good luck

[Navigator]

I went the maple route because it is a lighter wood which lightens up the interior, also it is closed grain, so it does not have to be filled, like oak, cherry, birch etc. It is also less expensive than others.
Dick

[TomW]

Originally posted by flyfshr
I refinished all of the wood in mine with spar varnish.

Did you purposely choose spar varnish over polyurethane? You said "refinish". Was that as in strip-restain-seal or just a coat or two of spar varnish?

Thanks,
Tom

[flyfshr]

I am familiar with spar having used it on several projects including bamboo flyrod restoration. I like the fact that its waterproof and remains flexible with out turning brittle or flaky if kept out of dirrect sunlight. I applied the spar right over the bare original wood. It darkened somewhat and we are really happy with it.

FF