If you can't buy it, make it

[martyanderson10]

I had an idea a while ago so I bought some walnut veneer and went to work on it today. I have a pretty good knowledge of woodworking and I felt like I could pull this off so I went to work on it today. It took all day and I still have to put the clear on. I have included some pics of the process. this is not a diy thread but I could give more detailed instructions if anybody wants to try it.

[martyanderson10]

Some pics done except for clear coat.

[Splitdog]

Cool. Post pics when the clear is on. :)

[franco90]

Nice going there buddy

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[GSXRliterbikz]

looks pretty kool. If you were doing it like this, why not get a wood that matches whats in your car?

[purplecty]

WOW! Going to look great! Good idea...

[SEVEN40iL]

Very interesting idea!

[martyanderson10]

looks pretty kool. If you were doing it like this, why not get a wood that matches whats in your car?
I did, it is walnut burl and I have nussbaum wood which is german for walnut. I just haven't put the clear on it yet.

[pizzaman09]

Interesting, I hope you have wood ashtrays from a 750 to match it.

[franco90]

I am down id you sell me some

[martyanderson10]

Interesting, I hope you have wood ashtrays from a 750 to match it.
I made matching ashtrays, check the pics.


I am down id you sell me some
Maybe, I don't feel like I have it perfected yet, I did make some patterns for future use but I want to clear coat these and see how they turn out. I also don't know if I can match the nussbaum yet. I bleached these to lighten them up because I plan on refinishing the rest of the stock wood to match.

[Cangelo629]

I made matching ashtrays, check the pics.


Maybe, I don't feel like I have it perfected yet, I did make some patterns for future use but I want to clear coat these and see how they turn out. I also don't know if I can match the nussbaum yet. I bleached these to lighten them up because I plan on refinishing the rest of the stock wood to match.

Marty I Always Enjoy Looking At Your Projects. Good Going..And Thanks For Posting Them.... Cool.:smoke2

[martyanderson10]

Marty I Always Enjoy Looking At Your Projects. Good Going..And Thanks For Posting Them.... Cool.:smoke2
Thanks, I am always thinking of UNIQUE mods. Anybody can buy parts if you have the money but not everybody can make something unique, plus I don't want to spend a fortune on this car but I want it to be something different.

[franco90]

Cool

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[martyanderson10]

I have made some progress on my one of a kind wood storage compartment doors. I had some problems with the clear coat. I started out with automotive clear coat and iot had a bad reaction to the water based stain I applied. So I had to strip it and use polyurethane clear, it seems to be working well. The pic below is just two coatsm and I realized it will take a lot of coats to get anywhere near the thickness and depth as tha factory clear. It is amazing how thick the factory clear is on these cars. It is actually thicker than the wood veneer. I figure it will take about 6 coats with sanding between coats. I am not sure of the process at the end to sand and buff the clear but I will figure it out. I want it to have a glass like shine to it like the factory clear.

[TheLadiesMan]

Might need to use 3000+ grit sand paper, then possibly computer paper :D
Good work!

[martyanderson10]

Might need to use 3000+ grit sand paper, then possibly computer paper :D
Good work!
I know it will need to be buffed after sanding, I don't know if I could use automotive buffing compounds or not. That's what I planned on when I was going to use auto clear but I don't know if it will work with polyurethane.

[TheLadiesMan]

Ask Bandittwo2 or look at his thread. He's done numerous sets of E38 wood.

[martyanderson10]

I finally finished the wood veneer ashtrays and storage compartment covers. I am pretty happy with the way they turned out, not perfect but pretty damn close. I also played around with the two tone black/brown and I found an SEM "camel" that I thought would be close BUT it turned out to be too light and too close to tan for my liking. I am looking for more of a rich chocolate brown or tobacco color. It is a little darker in person than the pics but I think I will have to have some vinyl dye mixed at a paint shop and then sparyed from my hvlp gun. The last pic is what I was going for. Also I am aware that the original wood does not match my custom woodwork. I am in the process of refinishing the original wood to match the new wood.

[TheLadiesMan]

Tan looks like it was from Ferrari
Nice work

[martyanderson10]

Might need to use 3000+ grit sand paper, then possibly computer paper :D
Good work!
Thanks, I ended up leveling it with 2,000 then 3,000 then 3 stages of automotive buffing and polishing products.

[SEVEN40iL]

They look good.

Any closer pictures of them on the rear door?

[martyanderson10]

Here you go.

[Slimm]

nice

[SEVEN40iL]

Awesome :buttrock

[franco90]

Nice ...............

[martyanderson10]

I don't like the color of the armrest insert I dyed with SEM product, it is too light and tan. I just ordered some chocolate brown sem that I must have overlooked when I was shopping their color chart. I think it will be very close to what I had in my minds eye. I figured if I was going to go through all the work to chnage the color I wanted it to be something I loved instead of something I settled for.

[Chief Rocka]

Damn... this looks great!

[martyanderson10]

Thanks, it is kind of growing on me. I am going to dye one in the chocolate brown and see which one I like better.

[4liter]

nice work!

[bimmernuwb]

looks awesome

[martyanderson10]

Okay so I wanted to see if I could improve on the custom wood pieces so I tried a new technique. I wasn't completely happy with the first ones because the veneer did not envelope the whole piece like they do from the factory. So I practiced and finally got it to work. Now the cigar storage and the ashtray will be just as BMW intended.

[BobsBimmer]

Great work! You have given me another project...

[franco90]

My wood matches the door not the ashtrays

[inkacola]

looking good.

[martyanderson10]

I just wanted to apologize to the moderators and members. I was unaware that when I posted this thread it would violate the forum rules for items for sale threads. I will update the progress on this project in my other thread entitled "If you can't buy it make it" As for members interested in this mod PM me do not make request on this thread. Thanks and Sorry; Marty

[Hueristic]

I love "Attention to detail"!

[meperkinson]

Nice work done, keep it up...

[IcemanBHE]

No problem Marty. The "other" thread was the one that caught our eye.

You can do all you want privately, just not "selling" something with SALE in the title.

This thread and any interest/or generated sales to you are fine by me.

:thumbup:

[martyanderson10]

I decided to try another wood veneer project tonight. I applied wood veneer to the sunroff switch panel, so far it looks like it will work well.

[franco90]

Cool IDea

[shanecarmaster1]

Ooooo that'll look boss. Get the switches dipped in chrome and it'll look like a Rolls or a Bentley. It wouldn't blend well with the rest of the interior, though.

[martyanderson10]

Ooooo that'll look boss. Get the switches dipped in chrome and it'll look like a Rolls or a Bentley. It wouldn't blend well with the rest of the interior, though.
Thanks, not specifically those switches BUT I have considered getting some small plastic pieces chromed much like the highline option.
Now I am working on what I think will be a better looking wood maplight than the oem ones. I actually have a oem wood maplight but I think they should have been totally covered in wood like the porn lights so I am making one.

[IcemanBHE]

You find a cheap plastic chromer...let me know. :)

[martyanderson10]

I decided to step it up a notch and try some inlay on my wood covers. It took a long time and was pretty nerve racking but I think it turned out pretty good. It should all blend together better after several layers of poly clear. I actually don't know what kind of wood the inlay is. I took a sheet out of an old wood cigar box, they use them for dividers. I thought it might be cedar but it doesn't smell like cedar.
I also took a pic of the last set I made, I won't be needing these any more so....

[Hueristic]

That is some great work!

[martyanderson10]

I finished the map light and the sunroof switch panel tonight. They still need a little buffing but I like the way they turned out. I am anxious to install them and see how they look.

[martyanderson10]

Installed

[2000bmwe38]

I usually don't like wood, but man you got some talent and patience, great work! keep it up, it might make you some serious money in the future ;)

[Hueristic]

I had an idea a while ago so I bought some walnut veneer and went to work on it today. I have a pretty good knowledge of woodworking and I felt like I could pull this off so I went to work on it today. It took all day and I still have to put the clear on. I have included some pics of the process. this is not a diy thread but I could give more detailed instructions if anybody wants to try it.

I think we would appreciate a more thorough DIY.
For instance:
1. how to get those cuts so perfect
2. how to adhere
3. how many coats of clear and what type
Will this work?
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/interior-clear-protective-finishes/minwax-polycrylic-protective-finish

4. Stain color and type (you said you used water based)
Will this work?
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/stains-color-guide/

5. prep between coats, I.E. Grit

Thats about it off the top of my head.

That is some truley awe inspiring work and I am http://www.workatjelly.com/images/jelly4.jpg

[SEVEN40iL]

Installed

Do I spy a leather headliner?

More pics? :D

[Cangelo629]

Nice work Marty as usual you have me working on some of the Ideas. I am working on the door pocket panels I think I found a round LED panel lens that looks like it will work with some minor modification using the BMW LED interior amber light. Once I set it up will let you guys know.

[martyanderson10]

Do I spy a leather headliner?

More pics? :D
Yes, but it is sagging. I didn't use the right glue especially for such thick leather. I had several hides of black seat leather from a 71 Buick Riviera project that never got off the ground (I got the BMW bug and lost interest) it is thick seat leather and very heavy. I am going to remove the headliner and use the contact cement that I am using for the wood veneer.


Nice work Marty as usual you have me working on some of the Ideas. I am working on the door pocket panels I think I found a round LED panel lens that looks like it will work with some minor modification using the BMW LED interior amber light. Once I set it up will let you guys know.
Thanks: I would like to learn more about your project and the led lights. I want to do a few things with the orange led's but have not been able to find anything in the same color.


I think we would appreciate a more thorough DIY.
For instance:
1. how to get those cuts so perfect
2. how to adhere
3. how many coats of clear and what type
Will this work?
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/interior-clear-protective-finishes/minwax-polycrylic-protective-finish

4. Stain color and type (you said you used water based)
Will this work?
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/stains-color-guide/

5. prep between coats, I.E. Grit

Thats about it off the top of my head.

That is some truley awe inspiring work and I am http://www.workatjelly.com/images/jelly4.jpg
Thanks for the compliment, I will try to put together a DIY. Do you think I should do it in a new DIY thread or just add here?

[franco90]

New thread of diy

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[GSXRliterbikz]

Yea. Do a new and then title it DIY/MOD. Then I can put it in the sticky up top.

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[martyanderson10]

Yea. Do a new and then title it DIY/MOD. Then I can put it in the sticky up top.

Sent from my iPhone using BF.com
Will do, Thanks Nick

[martyanderson10]

I tried my hand at making my own wood grab handles tonight. I will paint the gray plastic black to match my leather headliner when I am done putting the poly clear on the wood. I would still like to add some kind of chrome trim like the oem but I may not be able to find a product that will work. If not then they will have no chromeline but should still look good.

[2000bmwe38]

I think you just found your hobby :) now make some money doing it! great work :)

[martyanderson10]

Thanks, I am offering these products/services for a modest fee for my time. If anybody is interested PM me. I don't want to violate forum rules by discussing the details on this thread.

[hazzard]

wow I love all this! I'm new so can't send private messages, email me a price for 4 handles please dukehazzard38@gmail.com please

[martyanderson10]

A couple more coats of clear and the handles will be done, I like the way they are turning out. I also am refinishing my "porn lihjts" as they were cracked like most of them are. It was a pain to dissasemble them. They were not really designed to be taken apart, all I can say is BMW had some wicked kryptonite like glue holding the lense in. I still have not found a paint stripper that is very effective on the oem clear on these wood pieces.

[Hueristic]

Sweet!

[nomoexes]

Marty- It looks great. Please let me know how much for the complete panel (upper) markjanczan@yahoo.com. Thanks!

[martyanderson10]

I finished the wood handle, all buffed to a brilliant shine. I think I have found a product to put the factory like chromeline on the ends of the wood. I also purchased some VAVONA veneer so now I can do any of these pieces in vavona which is virtually impossible to buy unless you source it out of Europe.

[Splitdog]

VERY cool. Kooljess, are you watching? :D

[martyanderson10]

I just bought several square ft of VAVONA and am making a set of rear door storage compartment covers. I really like the vavona better than the walnut BUt I would have to purchase an oem set for my car to change it all over. Does anybody know if vavona was available on any iL's?

[TheLadiesMan]

All iL sports except some 750s.

[GSXRliterbikz]

I just bought several square ft of VAVONA and am making a set of rear door storage compartment covers. I really like the vavona better than the walnut BUt I would have to purchase an oem set for my car to change it all over. Does anybody know if vavona was available on any iL's?

Yup. I have some rear door vavonas. Not sure about the fronts. I have a center console too, but its pretty cracked up.

[martyanderson10]

I would need a compete set minus the ashtrays since I can make those myself. I am not sure I want to refinish a whole set of wood again since I am almost done refinishing my nussbaum. If I had a whole set that didn't need refinishig I might go for it. Do you have all the dash pieces in vavona? I think the vavona would go great with the two tone black and BMW cinnamon inserts. BTW did you get my Paypal for the seat heater switches? I sent it a couple days ago.

[M I C H A E L]

wow.. that looks absolutely BALLER... kudos to you marty.

[GSXRliterbikz]

I would need a compete set minus the ashtrays since I can make those myself. I am not sure I want to refinish a whole set of wood again since I am almost done refinishing my nussbaum. If I had a whole set that didn't need refinishig I might go for it. Do you have all the dash pieces in vavona? I think the vavona would go great with the two tone black and BMW cinnamon inserts. BTW did you get my Paypal for the seat heater switches? I sent it a couple days ago.


Yup, they are on their way already. And I'll check to see what I have for trim.

[martyanderson10]

Finished nussbaum grab handle with chromeline, I can make this in vavona also.

[M I C H A E L]

i want in on this list!.

[TheLadiesMan]

When I get my next car, I'm in.

[martyanderson10]

All you have to do is PM me and it shall be done.

[shanecarmaster1]

Wicked work! Did you ever find a good chrome product?

[martyanderson10]

Wicked work! Did you ever find a good chrome product?
Yep, I posted a pic of a finished black handle with chromeline on page 3. it looks really good IMO.

[M I C H A E L]

Yep, I posted a pic of a finished black handle with chromeline on page 3. it looks really good IMO.
+1:buttrock

[martyanderson10]

My next project for my iL is an L7 rear console like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/330841524250?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[franco90]

http://pics.bmwe38.com/files/7322f86d47d01e31c21ce319c47989d0.jpg

[GSXRliterbikz]

Those are the tables I want.
Love it.

[M I C H A E L]

Those are the tables I want.
Love it.
goodluck finding a set haha

[martyanderson10]

I saw some on ebay with headrest for $1,700 a while back. Too rich for my blood. I am currently refinishing a set of jag tables and I have an idea knocking around for a headrest mod similar to the ones pictured. I was just talking about the rear center console in the L7 in the link, that I can pull off in a very similar fashion with a few design changes. I am going to move my rear vent into the console as well as the cig lighter piece on the back of my front console.

[GSXRliterbikz]

I saw some on ebay with headrest for $1,700 a while back. Too rich for my blood. I am currently refinishing a set of jag tables and I have an idea knocking around for a headrest mod similar to the ones pictured. I was just talking about the rear center console in the L7 in the link, that I can pull off in a very similar fashion with a few design changes. I am going to move my rear vent into the console as well as the cig lighter piece on the back of my front console.


You saw the tables built into the armrest? :eek:

[martyanderson10]

You saw the tables built into the armrest? :eek:
No, I was actually talking about the seatback picnic tables. :D

[jhstealth]

sweet project

[GSXRliterbikz]

No, I was actually talking about the seatback picnic tables. :D


Doh :(

Just found a set of those seatback tables on fleabay. 800+shipping. :eek:

[martyanderson10]

Grab handle installed today :redspot

[Splitdog]

Nice.

[Cangelo629]

I have the lighted head rest and they loook good and people in the back seat are like amazed. I have it set up to work only with the key on so that if they are accidently left open they will not drain the battery. I am still looking for the fold down tables in Sand Biege. I have the lower pull out desk and shorten pocket seat back for the fold down tables...


Finished nussbaum grab handle with chromeline, I can make this in vavona also.

Marty The handles look great you really did a nice job... :cool Cool.. I already have a set but I do have a Question does that chrome line chrome strip come in lengths or on a roll and if so how long in lengths......

[thatvan]

I have made some progress on my one of a kind wood storage compartment doors. I had some problems with the clear coat. I started out with automotive clear coat and iot had a bad reaction to the water based stain I applied. So I had to strip it and use polyurethane clear, it seems to be working well. The pic below is just two coatsm and I realized it will take a lot of coats to get anywhere near the thickness and depth as tha factory clear. It is amazing how thick the factory clear is on these cars. It is actually thicker than the wood veneer. I figure it will take about 6 coats with sanding between coats. I am not sure of the process at the end to sand and buff the clear but I will figure it out. I want it to have a glass like shine to it like the factory clear.
You might want to look into using Surfboard Resin. Thats what I use for carbon fiber overlays. You can achieve some serious thickness with just a few coats and it is self leveling.

What types of stripper have you tried? I've had some success with aircraft stripper but its still pain.

[martyanderson10]

Next wood project is the cover for the alarm sensor on the headliner.

[MercMarineTech]

Dang, what next, quarter panel? Very nice, high quality work!!!

[Richard454]

Nice work...

Couple ideas-

Regarding spray clear crazing- you need to put several light coats about 10-15mins apart- then you can hit it heavier- been there done that!!!

Look at carbon fiber resin- a little more expensive - takes 24hrs to set up- but it dries clear and can be wet sanded and polished up.

Richard

[martyanderson10]

Dang, what next, quarter panel? Very nice, high quality work!!!
:lol I think I am about done with adding wood. The next project is a rear seat console like on the L7.

[ricknieves]

How do you fold the veneer without breaking it? What’s the correct process

[martyanderson10]

How do you fold the veneer without breaking it? What’s the correct process
I did a DIY thread, here is the link http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1940631

[Hueristic]

I did a DIY thread, here is the link http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1940631

Thanks for the DIY, I did not see how to use the template when staining.

Also can you space each step in a seperate paragraph with double spaceing and or place the picture under that step and to ad a number for each step would be helpful when trying to follow.

For instance:
1) Buy wood
Place a direct link in the "Insert Image button"
http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s490/hueristic/Avatars/AVATAR_zpscea1dab1.jpg

2) Cut Wood

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s490/hueristic/Avatars/ME1Custom_zps3452f389.jpg

3) Done

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s490/hueristic/Avatars/fist-pump-baby_zps397e80b4.jpg

....

Also you should use Photobucket to host (put pics for each DIY in a separate folder so you can keep track of them over time as you will have to direct link them.

http://s1054.beta.photobucket.com/user/hueristic/library/

[quakefiend420]

Next wood project is the cover for the alarm sensor on the headliner.

That looks pretty nifty!

BTW to anyone considering buying from this fellow, I just got my dome light and sunroof switchplate back from him, quality was very good and they look great!

Eventually I may need to hit you up for one of those and maybe a set of the handles...think you could build a set of the orange night light LEDs into the sensor cover? I have an extra set that I had planned to use for just that purpose...

[GSXRliterbikz]

That looks pretty nifty!

BTW to anyone considering buying from this fellow, I just got my dome light and sunroof switchplate back from him, quality was very good and they look great!

Eventually I may need to hit you up for one of those and maybe a set of the handles...think you could build a set of the orange night light LEDs into the sensor cover? I have an extra set that I had planned to use for just that purpose...

Nice. Got any pics?

[martyanderson10]

That looks pretty nifty!

BTW to anyone considering buying from this fellow, I just got my dome light and sunroof switchplate back from him, quality was very good and they look great!

Eventually I may need to hit you up for one of those and maybe a set of the handles...think you could build a set of the orange night light LEDs into the sensor cover? I have an extra set that I had planned to use for just that purpose...I have considered something like that but I was going to try to install the whole front maplight into the headliner. I am not sure it would fit, so I may try to fabricate the led's into the alarm cover.

- - - Updated - - -


I have considered something like that but I was going to try to install the whole front maplight into the headliner. I am not sure it would fit, so I may try to fabricate the led's into the alarm cover.
Curious how you would install the led's? If you wanted to install some in your cover and send it to me making the wood work with the led's would not be a problem. It should be the same as the maplight cover I made you, just holes in the wood where the lights go.

- - - Updated - - -

The first piece of my custom L7 rear console. This is a cupholder from a Lexus :eyecrazy that I covered in walnut veneer to match the rest of the wood in my e38. This will be installed in the new rear console so that my BMW will have a "proper" cupholder that will not break like the factory ones.

[Cangelo629]

Marty Like the way you think..............:cool

[quakefiend420]

Nice. Got any pics?

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k117/quakefiend420/IMAG0201_zps63a05374.jpg

[M I C H A E L]

Oh wow. Marty. Great work man!

[Alpine 7even]

I have to say, that's pretty bad ass man! Id buy that from you!

[GSXRliterbikz]

Looks nice

[IcemanBHE]

Purty fancy...

Can you do these in plaid?

[Hueristic]

Very Classy! If mine was a weekend car as opposed to a DD I'd have you all over it!

[martyanderson10]

Very Classy! If mine was a weekend car as opposed to a DD I'd have you all over it!


I have some cores I can do to save the amount of time you are without your pieces if that would help. PM me if you are interested.

- - - Updated - - -


Purty fancy...

Can you do these in plaid?
:lol

[quakefiend420]

Oh wow. Marty. Great work man!

Indeed, Im pretty happy with it! Next up might be an alarm sensor cover with custom orange night light LEDs for the backseat!

Word of warning to anyone doing the wood switchplate that has hands-free, the direct contact between the microphone and the wood/plastic without the fabric buffer causes a significant amount of road noise to be transmitted though the mic to the person on the other end, making it diffcult for them to hear you well. However, we found a solution. I used a couple of rubber bands to shim the mic into the cover, so that it's not actually contacting on the sides or on the clips that hold it in there from the top. It still fits flush from the bottom, and you can't tell that I've done it at all, but it's back to sounding good again, noone can even tell that I'm in the car just like it was before!

- - - Updated - - -


I have considered something like that but I was going to try to install the whole front maplight into the headliner. I am not sure it would fit, so I may try to fabricate the led's into the alarm cover.

- - - Updated - - -


Curious how you would install the led's? If you wanted to install some in your cover and send it to me making the wood work with the led's would not be a problem. It should be the same as the maplight cover I made you, just holes in the wood where the lights go.



I thought about that as well, but I'm pretty sure the sunroof lid would get in the way, there's not a whole lot of room up there. If you were to somehow drop the headliner backboard a bit it might work...

[Cangelo629]

[QUOTE=martyanderson10;26102536]I have some cores I can do to save the amount of time you are without your pieces if that would help. PM me if you are interested.

- - - Updated - - -




Marty looking to have somthing made up for my center console to cover my center tray in a wood cover
I am going to PM you also.......

[Alpine 7even]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k117/quakefiend420/IMAG0201_zps63a05374.jpg
wanna make me one like this? Color or grain doesn't matter as long as I can cover it with my vinyl, which is to say if I sent you the vinyl I have could you use that and clear over it?

[TheLadiesMan]

PM sent. I'd need the whole thing in wood because it's gray and going into tan car.

Thanks!

Sent from an addict's phone.

[martyanderson10]

So you want the headliner material removed and vinyl applied? Why would you want a wood covered one just to cover it in vinyl? I must be missing something. PM me and let me know what your end goal is for this piece. Maybe I can help.