Need design thoughts

[smclear]

I am in the middle of restoring the interior of my 1974 18' Century Resorter. My question is not a "how to", but rather "what would look best" so I'm posting in the general forum.

First, here's the old dash.



Here's the new vinyl across the top of the dash (darker green)



Now here's the new dash out of solid Mahogany (sorry for the poor pic quality)



Now for the question, I am planning to have the Century logo (or one of them) CNC routed into the glove box door.
It will end up being approx. 1.5 +/-inches tall and somewhere around 2.5 +/- inches wide
Here is the logo. (again, sorry for the quality)

View attachment l1.pdf

Here's the question. Would it look best on the left side of the glove box door (furthest from the driver), or, would you put it on the right side (closest to the driver)?

Secondly, would you attempt to use a blue and red stain or, being mahogany, just use a dark (not colored) stain to highlight the logo? This same logo is on the "face" (very small) of the gauges.

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: Need design thoughts

Nice dash. I'm planning on doing mine out of a beautiful piece of birdseye mahogany I found in a load I purchased for a job.

Since you went through all that nice work why don't you inlay the logo with dyed contrasting woods. I would have the person doing the CNCing use a 1/8" mill bit and route a depth of 1/16" on a inside path. Lay up your contrasting pieces glue them on a scrap and have him run the same file with an out side cut path. Make a couple of extra incase they break. You'll have the sexiest dash on the water.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Need design thoughts

I "sort-of" agree with Gun Dog but my suggestion would have been contrasting exotic woods from a furniture wood shop, not dyed, but clear coated to highlight its natural beauty. That logo does not necessarily need to be original color. Position: to the center of the boat or if there is room, centered under the door lock.

If you choose wisely, you should be able to get a couple of nice combinations. For example there is a wood called purple heart, which will turn a dark purple when varnished (not quite blue but acceptable). And while not quite sure, I would be willing to bet that there are almost bright reds too. Rosewood does come to mind, but it is relatively dark. --Anyway, you get the idea.

 

[MercMe]

Re: Need design thoughts

Ya, I think staining or painting will for lack of a better word cheapen the look of the wood. As for the placement I think it will be seen more and seem less cluttered if placed to the right. Just my thoughts, Either way I am sure it will look great.

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: Need design thoughts

Check out a veneer catalog. Many choices. Keep in mind all woods will darken with uv exposure. Clear coat will not stop the darkening. Holly wood is about the lightest color that won't darken, purple heart is very nice but will darken a bit. Redwood for the red?

Just another thought you can lay in colored plastic resins.

 

[smclear]

Re: Need design thoughts

Thanks to all who have replied. I really did not consider an inlay. Not sure why, it's an excellent idea. And the place I get my Mahogany from also has a vast collection of "exotic" woods to choose from. Think I'll have to spend a little quality time there.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need design thoughts

I love the "woods" idea - you could have an excellent looking option there.

As for location, I would suggest looking at the far left (furthest from the driver), or in the center of the glove box. Far right (closest to the driver) will look off-balance, I think.

 

[smclear]

Re: Need design thoughts

As for location, I would suggest looking at the far left (furthest from the driver), or in the center of the glove box. Far right (closest to the driver) will look off-balance, I think.

That's kind of what I was thinking, just wanted others opinions.