Update, August 2018
The owner of this great little car decided to pull the dash and have me match the faux painted bird’s eye Maple that I created back in 2014.
The project went great and the finished product is gorgeous, highlighted by the awesome clear coat applied by one of the top custom car painters on the west coast, John Byers of Byers Custom and Restoration.
This was one of those projects that’s just a joy to do and see the results of. The customer was great to work with, the clear coats went flawlessly thanks to John and I’m sure the finished car will look spectacular.





You can paint Birds Eye Maple! For info about this course and others, click the option below that best describes you
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Below is the original post from 2014
This is a project I did in August, 2014 for a fella based in New England. He saw this site and sent me a note through my Service Inquiry form.
The car is a 1952 Hudson Hornet. A legend of auto racing, cherished by collectors and NASCAR history enthusiasts.
After we agreed on a price, he sent me some seat fabric samples and images of the car so I could create a grain unique to his car.
We decided that Birdseye Maple with a reddish tone, to harmonize with the red plaid upholstery, was the way to go. I created a few samples and emailed him photos for approval.

I sent images and communicated progress through each stage of the project. I’ve found this to be one of the most important aspects of my service. People want to know how the job is going. For this reason, silence is bad. Customers want to be updated, so I stay in touch through each stage.
Some pieces base coated and curing (the base color was more yellow than this shot shows due to bright sun light).
This bar escutcheon gets bolted to the back of the rear seat and includes a rope for passengers to hold on to. A very fast car, apparently.



I don’t have pics of the installed work yet, as the car is still in project mode. I’ll update this post when I get them.
Here’s an original advertisement for the car.
Would you like some help with Faux Woodgrain? |
Allen Winterer
I am interested in learning your skills. I am a detail guy and love the pics.
Thomas Kakias
I have always been fascinated in faux painting, especially on the antique cars, it is becoming a lost act and worthy of learning. By the way the pictures are awesome. No other words describe them. Thank You. Tom
Norman
Thanks Tom. Appreciate the feedback. N.
Armando Perez
Hello I’m very interested in learning the art faux. It’s always caught my attention, I love it and I wish I could do it. I love your pictures and I love your work. Hope to learn a little bit of it or some of it or all of it, if it’s possible. Like I said I love your work and wish I had your talent. Thank you
Norman
Hey Armando
Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, anyone can learn it and fortunately it doesn’t take talent as much as persistence and good information.
I see you signed up to get the announcement when the course goes live. That’s a great first step.
Thanks for the comment and I look forward to working with you.
Norman
Norman Biggs
I just bought a 1937 6CA Four Door Touring Sedan and will eventually be getting around to that part of restoration. Just seeing if this string is still active.