woodgrain rails?

[58villager]

does anyone on here know how ford "painted" the rails on "woody" cars in 1957/58 ?

[mustang6984]

I was able to find this info...hope it helps.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=How+did+Ford+paint+the+woodgrain+raikls+on+%2757-%2758+Fords

[Edd505]

For the 1957-'58 Fords with the "woodgrain" trim, the effect was achieved using a
mahogany-patterned vinyl decal rather than paint. The surrounding "rails" or trim pieces that framed the vinyl were not real wood either, but were metal components that were likely painted or possibly covered in a different type of faux-wood application to match.

The original factory process for creating the faux wood grain involved several steps:

    Base Coat: The steel body panel was first painted with a base enamel color (typically a light tan or beige).
    Graining: After the base coat dried, the wood grain pattern was applied using a special process. A soft rubber roller with a photo-engraved copper plate design would transfer a darker, oil-based paint or ink pattern onto the surface of the panel. This allowed for a consistent, mass-produced wood grain appearance.
    Finishing: A clear top coat was then applied over the grain to protect the finish and provide a gloss, similar to the rest of the car's paint.

This "tin woodie" approach was a significant change from earlier station wagons which used labor-intensive real wood panels that required frequent maintenance with varnish. The painted steel was more durable and allowed for higher-volume, less expensive production.

[abe_lugo]

Probably silk screening with paints. 
Most everything my vintage quality stuff is silk screened or spray masked. The only version aster that's tampo.  But that's more 60's type tech. 

Even the large vinyl stickers were silkscreened. 

Nowadays it's just printed. 
 

[58villager]

hey all .watched the video on the woodgrain process. good info, gives me some insight into how to do that. maybe tan basecoat followed by dry-brush brown/tan colors. will have to experiment some. Gerald

[abe_lugo]

I think the kit that is used for wood graining dashboard might have the brushes that would help. 

Also there are some Instagram videos of guys doing fake wood paneling.  It looks great.