While test fitting the garnish moldings on my '34 coupe's doors today, I noticed the name of the person who did the wood grain on them back in 1982 when my father-in-law was starting restoration on the car. His name was Bennie Estes and lived in Sarasota, Florida. He did a fabulous job and I was wondering if he was, or is, a VCCA member and if anyone ever had work done by him.

Yes, Bennie Estes did photoengraving of garnish mouldings back in the 1980's and I used to run into him in the late 1970's at the Harrah's Reno Swap Meet. His work was high quality. I didn't think that he was a VCCA member however.

If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you explain how the photo engraving process works. I thought it was mostly art work.

Regarding photoengraving, go here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoengraving

Just about anything you need to know can be found on the Internet.

Can it explain to me, why my wife is so grouchy in the morning?

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....didn't think so....

Sure! As I said, just about anything can be found on the Internet including information on a groucy wife!

Go here: http://www.medhelp.org/tags/show/75665/grouchy-wife?page=5&section=subjects

It is caused by a wedding cake.
Avoid the wedding cake and you will avoid the grouchy wife.
Tony

Thanks, while I basically understand the process of photo-engraving, I meant to ask how they actually apply the wood grain to something like a garnish molding. The way I understand it, it's mostly a 2 dimensional process such as on a flat surface. I can't see how they do on a complex shape like the moldings.

Basically it involves a film that is adhered to the moldings that have been prepared. Sorta like the di-noc used in the 60s.

If I understand you correctly then it looks like the garnish moldings were painted with a brown base coat, the film with wood grain applied,then part of it painted black, and then the whole thing must have been clear coated. However it was done it looks fantastic. They will be the best looking part of the restoration.
Thanks for the replies!