Which Wood Would You Use?

[Brobrian]

I'm going to make new planks for my '31 CCPU, although I have to admit the big splits in the current wood is very convenient for washing out dirt. Anyway, l sort of automatically assumed it would be white oak, but someone told me that oak doesn't hold up well in the exposure to sun and water that a truck bed gets.

So what have you made your bed out of?

[C26Pinelake]

I guess each owner had his own opinion. I chose white oak for mine and I have had no issues whatsoever. At the time I was told birds eye maple or white oak and I chose the oak with a clear polyurethane finish. I don't use it as a work truck but it still looks good and I am very happy with my choice. I also used the same oak for the side boards or rack.
Wayne

[SeaSlugs]

yea oak is rather weather resistant and stays beautiful as long as you use a good quality sealer of some sort. This means sealing top, sides, bottom, and expecially the cut ends as they will soak up alot of whatever you use.

[Wello]

I used red oak stained with black walnut danish oil, followed with satin spar varnish. Turned out very nice, as I was trying to match the petina of the truck. Too new and shiny would have looked out of place. It has held up well for the past three years.

[jimvette59]

You should use white oak. Red oaks grain or fibers are hollow and will hold moisture they are like a straw and rot out quickly. White oak has been used to build boats because its grain or fibers are not hollow. Keep it sealed and it should last. JMHO.

[desotoguy]

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Whatever wood you choose, if it is to exposed to sunlight for periods of time, it should be coated with a "spar" varnish, urethane, type product. The spar designation means it has UV protectant. Also note that wood can be coated with a clear coat as used for BC/CC painting if you want that look.

[Art Bjornestad]

I suggest you use only Spar varnish. Poly looks OK but if you have to refinish it, all the poly has to come off. Spar can be sanded, poly can't. Ask anyone who refinishes boats.

[Terry,NJ]

Art is right! Don't use polyurethane. Use at least two coats of spar varnish, three would be better. The best wood is probably Locust. Locust is very resistant to moisture and very hard. It is used for posts going into the ground. Oak grain is probably better looking, But locust is tougher. Both woods must be drilled to get a nail through.
Terry

[John Duden]

I am using hickory, I cut the tree down and had it sawed, now I am going to paint them black
John

[Quigley1930]

I used sassafrass and many coats of spar varnish. I like it

Sewall Tyler

[1crosscut]

Use balsa wood... you'll get better mileage

I used white oak on my truck. For the finish I used a 50/50 mix of turpentine and lindseed oil. My truck stays inside and doesn't play in the rain so this finish works well for me. Very easy to rub some more in if needed.
Just don't use more than 50% lindseed oil or it can become tacky and allow dust to stick.

[Pete]

Teak will probably outlast any other choice. Not much maintenance if you let it weather.

[ronn]

Pete is absolutely correct-many old boats made of teak..........

the cost would probably set you back if it could be found.

[Mike V. Florida]

IPE also called Brazilian walnut, ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood is typically found in South America and some parts of Central America. It is one of the densest hardwoods available, three times harder than cedar. Ipe has the same fire rating as concrete and steel, meaning it resists flames much longer than softer woods, and is so dense that it doesn't float in water. Parts of the iconic Coney Island boardwalk are made of ipe wood.

[ronn]

sounds like a trip to Coney Island is in order.........

who's got the pry bar?

[Growley bear]

Yes, Teak; used on ship decks, commercial cargo trailers, and other applications exposed to rough treatment. Very very heavy; hard tight dense grain-will strike sparks from saw blades; tools need to be very sharp and dull quickly. handles moisture well and is available. There is an outlet in Bandon, Oregon. I am sure it is spendy though. I used red oak on mine with 50/50 linseed oil and kerosene/mineral spirits. I has been in the rain and has held up well for three years.

Chet

[gwhite]

I like cypress for anything exposed to the elements.

[1wonton]

Use maple or ash. Any oak has to be sealed to prevent it from eventually warping or cupping. No one would use oak for an exterior application exposed to weather. Many people who have used oak will defend their decision in spite of the facts. Unless it is permanantly sealed on both sides and ends it will absorb moisture and swell and shrink, depending on the weather. If you keep your truck inside all the time use whatever you like, but if you want the truck to be original and function like it was intended don't use any kind of oak wood. No truck bed was ever varnished or coated with a clear sealer, besides it looks weird, like white sidewalls, just innappropriate.

[springerpete]

I am not familiar with the FORD specs for a model A pu bed but they did use southern hard pine ( Georgia pine ) for '25 model T's. I would guess someone may chime in with what was used for the A bed. Whatever wood you use it will probably not get the abuse that the original did. If it is exposed use a top grade spar varnish with UV protection. Well worth the money. If painted use the best marine grade deck paint as it too has the best weather resistance. I also suggest that the individual wood pieces be not fitted too tight as they will expand/contract a lot more than steel with temp and moisture changes

[Terry,NJ]

This thing is getting a little crazy! Use Hawaian Koa! Use Teak! Use Brazilian Ipe, how bout Jacaranda for a nice rosy blush? Teak is a PITA! No other way to describe it. It takes the edge off tools. What did Henry use? Probably maple, oak, locust (I Don't know if it grows in Michigan or not) walnut,The last of the great American Chestnuts, Whatever was at hand. Hand rubbing with Linseed oil and turps gives a great and easily repairable, highly water resistant finish, quite a bit of work though.
Terry