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Old 06-09-2014, 03:44 PM   #1
Brobrian
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Default Which Wood Would You Use?

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?
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Old 06-09-2014, 03:51 PM   #2
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 05:56 PM   #3
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 06:33 PM   #4
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.

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Old 06-09-2014, 06:46 PM   #5
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 07:52 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 07:56 PM   #7
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 08:44 PM   #8
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 09:00 PM   #9
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I am using hickory, I cut the tree down and had it sawed, now I am going to paint them black
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Old 06-09-2014, 09:41 PM   #10
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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

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Old 06-09-2014, 10:16 PM   #11
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-09-2014, 10:24 PM   #12
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Teak will probably outlast any other choice. Not much maintenance if you let it weather.
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Old 06-09-2014, 11:40 PM   #13
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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

the cost would probably set you back if it could be found.
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Old 06-10-2014, 01:06 AM   #14
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.

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Old 06-10-2014, 06:15 AM   #15
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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

who's got the pry bar?
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Old 06-10-2014, 07:49 AM   #16
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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.

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Old 06-10-2014, 08:20 AM   #17
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I like cypress for anything exposed to the elements.
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Old 06-10-2014, 08:56 AM   #18
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-10-2014, 10:20 AM   #19
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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
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Old 06-10-2014, 10:23 AM   #20
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

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.
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Old 06-10-2014, 10:29 AM   #21
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Pete, If someone uses So. Pine, it won't take paint. The only product I ever heard of that will stick to So. Pine is something called Enamelac and that was years ago. It was never very popular and I don't know if it's still made.
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Quote:
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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
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Old 06-10-2014, 01:21 PM   #22
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

i would use redwood & spar ...........
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Old 06-10-2014, 01:36 PM   #23
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

So the conclusion is if you drive an Amphicar Model A you use teak. Anything else will do the job, some better than others. Some look better and some wear better. If you haul gravel go for the very durable. If you use it for pleasure and you want it to look nice use oak or whatever is kind to your eyes. there Is no real answer just a whole lot of conflicting opinions.
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Old 06-10-2014, 02:09 PM   #24
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Teak will probably outlast any other choice. Not much maintenance if you let it weather.
I forgot to answer the original question.
My bed is all steel and sprayed with "Bedliner".
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Old 06-10-2014, 02:59 PM   #25
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I used Ash from northern Mich.
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Old 06-10-2014, 06:45 PM   #26
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You know, I love you guys. You always make me smile.

Now, the boards in my bed are probably original and very worn and weathered. I do, actually haul block and a bit of gravel once in a while. So I'm not sure I trust the measurements I'd get from them when I take them out. Is there a spec sheet on them somewhere? If not, it's cool, I'll just shape them to fit.
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Old 06-10-2014, 06:54 PM   #27
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Are you going to follow the judging standards and paint the wood to match the body?

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Old 06-10-2014, 09:40 PM   #28
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

If you want a hard wood, that will withstand the weather use teak, or ipe. Neither need, or will accept, very well any top dressing. Teak should be oiled about once a year. Another hard wood is locust. Never use spar varnish. It will crack. Speaking from years of boating experience, use
Sikkens by Cetol. Look for the marine grade. Nothing is better for exposure to the weather.
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Old 06-10-2014, 11:19 PM   #29
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

From all the comments, Spar varnish seems to be loved or hated ! I would check with a refinishing marine shop before using it !
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Old 06-11-2014, 02:33 AM   #30
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Kauri, but i do not recommend it really. If you scuff it too much it marks & is no longer quiet as nice.
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Old 06-11-2014, 09:17 AM   #31
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I submitted a question to MAFCA as to which wood Henry used. I'm sure they will know.

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Old 06-11-2014, 09:25 AM   #32
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Hickory.
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Old 06-11-2014, 09:51 AM   #33
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Originally Posted by Growley bear View Post
I submitted a question to MAFCA as to which wood Henry used. I'm sure they will know.

Chet
Whatever he could find that was cheap and readily available. He was building trucks, and probably never imagined one would last this long.
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Old 06-11-2014, 11:01 AM   #34
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Ash will last a long time. My family has been in the wind mill sucker rod business for a long time. I've seen rods over a hundred years old that are still usable. And we floor tons of trailer in it. And they last a long time. And don't scuff up easy. They get harder every year.
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Old 06-11-2014, 11:11 AM   #35
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Whatever he could find that was cheap and readily available. He was building trucks, and probably never imagined one would last this long.
Yes, Henry used every scrap of wood and what was left over was turned into charcoal. This is a very interesting subject.

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Old 06-11-2014, 01:10 PM   #36
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Looks like I can't really go too wrong here. We have a very good lumber yard with all sorts of raw lumber. I'll ask them too. Ash and white oak still sound good at this point. And what-the-hey, if I wear it out or it weathers too badly, I'll do it again in something else.

Again, anyone know where I can get the plank dimensions? If not, I'm sure I'll be able to get it close.
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Old 06-11-2014, 01:31 PM   #37
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I submitted a question to MAFCA as to which wood Henry used. I'm sure they will know.

Chet

Hello, Chet!

The pickups used oak and it was painted body color on top and either body color or black on the underside.

I have not seen it documented if Ford used white oak or red oak. I'd recommend something from the white oak group (list below) due to its properties (a little harder, more dense, more weather and rot resistant).

White Oak (Quercus alba) - "the" white oak
Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa)
Chestnut Oak (Q. prinus)
English Oak (Q. robur)
Holm Oak (Q. ilex)
Oregon White Oak (Q. garryana)
Overcup Oak (Q. lyrata)
Post Oak (Q. stellata)
Sessile Oak (Q. petraea)
Swamp Chestnut Oak (Q. michauxii)
Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor)


This courtesy of Jim Cannon MAFCA technical director.
Thanks, Jim
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Old 06-11-2014, 01:38 PM   #38
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Wow!
Thanks, Chet, and Jim.
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Old 06-11-2014, 02:36 PM   #39
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Many years ago, I worked in a marina that was also a Chris Craft dealer ship. There was a older man who worked on fitting keels and strakes on the mahogany speed boats that were rotted or damaged. The wood was mahogany and the boat had to be "Soaked up" by hanging it with the hull in the water. If you took the chains off the first day, she'd go right down. Now, The clearance he'd use was about 1/16th of an inch. per side. Also we put oakum in the joints. (Don't bother) I think that if you measure with a good quality scale and make your wood 1/16 undersize you should be OK.
Have the seller cut the lumber, with their equipment they can do a better job.
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Looks like I can't really go too wrong here. We have a very good lumber yard with all sorts of raw lumber. I'll ask them too. Ash and white oak still sound good at this point. And what-the-hey, if I wear it out or it weathers too badly, I'll do it again in something else.

Again, anyone know where I can get the plank dimensions? If not, I'm sure I'll be able to get it close.
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Old 06-11-2014, 07:22 PM   #40
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Or get very creative and use both White Oak and Red Oak. The bottom is made from Red Oak and the sides and rails are made of White Oak. All done with 3 coats of Spar Varnish. The lumber came from a local sawmill and the Red and White was what he had on hand. Boards came 1 inch thick and between 9 an 10 ft long. All was planned and cut to width by a friend and compadre Model A'er. The bed is made for the extedned cab I am building.
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Old 06-11-2014, 09:51 PM   #41
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Looks beautiful!
I built side rails for my pickup and used white oak for the slats.
Funny, never thought about making them match.
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Old 06-12-2014, 07:36 AM   #42
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Wow!
Thanks, Chet, and Jim.
Glad to help. Your pickup is really sharp.

Chet

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Old 06-12-2014, 09:03 AM   #43
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Great looking truck.
I'm sure whatever you use will look good.
I just wanted to add that if Henry had used Ipe, it would still be as good as new today. How many woods can say that they are fire rated, or they will not float?
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Old 06-12-2014, 01:38 PM   #44
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Great looking truck.
I'm sure whatever you use will look good.
I just wanted to add that if Henry had used Ipe, it would still be as good as new today. How many woods can say that they are fire rated, or they will not float?
True. But it does not grow in Northern Michigan...


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Old 06-12-2014, 02:42 PM   #45
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Notwithstanding anything the MAFCA "technical director" may say, oak was never used for truck beds, it is unstable in weather and will swell and cup if exposed for a few years. Red oak is the cheapest and worst performing, is full of splinters and not very attractive; use it for fence posts. Yellow pine, ash or maple are your best choices if you want originality and performance. Be sure to paint it if you want to do it right.
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Old 06-13-2014, 07:13 AM   #46
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Notwithstanding anything the MAFCA "technical director" may say, oak was never used for truck beds, it is unstable in weather and will swell and cup if exposed for a few years. Red oak is the cheapest and worst performing, is full of splinters and not very attractive; use it for fence posts. Yellow pine, ash or maple are your best choices if you want originality and performance. Be sure to paint it if you want to do it right.
If oak was never used for truck beds what was used?

Chet
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Old 06-13-2014, 07:13 AM   #47
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Notwithstanding anything the MAFCA "technical director" may say, oak was never used for truck beds, it is unstable in weather and will swell and cup if exposed for a few years. Red oak is the cheapest and worst performing, is full of splinters and not very attractive; use it for fence posts. Yellow pine, ash or maple are your best choices if you want originality and performance. Be sure to paint it if you want to do it right.
If oak was never used for truck beds what was used?

Chet
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Old 06-13-2014, 08:07 AM   #48
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If oak was never used for truck beds what was used?

Chet
I looked through the Restoration Guidelines last night for an answer to this :
I found where it said all interior wood was ash. And another reference that said the truck bed wood was painted...but not a reference to material.
It should be clear as mud now.
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Old 06-13-2014, 09:02 AM   #49
1wonton
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I believe (based on observations of tens of trucks) White Pine was predominate. Ford had lumber mills in upper Michigan at the time. If truth be known I suspect ash and hard maple were also used as it was available.
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Old 06-13-2014, 10:32 AM   #50
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I used clear pine painted body color,rock moss green,still good 40 years later.
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Old 06-13-2014, 11:02 AM   #51
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I am going to stick with Jim Cannon as I think his Information is more reliable than any other.

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Old 07-07-2014, 10:45 AM   #52
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use? Update

Well, I finished putting new wood in the bed of the pickup. Thought I'd share the result and thank you all for your help.

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Old 07-07-2014, 11:39 AM   #53
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

In "The Ford Model A As Henry Built It" it states the wood could have
been maple, birch, sound oak, beech, or longleaf southern pine.

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Old 07-07-2014, 08:44 PM   #54
Bruce,Upstate NY
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

I use Ash. Trucks were for working, not looking at. Anyway, I thought Henry painted the boards. Those polished finishes will be beat up the first time you throw a set of tire chains in the back.
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Old 07-08-2014, 11:51 AM   #55
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce,Upstate NY View Post
I use Ash. Trucks were for working, not looking at. Anyway, I thought Henry painted the boards. Those polished finishes will be beat up the first time you throw a set of tire chains in the back.
I too used ash. Just 'cause I'd never made anything from ash before.

You're right. My son took one look and said, "Oh no. Now what are you going to do next time you need to haul something?"

The grain on the wood looked so nice that just wanted to see what it would look like. I guess, if it gets real scuffed up in the next couple of years, I'll just sand it down and paint it.
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Old 07-08-2014, 12:01 PM   #56
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Sailboat owner here. Don't use Spar Varnish, use CETOL. Don't ask me how I know, but that crap Spar Varnish can only be sanded and sanded and sanded OFF. Never again. Still have half a quart somewhere here in Fairfield, Virginia, FREE for pickup only.

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Old 07-08-2014, 01:06 PM   #57
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Default Re: Which Wood Would You Use?

Well I must confess I used northern Mich Ash. It might not be right but I like it.
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