What was the wood species used in the bed of 1953 F-100s. I see the aftermarket catalogs pitching red oak, but my recollection is that when I replaced the original bed some thirty years ago, it looked like white oak. I am going totally stock on the remodel. Also, how did the factory finish the wood? Varnish? Oil?

 

i'm with you on the white oak, it's been a long time, as far as the finish i ain't sure and don't want to tell you something i ain't sure about. good luck

 

Thanks. For what it's worth: there is a FTE member in Utah who is selling a 53 that he says has been in storage for the past 50 years. That truck should be about as close to stock as they get, with respect for finish. I'm hoping that he can provide some information of wood bed details. There is no consensus in the FTE forums on the "right way" to restore the wood beds on these old trucks.

 

I think you are having trouble getting a consensus on which wood species and finish is because different plants used different wood species. A rumour I've heard is Henry would order parts from suppliers and he would demand it be shipped in specific sized wood crates, and the wood would be reused as wood beds. Sounds like something Henry would do isn't it! I've believe the wood was painted black. ...Terry

 

didn't they use spar varnish? and it's like overkill-f1 said, i wouldn't think that back in them days they were real concerned about the species, they were probably happy just gettin wood from where ever they could find it the cheapest. my 2 cents