I am looking to replace the wood bed in my 66 SWB stepside 66 as it is rotting and has a lot of holes in it. Does anyone know what the best kind of wood too use is? I plan on putting 5 coats of Polyertherane on it before installing the wood. It appears to be an involed process but think I can get it done in a day or so.


Any advice on the subject would be apperciated.

Thanks

FERacing66

 

If you can come by a copy of Classic Trucks Magazine, Sept. 04, there is an article entitled "Let's Finish It". Perhaps can find in library. Sometimes can locate article on their web page www.classictrucksweb.com. In nut shell says should pre-fit the wood kit before first coat of varnish. Suggest rounding edges for the finish to adhere."Bevel the edges 1/16". Used file with "safe edge" no teeth avoiding rut. Used sanding paper using sanding block w/ 120 and progressed to 220. Sand edges and around holes drilled thru the board. Indicated should not use steel wool because of "tannic acid" particularly if using oak. Wipe of but carefull using tack cloth. Finally wipe down with quality fast drying solvent before applying varnish. Suggest work in clean area to avoid dust. There is a "tip" suggesting using saw horse with nails driven thru strip where the boards (bottom side only) for drying. Suggest 75 to 25 percent mix recommended. Suggest "strike off" any excess from brush into an empty container to avoid bubbles and contamination. Spar varnish is slow drying, so it will self level. "Don't overwork the finish. Used sponge type brush. Allowed to dry 4 hours then used fan on low speed to gently evaporate sovents. Not doing so extents drying time considerably. Once dry, if dry enough it will "powder". Wipe off finish and sandpaper often to avoid loading. Sanded lightly w/ 280, just knock off dust and high spots. jRemaining gloss was buffed off the surface with a sctchbrite pade to makie the finish smother and create "tooth" for the next coat to adhere to. Last coat used fresh can varnish and fresh brush. Came across article after applying product on my new wood bed in adverse condition, came out okay but still use for hauling. The article can explain lot better than i can. Hope it helps.

dave

 

Thanks for the help.

 

I have been told for the do it your selfer that home depot has the best oak clear and without knots.

They will even cut it to size with no waste.

The best kit on the market is from Bruce Horkey.

Garbz