VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 WOOD

What is the wood in a 31 pickup cab? i'm going to start soon to replace all the wood,I have all the pieces to use as patterns. so what would be a good wood material to use, I have access to oak and the price is reasonable.
thanks Jay D.

Hello badsix,
To answer your question, check out 'kcwoodmfg.com', the second question in FAQ. White Ash. For my question, what is the preferred product for sealing auto body wood frames?

Oak is ok. Most use white ash as it is easier to work with and doesn't dull saw blades as fast.

THANKS I'll search my area to see if ash is available this is for a pickup cab so its mostly straight cut pieces other than the piece above and at the latch post for the door
Jay D.

Harry, I have also pondered this as mine is going to be a driver and as much as I can summer and winter sun or rain. I thought about using some Sherwin Williams deck sealer. I've used it on my decks here and it really repels water for years. I also thought about gluing some of the joints, I don't know if this is a good idea or not maybe some one here can advise. anyway I don't think you would want to use certain sealers if you were going to use glue.
Jay D.

I have a 31 canopy express pickup. I am pretty sure the wood frames are white ash. There is a guy in southern va who makes the wood patterns. He may have the wood for sale as well. I am replacing the wood on the tailgate and wood side rails with white oak. I am sealing all sides with 3 coats of epoxy then six coats of marine spar varnish. This should preserve the wood and look finished. It's called "bright work" in the world of wooden boats. The epoxy seals the wood watertight, the marine spar varnish provides uv protection. A mirror finish can be achieved if preferred or use a scrub pad for satin finish .

When I rebuilt the wood in my '31 Special Sedan a couple of years ago, I used ash and a little red oak. I sealed all of it with multiple coats of Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane varnish. It's a great product. I also used marine epoxy to coat areas of wood and primed steel that might get water on them like the door bottoms. It sounds like belt and suspenders but I did not want to ever have rust in there again.

Happy Motoring!