As a wood worker I will give some input. One my 26 "C" cab I used Ash and sprayed it with Automotive lacquer. If you are going ot use SYP and want to stain it, to get an even stain, brush on a coat of shellac cut 50/50 with denatured alcohol. The when dry sand with 220 sand paper. Apply stain when dry, apply clear coats. This works for any softwoods to get an even stain.
John
