BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 22 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 22 | I am redoing the wood bed on my 59 Apache step side. replaced the 3/4 plywood that was under some 6" wide planks someone has added. What was on top of the plywood back than ??? After market kits use 6" wide golden oak planks. really looking for something else...
Any ideas....
thanks
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | All the 59's (and many other years) used various hardwoods from their local regions. White oak is a popular modern day hardwood as it's fairly plentiful and affordable. Plywood was NOT used back in the day.
You could look for some other hardwoods, exotic if you like even... but hardwood is going to stand up to lawn chairs, coolers and golf clubs far better than any softwood like spruce or cedar.
Just oil it and install. Don't clear it as it will peel!
Last edited by FootStomper; 03/14/2017 10:13 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | "All the 59's (and many other years) used various hardwoods from their local region. . . ."
Darcy,
GM used hardwood bed boads in what years?
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | I can't say when they started but can say I had a 1972 Chev 1/2 once that had a wood bed... yes... 1972 believe me or not. I think that was the latest they used hardwood but others may offer other advice.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | Here are some pictures of my Elm that is milled and ready for oil. Elm Bed Wood End Grain
Last edited by FootStomper; 03/14/2017 10:17 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Darcy,
Yes regarding wood beds through 1972.
What about information/documentation on the hardwood beds you referred to?
Thanks,
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 | Just asking.........why are you guys discussing "bed wood" in the Paint&Body Forum instead of the Beds Forum. Shame on you Tim, you're supposed to be the adult supervisor here, lol.
👿
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 770 Former BMW Rider | | Former BMW Rider Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 770 | Good catch, Martin!
Thanks, | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | I am the "adult supervisor" only in the Panels & Burbs forum, Martin.
Every other forum gives me the apportunity to get my "hands slapped". | | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | Darcy,
Yes regarding wood beds through 1972.
What about information/documentation on the hardwood beds you referred to?
Thanks, I have none. Why are you asking? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | "All the 59's (and many other years) used various hardwoods from their local regions."
I am always interested in seeing new documentation, especially 60-72. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 775 | I used beech. Closed grain and stained it black. Very hard wood. If your truck will be anything but a show truck no clear finish will last outside. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | I painted my new Oak floor with POR-15 black and their Black Top Coat two years ago and so far, so good (she is garage kept)... Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | Not tryin to get off-topic with a stupid question, but has anyone ever tried "engineered hardwood flooring" over top of plywood in a truck box? It comes in many shades and I think it looks good; and if its "kitchen rated" it should be tough enough for anything you might load on it. I searched on SBP but nothing came up.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,576 back yard wrench turner | | back yard wrench turner Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,576 | Not tryin to get off-topic with a stupid question, but has anyone ever tried "engineered hardwood flooring" over top of plywood in a truck box? It comes in many shades and I think it looks good; and if its "kitchen rated" it should be tough enough for anything you might load on it. I searched on SBP but nothing came up. I've installed thousands of square feet of this stuff. The issue would be if it gets wet like a soaking rain storm. The engineered wood is not friendly with water. Extra precautions are needed when installing in a kitchen. I don't think you could make it totally water proof.
Wayne1938 1-Ton Farm Truck-30- Stovebolt Gallery ForumsWhen I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | Thanks Wayne, I never thought of that.
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