Starting to consider putting my Carpentry skills back to work and get ready for the bed work. My '37 didn't have enough left for a sample so was the thickness a true 1" (5/4)? appears to be more than typical 3/4". I'm considering Brazilian Ironwood (IPE) had a deck out of the stuff and it was hard to work with but pretty amazing. Anyone used it?
Last edited by 37 GC; Thu Dec 01 2022 12:27 AM.
Larry All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Not sure about the earlier trucks, but the 47-72 wood was 3/4" thick. I'd be surprised if the earlier trucks would be thicker. Here's a reference: Link [gmcpauls.com] Also, Mar-K would know for sure. Link [mar-k.com]
Kevin Newest Project - 51 Chevy 3100 work truck. Photos [flickr.com] #2 - '29 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. First car '29 Ford Special Coupe Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I am going with composite decking. You will need once more ss strip to make it work.
1966 C-10 Step Side. 283, 4spd, 3.73 gear. 60K miles prior to restoration. 507 Paint Code. Currently in 10,000 pieces, but it's starting to go back together. Rear Suspension is done! Wheels are done! Bed bodywork is done! New 383 and TKO 5 speed in place.
I considered Ipe, Purple Heart and others. Probably would have used Ipe, but settled on Maple as the price was right and it was a local source. I wouldn't use a softwood.
It's a personal preference.
The link Kevin supplied shows dimensions for the boards. My neighbour has a nice wood shop and was pleased to help.
Been asked to move this to Making a Stovebolt Bed.
Peggy M I don't mean to brag, but ... I just put a puzzle together in one day and the box said 2-4 years. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." ~ Victor Hugo / 'Les Misérables'
Peggy M I don't mean to brag, but ... I just put a puzzle together in one day and the box said 2-4 years. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." ~ Victor Hugo / 'Les Misérables'
Most of the 37 Chevys in the Western US, used ash for bed wood. The ton & half Canopy (pictured) used 3/4" thick planks. The seven uneven widths, with routed depressions for ware irons, are held down off set washers and carriage bolts. (Pix #2)
The wood was originally painted black. Once painted black, it was too pretty to hide the grain so I sanded it and clear coated the surface.
The Panels and Canopies used the same wood. The Suburbans used plywood. I believe you can order wood "kits" for flat bed and open express from Carter's and Filling Station.
If you wish to contact me, my email is: c1937@znet.com
Lou
Peggy M I don't mean to brag, but ... I just put a puzzle together in one day and the box said 2-4 years. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." ~ Victor Hugo / 'Les Misérables'
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Originally Posted by Gord&Fran
The link Kevin supplied shows dimensions for the boards. My neighbour has a nice wood shop and was pleased to help.
Unfortunately, that link only has dimensions for 47 and later truck beds. The earlier trucks had a narrower bed, so the width dimensions in that link won't help. But I'm sure that Mar-K has that info and could share it (they may want a few bucks for a data sheet, as they're in the business of selling wood kits, which is understandable.)
Kevin Newest Project - 51 Chevy 3100 work truck. Photos [flickr.com] #2 - '29 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. First car '29 Ford Special Coupe Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Ferris, one more SS strip because the deck board width is less than original? I used marine ply cut into strips and routered in my ‘63 fleet side years ago, but of course I ripped it how I wanted. Deck boards are like 2x6 (5 1/2” wide)? I’ll have to break down and do some measurements and math. My bed is narrower than your AD also…
Larry All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
If you have the rear sill (cross member) then you have the board widths, just measure between the bolt holes in the rear cross member. Have used measurements from rusty, bent or mangled ones. If extra holes drilled by PO's one can tell the punched factory holes.
