The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed wood beds

Were wood beds sealed on the bottom side?
Or were they left unsealed so the wood could breathe? I have seen it both ways and I notice that the beds that have peeling problems were also treated on the bottom side.

When I rebuilt my bed I sealed both sides but I've read somewhere that you should leave the bottom unsealed. Don't know what the factory did though.

Its customary today to seal ALL sides and the ends especially by leaving the ends standing in a pan of the sealer overnight.
Once any finish cracks it will let in moisture and then its over. Black looking cracks will start to appear.

Mar-K had some extensive testing on different finishes. Some of which may surprise you. Got to their site and check out their results.

Note, I do not know but I would think the factory only painted or finished the top to save time and money..... and I think the type of wood would also have something to do with it. Check out Mar-K and I think your questions will be answered.

I have been a master carpenter for over thirty five years and we ALWAYS finished all wood on ALL sides to prevent warping.
I would think the same logic would apply to bed boards.
I am about to re-do my bed and intend to give all the boards at least seven coats of marine varnish on all sides.
Check back in ten years and I'll you know how it went :-)

I finished both sides of mine I figured the bottom due to heat and exposure to road debris and elements needed some help. I never actually haul anything in my truck so don't expect much to get the top but sun exposure.

If you are going to seal the wood, all six sides of each plank should be carefully sealed.

If/when the seal is broken on any place on any board, you'll soon get cracking/checking in that board (from expansion/contraction) due to changes in moisture content.

Bought my first new stepside in 1962 and many more since then. The bed wood was always black. Even inside the holes was black which made me think it was just simply dipped in enamel. There were often dried drips here and there which also is indicative of dipping.

Bought my first new stepside in 1962 and many more since then. The bed wood was always black. Even inside the holes was black which made me think it was just simply dipped in enamel. There were often dried drips here and there which also is indicative of dipping.

I did some work for a guy who had two NOS bed wood kits in his garage. He said when a Chevy dealership that his dad worked at closed down, his dad walked off with these boards. They are finished black on all sides and edges. They feel waxy and still look like new.