The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 36 burb's wooden bed.

I'm close to putting in the wood bed, some real good wood man told me to soak each board in Tung oil...that oil is very expensive..and he said "soak" ..then sand between the coats..before varnishing...how do yo saok a six by seven inch red oak board.? And I think I'm going to put down rubber runner where the folks will walk to the rear seat. thanks guys..Bruce D. mtvoices/

Bruce - see here - depending on the exact product you get [rare to find pure Tung, usually already mixed w/ solvents], you do not want to "soak" the wood [immerse in the oil] - and you do not want or need to use another finish [varnish] on top of it .... Tung oil is good stuff, works well to apply it with fine steel wool so there's no need of sanding between coats, just buff it dry with a soft cloth after each

Bill

You can try a vacuum bag. Coat the boards and suck out the air. It will draw the oil into the wood. Leave them in for awhile and then take them out to dry and repeat. I think Rockler Woodworking has the bags? As I recall Tung Oil needs Oxygen to dry.

...a fellow bolter suggested long ago that the boards usually start "splitting on the ends" before anything else happens. I've taken his advice on several projects and while I don't soak the entire board I do stand the ends in a pan of what ever finish I'm using and let it sit overnight to suck the stuff up into the end of the board. Has worked well for me.
Just a thought....

thanks Bill, I have never used much Tung oil..the bed is ready for this..will do...no need for varnish at all huh? Great, you saved me some time and money...Bruce d.

Thanks there Alvin..will do this too, along with other tips on this oil..my other bed in my 36 pickup has a little cupping on the ends up of two boards up front..(no tung used there)butnot too bad..thanks bruce

Bruce, I know your no dummy at this stuff but just a reminder to look at the end grain when putting the wood down. One way the wood will "cup" and be low in the middle, the other way it will cup up in the middle. I hope you do not ever have that problem but personally I always turn mine to where it would cup up IF it did.

..and again, you are to be much congratulated on this project. I think the entire stovebolt family really appreciates your diligence on this project. Truly remarkable.

thanks a lot Alvin..we're almost to the painting stage..will sne dKurt some photos to post next week...way more cash than I ever imagined...do you know where I might look for a beter oil pan for this 35 206.8 engine?? Mine has holes in bottom, too manyh to weld up...thanks...Bruce

I'll sure ask around in my circles ...and be sure to ask in the swap meet if you haven't already. I believe there are some bolters with vintage 35's that have modified their vehicles and may have one ?? I'll see what I can do.

The wood warps (cups) opposite the annular rings.

Bruce,

All great news. I'm ready to host the pictures for you anytime you are ready...

Kurt

Hi...tung oiled the wooden boards..but as for the up or down end grain..I'm afraid only one choice..seeing that the boards are grooved and ready for the metal stripe...hope they did it right at factory.I tyhink they did it right. Wooden bed looks great, sanded lightly between the coats..first coat cut 50% with terp,,then second coat full strength.With a good rubbing inbetween, We paint the body oin one week..been a while as other things like those tricky rear doors had to be installed again!! Mtvoices

Had to soak ends of the wood for bed in Tung oil..100%..but it;s the best for no Cupping...installing soon. My Bodyman had to paint the blody once more..as I missed the Cabana Cream shade by two shades...with Airdal Brown..which is a correct 36 Truck and car color..it loks great..exactly like the one GM has in their Museum in Flint..been a freat project so far...need advice on wheel barings brakes etc...wire harness is next in the new yr..HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL... MTVOICES

no cupping as I soaked the ends of those boards in 100% tungoil.. kinda pricey tho..but a good paint shop will have it. then coated the boards with tung, and wiped it down..gorgeous!