The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs panel interior board replacement

http://s365.beta.photobucket.com/user/1953panel/media/DSCN02091_zpsab6321c2.jpg.html
http://s365.beta.photobucket.com/us...01_zpsfd355536.jpg.html?sort=2&o=140
I've been working on new boards, like the original ones that were split and ratty looking. They're ready to bolt into the truck.

Leo, looking good there champ. I plan to use boards like that in my panel to. The problem is I only have one at the moment. I guess I'll have to "bend" me one to match!!

I see two solutions.
One is to make a pattern that matches the bend , cut thin strips of wood and using a good glue and a lot of clamps laminate the stips. You then get a plywood like piece that conforms to the body.
The second is to start with a solid piece and steam bend it to fit, again using a wooden pattern of the curve. I have never steam bent anything "yet", but this method would give you a more original replacement.

When I laminate and probably in the case of steam bending, I use a wide board and cut the curve through the center. This gives me two conforming pieces to clamp together. And I am clamping against the square edges of the form/pattern. I would also recommend makin the pattern as thick as possible to get maximum pressure on all surfaces. I make the original pattern from card board.

Mike, the original board is only 1/2" thick x 2 3/4" wide. I simply laid the two ends on supports and it just sagged to the right shape. Also, it fastens in 4 places to the panel body with bolts, no need to over-engineer the curve. BTW, the original boards are 72 1/4" long.

I was thinking they were thicker, too lazy to go out and check. I was also concerned about putting too much tension on the hold downs on the panel sides. Just getting it to sag sounds like a winner to me!

Leo,do the boards mount to the side panels inside the cargo area ? I assume one board on each side for tying cargo up ?
They sure look nice !!


Tim

....speaking for myself there is a "tab" at the front and back where the screws go through the wood and through the metal tabs. Here is a picture that might help you.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/000_0019.jpg


EDIT: to add a comment or two. On my 52 there is ONE bolt that bolts the board to the rear tab and there is TWO bolts that bolt it to the tab on the front. Then there is one bolt in each of the "upright" metal bars.
The pieces of wood on the back side or the board are the same size in the front two but the one in the back is cut on an angle. Just hope all this info helps someone along the way.

Yes Tim, Alvin's photo shows it good. I use my panel for work and I need those boards. I sure hope you will see it in Sept.

My 1956 has 3/4" X 3" side boards that were in there when I got it in 1971. Other than that and that they don't have the blocks, they look like what you all have. I don't know when they were discontinued, but my 1969 doesn't have them at all!

Les, my guess is they changed the size somewhere along the way.


NOTE: I "edited" and added a couple comments to my last post, above Roadmarks, about attaching the board just in case some may need the info sometime.