Troop Seats Wood Type

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know what type of wood was used in the bed for the troop seats and the wood above the bed rails? Or was it more than one type?

Has anyone replaced their old wood with the newer composite decking stuff like Trex?

thanks,
bob

[WarrenD]

Don't use composite wood. The allowable span for Trex etal is less than 18" and if you park in the sun and it's unsupported it will sag. Also, the wood for the seats, etc is 3/4" thick, thinner composites will compound the problem. They don't handle loads well, either. A quality wood properly primed and painted should last for many years before needing to be re-done. The paints these days are much better than they were in the 50's (in many ways, but not all! ) so there really isn't a need to go with alternatives. If you plan on being judged at an event, stick with original materials.

[w30bob]

Hi Warren,

Thanks for the info. Were the original materials oak? I assume it was a hardwood, but.............

regards,
bob

[M37UK]

Hi Warren,

Thanks for the info. Were the original materials oak? I assume it was a hardwood, but.............

regards,
bob

I used white oak for mine and stained them the color I wanted.

Cheers
Stu

[w30bob]

Ok Stu.....you know that just begs the question..........how did you make olive drab stain????

regards,
bob

[k8icu]

Original for the most part were made out of both red and white oak. Though it is my understanding that maple as well as ash was used on occasion by some contractors. (This may have been only for other Ms but on some other boards people have refinished original troop seats and discovered maple and ash.) But the majority where made out of oak.

The army did go to a fiberglass board back in the 90s and are still using that today. If you could find some board from a M35A2 or A3 you could possible cut them down to work on your truck. I'm not sure on that, but it's a thought.