Original Wood used for the Troop Seats

[LegionPiper]

Hi folks,

I tried several searches on this subject with no luck.

What was the original Wood used for the Troop Seats ?

I've seen folks using Mahogany and White Oak and since they are normally painted, I'm guessing it's not a big deal ?

However for the books, was it Pine ???

Thanks

[Elwood]

Likely not a softwood like pine. I used a hardwood (oak), but ash or similar would work, too. I've not had good luck with maple, as it tends to warp.

[NAM VET]

I used ash, inexpensive, and plenty strong. I rounded off the edges a bit, to avoid cuts. It was easy when I use the old boards for a pattern to drill the holes. New carriage nuts, stainless nuts. Painted mine black, hc

[Sal]

I believe I read over on Steel Soldier a while back that oak was used. I used Red Oak on mine only because I like the look of it .

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[NAM VET]

What an immaculate truck! I have spent two days de-mudding mine from the winch out episode of earlier this week. Hc

[John Mc]

I don't know what was originally used, but White Oak would be an excellent choice. It's strong and rot-resistant, even when left unfinished. It will hold up significantly longer out in the weather than Red Oak or Ash.

[Murf]

It's definitely an oak. I have my original rails and am going to replace them. I cut a piece and they still, without a doubt, smell and look like oak.

[Cal_Gary]

I have an NOS box of bed bow wood in the basement and can take a look, assuming the other wood was of the same material.
More to follow,
Gary

[Cal_Gary]

Hi All,
I dug into the box today-it is likely white ash, very strong but flexible.
Gary

[John Mc]

Ash is a great choice for something that needs to be bent. However, unless it's finished with some sort of protective coating, it's not as weather resistant as some other species.

[just me]

One of the parts manuals specs it as Red Oak. I used Ash as I couldn't get hickory.

[Cal_Gary]

Good to know, Justme-I'm no expert on wood but my box is certainly not red oak.
Gary