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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

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.

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

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 .

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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