New to forum/new bed wood

[69ismine]

Hey y'all, I'm new to owning classics and i started out with a mostly restored 69 C10 SWB Stepside. The one thing not yet redone is the bed wood. Im thinking of putting in a black walnut bed with high gloss finish. Any suggestions at all on finishes that have been tried and tested? Also other wood suggestions would be appreciated. The truck is Cardinal Red. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[ole dollor]

first welcome to the forum , and look around for a thread on here where we showed all our bed wood. I don't have the link but some one might post it for you, its kinda of what you like....

[Steve Hafner]

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Here's a "dark" one that I've saved . . . I don't know what kind of wood it is though.

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[Steve Hafner]

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My wood is red oak with dark walnut stain to bring the grain out.

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[Already Gone]

Here is one I saved as well.
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[69ismine]

Thanks guys for the pix. Steve what finish did you use on your red oak?
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[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by ole dollor

first welcome to the forum , and look around for a thread on here where we showed all our bed wood. I don't have the link but some one might post it for you, its kinda of what you like....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=431048

[FirstOwner69]

Just installed mine today! Mar-K red oak with chestnut stain. The grain is actually a bit more pronounced than it appears in the picture. Anxious to get it out of the garage into the sunlight.

[Steve Hafner]

Originally Posted by 69ismine

Thanks guys for the pix. Steve what finish did you use on your red oak?
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I'll have to answer your question in four different posts since we can only upload one picture at a time.

Three coats on this stain were used.

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[Steve Hafner]

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This varnish was applied in six coats, with DAYS of drying in between.

The first and second coats were thinned 75%.

The third coat was thinned 90% ( 10% thinner )

The fourth, fifth and sixth coats were applied without thinner.

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[Steve Hafner]

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This pictures shows the difference between the first coat of stain ( on the left ) and the third coat of varnish ( on the right ).

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[Steve Hafner]

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This wood boat wax was used, a few months later, as a final coat after the wood was GOOD and DRY !!!

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[Steve Hafner]

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Here another picture I've saved that shows a 69's bed with dark stain.

I don't know what finish was used here though.

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[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by Steve Hafner

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I'll have to answer your question in four different posts since we can only upload one picture at a time.

Three coats on this stain were used.

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Beautiful bed, Steve.

You CAN post more pics at one time. Just go back to the attach pic window and do the next pic, upload, next, then upload, etc.

[ole dollor]

Originally Posted by magwakeenercew2jh

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=431048

yes that's the one I was talking about...thanks for posting it...

[Vorcutt]

If u will go to the website for Mar-K Industries (they seem to manufacture a lot of the quality wood bed parts you see offered on different sites) there is actually a long term test on different types of wood/finishes that is really informative. Good luck, as I am actually in the middle of my second wood floor restoration. The first has lasted almost 18 years!
http://www.mar-k.com/

[69ismine]

Thanks a ton y'all for all the info!! I'm pretty excited about doing this, but I want to do it really right if I'm gonna spend the money anyways. My truck is a DD or almost and I want something that'll look good at a cruise in but hold up under some use. I do plan on buying a rubber mat cut-to-size to put in when hauling tho.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by 69ismine

I do plan on buying a rubber mat cut-to-size to put in when hauling tho.

Let us know when you find one of those that works for you.

[69ismine]

@mag I guess I just assumed you could find one. I've heard of guys going to dairy supply stores and buying cow mats. Have you had issues with these?
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[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by 69ismine

@mag I guess I just assumed you could find one. I've heard of guys going to dairy supply stores and buying cow mats. Have you had issues with these?
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Well, I really didn't want to get slapped by the Mods for doing a "Wanted".
But since you brought it up, I just thought I'd ask if you found one.

Like, "I bought this nice, heavy rubber mat to cover my bed wood that is such a nice fit at ABC Hardware".
Or something like that.

I don't have a ton of $$$ wood to protect. But, still.

[69ismine]

Is that prefinished hardwood? That's a sweet idea!
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[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by 69ismine

Is that prefinished hardwood? That's a sweet idea!
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Well, it was a *cheap* idea.

The wood was left over from the house-floor install. Under fifty bucks for aluminum strips, fabric spray to freshen up the bed walls and t-gate, a few screws, and it was done.

I numbered the "planks" and it comes out in five minutes...And back in in 40 minutes 'cause I have to figure out the puzzle. I'm sure it's not good in the rain, and the sun will
screw it up. But for that kinda dough, how can you miss. That is, unless the looks torque ya.

I think it cleaned up my steel floor nicely. And, anyway, I cover the bed with a water-tight tonneau at first sign of rain.

[69ismine]

Brilliant!! Yeah I was looking at some kits and the wood I'm looking at is black walnut and it'll cost wood only bout $1000. But I have an Amish guy down the road from me that can mill some for me for 250-300 ready to finish. Whole bed will end up around $600 rather than $1300-$1400
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[Fitz]

Originally Posted by 69ismine

Hey y'all, I'm new to owning classics and i started out with a mostly restored 69 C10 SWB Stepside. The one thing not yet redone is the bed wood. Im thinking of putting in a black walnut bed with high gloss finish. Any suggestions at all on finishes that have been tried and tested? Also other wood suggestions would be appreciated. The truck is Cardinal Red. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Purpleheart bedwood to match the Cherry Candy on the nose!