New Oak Floor for the 36!!
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New Oak Floor for the 36!!
Posted: August 15 2008 10:54 PM
 
BigAl Breland (aka BigAlBre) [ View ] [ bigalbre ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida
(866) 787-6337
 Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise.
 
I bought a sheet of plywood with a laminated oak finish and so far I've put a quart of clear polyurethane on it sanding in between.... this sucker is going to look good... I plan to add truck bed style stainless strips to it.. I'll try to remember and get some pictures tomorrow...
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  08/16/2008 08:21 AM
be sure to seal the bottom of it.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by blade58  -  08/16/2008 04:44 PM
Al good to see you are doing well enough , i was thinking the same thing for my truck, it has a aluminum diamond plate now ,it looks ok but not good enough ,or make metal panels and paint them to look like wood ,first i have to make the bed the correct width it is narrow according to the spec . i found ,that s a good tip Shine i have seen a few rods with wood flooring they did not seal the underside and regret it years down the road
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by bigdude  -  08/16/2008 06:35 PM
I used a rubber membrane used on flat roofs in my bed.
resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/16/2008 08:30 PM
Shine, if it's inside the car do I still need to seal the underside? It shouldn't ever get wet....
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  08/16/2008 08:35 PM
i would put at least one coat on it.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/16/2008 08:47 PM
no problem... I've started on my second quart of polyurethane...
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by flagator79  -  08/16/2008 09:25 PM
Please have a well ventilated area. That poly will get your heart a pounding in a moment seriously. Dont want to go through that mess again do you? Great that you are doing well enough to get out and at it. Thank God for your recovery. Have a great evening.


Skeet
If the world was fair, the worm would eat the bird half the time [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] West Monroe, Louisianna Charter Member since December 2005
 
Posted by blade58  -  08/17/2008 10:02 AM
Al that looks really good i think i'm going in that same direction ,does the stainless strip sit on the wood or does the wood need a groove for the stainless to sit properly?how thick is the wood panel
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by sach  -  08/17/2008 11:18 AM
Al. good to see that you are well enough to get back to the things you love doing ! Keep up the good work.
sach [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cana, Virginia
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/18/2008 01:07 AM
blade I wrote Chevs Of The 40s last night to ask that same question.... I'll let you know what I find out... I think now I'm going to leave the battery where it is.... since all I have to do is be able to get to the hot lead on the starter (and a ground) to jump start the car....Skeet I've got all the doors open and a big shop fan blowing the fumes out... Sach it's good to be back... once I'm done with the floor and the side panels I'm starting on the new orange over black paint scheme...
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by hotrodgene  -  08/17/2008 03:44 PM
Al I would for sure coat the back side because of heat build up from exhaust and highway and cause moisture to build up.I assume you are insulating to help this problem stay down.Good to hear you are back at it again.
Gene Riffe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg, Florida
 
Posted by blade58  -  08/17/2008 04:58 PM
I like that paint scheme very much
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by da34guy  -  08/17/2008 05:19 PM
Al-- Ya just gonna scratch and blow it?

Or do it the right way.
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/18/2008 04:39 AM
Don, there's 14 months of body work (well over a 1,000 hours) under that green paint.... I'm afraid I would be opening a worse can of worms to take it down to bare metal.... I think I'd rather not do it at all than go that route.... I know you guy's don't agree but I'm no pro....having seen how paint holds up to road rash and the like I could scuff and paint it a dozen times and be ahead...
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/18/2008 12:33 PM
BigAl, this is a project I have been contemplating as well. I have a factory steel bed floor in my 50 PU, that has wood boards under it for support. A couple of them are rotted out. My steel floor is welded to the bed walls which means I would have to carefully cut it out to put in the standard wood planks. I worry about putting plywood over the (uncut) steel because it becomes a moisture trap unless I drill drain holes in the steel. Even then I dont like that concept.

Has anyone converted a steel bed back to wood planks, who can give me some insight towards the problems????

Al, keep us posted on your progress!
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  08/18/2008 01:27 PM
my 54 has diamond plate in it. i may leave it since it is a shop truck. if not just cut the welds and go on with it.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/21/2008 08:45 PM
got the correct gas gauge today $60 hooked it up and works fine with the VDO sending unit.... so now I can get serious about laying the floor in.... I plan to cut it in one piece but may not be able to get it through the door.... if that is a problem I will probably split it down the middle.... also hooked up the American Autowire remote terminals today so if I need a jump I won't have to get to the battery.... also got all the instrument lights working (always amazes me how hard I squeeze those damned wire terminals and they still come off) I will insulate the bottom of the car to the max to try and quieten it down... if that doesn't work I may have to change mufflers....any suggestions on what will prevent corrosion on the battery terminals??
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by blade58  -  08/21/2008 11:08 PM
I tried those felt washers no luck, they sell a spray i seen used when shops change the battery,you could try brushing Dielectric grease,i do notice once corrosiongets under the insulation it always come back once the cable is replaced it should be corrosion free for a good while on your terminal i like stripping the wire a little longer fold it back slip it in the eyelet and crimp there is also soldering
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by sellersrodshop  -  08/22/2008 12:17 AM
al, are you using the wire terminals with the plastc insulation covers? i quit using those many moons ago due to them never holding. i now use the unshielded terminals (same terminal, just no plastic) i crimp them two ways, first, i crimp so the seam folds in to the wire ( there is a slot on most crimpers for this down near the stripper part) (PIC #1) , then rotate it 90 deg. & close it up tight with the slot for the shielded terminals (PIC #2). a piece of shrink sleeve over the joint seals the deal. never had one come apart since i started doing them this way.
sellersrodshop [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] old hickory, Tennessee
 
Posted by hotrod37  -  08/22/2008 11:39 AM
I use plain old Vaseline on my battery and terminals to prevent the corrosion. It doesn't insulate if is in between battery and cable.
hotrod37 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Morgantown, Indiana
 
Posted by da34guy  -  08/22/2008 12:05 PM
Al Back to Basic wiring 101

Strip, solder-Heat shrink.

You'll never have a problem.
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by DavyJ  -  08/22/2008 03:16 PM
Vaseline is the best for coating the outside of the trminals to prevent corosion, very similar to the cosmoline the government used to coat army stuff in to ship it overseas. if you are using crimps, make sure you have a good pair of crimpers and are using the proper size for the wire. If you have the access though, Don is right always solder and heat shrink if possible.
Still driving the wife's car, cause I am slow. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Niagara Falls, Canada Charter Member since February 2005
 
Posted by MOREorless  -  08/22/2008 05:35 PM
What about the yellow top Optima battery. No corrosion.
MOREorless [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] DEARBORN, Michigan
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/23/2008 08:50 AM
I've been thinking Optima battery... heard a lot of negative here about them... is the yellow top good?
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/26/2008 09:04 PM
Ok I got the floor in.... have to make some side pieces for the front sides (where the floor is wider)... also took some shots of what remains to be upholstered...and I am still looking for stainless strips for the floor (which will really set it off)......
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by DavyJ  -  08/26/2008 09:10 PM
Al, just go down to the local "Metal Supermarket" or similar metal supply house and buy some stainless flat bar. polish it up and install with stainless, countersunk flat head allen screws, or if you have access to someone who can weld stainless, weld the screws to the bottom of the strip and fasten to the wood before installing.
Still driving the wife's car, cause I am slow. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Niagara Falls, Canada Charter Member since February 2005
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/26/2008 09:15 PM
Davy that's a thought but I'm trying to get an authentic look with the truck bed strips...they are raised on the sides... I bought a strip of aluminum and we tried rolling a bead in it and just screwed it up
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by glrchotrods  -  08/26/2008 09:37 PM
Al, Check out. MAR-K.COM in Oklahoma City , They sell the strips. Great Quality...
glrchotrods [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Toledo, Ohio
 
Posted by hotrodgene  -  08/26/2008 09:33 PM
Sure looks good Al,I need to stop by and take a look.For the strips I have used this CO.and was happy.http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com/page6.html
Gene Riffe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg, Florida
 
Posted by sellersrodshop  -  08/27/2008 12:08 AM
al, doc's bolts/rod & custom in daytona carries all the bed strip kits for the different trucks. i've bought from them before & been pleased with the product. also, a place called "snyders" has the original sedan delivery type strips. i have a set here that came out of the 37 , but they are pretty warped up. can post a pic if you want to see what kind of strip they are.
sellersrodshop [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] old hickory, Tennessee
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/27/2008 07:02 AM
Steve, I'd love to see what the original strips look like... Thanks... Al
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by blade58  -  08/27/2008 10:30 AM
looks good Al
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by sellersrodshop  -  08/27/2008 11:58 PM
not the best pic, but tried to get a closeup of the end so you can see the contour. these could easily be made with some 1"x 1/8" aluminum stock. shape the edges, countersink the mounting holes & polish...
sellersrodshop [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] old hickory, Tennessee
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/28/2008 07:08 AM
Thanks steve.....
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  08/28/2008 09:04 PM
I followed up the leads you guy's gave me and was able to contact a manufacturer today and ordered the polished stainless steel strips... I got 7 of them at 59 inches long with no holes so I can decide how I want to attach them.... I thought $20 a piece was a good price... especially when a local boat yard had something similar that he wanted $4 a foot and wouldn't cut them so I had to buy whatever the whole length was (some were 12 feet long)... anyone wanting to get in touch with these folks let me know... I will publish the name when I receive the pieces (I've forgotten it already hehehe)
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by 30 A pickup  -  10/21/2008 08:52 AM
Big Al, How about a picture of the finished wood with stainless strips added? I would like to see it.


Thanks, Lynn
30 A pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cowpens, South Carolina
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/21/2008 09:29 AM
hows this for a wood bed
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by 30 A pickup  -  10/21/2008 09:59 AM
Looks good Shine. Is that clear paint?

I am at the point of thinking about what I am going to do on the "A" truck. I was wondering what Big Al's looked like with a sheet of plywood with stainless strips instead of boards & strips.


Lynn
30 A pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cowpens, South Carolina
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/21/2008 10:57 AM
best is to seal with porclear then spi high solids clear. i hate por15 but their clear works well on wood. htere are some clear polymers with uv protection but the get pricey .
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  10/22/2008 09:57 PM
Here you go.... I used the double sided tape to hold the strips down.... that stuff is super strong... I also included pictures of the nw wheel treatment... plus I lowered the rear 2 inches....let me know if you need the address for the stainless strips..
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by 37tin  -  10/23/2008 01:50 AM
That's cool!!! does this double sided tape work?? If so, you just made my life easier...........I want to do a bed soon!!
37tin [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] langley, Canada
 
Posted by 36 Cabriolet  -  10/23/2008 06:59 AM
Looks GREAT Big Al!! I've got to admit I was very skeptical when you said you were using plywood. Good for a closed car but I wouldn't use it on an open bed that may see some weather.
36 Cabriolet [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Kingsport, Tennessee
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  10/23/2008 07:03 AM