Trunk Board

[Jack A.]

I am restoring my 61 and would like to recreate as close as possible the original Trunk Board/Spare tire cover. I have read the Judging Manual for my car.I have an original Board for a template. I have found the correct Plywood to make it out of and have already cut it out. What I need is the "Black Stain" that it refers to and the Glue that was used to glue down the labels. Any thoughts or tips you have on this would be appreciated.

Regards

Jack Aexander 35730

[Bruce B.]

Re: Trunk Board

Jack,
For the black stain get any oil based wood stain, Jacobean is a good black color.
Do a sample application. Wipe it on and then wipe it off quickly.
If it looks to dark dilute the stain with thinner, possibly mineral spirits.
Try it again.
The finished board should have light and dark areas where the stain gets absorbed by the grain.
I'm not sure about the glue.

[David B.]

Re: Trunk Board

"I have found the correct Plywood to make it out of and have already cut it out."

Jack,
Can you tell me about the plywood you selected? And, where to get it?
Thanks,
Dave

[Bill M.]

Re: Trunk Board

The finished board should have light and dark areas where the stain gets absorbed by the grain.

Here's a picture of the grain on the original board for my '59

[Jack A.]

Re: Trunk Board

The plywood I selected was what the Judging Manual describes as 3/8" thick 5 ply construction grade but withourt the plugs used comonly today to fill knot holes. A 5 ply 3/8" plywood is not found in most lumber supply places. What I did was go to a specalty plywood wholesaler. I specified what I was looking for and he had it. I had to purchase a full 4' X 8" sheet for about $27.00. The only differences are these. On the original. The botton side of the example I have shows unfilled knot holes. It is a nominal 3/8 " thick which is used in modern plywoods. This means it is about 1/16" shy of 3/8 ". I have yet to stain it so I'm not sure how close the grain will be.

You can contact your local lumber or cabinet shop to locate a plywood supplier near you, or use the internet.

I hope this helps

[J O.]

Re: Trunk Board

jack.
here you go...
bill mashinters trunk board looks perfect...
try using English Chestnut #233 stain and put 2 maybe 3 coats on you're board. (using a rag)
hope this helps.
john

[Jack A.]

Re: Trunk Board

Thanks John. I will try that. I also picked up a minwax stain called "Ebony" I thought I would experiment with.

Regards,

Jack

[Joe E.]

Re: Trunk Board

Jack
Here is a picture of a original 62 trunk board.

[Ray C.]

Re: Trunk Board

Joe, Do you know the exact thickness of the fir plywood?

Ray

[Joe E.]

Re: Trunk Board

The thickness of the trunk board is .370" and 5 layers.

[Joel M.]

Re: Trunk Board

Is there a known source on Carolina Yellow Pine 5 ply (5 x .075) plywood with an A grade face. B or C grade may be ok for backside. Or a source on A grade .075 veneer in Carolina Yellow Pine?

[Donald H.]

Re: Trunk Board

I need to make one also for my 1960. The TIM has same specs, e.g. 3/8" plywood, 5 plys. Can someone give the correct diameter for the board? I do not have one to reference.

Thanks,

Don Harris

[Bill M.]

Re: Trunk Board

I need to make one also for my 1960. The TIM has same specs, e.g. 3/8" plywood, 5 plys. Can someone give the correct diameter for the board? I do not have one to reference.

Thanks,

Don Harris

My '59 is 30-3/8 +/- 1/16

[Dan D.]

Re: Trunk Board

You certainly can experiment with Minwax, but Minwax is about 50% stain and 50% dye. That makes it as thin as water and it soaks up like crazy on soft woods. Pretreating with wood conditioner will help, but I don't think that pure Minwax over raw plywood will yield satisfactory results. McCloskey or Cabot may be a better choice. -Dan-

[Joe E.]

Re: Trunk Board

The 62 trunk board is 30-3/8".