Refinish or redeck flatbed truck?

my bed and the stake sides are made from Apitong. It was a modest upgrade from Supreme Truck Bodies and wears like iron.

Yes, I think I am going to try that Penofin red label stuff...looks decent. Probably will wait until spring.

Most of the builders in my area are using rosewood oil for truck beds, trailer decks etc. I use it on my flat bed as well as the stakes and side boards. I think it gives a nice oil finish with a bit more UV protection than linseed.

http://www.penofin.com/products_marine.shtml

That seems rude, on reread.

Sorry--didn't mean it so.

I ran across your camper thread, and was just struck dumb. What fun!

It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte was the most competent man who ever lived.

I'm not so sure now...

Carry on!

Joe

Enough trouble finds me without my going looking for it.

I'd leave it alone, or brush/slop a gallon of boiled linseed oil on it.

The linseed oil will protect the metal as well.

Joe

Jfet wrote:
As our camper nears completion, I am eyeing the truck and how to improve the appearance. One thing that stands out is the flatbed frame needs painting and perhaps something done to the wood. It is not strictly rotten, but is pretty weathered from 7 years of use as a commercial hauler. I guess the wood is (was) treated when new? We will be placing the camper on a 1/4" rubber mat on the flatbed so most of the time the wood will be covered.

What would you do? Sand (the wood is already fairly level with the steel frame of the flatbed. Remove the wood and refinish or replace (removing the wood would be a pain but would make painting the steel frame easier and better.

Id just seal everything with something like this,,

http://youtu.be/WYlDVimu1s0

Stain the wood and use roll on bed liner for the metal rails.

Jfet wrote:
Ok, sounds like keep the deck but maybe a light refinish and oil. I will have to decide if I want to remove the deck to repaint the frame (which is starting to get some surface rust and needs repainting).

One option I just though about is to run the deck boards through a planer and take off about 1/8", then use 1/8" shims on the metal cross beams under the deck to keep everything the same level. This would remove almost all of the weatherworn wood and splinters.

The option of doing nothing does have an appeal though :)

I think the deck material is Apitong...very expensive stuff...about $1500 for new wood for the deck.

Not a good idea.

The wood in your decking is seasoned and familiar with the wood beside it. You will someday regret this action, if you follow through with it. If you are that set on cleaning up the surface, just rent a Floor Sander (They have a heavy grit available, use that) and it will easily take a little off the top, just as if you are sanding an Oak Floor. Be prepared to seal it the same day you open up the grain. Also, refrain from doing any staining on the underside. Leave it original. There is a reason for this. If you look at the bottom sign of your best Dinning Room tables, you will see that there is no finish there either. By doing so, you trap moisture and it increases the chance for warping and deterioration. If you are really wanting to get a coat of paint on the metal edge, just rout out a channel, using a router and caulk it afterwards.

b

Ok, sounds like keep the deck but maybe a light refinish and oil. I will have to decide if I want to remove the deck to repaint the frame (which is starting to get some surface rust and needs repainting).

One option I just though about is to run the deck boards through a planer and take off about 1/8", then use 1/8" shims on the metal cross beams under the deck to keep everything the same level. This would remove almost all of the weatherworn wood and splinters.

The option of doing nothing does have an appeal though :)

I think the deck material is Apitong...very expensive stuff...about $1500 for new wood for the deck.

i leave mine alone. the black paint that was on the boards before is worn off. the wood is fine, no issues. ive thought about repainting or staining it again but yet have gotten around to do it. i guess i figure that if it doesnt need structure repair, why mess with it. it would look better though. six of one half dozen of the other, for me.