Non Ford Question? (1929 Hudson Sub Rail Wood)

[rustiny]

Hi Everyone! A buddy of mine is attempting to restore a 1929 Hudson. Does anyone know what type of wood was used to reinforce the sub rails? It is the same as the wooden blocks used on model A's they are just larger pieces that have finger joints that can be adjusted. Its quite a interesting setup. One person told me that they were made of Ash but, it's hard to tell with these. I don't think they are but I have been wrong at least once before! I know its not ford related but with the help I have received with my roadster on the barn, I just thought I would ask! Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!

I can post a picture if needed.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Can you compare the grain and color to something posted on the internet? Otherwise a good wood shop teacher should know.

[Mike V. Florida]

Is there any original left to look at? Any of the three major hard woods (maple oak ash) would work but because of Ashs' lack durability when in contact with mosture (fungus and the like) I don't think it would be a good choice for sub rails where they would often get wet from splashing on wet roads. Maple is also not the best in enviroments where it could be wet often. So my vote for the best durability where iftcould be wet repeatedly is oak.

Here are some wood facts.

http://www.connectedlines.com/wood/

[Richard Wilson]

"A buddy of mine is attempting to restore a 1929 Hudson"

Might try and get in touch with the "national" Hudson - Essex - Terraplane Club, Inc. at www.hetclub.org. Restoring a Hudson will make you appreciate the 1-800 Model A Fords. I have a 1947 Hudson convertible that I took apart in the early 1970's and it is still apart due to lack of parts available.

[BrianBurkert]

White oak is naturally resistant to decay. Maple, red oak, and ash are not.

I think Ford used mostly kiln-dried maple and ash in their bodies. I don't think they discriminated too much and bought and used based on availability and cost. Ash probably had a lower-cost advantage (as it does today). Maple had the benefit of more stability with changes in moisture.

I don't think they were too concerned about decay because by the time the wood was exposed enough to rot, the car's expected lifespan was over.

[MikeK]

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Whatever wood you use, you can slather it with a penetrating anti- fungal, rot, & water preservative. Back in '29 creosote oil was used. Ahh, better living through environmentally toxic chemistry!

[rustiny]

Thanks for everyone's help and advice!