T-Series TF Body Tub

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha All,

I just finished taking the body tub apart on my TF. I was generally suprised at how well some it has held up after close to fifty years of service. For the most part the hard ware was a bit rusty but came apart okay. The screws for the floor boards, drive shaft tunnel didn't want to budge however. Screws, bolts and cage nuts that were exposed on the under side of the car will need to be replaced. Wood screws and carriage bolts were in good condition. The sheet metal will need a few patches on the inner fender wells and passenger side sill. Termites or some other wood boring insect destroyed most of the rear of the tub and the side curtain storage box. Dry rot destroyed most of the passenger side main rail along with the tenions and parts of the "A" and "B" pillars. So soon the car carpentry will begin.

 

[classiccarguy]

What kind of wood is used today for the main rails? I know originally it was Ashe Wood. Classiccarguy

 

[David_DuBois]

Ash is what you will get from all of the suppliers who stock replacement wood pieces.
Cheers,

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Classiccarguy,

Ash is generally used by most sources that provide fabricated main rails. If you are going to make your own there are other types of hardwood that can be used in coach building, but most books I've read seem to think Ash is the first choice. Other species are Elm, Hickory, Beech, Oak and Spruce. Oak is acidic and will attack steel screws so you will need to use either stainless steel or brass screws. If you opt for brass screws, one book I read on coach building recommends using the next larger size than the steel screw. For example a #10 steel screw would be replaced with a #12 brass screw because they are not aas strong as steel.