Replacing/Upgrading troop seats in the Deuce

[Hoxman]

Hey there,

I need to replace the troop seats in my M35A3. I was going to replace them with PVC boards (from Lowes) but they say that the PVC is not for load bearing...

I was hoping to find some aluminum 1x3(3.5)x12 boards but I haven't been able to locate any...

Besides standard or pressure treated boards... Any options??? And if so, where do I get them?

Thanks!

 

[jasonjc]

Fiber glass, that is what the military went to. They are made by a place called stephen wood products, I think and they will sell to you. Or try to find a set for sale near you. I have been thinking about getting some of the 5/4" deck boards and ripping them in half. They seem to be better wood than the 1 X 3's. If you do make your own with wood post up pic and what you used.

 

[jtron79]

It would be really easy to make your own from fiberglass, I have been kicking around doing this on my 105. fiberglass is really easy stuff to work with.

 

[Warthog]

That is Stephan Wood Products

Stephan Wood Products truck and trailer parts aftermarket accessories

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/46724-fiberglass-troop-seats-needed.html

 

[shenkmen]

I've seen full sets of fiberglass seats for $150 - $200 at military shows.

 

[Hoxman]

Thanks for the info!!
I sent off an e-mail to them and I'll let you know what comes of it!

I love this site!

 

[jasonjc]

That is Stephan Wood Products

Stephan Wood Products truck and trailer parts aftermarket accessories

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/46724-fiberglass-troop-seats-needed.html

Thanks for the back up Warthog with my slooooow dia-up its hard to search for stuff. I have to relay on whats left of my mind.

 

[ODdave]

I definatly would not use deck boards.....Pine is not strong enough. I used oak for my first set and am going to go with maple or ash on the next.

 

[Warthog]

Thanks for the back up Warthog with my slooooow dia-up its hard to search for stuff. I have to relay on whats left of my mind.

Not a problem. Thats what we are here for. Besides I'm trying to catch up with your post count....

 

[goodguyzy]

I don't know why you don't have fiberglass on your A3, that one of the upgrades. or that's what i thought.

 

[jasonjc]

I definatly would not use deck boards.....Pine is not strong enough. I used oak for my first set and am going to go with maple or ash on the next.

Thats why I was thinking the deck boards as they are a 1/2" thicker than a 1 X 3. But as I said I was just thinking. Have not made a choice yet. Need to find a saw mill that has oak close by.

Not a problem. Thats what we are here for. Besides I'm trying to catch up with your post count....

And you are getting close fast.

 

[ODdave]

Thats why I was thinking the deck boards as they are a 1/2" thicker than a 1 X 3. But as I said I was just thinking.

That extra is not gonna fit. When the troop seat is folded there will not be enough room.

 

[John S-B]

I definatly would not use deck boards.....Pine is not strong enough. I used oak for my first set and am going to go with maple or ash on the next.

What was wrong with the oak? Isn't that what was used originally?

 

[ODdave]

What was wrong with the oak? Isn't that what was used originally?

Nothing at all wrong with it, Just pricey. My top 2 boards on each side and boards for the front rack where $140. Just for the bords, I had to cut, sand & coat them. ( actualy my dad did but you get the point)

 

[Bill W]

I just got a set of fiberglass seats and headboard for my deuce for $75 and they look like brand new. ( I stumbled into that deal )
When I redid the wood on my M-37 I used Ipe wood, stuff is as strong as oak but cheaper

 

[ODdave]

What is IPE wood? It looks good

 

[Bill W]

Its a South American hardwood that seems to be impervious to just about everything except fire . Its also a very beutiful wood, heck after I put it all together on my 37 I could not bring myself to paint it

 

[indy4x4fab]

Its a South American hardwood that seems to be impervious to just about everything except fire . Its also a very beutiful wood, heck after I put it all together on my 37 I could not bring myself to paint it

This probably the way will go when I get my deuce bed for my 818. My four year old daughter says to me, "Daddy this seat makes my butt itch." I will have to say that I was kinda feeling the same thing. Is that just because the seats needed a repaint or was it because that's just fiber glass troop seats?

 

[cattlerepairman]

Its also a very beutiful wood, heck after I put it all together on my 37 I could not bring myself to paint it

It looks very good, indeed - better than had you painted over it.

 

[CanonNinja]

To add to this... I have some fiberglass seats on my A3 that are servicable, but one side as rotten wood on the top 2 rails (non load-bearing). I was going to replace these with some PVC pieces. I cant see anything negative with doing that, unless there's something im missing?