Thoughts on paint for wood body frame please

[Les Schubert]

I am getting close to installing the metal panels to my Detroit Electric (I know this is off topic). One of the things that is obvious is that the wood structure was totally painted prior to the panels being installed. I’m wondering about what kind of paint that is available today people have used?
Thank you

[Been Here Before]

Just a suggestion. As the early automobile makers used bodies related to (horse) carriage makers, a review of the literature from the Carriage Association of America may be useful.
https://www.carriageassociationofamerica.com/
https://www.caaonline.com/library/

[KBurket]

Previous post discusses using Rustoleum gloss, satin or flat black enamel thinned 1-1 with turpentine.
Others prep with linseed oil then paint.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/25 ... 1354196889
Por15, as mentioned in that post would be two thick for a wood frame IMO.
I have a frame to paint and am interested in what others have to say.

[jiminbartow]

I would use a good oil based primer. With a good oil based black enamel over it. The primer penetrates deep into the wood, providing a good base for the finish coat to adhere to. I painted my house 30 years ago, primed with Sherwin Williams exterior primer and it is still protecting the house. Jim Patrick

[Allan]

It depends on the finish you want or the finish that may have been used. Ford body wood was not much more than a thin wash of black, more likely just to even out the overall colour of the woodwork. That is why I use a 50/50 mix of enamel and thinners. It soaks right in, evens out colour and needs little preparation. But, it is not intended to seal the wood.
If the desired finish is to replicate painted timber you should sand, prime and apply finish coats of enamel. I would first treat the timber with Penetrol to aid in preservation and provide a key for subsequent coats.

Allan from down under.

[jiminbartow]

Ford did not give much thought to the fact that Model T’s would, for the most part, be kept outside before garages came along with the body wood being exposed to the elements. Today, the results are, most original wood must be replaced. A lot of our generation was fortunate enough to be taught working fundamentals and the basic use of tools when schools had shop class before it was discontinued due to liability issues and our overly litigious society which will sue at the drop of a hat. These days, woodworking is becoming a lost art.

Anyway, back to the topic. Ford did not give much thought to preserving the wood. Even if he had, they did not have the products necessary back then to preserve wood. Since we want these cars to last as long as possible after we are gone, it is essential that we don’t do this the way Ford did, or the wood will rot just like it did due the Ford treatment. You need to find the best wood preservative that you know of and use it to seal and protect your body wood from the inevitable. In addition to my earlier posting, I have also used Olympic oil based wood seal which penetrates deep into the wood, has a lifetime guarantee and can be painted. Make sure not to get the silicone type, for silicone will not hold paint. Do not use Thompson’s wood seal either, for it too, is silicone based. Good luck. Jim Patrick

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