nwbie from Roseville have Wood questions need answered

[kenskill 47]

Newbie from Roseville , rebuilding a 1947 Kenskill have question about wood floor and sides. Iam at at the point of the wood on my trailer. Before tearing it down the floor was 3/4 plywood and the sides were 1/2 plywood.
i am replacing all wood but my questions is that normally what size are the sides?,should i stay with 1/2 sides and 3/4 wood floor. I found a place in Sacramento called Capitol Plywood but they only have 3/4 birch wood, also 2nd question what type of wood grain are they normally using. the reason i wanted to stay with 1/2 sides is because the side trim is also 1/2 size. dont know nothing about wood finishes was going to go see different type of birch,please i need some advice.Ruben From Roseville, Today i also ordered Polished aluminum siding from Cardos in Sacramento.

[Corwin C]

Your trailer has lasted for 63 years using 1/2 sides and 3/4 floor. I don't know what kind of care it had nor what condition it was in, but at any rate, that's pretty good for plywood. Personally I would stick with the same dimensions (especially if your trying to restore it.)

As to what type of wood grain (I'm assuming your meaning wood species), the sky's the limit. Birch, luan, oak, cherry, hickory, purpleheart, cedar, etc. If it could be used, it has probably been tried by someone. If the wood will be visible after the build, pick what you like and can afford. If you will not see it (sounds like you're covering the outside in Al), species is not as important as using quality material and sealing it up properly.

There are discussions on this topic ad-nausiem and some time reading old posts will help you make the decision that is right for you.

Welcome to the madness.

[kenskill 47]

thanks for the reply, yes looks like the plywood was original. trying my best to restore it to original specs,will add some pictures tomoorrow before tear down. 1947 Kenskill Teardrop bought for $500 bucks was all original.

[mvperini]

I would stay with the same size plywood that way all your trim pieces will fit. i restored a 47 kenskill a few yeard ago. take your time and do it right you will not be sorry. good luck with what ever you decide
click on picture for album


Regards Mike

[kenskill 47]

mv perini me and my wife met you at pamplin grove 2 years ago i remember you because the purple fenders and the pt cruiser. Are you going to pamplin grove this year? Like the teardop old chevy combo. Will be doing something like you my 47 Kenskill with a 47 chevy 5 window longbed 3/4 Ton
signed up late for pmaplin grove on waiting list nmbr 5. I think i will almost be done with my teardrop by July shure hope i get a space and i will take my teadrop finished or not, will post some pictures up this weekend, Thanks for Advice

[kenskill 47]

Just posted alot of my Teardrop pics from when i got it to recent work on it.