So ya'll I am looking to replace the wood on my flatbed b2b. I believe it was mahogany, and I am pretty sure the stake sides(still intact) are mahogany as well. Is there a wood that would work well that could be stained to match the stakesides once it is in the bed. Ofcourse cost is always a factor as well as durability. Does anyone have good or bad expierences with replacing wood? thanks

Matt. I'm not a flatbed guru but have been a woodworker for some time. I'd be surprised if the original wood was mahogany. Seems more likely the bed would have been oak, ash, or pine and the stakes oak or ash. You can match an existing wood color (more or less) by mixing wood stains and testing on pieces of scrap until you arrive at the color wanted. Curiosity--is it color or grain that leads you to believe mahogany?

ya ken your right its not the orginal bed. It was an add on done I imagine sometime in the 80s( judging by the wear, color, etc...)It was done in Fort Collins Colorado by an outfit(cant' remember the name)
The guy who owned it before me mentioned to me that he thought it was mahogany. I do know that I've been trying to sand the stakesides and its harder than heck!!!!!!!:) I suppose it could be oak, but I haven't a clue. From breaking it up, the inside grain almost looks red. IF it is mahogany wouldnt'that be expensive to replace? It takes about 8 or so approx 2x6 boards to do it. What would you suggest for replacing?
Does anyone know what wood was the orginal wood used for factory stakesides?
thanks again, matt

Matt. 2 x 6 mahogany or oak will be very expensive (mahogany probably much more so). The most practical wood in those dimensions would be pine from your local lumber yard. If this is going to be a work truck you might even consider pressure treated (readily available on East coast, not sure about in Colorado). Cedar might be pretty available there and would be good for weather but is kind of soft for a working bed. For the stakes I'd think you have to go with a very tough wood like oak or ash.