I am sure this question has been answered before but could not locate it in a thread (apology for repeating). My son and I are starting on his '26 T and want to make a Depot Hack. We want to use Ash for the main rails but how about the rest of the structure? I am concerned that too much weight will be added continuing with ash. I see the kits are offered in Oak which is still quite heavy. Any thoughts on Pine? Vertical members appear to be 2" x 2"? We are looking at various forum posted pictures for ideas.

Thanks all,
Bob

Hi Bob,
My Depot hack project is based on some original parts of a York 806 or 808 body. I am also using the Hudson Wagon Works plans as a reference. My original panels appear to be framed in white oak. I have also acquired a windshield section (maker unknown) and that is mixed hardwood, at least some of it maple. It does not appear from what originals I have seen, that anything but hardwood was used (except for the softwood thin panels framed with oak).

Jon:

Thanks, Excellent info. Maybe I am too concerned on adding too much weight?

Robert,
Our local club built a Hack out of totally donated parts from the ground up. We decided to make the body out of pine because it was inexpensive and easy to work with plus we were trying to copy an already existing Hack we had access to. Our thinking at the time was to get it the way we wanted it to look then use the pine parts as a template and re-construct someday out of oak. The pine worked so well we decided just to leave it alone and enjoy the car. Good luck, I'm sure you and your son will enjoy the experience.

Robert,

Our original un-restored 1921 Mifflinburg Body Co. Suburban 130A bodied Depot hack appears to be all Hickory.

Regards, Roland

Roland,
Boy, that's a beauty. Must be fun to drive.
Rog

Robert,

I have been playing with the Model T Ambulance drawings lately. The plans are dated December 3, 1918. The attached snapshot is part of the plan for the side of the body. They specify Ash or Hard Maple. And, the Ash is to be second growth.



Be sure to post a picture of your project when completed - and maybe as you go along.

Tom
Piquette Ts / Casual Ts

Pine would be a poor choice for strength and weathering. Ash, oak or hickory would be best for a varnished finish. If you're going to paint it, poplar would be very good. Don't worry about weight, you're still probably going to be lighter than a Fordor sedan.

Robert,

We're building a York 803 body from Wagon Works Plans. Our body is entirely made from Ash. Look at the plans from Wagon Works for good detailed Hack plans.

Good lookin Hack, I wonder what those fellows in the backround are thinking as they gaze down on "that modern invention"
Edward R. Levy

I built from Hudson and used all framing with white ash and panels of marine ply wood it has 3 to 1 gears and a ruxtel very good driver and its sweet speed on 95 is about 45mph soft wood will not be very durable. Lowell Spicer