Baltic Birch 5X5 Panels

Lynnrb

Observer
The platform for my Willys wagon wagon is going to be appox. 5'x5'. I did not want to splice 4X8 plywood together to make 5'X5' so I found 5X5 Baltic Birch, 9 ply panels at Woodworkers Source. A little trimming on the sides and I will have a seamless platform. Anyone run into the same issue, try the 5X5 panels.
 
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amo292

Adventurer
Interested to see what you come up with for a willys wagon storage platform. Hope to see some pictures when you complete it. My wagon has been off the road for a couple years now but id like to get back in it for short close to home trips.
 

Lynnrb

Observer
Interested to see what you come up with for a willys wagon storage platform. Hope to see some pictures when you complete it. My wagon has been off the road for a couple years now but id like to get back in it for short close to home trips.

Here is a shot of the unfinished platform
 

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Lynnrb

Observer
1960 Willys wagon build

Here is the completed platform/storage/fridge. The platform is 5'x5', but over 6-1/2' with the seats folded flat. The 12v Waeco fridge is a 30 liter drawer type. I have a 20 gal water tank installed between the fridge and the driver seat. A 1 gal/min pump feeds the sprayer nozzle that stores above the fridge drawer. The drawer is 60"x20"x13" with 2 dividers. The drawer can be pulled out to about 55". The 4WD Willys wagon is a 1960 with a 307 SBC/TH400 powertrain. The rest of the drive train is stock. A 64 watt solar panel is stored under the roof rack and charges both a 100 amp/hr AGM battery stored under the platform and the group 24 starting battery. The fridge can be switched to run off either battery
I am going to use the Willys for back road exploring.
 

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amo292

Adventurer
Looks excellent! Giving me lots of ideas. I should probably get my 59 wagon running and stopping before I do a platform though....
 

goodtimes

Expedition Poseur
Hey where did you get the Baltic birch from anyway.


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Try your local woodworking supply store. Woodworkers Source is where I go in AZ, but Woodcraft, Rockler, etc. have a broader reach.

The Baltic Birch is superior to the common construction grade material you get at the home improvement stores - but it does come at a premium.
 

Redman333

Adventurer
Try your local woodworking supply store. Woodworkers Source is where I go in AZ, but Woodcraft, Rockler, etc. have a broader reach.

The Baltic Birch is superior to the common construction grade material you get at the home improvement stores - but it does come at a premium.

Funny you responded now. I had a hard time finding the wood here local on the east coat of the U.S. But I had a guy at the lumbar place here looking for me and he just called and said he found a place that has a stack of 6 or the 5x5 sheets. He said it'd be $84 a piece.


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Lynnrb

Observer
Funny you responded now. I had a hard time finding the wood here local on the east coat of the U.S. But I had a guy at the lumbar place here looking for me and he just called and said he found a place that has a stack of 6 or the 5x5 sheets. He said it'd be $84 a piece.


I paid $35 for 1/2" sheet in Phoenix. 3/4" should only 30% more. $84 is way to much.
 

Redman333

Adventurer
I plan on looking some more but at least I know I can get it now. I had to go back and redesign my setup anyway because I'm 2 1/2" too long. I think I know how to fix it but I may not need a 3rd sheet the way I'm planning it. Just have to make sure first.


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Lynnrb

Observer
Interested to see what you come up with for a willys wagon storage platform. Hope to see some pictures when you complete it. My wagon has been off the road for a couple years now but id like to get back in it for short close to home trips.

Here is a folding mattress pad I found on Amazon. It folds in thirds. So I will fold it and store behind the seats and leave room for other gear on the platform.

http://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-f.../dp/B00W67PCTE
 

slammer67

New member
I can get the 5x5 BB sheets here in Colorado for $45-$50 per sheet. It's really strong, the 1/2" thick stuff is like 9-ply, so its stronger than most plywoods out there. It makes great drawers and cabinets too.

BTW Lynnrb - that mattress is awesome, I may get one....the queen is 58" wide, so would work good for the 60" plywood.
 

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