body finishing

[JamieM]

Do you leave your ladder body bare wood or do you prime/paint?

Also, do you include the side rails where the wheels attach? Is there a benefit to clear coating and polishing that surface in the event the wheel hub does make contact.

 

[JamieM]

Ladder body cars are usually covered on top with vinyl. Tape or monokote. Bottom aluminum tape to cover weight and void space.

I'm aware and why I'm asking what others have done to the wood.

 

[KyleBCostco]

Bare except where hub touches the body

 

[AceMontana]

I prime , paint and clear coat mine....but i do it cuz i like to and i prefer the look ....as i understand things it cost some speed but to me its worth the trade off

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I also prime, paint and clear coat many of my cars. It adds a little weight to the body but it can still be competitive.

 

[JamieM]

I also prime, paint and clear coat many of my cars. It adds a little weight to the body but it can still be competitive.

Cool! I'm assuming wet sanding and polishing the clear coat and some wax to make it super slippery?

 

[AceMontana]

Cool! I'm assuming wet sanding and polishing the clear coat and some wax to make it super slippery?

I dont go to that extreme ...i just use three coats of clear... wait days for it to dry and cure then use pledge...but the important thing is to have fun with it

 

[Charles Studer]

I have used wood sealer,sanded,primed,sanded,auto paint two light coats,clear coat, 3k wet sand,clear,torch,wax,sealed.......once.
Wood restorer,sand,primed,spray acrylic, clear....once
Now....vinyl skin over permanent marker stained.
Planning on finding a happier medium of all above for my next up coming season fleet cars.....