My dad and I have been working on a ‘51 Chevy 3100 truck for quite a while, and I finally pulled his arm to redo the bed of the truck. It has a beautiful patina green to it and is in great shape. We are going to make the wooden rails on the bed sides as well as redo the wooden slats in the bottom. I’m pretty sure I’m going to book match 8/4 walnut for everything (milled to 3/4 thickness). My dad is going to abuse the snot out of this - it is in his nature, which I am totally fine with. I thought it would be fun to add a subtle flair from something pretty that is not oak or pine.
I really have no clue on the proper finish and would like suggestions. I figured boat builders would have a good idea. He will keep the truck in the garage primarily but I don’t want him to have to baby it either. He wanted to use a darker wood, and I love the beauty of finished walnut, as opposed to something else stained. I’m open for suggestions that differ from that as well. Thanks for the help.