M38 wood in hat channels

[Harleygaz]

I’ve read on some MB/GPW blogs that Willys put wooden blocks in the hat channels to stop the floor from being squeezed out of shape by the frame mounting bolts. Did that follow through to the M38, in particular very late model 6/52?

[wesk]

Yes. But most folks do the smart thing and simply install a steel bushing for each tub mount bolt that passes thru a hat channel to stop the crushing of the tub and hat channel if the bolt is over-tightened. They leave the wood which actually facilitated all the corrosion over the last half century.

[Ryan_Miller]

I agree, the wood is going to hold moisture = rust