Hi Jim:

I replaced the chassis wood in my car with ash from Classic Wood. I screwed it together as original and didn't use glue to allow limited flex. Prior to assembly I prepared a 50%/50% mixture of flat black rustoleum enamel and cuprinol wood preserver and painted it on each part. It took quite a while to dry, but soaks into the wood and leaves a nice flat black appearance. I hope this helps.

A400 Guy