Sd.Kfz.7

[TopherVIIC]

Hi all. Greetings.
I am new to this side of the forum - I do have a scratchbuild going on in the U-Boat section but for a change of pace I am working on a build of a DML Sd.Kfz.7 semitracked prime mover.
I am never able to build a kit out of the box - the urge to scratchbuild is too strong.
I am doing this build as a well used vehicle that has been tipped over so the underbelly can be seen, and I will build it as if there was a fire under the driver's seat, which is where the fuel cell is. Much destruction! :-)
My question is this...

Does anyone know if the leather seat was mounted on a wooden board that hinged to allow access to the fuel cell or was it steel? I have seen one photo of a restored Sd.Kfz7 at Toadman's site
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/sdkfz7_21.jpg
that shows what looks to be wood the leather seat is sitting on, but I have not found out if all of them had it or if that was a "restoration" that was improper.

As I am building this as a burned out vehicle, it would be good to know if that area would be burnt wood or really scorched metal.
Thanks chaps, and looking forward to any info.
Christopher

[Rokket]

Good on ya for going armor!

I wish I knew, interesting question (the details!!!) Come on armor guys! help out...

[TopherVIIC]

Well, the boys over at http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/ tell me that the answer is "Yes, the leather seat on an Sd.Kfz.7 is leather over a wooden plank or board, sometimes painted, sometimes not.
Thanks for the cheers, Rokket!
Christopher

[Rokket]

standing by for construction pix