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No detail is too small when going big in a reborn 1941 FordDisplay boardsClub members show o their woodie love through their unique car-show signsGasping for airnaonalwoodieclub.comnaonalwoodieclub.com© 2023 National Woodie Club, Inc.© 2023 National Woodie Club, Inc.January-February 2023January-February 2023How to avoid carburetor problems when heading for the hills and higherNo detail is too small when going big in a reborn 1941 FordNo detail is too small when going big in a reborn 1941 FordNew photo contest!
2 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comAUTOMOTIVE WOODWORKINGSMALL REPAIRS TO TOTAL REPLACEMENT STRUCTURAL WOOD FOR STEEL CARS OR TRUCKSREPLACE DOOR PANELSVACUUM BAG VENEERSTEAM BENT TOP BOWSFINGERFINGER JOINTSHIGH QUALITY VARNISH WORKTHE WOODMAN LLCJEFF HOBGOODNEWBURGH, INDIANA812-853-8911JEFF@THEREALWOODMAN.COM.TRW.
DepartmentsDepartments5 Jack`s Stand Get your cameras out6 Knock on Wood Make your woodie a yulede star! 8 Town and Country Corner Another take on T & C versus Ford Sportsman construcon10 Members Tell Us Leers to the editor13 Acon Aucon Report A beauful ’49 DeSoto Deluxe wagon goes for $40,12346 Wood for Sale and Wanted: Classiedsnationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 3CONTENTSCONTENTS Woodie Times, the magazine for you and your woodieWoodie Times, the magazine for you and your woodieFeaturesFeatures14 Doheny Wood show takes a detour Despite a change in date, more than 90 woodies aend By Dave Holmes20 Say it loud and say it proud What display boards say about your woodie love By various members24 It takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy of a big restoraon No detail is too small for one woodiephile By Harold Mermel30 Avoiding the lows when going high Fine tuning your carburetor for that mountain-pass trip By Bill Haire32 Buick nostalgia serves up nice ‘tomato soup’ The torch is passed to a new woodie guardian By Jim Babchak35 Penny wise and pound foolish, but all the wiser Learning the hard way By Dick Romm36 Revising the past through Ford-colored glasses Taking ‘restoraon’ to an all-new level By Mike Minzey39 Have woodie, will travel (book review) One book shows how woodies open doors others can’t By Roddy Sergiades42 One sweet Hershey meet There was plenty to see and do at Fall Hershey By Phil StofanakWoodie Times ISSN 0149-1636Volume 51, Number 1January-February 2023Editor: Roddy SergiadesPostmaster: Send address changes to WOODIE TIMES, P.O. Box 82886, Lincoln, NE 68501-2886. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE and other mailing oces.The Woodie Times is the ocial publicaon of the Naonal Woodie Club, Inc. (NWC). Published ten mes annually.Membership in the NWC is open to anyone who owns, drives or appreciates woodies; ownership is not required. The Club recognizes wood-bodied cars/light trucks of any year, make or model, American or foreign, original, restored or modied. All members have equal rights, including to vote and hold oce.Dues: U.S. members, $40/year, $74/2 yrs., $104/3 yrs. for periodical mailing of the Woodie Times; $50/yr., $93/2 yrs., $133/3 yrs. rst class mail; Canada/Mexico, $53/yr. (U.S. funds) rst-class mail only; overseas, $65/yr. (U.S. funds) air mail only. $30 of dues is for Woodie Times subscripon.Send Dues To: Naonal Woodie Club, P.O. Box 82886, Lincoln, NE 68501-2886. membership@naonalwoodieclub.com 402-421-1083.Front cover: A 1941 Ford that received a meculous nut-and-bolt restoraon. See story, page 24. Photo by Harold Mermel.Back cover: This full-line 1950 Meteor ad states this Canadian shoebox woodie wagon is “handsome, useful in town or country.” Did Chrysler noce?Jim BabchakJack BoyleJe BrasharesPaul BuckwalterJohn ClarizioRon ClintonGary DanielsJack DeLucaBill HaireDave HolmesJohn LeeHarold MermelMike MinzeyColin PughDick RommSteve RyanBill SimonsPhil StofanakRick WhiteJe YeagleContributors this issue:
4 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comFounded by Will O’NeilPRESIDENTJack Boyle 2514123 W. 48 St.Shawnee Mission, KS 66216-1109jackcboyle@gmail.com913-544-4650VICE PRESIDENT 25Bill Quick14 Floral Rd. Flemington, NJ, 08822-3320quick13@comcast.net908-237-2436SECRETARYJe Krickhahn4506 Veelson Rd.Hartland, WI, 53029-9369srfncr8@hotmail.com414-405-0872TREASURERRobert Stevens10 Coventry CourtLatham, NY 12110stevensr434@gmail.com518-857-2259WEST REGION DIRECTORSArlene Solis 25184 Zils Rd.La Selva Beach, CA 95075-1900arlene.a.solis@gmail.com831-761-2428Rick White 24710 Chinook Dr.Ventura, CA 93001-4407rick@larrabureframing.com661-619-6386Greg Chandler 239350 Via Savilla Dr.Buena Park, CA 90620-4125gregchandler@premiertwi.com310-748-9207EDITOR: Woodie TimesRoddy Sergiades15 Brown Street, Port Hope, Ont.L1A 3C8Canadaaquitania@eagle.ca oreditor@naonalwoodieclub.com905-885-2026BACK ISSUES, Woodie Times Robert Stevens (see Treasurer)WEBMASTERGeorge Beebewebsite@naonalwoodieclub.comCENTRAL REGION DIRECTORSMike Byrne 2513500 S. Bell Rd.Homer Glen, IN 60491-8452woodie47@comcast.net708-308-4009Brian Woods 244092 W State Rd. 48Shelburn, IN 47879-8417woodyguy49@yahoo.com812-243-9662Sco Gilday 2322 W County Line Rd.Barrington, IL 60010-2611srgilday@msn.com312-953-6855EAST REGION DIRECTORSL. F. “Sonny” Perkins 25216 Long Sands Rd.York, ME 03909-1220sonny.perkins@gmail.com281-455-7779Jon Philbrick 24196 Swanson Rd., Unit 501Boxborough, MA 01719jonphilbrick@gmail.com978-697-8412Robert Stevens (see Treasurer) 23 NATIONAL WOODIE CLUBOFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2022-2023WILL O’NEIL AWARD RECIPIENTS Bill Sampson Bill and Mary Jane Dexter Bob Stevens Craig D. Johnson Phil Stofanak, Jr. Fred Weisbrod John Lee Therese Caccese John Blachowski Bill Bergstrom Pat Langmeyer Ted Langmeyer Mickey ChrisasonStatement of PurposeThe National Woodie Club exists to promote interest in woodies; to educate owners and the public on their his-tory, beauty, usefulness and uniqueness; and to provide an association through which woodie owners and enthu-siasts may exchange infor-mation on history, building, restoration or modication techniques and share experi-ences. The woodie is a special kind of car, which deserves special recognition. The Na-tional Woodie Club will work toward that goal.naonalwoodieclub.comMembership maersPlease send all magazine delivery, address changes and member-ship inquiries to the Membership Secretary, Bey Cummings, at (402) 421-1083; membership@naonalwoodieclub.com. By mail, please see below, thank you. Placing a classied adOccasional advertising is free to members for woodie vehicles, parts and related items for sale or wanted. Please limit copy to 50 words. Photos are $10 each for a one-time charge, payable with ad submission. Submit good-quality jpegs by email, or mail print photos. Ads run for three issues and may be renewed.Your NWC membership number must accompany ads.Classied Ads:Classied Ads: In the email subject line please put WOODIE TIMES AD and send to editor@nationalwoodieclub.com, or by mail to Woodie Times, 15 Brown St., Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 3C8, Canada.Photo Payment:Photo Payment: by credit card or check is made out to the National Woodie Club, c/o Betty Cummings, All Needs Computer & Mailing Services, 8100 South 13th St., Lin-coln, NE 68512-9393; or (402) 421-1083; or membership@nationalwoodieclub.com.
A new photo contest!nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 5 Jack’s StandJack’s StandPenny Boyle applies the nishing touch to their Town and Country.It is worth noting that Roddy’s eort for the Nov.-Dec. WT double issue is over the top. Detailed coverage of shows that wrapped up just a few days before the issue went to press. Great photos, meet recaps and technical advice – great job, Roddy and all those that contributed articles and photos.EXTRA, EXTRA, NWC/Woodie Times Photo Contest! We all know how photogenic our woodies are, don’t we? Isn’t that why we pose them with our families, friends, grandkids, even our pets? Well, to drive that point home – and have some fun – the National Woodie Club is start-ing an ongoing quarterly photo contest open to all NWC members.We don’t expect to oer any prizes or awards other than the best photos will get published in the Woodie Times, and the VERY best of the best will become a Woodie Times magazine cover.Our longtime Woodie Times editor, John Lee, has agreed to act as sole judge of these photo-graphs. This is due in no small part to the fact he’s a professional photograph-er and very experienced in the world of woodies, as well as the production of the Woodie Times magazine.It’s obvious that we will need to narrow the topics for the photo sub-missions, so Judge John will not get inundated with emails.Category No. 1 will be limited to “Sad Woodies,” with submissions from January 2023 through March 2023.We are condent that there are a lot of photographers in the National Woodie Club that will want to partici-pate. Because of this, we anticipate having to adjust the rules and subject matter over time to manage the volume of submissions. This contest is in no way designed to conict with Drive Your Woodie Day photographs, or the fantastic photo submissions we receive during the Christ-mas holidays.Any NWC member can submit their digital photographs to John Lee at johnleeink@windstream.net. Please consider a 1 MB minimum size with 3 MB or greater preferred. It will help if there is some context provided with the photo – where, why, when it was taken, etc. – but no need to write a long article in order to submit. Quar-terly deadlines for each category will be published in the Woodie Times.What do you call a gathering of woodies? We have re-ceived many clever submissions and we will be closing the submissions at the end of the year; keep them coming. It is fun reecting on the animal world for clever and illus-trative names like a smack of jellysh, an obstinacy of bualo or a dazzle of zebras.I would like to once again close on a personal note. I want to thank my partner in this old car hobby. For over 50 years (48 years of marriage), Penny has been part of the old car and woodie hobby. I bought my rst woodie in 1973 before we were married and we have owned sever-al since, many of them not pretty and many not running. Years ago, another collector’s wife remarked that “it keeps my husband out of the bars,” but I would like to think her participation is bigger than that. She has participated, helped, worked and contribut-ed right alongside me and countless others during the many events over the years. I could not/would not have done it without her. Here’s to many more woodie friends and woodie gatherings. THANK YOU! Jack
6 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comKnock on WoodKnock on WoodBy the By the EditorEditorStrange woodie storiesThe Woodie Times has won another Golden Quill Award.Almost sold out!Although this is the rst issue of the new year, I am writing my column in early November, where we are experiencing very balmy weather that this coming weekend will reach the low 70s in comfort, not that I’m complaining. This means I, along with my fellow hobbyists in some northern climes, can enjoy a few more days of glorious fall weather to drive our woodies and other vintage rides. I can get used to this.Nevertheless, by the time you read this, many of us will be knee deep in snow, while others will be “suering” cooler weather where ice is still only found in a glass. Re-gardless of what circumstances you nd yourself in, please consider taking a Christmas-themed photo of your beloved woodie with you either in it, or beside it. Your submission will be used in this year’s November-December Woodie Times for our Club’s traditional yuletide greeting. And, although not everyone can enjoy a white Christmas, almost everyone dreams of having one. Just ask Bing Crosby and Irving Berlin, when you get the chance. When my woodie is back on the road, I will be doing just that. I can’t wait.As we National Woodie Club woodiephiles got quite used to under retired editor John Lee’s tutelage, the Woodie Times has once again kindly gone home with another Golden Quill Award from Old Cars (oldcarsweekly.com). Our Club made this achievement in the National Inter-mediate Category for 2021. This is a much appreciated cit-ation for a job well done. So, we must be doing something right, right? To those Club members who have contributed articles, photos and other submissions to make the Club “bible” what it is, a hearty thank you very much! Without your help, this magazine would be dead in the water – and that’s not a good place to be, but winning this honour is.Changing course, as you will see on page 39 in my book review of fellow Club member Stuart Resor’s new book, Amazing People I Met Along The Way, owning a woodie can really open doors for you. It will also bring the red-carpet treatment to your feet in a way that few other pursuits can and likely you never imagined would.So why don’t you just jot down a few notes on the interesting encounters that have come your way through your woodie. Although not a woodie, my ’52 Pontiac is a fellow vintage car that brought me into contact with Farrah Fawcett, while another woodie owner briey came into Brad Pitt’s inner circle because of his ’41 Packard woodie. Other woodie owners I know of entered the realm of rock gods Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd. Without the commonal-ity of the woodie, none of that would have happened.On the other hand, instead of hobnobbing with the rich and famous, perhaps your woodie has a weird or strange story attached to it. Or maybe there was an amazing co-incidence that only happened because of your woodie, or decades later you made contact with a woodie from your long-gone past that you should never have let slip from your grasp. In other words, the one that got away. In any event, this is your chance to heal thy woodie self and make good on what once could have been. So don’t miss out and send to the Woodie Times your reminisce, your story. Who knows? Maybe that long unrequited woodie dream or missed chance can be realized, even now. Stranger things have happened. After all, if someone had told me three years ago I would own a gorgeous 1950 Chrysler Royal woodie station wagon, I would have told them “to get out of town.” So what have you got to lose? Nothing, I think (I have been wrong before, so please don’t hold that against me). Please drop me a line or two. It could be as simple as a short “Members Tell Us” letter, or it could be longer. Happy New Year!Woodily yours, Roddy
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 7Come to Mystic Seaport in 2023Come to Mystic Seaport in 202366thth Annual Naonal Woodie Club Meet Annual Naonal Woodie Club MeetWith the 5With the 5thth Annual Woodies at Mysc Seaport Annual Woodies at Mysc Seaport In Mysc, Conneccut on July 20 – 23, 2023In Mysc, Conneccut on July 20 – 23, 2023Happy New Year!Woodies will show on Saturday the 22nd at Mysc Seaport Museum along with the Anque & Classic Boat RendezvousEvent highlightsYankee Wood Meet & GreetWoodie cruise to Submarine MuseumSummer Music at Stonington VineyardsExplore Mysc Seaport Museum during showEvening banquet and auconLocal scenic cruisesAnnual NWC Board of Directors meeng Many local & regional aracons to enjoy!For hotel reservaon / registraon info, schedule details, more about the meet and lots of area informaon, go to:naonalwoodieshow.comPRE-REGISTRATIONREQUIREDCOME WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR WOODIE
8 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comBeauty is more than skin deepHosted by Jack Boyle, with Je YeagleI would like to oer some guest commentary on the recent assess-ment in this column (Nov.-Dec. 2022 Woodie Times) concerning the Ford Sportsman wood construc-tion verses the Town and Country.That column mentioned Ford’s “steel structure” for the rear quarters (and later you will undoubtedly dis-cuss the same structure for the doors). In my opinion, Ford created a func-tional manufacturing study to prepare for the shoebox (1949) Ford wagon.As someone who has produced wood parts for both the Sportsman, as well as a Town and Country (sedan), I can oer a few points about the woodwork for each.In short, all wood parts (at least in 1940s wood manufacturing) rely on what machinists refer to as a “datum point.” These serve as reference points from which all other parts of the part are referenced to be produced.Chrysler subcontracted the wood body construction to Pekin Wood Products in Helena, Ark. They typ-ically used a datum point that was essentially one of the laminations you mention in the article. In other words, one piece of the lamination was creat-ed from a template and the re-mainder were manufactured in relation to this initial piece of wood, thereby building up the lamination. Certainly, some-one will argue this theory. However, one of the Town and Country cars I encountered still featured part numbers on the interior surfaces on many of the wood pieces.(All known T & C parts did in fact have part numbers, prices quoted in the parts books, and at-rate hours for installation. There are still NOS T & C parts, including a trunk lid still stashed away in an undisclosed location. Jack)As a result, it seemed easy to vis- ualize where xtures would have attached to the nished wood to pro-duce the parts. Although it is not my intention to knock Chrysler (however, Jack is aware that I have yet to own a Mo-par wagon), I feel that the wood on a Town and Country is simpler as a result of this design. On the cars I have encountered, the quarters are stacked pieces of ash, as was the tulip panel (see the July 2021 article I wrote for the Woodie Times).As for Ford, I feel that immediately postwar was not only the height of the company’s craftsmanship, but also the turning point for production (at least in Iron Mountain). By that era, Ford’s woodworkers (and engineering sta) knew how to address issues with pro-duction and understood (thanks to the war) time-saving processes.I will openly admit that I have spent an incredible amount of time trying to understand how Ford created xtures and established datums to manu-facture their parts. Over the years a number of enthusiasts have suggested duplicators were used, or an incred-ible amount of handwork. However, I honestly believe Ford’s datum points were created in such a way that as the parts were “nished,” the evidence showing how they were created was removed. Again, this is my observa-tion and I welcome other thoughts.While recreating many of the wood parts for the Town and Country or Ford Sportsman are dicult, I feel that because Ford’s manufacturing method is not as immediately appar-ent, the Sportsman would be more challenging to replicate.In order to overcome this, I have 3-D scanned and CNC-machined Sportsman parts. My process for Sportsman quarter panels starts with a solid billet nger jointed together at a predetermined angle and “xtured,” so that I can replicate the part. One would imagine it sounds com- plicated, as there are numerous po- tential failure points. As my parts are completed, I remove the areas that actually located in place the part during production. Je YeagleThis Town and Country quarter panel shows Chrysler’s laminated woodwork. Inset: An NOS T & C part with stamped part number.
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 9Join an NWC chapterNWC chapter today!Visit nationalwoodieclub.comnationalwoodieclub.comand click on the “Chapters” button!ShowsShows!!Events!Events!Welcome to the Club!Welcome to the Club! 45 new members this issue!45 new members this issue!Edward BakerCharleston WV 25311(304) 965-7838behubert@aol.comJames BisztygaBurbank CA 91504(818) 664-9199topangaaudio@gmail.comLarry BrekkeOwatonna MN 55060(507) 456-1841ldbrekke@hotmail.comTodd CallCanby OR 97013(503) 799-5154tcall23403@mac.comRoss CarmichaelAbilene TX 79605(325) 716-8882car533717@gmail.comFrederick CollarMaumee OH 43537(429) 266-4380fgcollar@icloud.comRichard CramerRedlands CA 92373909 936 1097rustybnuts@yahoo.comTrevor CrokerLas Vegas NV 89135(702) 526-6339trevor.croker@aristocrat.comBenjamin DoranSan Clemente CA 92672(760) 822-0269ridewithben@yahoo.comHoward DunlapPottsville PA 17901(570) 622-5492hldunlap@comcast.netNelson FordMcLean VA 22101(571) 314-6611nmford@aol.comRichard FuhrmanClarksdale MS 38614(252) 665-6728stlfrank@att.netRodney GarvinVentucopa CA 93252(661) 766-2024mywayvzrod@aol.comPierre GascogneAnglet NA 64600France(3367) 495-2587pbgascogne@gmail.comKrystelle GriskiewiczWest Newbury MA 01985(978) 363-2687krysgris@gmail.comMary HarringtonBrewster MA 02631(508) 246-6646allcapewell@comcast.netShaun HarringtonBrewster MA 02631(508) 326-7915allcapewell@comcast.netJe HermansonCulver IN 46511(219) 863-3570jehermanson54@gmail.comVincent HinesAuburn IN 46706(260) 341-7738patch_hines@hotmail.comJohn HullDiscovery Bay CA 94505(925) 783-8504johnjeeps7@gmail.comStephen JewittCarrum Downs VI 3201Australia(42) 435-2436woodyguy1933@yahoo.comJames LawlerCarlsbad CA 92009jjlaw41@gmail.comGeorey LeekIndian Land SC 29707(803) 228-34271930nellie@gmail.comPhil MariaEnglewood FL 34223978 3800535phil.maria1941@gmail.comRenwick MinchinEssex CT 06426(203) 561-4992rjminch@gmail.comRichard MinichOcean Park WA 98640(503) 780-1516ram08pdx@hotmail.comRay MitranoPaso Robles CA 93446(805) 901-1187rtmitrano@gmail.comValerie NoonanWhitby Ont L1N 3R8Canada(905) 430-61972drnoonan@gmail.comRicky NorthcottColchester CO4 0LREngland, United Kingdom(774) 807-5432ricky.1@ntlworld.comLisa NunziatoRockville Centre NY 11570(516) 660-5974nunzo4@verizon.netBarry OlletteSaline MI 48176(517) 902-6878barryollette@gmail.comBryan PeaseTilton NH 03276(603) 616-7300peasebryan@gmail.comDavid PetersonSan Diego CA 92114(619) 807-8353sdbldr@yahoo.comNorman RillingBakerseld CA 93304(661) 330-1190rillingjr.norman@yahoo.comLee RuddMemphis TN 38104(901) 409-223347indianlee@gmail.comGeorge RuizDixon Ca CA 95620(707) 678-5010mr.george.ruiz@gmail.comTom SieglerWichita KS 67277(316) 992-5044tmsiegler@yahoo.comB Joseph SmithHuntley IL 60142(630) 377-0294otherbeach@yahoo.comGregg StegerWest Plains MO 65775(417) 256-1553Dianne WalkerEl Cajon CA 92020(619) 749-0658dmlwalker@gmail.comLarry WarstlerGoshen IN 46528(574) 533-8298earthswinds@aol.comDick WashburneDallas TX 75205(214) 673-9362rwashburne@gmail.comMark WcisloPort Charlotte FL 33981(203) 362-7004mwcislo213@gmail.com1949 Ford Country SquireWes WellsPowell OH 43065(614) 468-1463osubuci@att.netDale WerthGrimesland NC 27837(313) 806-7923djwerth61@gmail.com
10 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comMembers Tell Us letters to the editor may be sent to: Woodie Times, 15 Brown Street, Port Hope,Ontario, L1A 3C8, Canada; aquitania@eagle.ca, or editor@nationalwoodieclub.com. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity, thank you.Members Tell UsWhat a surprise and pleasure to have seen my ’40 Ford woodie with the Air Force’s B-52 on a two-page spread in the August Woodie Times edition! Many thanks. I was attered!I thought, too, that your “postcard” layout on the next two pages was inspired!Gary Daniels, Denver, ColoradoThe loss of Brad Smith to Santa Barbara Woodie Club is unmeasurable (please see full obituary, page 40. Ed.).Always present, always welcoming, Brad’s invitation to his garage was a pleasure. I remember his “laying of hands” when my woodie was misbehav-ing. Sometimes the woodie would self correct just as Brad opened the hood.I remember a cruise where a member broke down on the road. Brad pulled over and corrected the problem in min-utes, and everyone was back on the road on our way with smiles and gratitude.Everyone knows and remembers Brad as the greeter welcoming each and everywoodie at the Santa Barbara Show. Al-ways smiling, always a gentleman, Brad held this position for many years.The Santa Barbara Club and the Na-tional Woodie Club will deeply miss thisloyal member, as he now has entered the gates of heaven to the voice saying,“job well done, faithful and loyal ser-vant.”Rick White, Ventura, CaliforniaHello, NWC,Enclosed is my renewal pay-ment and scholarship donation.To editor Roddy Sergiades keep up the fantastic job! A qua-lity Woodie Times magazine. Great layout, photos and stor-ies. I really look forward to receiving the Woodie wood Times!!Congrats to Wayne Yada for his outstanding leadership throughout the years as pres-ident.Larry Orozco, Union City, CaliforniaI was very interested to read about the replica of the Charles Starrett ’41 Cadillac woodie (May 2022 Woodie Times), as this car has long been a favourite of mine.I did write to the current owner (of the original ’41 Cadillac). He is co-owner along with an ex-Cadillac dealer. They have owned the car several years, and the car survives in excellent condition. It was repainted from its original light-green colour in the 1970s to its current maroon.I thought WT readers might be inter-ested to see my beautiful custom-built model of this car (right). This is truly a work of art, and the attention to detail is just amazing, even down to the beautiful wood-grain patterns and interior detail. It is made of solid oak, and is the jewel in my extensive woodie model collection built up over the past 30 years or so. I also have the Wyandotte metal-toy Cadillacs featured in the August WT article by Harold Mermel.I’ve also attached a copy (not shown) of a 1957 American magazine advert showing the Cadillac oered for sale by the original builders, Coachcraft, for $1,500 dollars!I also have a friend in Italy who custom builds 1:18-scale models, (normally racing cars). He built this beautiful Fiat 500B Topolino Giardiniera (right) woodie for me. It’s a real beauty.Colin Schubert, Wraysbury, Middlesex, England
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 11I’m sorry about not having precise de-tails, but I think this (an Alvis, above right) was at a woodie boat show in I loved the layout for the Drive Your Woodie Day photos in the Times!The postcard motif, a favorite of mine,lends itself perfectly to thetopic.Also, thanks for including my photo and accompanying commentary. I also noted that the background map features the south-east Georgian Bay (Ontario, Canada) area just north of my family farm near Shelburne.Great stu! Keep it up! Roger Swanson, Pismo Beach, CaliforniaI just returned from our two-and-a half-week trip to California, to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, San Marino Concours d’Elegance and many other car shows, cruises, Cars & Coee, etc. I saw lots of woodie cars.Dear Mr. Sergiades, I appreciate the fresh and professional look you have brought to the Club magazine. Attached are a group of photos of wood-bodied cars seen by me on a recent trip to Maine. The show photos are from the Woodies in the Cove show in Ogunquit (below, a 1946-48 Chevrolet), and the museum photos (below right, a 1913 Peugeot) from the Seal Cove Auto Museum near Bar Harbor.They use the Pontiac (right) for tourist rides on Fridays. The English Ford (not shown) was in Macungie, Pa. (Das Awkscht Fescht show) and you have featured it in the WT previously.Pete Daniels, Fairfax Station, Virginiacentral Florida (Tavares?) in the early 2000s. Peter Palmer, Largo, FloridaAt the San Marino Concours, I met NWC member Je Brown and his 1934 Australian Morris woodie de-livery wagon (shown left and above).Harold Mermel, Morganville, New Jersey
12 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comHere is another little gem I found recently. A rare Italian sales leaet (pictured right) for the Ford Model A woodie Station Wagon.I’m not sure if many, or any were sold in Italy, but Ford obviously thought there might be a market for such a vehicle there.I don’t believe there was an Italian equivalent at that time.If the pics are not clear enough, I will try and take some better images and send to you.Colin Schubert, Wraysbury, Middlesex, England I just found this photo (shown right) which shows NWC founder Will O’Neil. I thought we could see if any-one can add anything to it. It was at Woodies East at Stowe, Vt. in 1979 or 1980.Ron Francis (NWC No. LT001), Coatsville, PennsylvaniaThank you so much for that nice note we received from you yesterday. Yes, Philip is totally in favor of sharing his tips he has used many times on our ’50 Royal wagon.We also hope, someday, we will be able to meet you.We had a wonderful time at the WOW show and National Woodie Meet in Santa Cruz. We’re looking forward to the Woodies at the Beach in Santa Barbara next weekend. Take care and you are doing a great job as editor of the Woodie Times. Hats o to you, Roddy!Helene and Philip Albright, Redondo Beach, CaliforniaAt a little car show last weekend, someone was selling some die-cast models, and this was amongst them (a 1946-48 or First Series ’49 Plymouth Dinky model shown below). I also purchased a Morris Minor woodie (model). Although the Dinky woodie has no make written on the base, I thought it was the same as your car (the editor’s 1950 Chrysler Royal woodie wagon). When I got home and looked at the WT, I realised it was not identical to your car, as the front wings (fenders) are a dierent shape where they meet the doors. If you put “Dinky USA woodie” into an eBay search, it shows this car as a Plymouth, but doesn’t specify a year. I guess if your car is a 1950, this must be 1947-48. I don’t really collect die-cast toys, and only if they appeal to me.Brian Boxall, Bromsgrove, England
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 13Action Auction ReportMEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONREGULAR MAIL FIRST CLASS CANADA/MEXICO* FOREIGN DIGITAL WT1 YEAR $40 $50 $53 $65 $352 YEARS $74 $93 $101 $126 $643 YEARS $104 $133 $143 $182 $89*Canada/Mexico and foreign payment must be in U.S. funds.Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________Mail address: _____________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________City: _________________________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ____________Phone: ___________________________________________I own a (Year) ______________________ (Make) ________________ (Model) ______________________ WoodieCondition: Original Restored Being restored Modified Being modifiedMake check payable to National Woodie Club. Mail to National Woodie Club, P.O. Box 82886, Lincoln, NE 68501-2886A donaon to the Scholarship Program is greatly appreciated, thank you. Amount: $10 $20 Other $_____Membership Application Check one: New member Renewal - No. (if known) ________Bring A Trailer, Terra Linda, Calif., Oct. 22, 20221952 Buick Super Estate Wagon. 12,000 shown miles, 263-ci inline 8-cyl. engine, 3-speed man. trans., older red Photos courtesy of bringatrailer.com and mecum.com Bring A Trailer, Norwood, N.J., Oct. 10, 20221949 DeSoto Deluxe, 99,000-shown miles, 236.6-ci 6-cyl. engine, semi-auto. trans., tan/wood ext., brown-vinyl up-holstery, three-row seating, dual spotlights. $40,123.(repaint)/wood ext.,red-vinyl upholstery, some oor rust and wood-nish wear, chipped/peeling paint. $30,000.Mecum Aucons, Chicago, Oct. 15, 20221929 Ford Model A custom wagon. Small-block V-8, auto. trans., tan int., power front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steer-ing, tubular control arms, power windows, tilt column, berglass fenders, chrome 17 and 18-inch wheels. $47,300.Join the NWC today!Bring A Trailer, Annapolis, Md., Oct. 15, 20221952 Buick Super Estate Wagon. 9,000 shown miles, 263-ci inline 8-cyl. engine, 2-speed Dynaow auto. trans., Victoria Maroon ext. paint, red-vinyl upholstery, Buick push-button AM radio, power steering, 12-volt electrics conversion, Vintage Air climate-control, one of 1,641 Io-nia-bodied wagons built that year, a cosmetic and mechan-ical refurbishment was done by a previous owner. $61,500.
14 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com14 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comDoheny Wood was second time lucky in escaping RAIN GOD wrathDoheny Wood was second time lucky in escaping RAIN GOD wrath
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 15nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 15Doheny Wood was second time lucky in escaping RAIN GOD wrathDoheny Wood was second time lucky in escaping RAIN GOD wrathBy Dave Holmes Photos by Steve Ryan and the authorBy Dave Holmes Photos by Steve Ryan and the author
Cover CarCover CarDoheny Wood16 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com16 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comIt seems that most woodie event reports begin with commentary about the weather. This one was no dier-ent, as woodies and fun do not mix well with adverse weather conditions.The good news is that after a month-long postponement due to a rainy, windy forecast for our original October date, we managed to luck into a classic Southern California fall Saturday for the 24th Doheny Wood on Nov. 12th. While the schedule change did cut down the attendance a bit, more than ninety of the state’s nest woodies, assorted beach cruisers, tin woodies and VW busses were on hand as the cold morning developed into a gloriously sunny day.Once the opening ceremonies concluded, the socializing, car ogling, silent auctioning and raing commenced, all fa-cilitated by numerous volunteers until things wrapped up mid-afternoon with the awards presentations. As always, special thanks go to hard-working club President Bruce Wood, as well as Janeann Clark for organizing the rae donations and procedures.In addition to the usual (and very informally judged) awards, three special Hagerty Youth Judging ribbons were presented by a group of youngsters (in the blue t-shirts) who were chosen to carefully inspect and learn about several woodies that were selected for them by Dave Didier.It should be noted that a portion of the rae proceeds is always donated to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, Hun-tington Beach women’s shelter and the Dana Point/San Cle-mente Junior Lifeguard Program.Top: A Ford Model A woodie panel delivery van. Above: A shoebox Ford. Left: Pre-1967 Old-smobiles are seldom seen, let alone a 1929 woodie, which has a “Hoover For President” metal plaque.
Cover CarCover Car nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 17nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 17Doheny WoodThis edition of Doheny Wood wrapped up with another tasty, catered dinner (thanks again to Mike Riley’s local Outback Steakhouse!) backed up by a warm bonre and nice tunes by former Southern California Woodies club Prez Greg Chandler. I’m looking forward to an unpostponed Doheny Wood 2023. WT(Award winners next page.)Clockwise from top: A proud owner with his original mid ’30s Ford Station Wagon. Two woodieites chewing the wooden cud by a 1941 Plymouth woodie that has gone “native.” Note its roof. Morris Minor Traveller row, with a 1950 Chrysler Royal for company. Dusk begins to settle on a line of woodies, some with surfboards. Doheny Wood cen-tral: the Southern California Woodies club tent and recep-tion area. An absolutely gorgeous 1946-48 or First Series ’49 Chrysler Town & Country ragtop.
2022 Doheny Wood award winners18 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com2022 Doheny Wood award 2022 Doheny Wood award winnerswinnersMayor’s Choice award: Bill Arseneau, 1948 FordHagerty Ribbon First: Bud Macer, 1946 FordSecond: Joe Flores, 1948 PlymouthThird: Kim Lisch, 1941 FordBest 1920s: West Lengwell, 1929 Ford Model ABest 1930s: Dick Roseberry, 1939 Ford StandardBest 1940s: Paul Keohane, 1948 MercuryBest 1950s: Tom Derrow, 1951 FordWahines Favorite: Frank Brown, 1941 Cadillac (May 2022 WT Cover Car)President’s Award: Gene Anawalt, 1946 FordAloha Spirit Award: Club Photographer Steve RyanSTATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATIONPublicaon tle: WOODIE TIMESPublicaon No: 0149-1636Filing date: November 7, 2022Issue frequency: MonthlyNo. of issues published annually: 10Annual subscripon price: $30 (domesc)Publicaon, general oce and Naonal Woodie Club mailing address: PO Box 82886, Lincoln, NE 68501-2886Editor: Roddy SergiadesOwner: Naonal Woodie Club, Inc. Known bond-holders/mortgages/security holders: noneExtent and Nature of CirculaonIssue date for circulaon data: Jan.-Feb. 2023 Actual No. of copies of single iss. nearest ling dateTotal distribuon: 2515Periodical subscripons: 1953Paid dist. outside mails: 116Other USPS classes: 351 Free or nominal rate dist.: 0 95Paid electronic copies: 121Copies not distributed: 25Total dist. and copies not dist. 2540Total print dist. (inc. dig.) 0 2636Percent paid circulaon: 96.22Percent paid (dig. subs.) 4.59Bey Cummings, Membership SecretaryAverage No. copies each issue precedingTop: Bud Macer won the Hagerty Ribbon First award for his 1946 Ford. Above: Third place Hagerty award winner Kim Lisch (far right) for his ’41 Ford.Top left: The Best 1920s award went to West Lengwell (right) for his 1929 Ford. Above: Club Photographer Steve Ryan won the Aloha Spirit Award. Right: Dana Point Mayor’s Choice winner Bill Arseneau (left).
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 19Goin’ & Showin’Goin’ & Showin’March 18 ........................................ Vero Beach, FloridaIndian River Region AACA 44th Annual Anque Auto Show. Riverside Park. Info: indianriver.aaca.comMarch 25-26 .............................. Pleasanton, CaliforniaGood Guys 39th Grundy Collector Car Insurance All American Get-Together. Alameda County Fairgrounds. Info: good-guys.comJune 8-11 ........................... Lake Arrowhead, CaliforniaWoodies at the Lake. Car show: Saturday, June 10. Info: Tom Parsons at tom_j_parsons@yahoo.comJuly 20-22 ...................................................... Dublin, Ohio40th Annual Arthris Foundaon. Classic Auto Show and Cruise in, Metro Center. Thursday: Legends Tour. Friday: Cruise In. Saturday: Classic Auto Show. Food-Fun-Cars-Trophies at Central Ohio’s largest Classic Car Show. Info: arthris.org/events/autoshow or Je Larger, JLarger@Route36mc.com, 614-565-0070.July 20-23 ............................ Mysc Seaport, Conneccut 6th Naonal Meet/5th Annual Woodies at Mysc Seaport. Info: naonalwoodieshow.comOctober 14 ............................................... Delaware, Ohio 29th Annual Performance Charity Car Show – Downtown. 550 plus cars. Info: performancecharitycarshow.com, Je.Brashares@Jbrashares.com, 614-361-7299.Woodie MomentsFrom the Je Brashares CollectionThis unidentied owner stands proudly by his woodie. The photo was found in a shop in downtown Columbus, Ohio. You just never know where our woodie past will pop up.Can anyone name the make, model and year of this likely 1930s woodie?Woodie Times photo contest!The Naonal Woodie Club is starng an ongoing quarterly photo contest open to all members. Category No. 1 is limited to “Sad Woodies,” with submissions open through March 2023.Members can submit their digital photographs to John Lee at johnleeink@windstream.net.The best photos will appear in the Woodie Times. The VERY best will be a magazine cover.Please consider a 1 MB minimum size, with 3-plus MBs preferred. Please provide the where, why, when, etc. No need to write a long arcle.This wood-less woodie is one Sad Woodie. THE WOODIE TIMES and theNATIONAL WOODIE CLUB assumeno responsibility for products or services offered or claims made by advertisers in THE WOODIE TIMES. Woodie Times The Woodie Times and the National Woodie Club assume no responsibility for products or services oered, or claims made by advertis-ers in the Woodie Times.1948 PACKARD STATION SEDAN, cream sand colour, all new wood, 97,910 miles, in storage since June 1992; some minor renishing needed, as is for $36,000 (Canadian), ONO. See “Barn nds!” in March 2021 WT. Health forces sale; call for additional info; open to reasonable oers. JACK, 705-756-2247 (Ontario) (04)Last- minute ad
Make your car a star through your display board, as these woodieites have done20 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comSay it l ud and say it pr udI saw Mike Taylor’s story (August 2022 WT) about his custom reader board. I totally agree with his thoughts.About 10 years ago, I decided I needed one for our 1948 Ford Deluxe resto mod (below) after I saw several at the Hot August Nights show.I Googled car show reader boards and sev-eral came up. I picked one, the gentleman answered, and then we started talking about a layout. I sent him several pictures to work with and a brief description of our car. After he saw it was a woodie, he came up with the idea of a wood-grain background. I ordered his aluminum diamond plate stand that comes in a nice zippered case. The
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 21Say it l ud and say it pr udstand slips under the front tire to stabilize it. After my rst car show I sent him a picture, thanking him for the great work. He must of really liked the picture because its being used to advertise his work for the past 10 years. I think I should get a commission. A couple years ago, I contacted him again to make me another reader board for our 1940 Ford Deluxe resto mod (previous page, below left). He did another great job and used the wood-grain background, which I thought was a nice look.If you have any questions, please text 661-400-5332 or email jpbuckwalter@gmail.com.Best wood-is-good wishes!Paul BuckwalterThese are the boards (left and below) provided for me when my 1940 Humber woodie (above) was chosen to be in an exhibition at Coventry Motor Museum (U.K.) called “Wheels and Waves.” The board on the right has a drawing and autograph by artist Kenny Youngblood, whom I met when he visited a U.K. car event.Colin Pugh
22 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comAs requested by Mike Taylor, here is the rst of two pictures of my show board and stand.I met Don of Don’s Showboards (donsshow boards.com) at the con-course at Amelia Island, Fla. about seven years ago. I liked his product so I bought one (above and right). I believe it was about $250 back then, in-cluding the stand. I like that he used my pictures showing before and after restoration, along with my narrative.Bill SimonsAfter ve long years resurrecting a 1948 Packard Station Sedan donor car back to life, I was nally ready to show it. So, it being a Packard and a woodie, “PAKWUD” seemed appropriate. It was on the cover of the July, 2011 Wood-ie Times, with the story inside.Inspired by the beach and surng theme, I bought an old surfboard (below) on the internet that had seen better days. The top portion was still intact (not a Dewey Weber), so I used it for my background cutting it diagonally as if it was stuck into
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 23 Here’s my response for info about display boards. I made mine because my 1947 Mercury (shown left) has lots of unique details that most people have never seen before. I know it’s eective; show spectators throughout the day often stop to read and photograph the early 1947 Mercury 4x4 Marmon-Herrington all-wheel drive. One of just ve Mercurys built with this drive-train in 1947, and the only one of any year customized for camping by Coachcraft, Ltd. of Hollywood (early 1950s). The wagon was built for Don Bleitz, the foremost photographer of U.S. birds from the 1940s to the 1960s, and was featured in the October 1952 Motor Trend magazine article, “Unique Cars For Sportsmen.” Mr. Bleitz used this car for extensive rough-terrain expeditions throughout the southwestern U.S. The birch structural wood is all original; only the mahogany panels and the interior roof slats were replaced. Restoration was completed in 1993; maintenance and upgrades are continuing.Drive-train: Marmon-Herrington single-speed transfer case, with compensator;4-speed, one-and-a-half ton Ford truck transmission (non-synchro; deep low gear). Marmon-Herrington constant velocity front hubs and axles adapted to a reversed 1939 Ford dierential (4.11 gears), backing plates and brakes. Mar-mon-Herrington semi- and quarter-elliptical front parallel leaf springs. A short-ened Ford torque tube drives the 1939 rear dierential. Fifteen-inch “wide-ve” bolt pattern truck wheels to clear the M-H front hubs; 1957 283-ci Corvette V-8 installed by Tom Sparks in 1961; now powered by a 350-ci Chevrolet engine with a 12-volt electrical system.Custom features by Coachcraft Ltd.: luggage rack/photography deck supported by six extra interior roof ribs accessed via two folding steps on the right rear post.Folding aluminum cot mounted inside the roof; can be set up inside or outside the car. Stainless steel, cork-insulated ice chest and water tank built into oor; the button below the clock pumps water to a spigot under the dash. Fitted wooden storage boxes behind seat. Auxiliary fuel tank under front left oor. Reinforced rear bumper brackets. Helper springs on rear axle. Not for sale – ever! Dave HolmesI have a modied 1967 Mor-ris Minor Traveller (left). In 2008, I attended the Ty-Rods old timers reunion in Lancaster, Mass. I was chosen to attend a show at City Hall Plaza in Boston sponsored by Cruisin’ New England maga-zine. They invited me to attend another show at Mohegan Sun casino in 2009. A display board was required at this show. The board was made by a company in New Hampshire.Jack DeLuca(More display-board stories on page 41.)the ground. To steady the bottom, I used a piece of heavy, clear plexi-glass with long screws covered with wood glue go-ing into the foam core. Then I designed the graphics highlighting major features of the car and recognizing the people who per-formed the work I couldn’t do.I have been fortunate in showing the car in two concours d’elegance shows (win-ning rst place in both), and several car shows in the Pacic Northwest. All with this display board. Was the car or the board responsible for the wins? Ron Clinton
24 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com24 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comIIt takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy t takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy of a big restorationof a big restorationIIt takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy t takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy of a big restorationof a big restorationCover CarCover Car
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 25nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 25IIt takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy t takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy of a big restorationof a big restorationIIt takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy t takes a ‘big new car’ to be worthy of a big restorationof a big restorationThat’s how Ford promoted their 1941 line That’s how Ford promoted their 1941 line and how one woodie disciple renewed his and how one woodie disciple renewed his pride and joy, pride and joy, Harold MermelHarold Mermel writes writesRecently, my restored 1941 Ford Super Deluxe four-door woodie Station Wagon was displayed on the full front and back covers of the well known Early Ford V-8 Club of America V-8 Times magazine (September-October 2022).Not many cars get to appear on the front or back cover of this highly regarded publication. The photo was printed on high-gloss card stock, showing all its colors, posing in a very colorful fall day setting.This woodie has also appeared in another photo, on the back cover of the Bulb Horn magazine of the Vintage Motor Car Club of America.It took about eight years to restore this car to its fully restored 100 percent condition. The car was taken completely apart, including wood, sheet metal, mechanicals, motor, all wiring, padded roof, etc. This is commonly known as a “total body-o restoration.” The nal result is this beauty always gets attention, accolades, awards and trophies.About ve years ago, I owned 18 old cars of which 10 were woodie cars. Currently, I am down to 13 old cars of which eight are woodie cars. Last year, I sold another original 1941 Ford Super Deluxe woodie wagon. That one was a unique variation, as it was a Campbell Body one, made in 1941 or 1942.Woodies at that time were in great need, as they could carry up to nine passengers, particularly needed for WWII war purposes. Civilians were asked to use less gas, rubber, etc., by having people sharing rides to conserve on travel.Over the years, I preferred buying a car needing work, as opposed to a nished, restored car. In this way, I can learn about which parts are correct, how the car is made and functions, and I can guarantee the best parts are being used. When you buy a nished car, you don’t really know about the parts and workmanship, and how well it will hold up. Buying it needing work allows you to invest in the car over a longer period of time. I enjoy doing lots of research on my cars, asking lots of questions from
26 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comowners and authorities, and buying lots of literature. I also enjoy hunting for rare parts and accessories. I usually locate items that others say are impossible to nd. You quickly learn that some parts are dicult to obtain and are expensive.It was back in February 2006 that I noticed this Ford woodie for sale at auction on eBay Motors. It needed lots of items and was a bit expensive. But it was a solid California car with little rust. I had the winning bid! The car was sold to me through eBay by John Phillips of Dana Point (Orange County), Calif. John stored this car in Wildomar (near Temecula), Calif. What I got was a woodie that needed some wood re-placement. It also had a frozen motor, no seats, no roof covering, no body paint (in primer), rusted and missing chrome, missing stainless-steel trim, missing emblems, no radiator, no heater, no spare tire or tire cover and sup-port bracket. There was also no glove box, no oor mats, missing knobs and handles, no rain gutters, some glass missing, old worn tires, missing dash components, no radio, damaged hubcaps and no accessories. I love lots of accessories on my cars. So, to put it mildly, it needed lots and lots of work, time, parts and money to make it a beauty queen. But, I knew that would be a process over time.Since I am located in New Jersey and I just bought a California car, I hired Passport Transport to pick it up in an enclosed trailer. They agreed to show it to me in New Jersey and then bring it to Salisbury Md., where my restorer, Will Ruhland of Distinctive Finishes, is located. Above: Harold’s ’41 Ford Super Deluxe is not exactly that as it awaits further work at restoration shop Distinctive Finishes in Salisbury, Md. Below: The Station Wagon was really missing many integral parts, including the bench seats, before Harold and Will got to work.
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 27Upon arrival in New Jersey, I got to see this newest car-restoration adventure. To my surprise the driver showed me a Ferrari that was traveling with my new buy. He said Shaq O’Neal owned the red Italian stallion car. Will and his crew had other restorations they were work-ing on. However, Will and his crew started to document everything and to strip the car completely to its bare chas-sis. Over the rst year every piece of metal was stripped apart, as was each piece of wood. They took lots and lots of photos.Every nut, bolt and washer was taken apart. Will and I had dozens of conversations, reviewing each component to decide if we keep it and restore it, or replace it. My job was to research the correctness of everything and locate any and all missing items or parts needing replacing.I was also on the hunt for rare accessories to put onto this car. Over the years, I bought NOS grilles, emblems, moldings, handles, bumpers and guards, carbs, fuel pumps, wiring, glove box, gauges, radios, antennas, knobs, brakes, drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, exhaust system, etc. I bought a rebuilt motor and transmission, steering components, steering wheels and center horn rings, taillights, tailgate hardware, fenders, spare tire covers and brackets, correct woodie car mats, etc. I had some new wood made and bought new LeBaron Bonney and Haartz material, padding and liner cloth. One major project was locating a person that made exact copies of the seat framing for the missing three rows of seats. I then found Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts that make the correct springs for the seats. LeBaron Bonney also Below: New wood has been installed, old wood has been restored, and the interior of three bench row seats awaits rebuilding and installation. The roof still needs to be re-covered, the body sits in primer, and the radial tires await replacement with new and factory-correct bias-ply tires.
28 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com28 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.commade the correct cushioning for the three rows of seats. After Will’s local upholsterer nished, these seats came out magnicently. Most of the window glass was replaced.Each metal part was sanded and primed. Each wood part was taken apart, sanded and bleached if necessary. New wood parts were joined to existing wood parts and contoured to t properly. Some light staining was done to blend old with new wood. Then all wood received several coats of marine spar varnish, with a semi-gloss nish. Quite a bit of the wood was made new and replaced the original pieces. The door hinges and tailgate hinges needed work. The chassis was taken to bare metal, primed and painted the original black color. The fenders and hood got similar treatment and were beautifully painted their original Mayfair Maroon color.Will and I denitely learned a lot about all the components that together make up the complete car. My local mechanic, Keith “Kip” Novak helped tweek a few door and fender Below: The renished ash ceiling and reconstructed bench seats from LeBaron Bonney (now defunct) and Haartz ma-terial. Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts provided new springs. Above right: A restored dash and steering wheel. Note the front seat’s seat-belt. Below right: Harold found a rebuilt 221-ci athead V-8, originally rated at 90 hp, to replace the original engine.
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 29nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 29issues. I made friends along the way and learned of sources to nd common and rare items. One fact for Fords in 1941 is that it was a changing (transitioning) component year. There were dierent grilles, fenders, trim, rear woodie lights, etc. I spent lots of time researching and buying correct NOS accessories, such as radios, antennas, fog lights, taillights, wheel trim rings, whitewall tires/tubes and spare tire and bumper-guard ends. The result was well worth the eort in a pre-WWII Ford that is of the highest quality. I do not drive it on long distances and keep it well protected. So, about 10 years after completion, this work of art remains beautiful. It wins trophies and awards when I display it. At many car events, this 1941 Ford and any of my other woodies are the only woodies shown. So, it is common for show people to comment on the beauty and quality of the wood, and the workmanship it took to make. As we NWC members know, WOOD IS GOOD. WT“The result was well worth the eort in a pre-WWII Ford that is of the highest quality.”Above left: On the tail-gate are cleaning sup-plies to keep the Ford in tip-top splendor, while on the ground is the de rigueur 1940s-50s picnic set, including thermos, to complement one beautiful woodie. Left: This fully and meticulously restored 1941 Ford four-door Super Deluxe Station Wagon was originally built at the com-pany’s Iron Mountain plant in Upper Michigan (where the lumber originated), and came with a base price of $1,013. It was the rst Ford since the 1930 Model A Town Car to exceed $1,000 in price.
30 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comTech Arcle Avoiding the lows Avoiding the lows when going high withwhen going high withyour carbyour carbReading Rich Grosch’s article in the Novem-ber-December 2022 issue brought back mem-ories of my cross-continental trips driving my 1947 Plymouth in the rst decade of this century.I live in Omaha, Neb. at an elevation of around 1,400 feet. I was driving a 1947 Plymouth sedan originally sold in southeast Kansas at a similar elevation (undoubtedly equipped with a standard main carburetor jet – see below!). My daughter and her family moved to San Jose, Calif. in 2003. This provided the impetus to drive my Plymouth to visit them in their new digs. I also wanted to do some kay-aking and bicycling on the trip.I was restoring my 1948 Plymouth woodie (June 2016 Woodie Times) at the time and had a lot of scrap ash lumber laying around. I used it to build a custom roof rack to hold my kayak, making the sedan sort of a woodie! Adding a trailer hitch allowed me to also carry my bike. I naively thought I’d addressed the major concerns of the trip, giving no thought to the potential problems posed by the moun-tains! After all, the engine had recently been rebuilt and was running beautifully. What more did I need?Well, the Rocky, Wasatch and Sierra, Nev. ranges soon exposed the lack of forethought. Driving in rst/second gear to make 15-25 mph through mountain passes in the truck lanes was tedious to say the least! What was the problem? These roads were built by machines with engines using car-buretor technology and they had to have run better than my Plymouth was! High school chemistry and physics came to the rescue. The higher above sea level I went, the less oxy-gen there was in the air and the lower the air pressure was. The amount of gasoline metered out by the carburetor’s main jet at high elevation is roughly the same as it is at low elevation. Same amount of gasoline with less oxygen makes for a richer gas/air mixture. A little too rich a mixture and it doesn’t burn well, a lot too rich and it doesn’t burn at all! Did the old-timers do something to oset the gradual richening of the gas/air mixture as the car drove higher into the mountains? Could I do the same thing?Research on the internet and original Chrysler Corp. liter-By Bill HaireAbove and below: Some Story Of The Carburetor pages, published by Chrysler Corp. and its four car divisions.
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 31ature led me to John Hargrove at The Carburetor Shop in El-don, Mo. He told me that Plymouth used a series of smaller main jets to restrict the amount of gasoline metered at high-er altitudes, keeping the gas/air mixture fairly constant over higher elevations. Chrysler parts books revealed that the Carter D6G-1 carburetor that most 1946-48 (and possibly other) Plymouth engines used had three sizes of main jets:Standard size: Carter No. 159-61S, Mopar No. 650194.One-size lean: Carter No. 159-66S, superseded by No. 224-18S. Mopar No. 697159, superseded by No. 1313035.Two-sizes lean: Carter No. 159-82S. Mopar does not list a second-lean size (at least that I could nd!).Chrysler Corp. literature, written for non-technical read-ers, alludes that these “lean” jets were meant for driving at altitudes above 2,500 feet (The Story Of The Carburetor, vol. 1, no. 10, page 15, 1948). However, Mr. Hargrove said Carter adjusted their jets to work best from sea level to 4,000 feet (standard); 1-size lean from 4-6,000 feet; 2- sizes lean from 6-7,000 feet; and 3-sizes lean from 7-8,000 feet. Above 8,000 feet, he gured they used mules! Even he only found standard, 1-size and 2-sizes for D6G1 carburetors.My experience corroborates Mr. Hargrove’s data. My Ply-mouth did well from 1,400 to around 4,000 feet. Changing to the 1-size lean jet at 4,000 feet restored the car’s perform-ance, as did changing to the 2-sizes lean jet as I drove above 6,000 feet. The 2-sizes lean jet did well to get over 10,000-foot plus passes through the mountains. The jets were so precisely tuned that I could reasonably guess my altitude (conrmed by city signs proclaiming their altitude) by how well (or poorly) the car was running! As the trips progressed, I got the process down so well that I could change out jets in the eld in 10 minutes or so. This worked well for ve trips to San Jose. There was very little time spent in second gear over the mountain passes!I’m guessing that woodies other than 1946-48 or First Series 1949 (model P15) Plymouths are amenable to similar xes, as the need to drive at altitude arises. A bit of research would be necessary, though. Good luck!Now, for the 50 or so National Woodie Club members owning P15 Plymouth woodies, there is a bit more to the story. Again, this was narrated to me by Mr. Hargrove.In 1947, the makers of the D6G1 carburetors that Ply-mouth was using (Ball Corp.) suered a strike and tempor-arily could not supply their D6G1s to the factory. Carter was contractually obligated to supply carburetors to Plymouth and dutifully did so by providing them with their W-1-ser-ies carburetors – a much better machine than the standard D6G1. It was rumored that when owners of Plymouths run-ning the D6G1 talked with their neighbor who had a Ply-mouth running a Carter W-1, that the D6G1 owners com-plained to their local Plymouth dealer that they had been sold lemons! These Carter W-1s did not have xed-diameter main jets, but rather had a tapered “metering rod.” It moved up and down in the orice of the main jet, as the throttle opened and closed, which eectively altered the size of the main jet orice as the throttle changed position.The W-1s sold for use in the Plymouth P15 had number 421 stamped on the base of the mounting ange, but in my experience most W-1s will work as a substitute for the Ball & Ball D6G1. One has to make minor modications to the mounting ange of the W-1, the throttle linkage and air cleaner to eect the changeover from D6G1 to W-1, but it was worth it. It gave an immediate jump of 20 percent in gas mileage and better high-end acceleration. But, most importantly, it allowed the Plymouth to drive through the mountains without having to change the main jets! I went up and over Kit Carson Pass in the Sierras in high gear! While Carter made metering rods for higher altitudes, my experience suggests they are unneeded in a cross-continent-al drive. I run these in three of my four P15 Plymouths! WTA technical description of the superior and replacement Carter W-1 carburetor for 1947 P15 Plymouths.Bill’s ’48 P15 can be easily modied for mountain driving.
32 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comLike all car enthusiasts of my generation, our love of cars began early in our lives and has not abated six or even seven decades later.As a kid in the 1950s, when my family went on vacation and we BuickBuick nostalgia serves up nicenostalgia serves up nice ‘tomato soup’ ‘tomato soup’By Jim Babchaktraveled from Peekskill, N.Y. to Cape Cod, Mass. to enjoy the seaside plea-sures of the great Atlantic Ocean, I spent the eight-hour trip calling out all the years, brands and models of passing cars to the great annoyance of my siblings and parents. At fourteen years old, when I got my working pa-pers from the New York State Depart-ment of Labor, I immediately started working at my Uncle Ron’s Sunoco station on Washington Street in my home town as a gas-pump jockey and loved every minute of it. In high school, I began buying old cars to x up and drive and I started with a 1951
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 33BuickBuick nostalgia serves up nicenostalgia serves up nice ‘tomato soup’ ‘tomato soup’Buick woodie wagon. I loved that car, but unfortunately it proved unreliable (and shed wood all over town), so I sold it, but carried a torch for years for the old 1950s Buicks with their smiling grilles, ginormous length and high styling, and for decades prom-ised myself I would someday have Above: Jim Babchak behind the wheel of his new pride and joy, a ’53 Buick Super Estate Wagon, while former longtime owner Al Dann looks on.another one.That someday came forty-seven years later with the arrival of the Au-gust 2022 issue of the Woodie Times. In it was pictured in the “Wood For Sale” section a beautiful 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon owned by the well known and longtime woodie enthusiasts, Al and Nancy Dann, of Wayland, Mass. Eastern Woodie Club members know and love Al and Nan-cy, not only for their kind and gener-ous spirits, but also for Al’s longtime leadership as the VP of the Yankee Wood Chapter and Nancy’s work as Treasurer of the chapter.The time had come to sell their beloved Buick and I called Al to talk about the possibility of owning their wonderful old car.Al shared with me that they had owned the car since 1987 (thirty-ve years!), having bought it from a dealer on Cape Cod. The car was originally a West Coast car that had been traded with a few other cars in a swap between dealers, ending up on the East Coast, and it perfectly t the bill for Al, so he bought it. He and his family have put many miles on the car and have made many memories with the woodie over the course of their long ownership.What color is the car?My rst question to Al was what color is the car? From the photo in the Woodie Times it was hard to tell exactly. I was told the color was “tomato soup,” which perfectly describes it, and I absolutely love the description. Not a stock color Al said, but a custom color, and the paint was at least 35 years old.I was hooked. Al then went on to describe all the repairs made to the car over his stewardship, including rebuilding the transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, and a restoration of the original wood. More photos were exchanged and I got a better sense of the car. Another buyer from California was interested as well, but shipping costs added greatly to his expense, so I was able to make a deal with Al to be the next caretaker of
34 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comAbove: Passing the 1953 Buick torch just a few months ago from one steward to another. Left to right: Keith, Nancy and Al Dann, and new owner Jim Babchak. Below: This side view shows the optional wire wheels. As well, the three “port-holes” or “ventiports,” as Buick ocially called them, denote the Super model; having four ventiports signies a Roadmaster designation.this beautiful automobile.We made arrangements to meet the following week and complete the deal. Al and Nancy were elegant hosts of my visit and I got to meet their son, Keith, and see the car in person for the rst time. It was, as promised, “a beautiful driver, quality car” in Al’s words.My dad used to have a description I always loved. He would see a car like this one and say it was an “honest car,” and that was so true in this case. Carefully maintained and loved by the Danns for over three decades, it showed bumps and bruises, some sur-face rust on parts of the chrome, and chips and character well earned on its hundred-and-twenty-seven-thou-sand-mile journey through life. All the gauges functioned and everything worked as promised, including the great horn. Al gave me lots of extra parts and literature he had collected over the years.I work for the History Channel and we say, “History is made everyday, and what today are current events, to-morrow becomes history. It can never be changed.” That said, the Danns will remain a most important part of the history of the car and when I go to Yankee Chapter meets in the future, everyone will recognize it as their car, and in that I will take great pride in carrying their story forward.I’m also very much looking for-ward to adding more history to the 1953 “tomato soup” Buick! WT
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 35PPenny wise and pound enny wise and pound foolish, but all the foolish, but all the wiser!wiser!DICKROMM’s1946CHRYSLERTOWN&COUNTRY’SSADSAGA…BUTWITHAHAPPY(EXPENSIVE!)ENDINGItallstartedonabeautifuldaybackinSeptember2021.Idecidedtotake“Myrna”my’46Town&Countrysedanforadrivetoseesomebeginningfallcolorsabout15milessouthofEugene.SheranbeautifullyinsomehillycountrytothesmalltownofCreswell.(Ohyes…forgottomentionthatmytempgaugeneedlehadbrokenoffabout3yrsago.ReplacentswererareandveryexpensivewhenavailablesoIjustmadesuretheradiatorwasfullbeforealongdrive).WhenIgotabitoutCreswell,whenacceleratingfromastopsign,thecarsuddenlywasrunningonabout4outofthe6cylinders.ItwasSunday,outinopencountryandIhadforgottenmycellphone.SoImadeadecisiontolimphome.Isuspectedaheadgasketproblem(andwascorrect)!ButthecarwasrunningandIdrovehomeslowlyhavingtogoupseveralhillsincludingthesteeponeuptomyhome.Bythistimetheexhaustpipewasspittingsteamingwater,andonceinmygarage,thecarrefusedtostart.ThenextdayitwastowedtoJoe’sGarageinEugene,whohasregularlyservicedthecarsinceIboughtitin1971.It all started on a beautiful day back in September 2021.I decided to take “Myrna,” my ’46 Town & Country sedan, for a drive to see some beginning fall col-ors about 15 miles south of Eugene, Ore. She ran beautifully in some hilly country to the small town of Creswell. (Oh yes, I forgot to mention that my temperature gauge needle had broken o about three years ago.Replacements were rare and very expensive when available, so I just made sure the radiator was full before a long drive.)When I got a bit out of Creswell, when accelerating from a stop sign, the car suddenly was running on about four out of the six cylinders. It was Sunday, out in open country, and I had forgotten my cell phone.So, I made a decision to limp home. I suspected a head-gasket problem. But the car was running and I drove home slowly, having to go up several hills, including the steep one up to my home. By this time the exhaust pipe was spitting steaming water and, once in my garage, the car refused to start. The next day it was towed to Joe’s Garage, which has regularly serviced the car since I bought it in 1971.My diagnosis was correct, it was a destroyed head gasket and a cracked cylinder head. The inspection re-vealed badly scored cylinder walls from overheating. As my mechanic said, “Water in cylinders does not compress!” The engine had to be re-bored, with a radiator recoring thrown in also. The cracked athead cylinder head had to be replaced, luckily with a period Spitre-engine head.A happy ending; Myrna is back home. I owed it a hand wash by me to try to make amends regarding several bad decisions. One: not spending the over $300 By Dick RommWell, it is a pretty heavy car; these four guys are pretty strong, too!four years ago when I saw a replace-ment gauge on eBay, which was gone when I tried to buy it a few weeks later. And, two, not trying harder to nd a phone somewhere in lieu of driving it the almost 20 miles home. I’m poorer but wiser! Also, thanks much to partner Norm’s nancial help in also sup-porting repainting the various parts that were put back on: generator, starter, oil lter, fan, rewall clean-ing, etc. WTThe ’46 T & C being winched to go to Joe’s Garage.Inset: The new engine head.
Cozad’s Antique Ford Garage, where we photo-graphed the 1951 wood-ie, is a block-long series of adjoining buildings constructed around 1910 as the nu-cleus of “Scabtown” in the city of Gering, Neb.Gering, in western Nebraska, was developed primarily by the joint ef-forts of Henry Thornton and Oscar Gardner. Their partnership split, and Mr. Thornton decided to build his own town three blocks east and two blocks north of downtown Gering. While Scabtown was successful for only a few years, certain buildings remain.The primary building, restored and utilized in recent years by Tom Cozad and his family as their home and busi-ness, began life as a Maxwell dealer-ship (the precursor to Chrysler Corp.). Other buildings in Scabtown housed a bank, a two-story hotel, railroad depot, mercantile, barber shop, gas station, roller rink and other businesses.Later, for many years, the block housed the manufacturing facilities of Lockwood Graders, a farm and con-struction equipment manufacturer.I worked in the building from 1971 to 1983.FordFordRevisiting the past throughRevisiting the past through FordFord-colored glasses-colored glassesThe antique street lights running the length of Tom’s block formerly lit the downtown streets of Alliance, a city about 60 miles northeast. A corner street intersection sign identies the thoroughfares as Broadway and Main, By Mike MinzeyPhotos by John Lee and the author Main photo: Tom Cozad’s restored Ford garage feature’s Mike’s red 1951 Ford Country Squire and Steve Davis’ ’51 Ford. Note the Ford signs behind the left light standard. Below left: A restored ear-ly Standard lling station anchors one end of the restored Scabtown business block opposite the Ford garage at the op-posite end. Below right: The other public side of the Ford garage, which features a Fisk tire sign.36 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com36 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com
Revisiting the past throughRevisiting the past through FordFord-colored glasses-colored glassescharacteristic of the old days. The intersection is really that of 7th and R Streets.The locally-presented Sugar Valley Rally, the second-largest antique car rally in the country, modeled on The Great American Race, terminates at Cozad’s Antique Ford Garage each year. Tom is a Ford advocate, and there-fore the decor is representative of that make. His Ford showroom is dis-played as it might have been in 1955, with four 1955 Fords: a Sunliner con-vertible, Victoria two-door hardtop, Crown Victoria and a sedan. Tom changes the showroom at times to dis-play four restored Model As, each a dierent model.In addition to the Ford showrooms, Tom has a second-oor Coca-Cola room exhibiting his extensive collec-tion of Coca-Cola memorabilia. The Cozy Theater is furnished with old-style theater seating removed from an abandoned regional theater, and a popcorn machine provides munchies while American Grati or another classic movie is shown.Our car club has held meetings in the full-size 1950s diner next door, and there is an early barber shop around another turn. Tom operates his sign production company on the south end of the com-plex. The latest addition is a 1950s gas station on the north end of the block.This enterprise was featured in a 30-minute segment on the Home and Garden (HGTV) Channel, and has been written up in Nebraska Life Magazine.(More photos next page.)nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 37nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 37
38 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comPast NWC PresidentsWayne Yada, 2019 – 2022Bill Sampson, 2016 – 2019Dave Kuel, 2013 – 2016Mike Grajcar, 2010 – 2013Jerry Witt, 2007 – 2010Craig Johnson, 2002 – 2007 (deceased)Dick Beckley, 2000 – 2002John Blachowski, 1997 – 2000Lee Kidwell, 1994 – 1997Ted Langmeyer, 1991 – 1994 (deceased)Phil Stofanak, 1985 – 1991Past presidents from left to right: Craig Johnson, Dave Kuel, Bill Sampson, Jerry Witt and John Blachowski.Craig Johnson photoLeft: The Ford dealership show-room showing o the “latest” ’55 Fords, including a Crown Victoria. No doubt, in time, the latest woodie Fords will be on display. Below left: Possibly an Edwardian-era Coca-Cola post-er ad (a reproduction) that was an approximate contemporary to the rst Model A Ford (1903-04), which was built with substantial amounts of wood. Below: If there ever was a Coca-Cola heaven, here it where it’s at. This fabulous “diner” has almost every con-ceivable Coca-Cola accessory any eatery could ever want or need. That includes Coke bottle vending machines and Coca-Cola light xtures. WT
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 39(Back in the August 2022 Woodie Times, an an-nouncement was made of a new book written by a fellow Club member. The author kindly sent me a copy for my perusal. Below is the corres-ponding book review. I hope you enjoy reading Stuart’s book as much as I did writing about it.)National Woodie Club member Stu-art Resor has led a most interesting life, both as a successful architect and in his innate ability to hobnob with the rich and famous by accident, while showing woodies can bring great joy in unexpected ways.In his book that he wrote with the help of his wife Bonnie, Amazing People I Met Along The Way, Stuart shows that owning a woodie can really open doors. It also provides be-hind-the-scenes insight into famous politicians, leaders and entertainers we wish we knew or had known.His adventures start as early as age 10, when presidential candidate Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower is making the rounds in his quest to be President, in 1952. Stuart is thrilled to see Ike shake hands with his father, but is rather taken aback when the future President ignores his own outstretched greeting. Could that be shades of Eddie Cochran’s Summer-time Blues? Fortunately, eight years later by chance, Stuart experienced redemption and a catharsis through another rst-time Presidential candidate. But Stuart is not done with meeting Presidents by luck or good fortune just yet, as he is fortunate to meet yet another former White House denizen some historians believe to be America’s greatest 20th cen-tury head of state, Harry S Truman. After all, things do seem to happen in threes.Despite all his luck of being in the right place at the right time when meeting Oval Oce holders, his book real-ly comes alive when he writes about the fun his woodie brought him.Stuart’s 1946 Mercury got him into the world of woodies (along with a friend, he created Wavecrest, the world’s lar-gest annual such gathering of the clan), The Beach Boys and the inner circle of America’s greatest rock band. That access got him in as a concert “chaueur” and, as luck would have it, snapping the last photo of their original lineup.At Stuart’s behest, the group’s rhythm guitarist, Al Jar-dine, not only bought a woodie, but joined the NWC for awhile. That proves that classic rock staple is made of some very smart cookies. Dennis Wilson, the group’s only surf-er and perhaps most underrated musician, has two pages devoted to him and his keenness for driving the author’s woodie. Stuart also writes of other famous musicians who took note of his Mercury.In a nutshell, Amazing People I Met Along The Way is a fun and relaxing read, provides insight into signicant people and events from a perspective you don’t often see. Stu-art has a relaxed and engaging writing style that makes his book hard to put down. And if you ever wanted proof positive about the doors woodies can open, you need look no further.To order the book or to nd out more, visit stuartresor.com. The large-format softcover retails for $23.60 or $6.47 for the Kindle e-book edition. Roddy SergiadesHave woodie, will travelBook Review Book Review Beach Boy Dennis Wilson extolling Stuart to go for a ride with him in the author’s 1946 Mercury woodie, in 1982-83.Stuart Resor photo, reprinted with permission
40 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comMember RememberedBradley Dennis SmithApril 7, 1941 – September 15, 2022Beloved husband, dad, grand-father, great-grandfather and friend, “Brad” (Brad-ley) Dennis Smith, 81, of Carpinteria, Calif. started his journey to a better place on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2022.Brad went gently into heaven after a brave and stoic ght against cancer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, with family present. An unsung hero, Brad could always see if things were out of place, and he would x them; he could x anything. We think perhaps he was called away to x the Pearly Gates.Brad’s rst car was a 1932 Ford coupe. He restored it when he was 17 and drove it now and then over the last 64 years; it remains in pristine condi-tion. His daughters will keep it in the family to drive now and again.Throughout his life, Brad stayed active with many hobbies. He loved reading and working on cars, especial-ly antique cars. Amongst his favor-ite pastimes, Brad was his family’s handyman, and the Friends of the Carpinteria Library adopted him as their handyman, too. His daughters called him “MacGyver.”Brad was a member of various an-tique car clubs for over 40 years, in-cluding the Santa Barbara Woodie Club. If you see a procession of an-tique woodie station wagons in Cal-ifornia, you will likely see a car that Brad helped x, or a driver he knew.Born April 7, 1941 in Los Angel-es to parents Oliver and Inez Smith, Brad grew up in the Los Feliz neigh-borhood. He married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Adaire Hansen, in 1963. They grew up attending St. Athanasius Church in Echo Park.Brad graduated high school in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. From 1960-1962, Brad served his country aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) as a pipe tter. He loved watching planes land on the aircraft carrier and later earned his private pilot’s license.From 1964-2011, Brad was an ac-tive member of Plumbers & Fitters Union Local 761 in Burbank, Calif. In 2018, Brad and his wife received the honor of being recognized as Carpinteria Volunteers of the Year. Brad’s love of his community led him to volunteer with the Friends of the Carpinteria Library and Carpinteria Beautiful for 13 years.As a respected and honorable friend and family man, with his handshake as good as his signature, his great smile, gentle demeanor and witty sense of humor, he brought cheer to everyone.He is survived by his wife, Bar-bara A, daughters Brenda Montaine and Bonnie Brower, two siblings and others.In Brad’s memory and honor, make the world a brighter place, oer help and kindness, learn to x some things, appreciate an old car and, instead of walking by a piece of trash, no matter how small, pick it up.To donate in Brad’s memory, please make it out to either the Friends of the Carpinteria Library, Carpinteria Beautiful or the Carpinteria Valley Historical Society.A Celebration of Life was held Sat-urday, Oct. 22, 2022. Rick White
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 41I noted Mike Taylor’s article on the car-show display boards and decided to send along a picture of my 1940 Ford display board (right). It was professionally done by Denver artist Kathleen Mullen, based upon my observation that woodies in the Mountain West were never ex-posed to salt water let alone a surfboard. They were known as ranch wag-ons or station wagons, nding their homes on ranches or in resorts, or running back and forth to train stations.Since I have always been a city boy, living on or having a ranch was always out of the question. However, if you think about the name of my ranch emblazoned on the show board and on the woodie’s doors and pro-nounce it, you will know where it is! Gary DanielsDisplay boards (from p. 23)T he Spokane Daily Chronicle display board is what our front page looked (above) like in May 1936; the weather, volume number and price of the newspaper.Our woodie was born in May 1936, so we wanted to use the “extra-extra-read-all-about-it” approach. The article is the woodie talking about itself and how it came from California to Spokane, Wash. and how much the woodie likes it here.We used a Northwest theme for the display: autumn maple leaves, golf clubs, wooden apple boxes and a to-boggan on top.The second display board is what we used at an indoor show using the Smokey Bear (far right) theme to prevent forest res. This theme came to life because some of my buddies would put sawdust under the wood-ie at car shows and then would tell everyone at the shows the woodie is full of termites. We had a full-size Smokey Bear, prevent-forest-res bumper stickers, with the original wire tie-downs, and period correct window decals. John Clarizio. WT
The only constant is change, says Phil of the recent autumn meet The only constant is change, says Phil of the recent autumn meet 42 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comnationalwoodieclub.comFALL FALL 20222022OOne sweetne sweet HHershey meet!ershey meet! By Phil Stofanak
The only constant is change, says Phil of the recent autumn meet The only constant is change, says Phil of the recent autumn meet nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 43nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 43OOne sweetne sweet HHershey meet!ershey meet! Clockwise from left: A 1924 Dodge Brothers Suburban. This 1937 Packard Six station wagon has a six-cylinder athead. A 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe, with Campbell Body, was of-fered at $85,000.
44 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.comb.comNew Old WoodNew Old WoodRestoraon / CustomAward-WinningWorkmanshipDavid Marn251-575-5613Monroeville, Alabamadmarn@newoldwood.comThe old saying that the only constant is change was never more true than this year at Hershey, also known as the Eastern Division AACA Na-tional Meet Fall Meet, in Hershey, Pa.As an old-timer, who has been to Hershey every year for almost a half century, I can attest to the fact that change has always been a part of this national fall meet. My rst trip there took place sometime in the mid to late seventies. Back then, parking was anywhere one could nd along Hershey Park Drive or Route 743 and the ea market elds. They were literally elds, which ran east from the Hershey Park Stadium to where the outlets and the restau-rants are today, as well as across Hershey Park Drive, site of the erstwhile airport and today camper parking. The trip to Hershey back then would see every hotel, motel, tourist cabin, and rooming house within a fty-mile radius packed with antique cars, car haulers and pickups. So, change has always been with us at Hershey, good, bad, or indierent. Since moving the meet to Hershey, Pa. in 1954, the show and the ea market that precedes the show has always cul-minated on the second Saturday in October. News broke at last year’s event that the 2022 show would be held on Friday due to Hershey Park needing the parking lots for the park’s weekend opening. While the AACA did everything possible to dispel them, rumors persisted up to the day of the show that 2022 would be the nal meet at Hershey. While we have no way of seeing into the future, if the activity in the ea market, the car coral, and at Friday’s car show are any indication, we need not worry about Hershey.To old car novices, or to the initiated, the Hershey show is the largest event of its kind in the world. With over 9,000 This 1942 U.S. Navy Ford Station Wagon is one of 200 stripped-down or “black-out” models supplied to the Navy in early 1942. All were delivered in black sheet metal and many with mismatched interiors, subsequently painted in at Navy grey. Most were six cylinder, as was this one. Oered at $47,000.10-foot by 30-foot ea market spaces, hundreds of car cor-ral spaces, 250,000 visitors, RM Sotheby car auction and the Friday show featuring about 1,200 vehicles, nothing quite compares to Hershey.Weather, of course, is always a con-cern, and this year the weather gods were not with us as we experienced rain beginning on Monday evening and not letting up until Wednesday afternoon. Brave ea marketers risked getting soaked to the skin in the re-lentless rain. Once the skies cleared up, activity in the ea market and the car corral picked up markedly. The National Woodie Club booth provided a respite for tired shop-pers, with a tent, padded chairs and cold drinks. NWC vice president Bill Quick helped out immensely, keeping members happy and answering ques-tions from visitors. My newly nished 1946 Campbell-bodied Ford 1-ton wagon was on display during the en-tire ea market, and car show.Show day, the raison d’être for the whole weekend (and for some, the A Morris Minor 1000 Traveller in the car coral.
nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 45entire year), dawned clearly and briskly on Friday, as we joined the large pilgrimage of antique automobiles working their way to the show eld. The half-mile long drive through the registration tents and onto the show eld is lined with enthusiastic car lovers giving thumbs-ups, cheering and tak-ing pictures. It is something that should be on every old-car lover’s bucket list. The show is nothing short of spectacular, as over 1,200 show cars, trucks, motorcycles, and military vehicles all converge on a grassy former golf course that has served as the AACA’s show eld since 2003.It is not just the sheer volume of cars at Hershey that as-tounds, but the unbelievable diversity as well. The Horse-less Carriage Club of America’s Susquehanna region began their “Hershey Hangover Tour” just after the AACA show ended, resulting in a very good turnout of brass cars. Heavy classics, always popular at Hershey, were seen in greater numbers than usual. The only show vehicles exempt from having to drive onto the eld under their own power are the race cars. As one can imagine, a vintage dragster, Indy car, or sprint car, with only an “in or out” transmission, would have a tough time in a stop-and-go line-up. To allow race-car owners to demonstrate and prove their cars capability, the race-car condition run is held on Thursday in the Her-shey Park Stadium. Everything from board racers to Indy cars are required to make a pass or two on the warm-up track to prove their mettle.A good turnout of woodies in the car corral, the ea mar-ket, as well as the show eld made for a nice viewing ex-perience for the woodie lover. In a world where muscle cars, rat rods, resto mods and other automotive-word salads seem to make all the news, it’s nice to know that our beloved woodie still has relevance. See you next year at the greatest spectacle in antique mo-toring, Hershey! WTPhil Stofanak with his freshly restored ’46 Ford 1-ton Campbell-bodied wagon.Above: NWC Member Colin McCaul’s 1951 Pontiac Chief-tain DeLuxe station wagon. Below: The NWC tent was a welcome respite for members seeking a refreshment break.
1948 FORD WOODIE WAGON-Nut & bolt restor-ation. Lebaron Bonnie interior. Brewster Green sheet metal. Call Rob @ (201)-887-9101 (02) 1946-48 MERCURY, right rear, used fender in good condition. $250.00. you pick up. 978-448-6852, Sartini38@Verizon.net, TOM (02) THE WOODIE TIMES and theNATIONAL WOODIE CLUB assumeno responsibility for products or services offered or claims made by advertisers in THE WOODIE TIMES. Woodie Times The Woodie Times and the National Woodie Club assume no responsibility for products or services oered, or claims made by advertis-ers in the Woodie Times.March AD DEADLINE: Jan. 18. See Black Box, p. 4, to place ad1949 CADILLAC MODEL 75 IMPERIAL LIMOUSINE coachbuilt by Maurice Schwartz (ex-Bohman & Schwartz). This great automobile is one of a handful custom built for MGM Studios for chauf-feuring their stable of western cowboy stars. It was wrecked in the early 1950’s and spent many years in a California junk yard. A donor car provided rust free sheet metal, all new wood from original patterns by wood expert. Motor restored, parts car and original roof rack included. Best oer or may consider restored trades. The Cadillac is located at my oce near John Wayne Airport (SNA). For many photos and additional history, see https://pacicnewportclassics.com/gal-lery-category/available/ Bill Patton, Irvine, CA 714-321-0000. (04)1930 FORD MODEL–A VIN#A3570617. Rare 2- door panel delivery vehicle (auto chassis) restomod. Updated drive train, suspension, disc brakes, Coker tires, LED lights. Recent Epiphanes marine varnish. Ready for road, show, or parades. Always garaged and under a cover. Never touched by a raindrop since re-stored. $30,000 Transport credit considered. Greg Link 207-869-5289 glink4371@comcast.net (02)1948 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY CON-VERTIBLE: Recent restoration including all wood, new Lloyd Mayes blue & green Highlander Plaid upholstery with leather, new top, rechrome,WWW tires, all new wiring, rebuilt brake system & fuel system including fuel tank, cooling system includ-ing radiator, motor mounts, tune-up, detailed engine compartment. Listed on Hemmings under “Make Oer” with additional pictures and information. $82.5K, Bob 805-587-1931 (CA) (03) 1941 TO 1948 FORD, CHRYSLER, PLYMOUTH & NASH WOODIE PARTS AND TRIM. Many N.O.S. trim. Some wood, too. Lots of ads, brochures & sales literature. Harold Mermel (NJ) 732-939-2868, TEQS1000@AOL.COM (04)1932 FORD CUSTOM WOODY, 350/350, 4 wheel Disc Brakes, Coil overs on all corners, All new inter-ior, Power rear window, Matching trailer comes with vehicle. Asking $32,500 Call Ernie 303-883-4041 Woody is located in Phoenix, AZ (04)NOS DECALS almost 10,000 dierent ones. Starting at $5 each Ron Gerber Woodieten@aol.com 760 707 6090 (04)46 Woodie Times nationalwoodieclub.com1948 PONTIAC SILVER STREAK 8 with a 3 speed manual trans. All original condition with all 3 seats and original rubber oor mats. Car was repainted many years ago by previous owner who owned it 34 years, I've owned it for 12 years. Car runs and drives great! Asking $72,000 Please call or text George at 732-278-5295 (02)1949 MERCURY needs Completion! Body rotis-serie'd, Frame painted black, Wood is 90% original, New Rick Mack Panels. most components, Door han-dles, window locks, gauges, belt-line trim is awless. All new wiring, oor mats The dash and metal trim is grained. Health forces sale, My loss your gain. Call john 909-319-8112 (03)1949 MERCURY need Completion! dierent car from above!! Body Rotisserie'd, Frame powder coated, FatMan mustang II front-end stainless A-arms, chromed Carrera Coil overs, 351 Winsor roller motor, w/AOD 4speed auto-trans. Rick Mack wood. most components: door handles, window locks, gauges, belt-line trim. new wiring, mats. too much to list call john 909-319-8112 (03)1946 FORD needs Restoration! Car is mostly com-plete. Wood is original and spectacular condition. Front grill chrome and fender stainless is done. two seats. Engine is free but have not started it. Car needs more work compared to the Mercs. Where I have done most of the Expensive stu.John 909-319-8112 (03)1939 FORD WOODIE. Project car with exceptional rust-free sheet metal and chassis. Was a running car from the deep South when purchased. All new hand made body to Henry Ford specs by a true craftsman. Built with all birdseye maple framing. Car is com-plete with the exception of the engine/trans. Was to be built for cruising with updated driveline. Have all 3 usable seats, bumpers, lights,window trim,etc. $38K Must see to appreciate. A blank canvas for your creation. The hard(wood) work (pun intended) is done. Call for more info. Limited pics here. Have many detailed pictures of the car and body. Located in CT. (860) 913-4680 Greg (04)
Treehouse Woods ad 2/19577 Winthrop St.Taunton, Mass. 02780Phone: 321-848-2334E-mail: treehousewoods@gmail.comTreehouse Woods ad 2/19_NOMAD POST OCT 05 2/28/19 3:42 PM Page 1Send photo payment to the Membership Secretary. See Black Box, p. 4 Deadline for NOVEMBER WOODIE TIMES:SEPTEMBER 18 nationalwoodieclub.com Woodie Times 47 WOODWORKINGWOOD RESTORATION John G. Phillips LLC 715-677-4809 Iola, WI Goodnight@wi-net.com Placing a Classified Ad The classified advertising section of theWOODIE TIMES is available free to mem-bers for the occasional advertising of woodievehicles, parts and related items for sale orwanted. Please limit ad copy to 50 words.Photos may be included with ads for a one-time charge of $10.00 per photo, payablewith submission of the ad. Submit goodquality digital images by e-mail, or mail clearphoto prints. Ads run for two issues and maybe renewed by sending an e-mail to theWOODIETIMESoffice. NWC membershipnumber must accompany ads. Submit by E-mail to woodietimes@windstream.net (please putWOODIE TIMES AD in the subject line), orby mail to: WOODIE TIMES, PO Box 6134,Lincoln, NE 68506. SWAN-NECK MIRRORSfor Chrysler, Dodge and DeSoto 1941-1942 and 1946–1948 ~ Concours reproduction quality ~ Harms Distinctive Restorations815-978-4247 www.HarmsDistinctiveRestorations.comFREE classieds! Free words. Photos: $10. See Black Box, p. 41951 FORD WOODIE WAGON right side tailight & bracket. Tom Small, 727-518-4700,727-418-3047 (02)CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WOODIE CON-VERTIBLE with low mileage. Please call or text: jpbuckwalter@gmail.com or text 661-400-5332 (04)1948 FORD Professional Complete body-o res-toration, attention to detail. 302V8. AOD overdrive transmission, Motorsport engine dress w/polished plenum. Hiedt’s front suspension, power Rack-n-Penion steering. Custom leather interior, wood grain dash, garnish moldings, stock Crome dash. Vintage A/C. Hawthorn green color, Kline wood-21 coats Captains Spar Varnish. $109,000. Gtoddjr@charter.net, or cell, 864-525-4934 (03)GROUND UP RESTORATION. Rebuilt athead V8. Rust free. Wood is beautiful, professionally done with all nger joints just like factory. Needs upholstery and convertible top. California Title. $95,000. (714) 287-4749 (04)1940s/50s HEDSTROM WOODIE STROLLER in restored condition. Would be a fantastic showpiece next to your woodie or classic. $300. - Dan 312-914-1950 or danlempa9@gmail.com (04)1950-1953 BUICK WAGON FOLDING BACK SEAT, wagon only interior garnish moldings and tailgate bracket “arms” wanted for 1953 Road-master Estate Wagon project. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you! Jonathan Trevillyan 661.400-5128 jtrevillyan@as.net (04)1949 FORD WOODIE for sale. Furniture Quality Wood, Birdseye Maple/African Mahogany. Invisible chopped Top, approx.. 3.5”, All Ford build 302/C4 Both rebuilt. Ford Rear end, Front Disc brakes, In-dependent Front end, New stereo. Runs and drives well. Very presentable $51,000 Dave 714-316-6640Comptonguy@socal.rr.com (04)RARE 1941 HUDSON STATION WAGON, est- imated production of 100 cars and only 6 remaining in existence. Owned by a well-known Hudson col- lector. This Hudson is equipped with desirable heater unit under the dash and clock. Excellent condition. US$117,000. Call Alex Ruozzi – 610 398 9700. RB Collection. alex@rbcarcollection.com. (04)WANTED FOR 1948 FORD Woodie wagon: 2 piece Spare Tire cover (metal). Lower tail gate hinge (bolts to oor deck at rear of car), Front seat frame, Good lower tail gate, Good rear bumper, Good rear bumper guard. New anti-rattle balls for lift gate support. Call or email Howard (310) 971-5782 ; AV8NFAN@sbcglobal.net (04)1929 FORD WOODY WAGON, restored approx. 8yrs ago. Completely rebuilt model “B” engine, by the Babbit Pot, N.Y., Brass Works Radiator, L.B. Upholstery & top. Side curtains and many extras. Drives excellent, needs nothing. Has VT. Classic car title. $30,000.00. 802-763-7371, cell: 802-356-0152. ima34@aol.com (02)1949 PLYMOUTH SPECIAL DELUXE Woodie runs good..3 speed 6 cylinder athead no overdrive...I have owned for 22 years. Garaged California. $39,000, good condition, Valencia California richard-dotson@sbcglobal.net (04)1946 FORD SUPER DELUXE Woodie Wagon, for sale. Flathead V8, 3 speed, all three seats and the radio works. Ground up restoration in the 1990’s comes with extra engine and trans. parts. Body #786 $60,000 775-267-1915 ask for Chuck (04)BELT LINE (?) trim both sides (full set) for 51 Ford woodie. Please contact me if you have questions or can help-barryollette@gmail.com 517-902 6878 (04)