The Ford Barn

Honda · 03-30-2023, 08:38 AM

Anyone ever have trouble with termites in the wood frame of their old Ford?

Or does this only happen if the car gets abandoned for years in a
paddock etc?

Thanks!

Karl Wescott · 03-30-2023, 08:55 AM

North American termites generally require soil to wood contact, they do not like to cross open air. That said, I have had a customer in Hawaii who had the wood rear belt rail of a 32 phaeton eaten out by flying wood boring critters. Carpenter ants could potentially be a problem but I have not heard any issues. Best check with your local agricultural advisors to find out what is an issue in your area.

Honda · 03-30-2023, 09:21 AM

Thanks Karl

...also 'yikes' though - as your post just got me doing a search for 'wood eating flying ants' on the internet.

I've just now learned that there is flying ants that eat wood...as well as termites in the reproductive stage having wings!

GB SISSON · 03-30-2023, 09:38 AM

I have a friend who grew up here on Orcas and inherited his dad's '46 ford woodie. For a while one of his siblings 'stored' it outdoors in our rainey climate. The varnish got thin, wood became weathered and when my friend got it back and into a garage the powder post beetles had moved into the woodwork. They got into everything and ruined the car. About 40 years ago we fired it up and drove it for 5 minutes. My friend moved to Las Vegas and brought the woodie. The powder post beetles die off if moisture content of the wood drops below 10% or so, but the damage was done. He told me he sold it as is to a man from LA who installed a modern drive train and drives and shows it with a thousand small holes in it.
Today we have a great product available if one should see early signs of wood boring insects. Boracare is a product made from Borax (20 mule team) blended into a concentrate with a type of non toxic glycol as in RV plumbing anti-freeze. It is safe for humans but deadly on the bugs. Mixed with water in various concentrations and painted onto wood. The glycol carries it deeply into the wood, as much as an inch deep. It does not change the color of the wood or impart a smell. There are also borate rods which are 1/4" diameter and inserted into pre drilled holes. The wood is able to wick the borax long distances. Theses are often used in restoration of historic wood structures such as log homes and wooden hulled vessels. I hope some of this info will be helpful. I buy the Boracare on amazon. Photo is Harold prior to Las Vegas. I'm hoping the new owner kept the dual horns and the dual exhaust pipes that ran up each side of the tailgate to the top of the roof. It had been owned by an auto parts store in the LA area and they did the 'accesorizing'.

deuce lover · 03-30-2023, 11:06 AM

Back in 1996 I found a '35 roadster in Maui that was sold new there in '35. The wood in both doors and pillars were eaten up by termites.It was also very rusty but that is another story.

petehoovie · 03-30-2023, 11:17 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Photo is Harold prior to Las Vegas. I'm hoping the new owner kept the dual horns and the dual exhaust pipes that ran up each side of the tailgate to the top of the roof. It had been owned by an auto parts store in the LA area and they did the 'accesorizing'.

ronn · 03-30-2023, 11:22 AM

I use boracare on all of the homes Ive owned and it works pretty well, unless you have major issues, then bring the exterminator in.

I did hear of a woodie owner having problems in the past and he put a tent over his car and had it fumigated. Im sure there are several ways one can handle the problem.

51504bat · 03-30-2023, 02:35 PM

Could be worse you could have an older Chevy. Lots of dinner opportunities for termites in those Chevy's. Another thought on termites: Years ago my folks took a trip to Africa and brought home some hand carved wooden figures. They were told to place them in the freezer for at least a week to make sure any termites in the wood were killed.

ronn · 03-31-2023, 05:27 AM

place them in the freezer for at least a week to make sure any termites in the wood were killed.

interesting- when we bought a house in Upstate, termites were never brought up at closing.
In NJ that is a major issue, before properties are transferred and I know in Florida, it is a major issue. so I guess it safe to say, most cars bought in Canada should be termite free?
I bought a 36 woodie out of Mass and the whole roof area is full of powder post beetles from yrs ago. no termites though.

Honda · 03-31-2023, 06:16 AM

Some very interesting stories and information there...thanks all !

03-30-2023, 08:38 AM	#1
Honda Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Australia Posts: 57	Termites... Anyone ever have trouble with termites in the wood frame of their old Ford? Or does this only happen if the car gets abandoned for years in a paddock etc? Thanks!

03-30-2023, 08:55 AM	#2
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,538	Re: Termites... North American termites generally require soil to wood contact, they do not like to cross open air. That said, I have had a customer in Hawaii who had the wood rear belt rail of a 32 phaeton eaten out by flying wood boring critters. Carpenter ants could potentially be a problem but I have not heard any issues. Best check with your local agricultural advisors to find out what is an issue in your area.

03-30-2023, 09:21 AM	#3
Honda Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Australia Posts: 57	Re: Termites... Thanks Karl...also 'yikes' though - as your post just got me doing a search for 'wood eating flying ants' on the internet. I've just now learned that there is flying ants that eat wood...as well as termites in the reproductive stage having wings!

03-30-2023, 11:06 AM	#5
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,837	Re: Termites... Back in 1996 I found a '35 roadster in Maui that was sold new there in '35. The wood in both doors and pillars were eaten up by termites.It was also very rusty but that is another story.

03-30-2023, 11:22 AM	#7
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 7,650	Re: Termites... I use boracare on all of the homes Ive owned and it works pretty well, unless you have major issues, then bring the exterminator in. I did hear of a woodie owner having problems in the past and he put a tent over his car and had it fumigated. Im sure there are several ways one can handle the problem.

03-30-2023, 02:35 PM	#8
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,413	Re: Termites... Could be worse you could have an older Chevy. Lots of dinner opportunities for termites in those Chevy's. Another thought on termites: Years ago my folks took a trip to Africa and brought home some hand carved wooden figures. They were told to place them in the freezer for at least a week to make sure any termites in the wood were killed. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

03-31-2023, 05:27 AM	#9
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 7,650	Re: Termites... place them in the freezer for at least a week to make sure any termites in the wood were killed. interesting- when we bought a house in Upstate, termites were never brought up at closing. In NJ that is a major issue, before properties are transferred and I know in Florida, it is a major issue. so I guess it safe to say, most cars bought in Canada should be termite free? I bought a 36 woodie out of Mass and the whole roof area is full of powder post beetles from yrs ago. no termites though.

03-31-2023, 06:16 AM	#10
Honda Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Australia Posts: 57	Re: Termites... Some very interesting stories and information there...thanks all !