The Ford Barn

guy1unico · 06-03-2016, 04:21 AM

Just bought a 33 Ford Woody and never have owned one before. The wood from pictures and what the previous owner told me is very well preserved. What do I do from this point to keep the wood in good condition?

Thank you,
Guy

woodiewagon46 · 06-03-2016, 06:51 AM

Guy, it depends on the condition of the wood. If the wood is original and still has varnish on it you might get away with a light sanding and a re-varnish. If the varnish has worn off and the raw wood has been exposed to the elements, it might be a different story. Over time the wood can absorb dirt from rain and other elements and you may need to bleach it to bring back the natural color. Ford used varnish over the wood. The varnish that you can purchase today has UV inhibitors that will last longer. Don't let anyone talk you into using automotive clear coat, it is not the way to go. Think about joining the National Woodie Club! Can you post some pictures so we can give further advice. Good luck!

rotorwrench · 06-03-2016, 08:53 AM

You can find a lot more information about wood preservation on sites dedicated to the wooden boats that might be worth looking into. The boats generally need much more attention though since the medium they operate in is much more destructive but then that makes preservation all the more important on them. Just a thought.

jerseyboy · 06-03-2016, 12:00 PM

Guy,

Here is a link for starters: http://www.oldwoodies.com/shoptalk.htm

By the way, the '33 woodie is my favorite year!

Keep V-8ing and 4-banging!

Charlie Stephens · 06-03-2016, 12:15 PM

I assume your existing finish is mineral spirits based. Be careful about using water based finishes over mineral spirit based products (they will not stick and will peel). Ask for details at your paint store.

Charlie Stephens

glenn in camino · 06-03-2016, 12:34 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My woody is a 29 that I restored in the mid 70s. I used marine spar varnish on the wood and it still looks good. It's out in the sun 2-3 days a month and lives in a climate controlled garage.

al's28/33 · 06-03-2016, 06:40 PM

PLEASE post some pictures of your wonderful car ?????????..............................

guy1unico · 06-03-2016, 06:50 PM

Here it is:

wga · 06-03-2016, 07:28 PM

If the varnish is in good condition - no splits, cracks, flakes, etc. Keep it clean - just do not wash with with running water. Use a car duster. Wax it or not - I've heard both opinions. If there are minor scratches, chips, that lead to the wood, they can be sanded and varnish applied to seal the wood. I've made spot repairs with a brush and a touch up spray gun.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...uct.do?pid=107

This is the varnish I use, and have zero problems with it. It is/was used by Nick Alexander's restoration shop. The link that jerseyboy posted, is by Rick McClosky, a master at this. If you go the revarnish route, it is a ton of work. The sanding is tedious.
On yours, you might need to do the interior as well. More fun.
Great info from a boat builder, as Rotorwrench mentioned
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bk7Tb0Zi48
I spray the varnish, others use a brush. Whatever works for you.

roadster36 · 06-03-2016, 08:10 PM

If that is the one that was in Hemming's it looks like a nice car. I thought the low price was a joke or a misprint. Well done

guy1unico · 06-03-2016, 08:26 PM

Great info. thank you sooo much.
Hopefully I can just keep it clean, out of the sun, dry and in the garage...that is all

GB SISSON · 06-03-2016, 10:19 PM

It looks like an amazing survivor. I am building a woodie right now and am hoping to attain a nice amber tone like yours has, but I can't imagine it will be that nice. I have done a lot of work with paint in the last 40 years in reproducing finishes on furniture and trucks, but the new maple will provide a challenge. You have that great color I want. Congratulations on that beautiful find!

guy1unico · 06-04-2016, 01:17 AM

Sounds like a musical instrument...nice tone. I'm hoping it looks as good as the photo...I have not seen the car yet myself, but thank you for the comps.

Bill · 06-04-2016, 06:27 AM

Looks like a very well preserved original. Keep it dry a real challenge in Texas these days and enjoy it. For sure join the National Woodie Club. You won't regret it. Bill

guy1unico · 06-04-2016, 07:34 AM

It seems like a better join the NWC for sure.

woodiewagon46 · 06-04-2016, 07:37 AM

Guy, nice car! The varnish does not look too bad at all. All you may need is some touch up. If you decide to do a complete re varnish you might sand with 220 and start the varnish process.

Bill · 06-04-2016, 09:28 AM

Just noticed you bought it sight unseen! You will have to give us your report/reaction when you see it for the first time. It's a leap that many wood ( pun intended) not take... Bill

guy1unico · 06-04-2016, 02:46 PM

Your right I did.... but plenty of questions were ask and answers given.
I did a Nike...Just Do It (check mark)

al's28/33 · 06-05-2016, 12:46 AM

Yes please post more pics the 33-34's have great streamlined styling!

guy1unico · 06-05-2016, 07:19 AM

google 1933 Woody....plenty of pics.

06-03-2016, 04:21 AM	#1
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Just bought a 33 Ford Woody and never have owned one before. The wood from pictures and what the previous owner told me is very well preserved. What do I do from this point to keep the wood in good condition? Thank you, Guy

06-03-2016, 06:51 AM	#2
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,565	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Guy, it depends on the condition of the wood. If the wood is original and still has varnish on it you might get away with a light sanding and a re-varnish. If the varnish has worn off and the raw wood has been exposed to the elements, it might be a different story. Over time the wood can absorb dirt from rain and other elements and you may need to bleach it to bring back the natural color. Ford used varnish over the wood. The varnish that you can purchase today has UV inhibitors that will last longer. Don't let anyone talk you into using automotive clear coat, it is not the way to go. Think about joining the National Woodie Club! Can you post some pictures so we can give further advice. Good luck!

06-03-2016, 08:53 AM	#3
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,564	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody You can find a lot more information about wood preservation on sites dedicated to the wooden boats that might be worth looking into. The boats generally need much more attention though since the medium they operate in is much more destructive but then that makes preservation all the more important on them. Just a thought. Last edited by rotorwrench; 06-04-2016 at 02:59 PM.

06-03-2016, 12:00 PM	#4
jerseyboy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 503	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Guy, Here is a link for starters: http://www.oldwoodies.com/shoptalk.htm By the way, the '33 woodie is my favorite year! Keep V-8ing and 4-banging! __________________ She just don't have the appetite For gas somehow, And Dad, I got four carburetors Hooked up on it now. I tried to hook another To see if I'd do a little good, But ain't no place to put it 'Less I perforate the hood. Wanted, lower side sections of 32 radiator cowl.

06-03-2016, 12:15 PM	#5
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,073	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody I assume your existing finish is mineral spirits based. Be careful about using water based finishes over mineral spirit based products (they will not stick and will peel). Ask for details at your paint store. Charlie Stephens

06-03-2016, 12:34 PM	#6
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My woody is a 29 that I restored in the mid 70s. I used marine spar varnish on the wood and it still looks good. It's out in the sun 2-3 days a month and lives in a climate controlled garage.

06-03-2016, 06:40 PM	#7
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,596	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody PLEASE post some pictures of your wonderful car ?????????.............................. __________________ 1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)

06-03-2016, 07:28 PM	#9
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 910	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody If the varnish is in good condition - no splits, cracks, flakes, etc. Keep it clean - just do not wash with with running water. Use a car duster. Wax it or not - I've heard both opinions. If there are minor scratches, chips, that lead to the wood, they can be sanded and varnish applied to seal the wood. I've made spot repairs with a brush and a touch up spray gun. http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...uct.do?pid=107 This is the varnish I use, and have zero problems with it. It is/was used by Nick Alexander's restoration shop. The link that jerseyboy posted, is by Rick McClosky, a master at this. If you go the revarnish route, it is a ton of work. The sanding is tedious. On yours, you might need to do the interior as well. More fun. Great info from a boat builder, as Rotorwrench mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bk7Tb0Zi48 I spray the varnish, others use a brush. Whatever works for you. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer. Last edited by wga; 06-03-2016 at 07:45 PM.

06-03-2016, 08:10 PM	#10
roadster36 BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sonoma,Calif. Posts: 877	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody If that is the one that was in Hemming's it looks like a nice car. I thought the low price was a joke or a misprint. Well done

06-03-2016, 08:26 PM	#11
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Great info. thank you sooo much. Hopefully I can just keep it clean, out of the sun, dry and in the garage...that is all

06-03-2016, 10:19 PM	#12
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 5,199	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody It looks like an amazing survivor. I am building a woodie right now and am hoping to attain a nice amber tone like yours has, but I can't imagine it will be that nice. I have done a lot of work with paint in the last 40 years in reproducing finishes on furniture and trucks, but the new maple will provide a challenge. You have that great color I want. Congratulations on that beautiful find! __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

06-04-2016, 01:17 AM	#13
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Sounds like a musical instrument...nice tone. I'm hoping it looks as good as the photo...I have not seen the car yet myself, but thank you for the comps.

06-04-2016, 06:27 AM	#14
Bill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 469	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Looks like a very well preserved original. Keep it dry a real challenge in Texas these days and enjoy it. For sure join the National Woodie Club. You won't regret it. Bill

06-04-2016, 07:34 AM	#15
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody It seems like a better join the NWC for sure.

06-04-2016, 07:37 AM	#16
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,565	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Guy, nice car! The varnish does not look too bad at all. All you may need is some touch up. If you decide to do a complete re varnish you might sand with 220 and start the varnish process.

06-04-2016, 09:28 AM	#17
Bill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 469	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Just noticed you bought it sight unseen! You will have to give us your report/reaction when you see it for the first time. It's a leap that many wood ( pun intended) not take... Bill

06-04-2016, 02:46 PM	#18
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Your right I did.... but plenty of questions were ask and answers given. I did a Nike...Just Do It (check mark)

06-05-2016, 12:46 AM	#19
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,596	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody Yes please post more pics the 33-34's have great streamlined styling! __________________ 1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)

06-05-2016, 07:19 AM	#20
guy1unico Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 583	Re: Wood Maintenance On a 33 Woody google 1933 Woody....plenty of pics.