MikesWoodieWorld

So John, did you find your stainless? Probably did by now, but if not, I have one, Mike

This is my latest venture, a 1952 Roadmaster Estate Wagon. Only 359 of these babies were produced in the Roadmaster (79) Series, so there are probably not many left today. I have got a head start on the frame, having cleaned it up and painted it, including all the running gear. The main body is the biggest challenge, so far. The floors were pretty rusted, so all the jagged edges were cut away. I have a 4 door sedan with good floors, so they will be used to fill in the gaps. The wagon A-pillars have a gusset above and below the floor, and usually the top ones are gone, so I had some made. (I have a few pairs, if anyone out there needs some.) First, I will use my Harbor Freight sandblaster to clean off the roof, then I will take it to get professionally sandblasted and primered. Then on to the task of removing the floor from the sedan. I parted out a 52 Roadmaster 2 door hardtop a few years ago, and it had a great front clip & hood (light blue), so I will use these on the wagon. I recently was very fortunate to pick up some really nice original wood, which I will supplement with some new that I will make. I have a long way to go, but will try to keep this thread updated, Mike

Well, if it is on eBay, it must be true!! They must differ by the half inch, but which side gets the longer one?? By the way, I picked a couple of pairs from another vendor for under $30 each pair (these are $69 + shipping), but they are inferior...all were the same length. Mike

At first you mentioned a 1952 you were working on...then in midstream you mentioned a 1953! Well, it doesn't make a difference to the shock links, as far as I know. Kudos to you, if you have both, that's all I can say, since they are both gems!! I only hope all these replies have been a help to you and yours, and thanks to others for their input!! It has been an enlightenment for me, hopefully for others too. Cheers, Mike

(That first cream and wood grain car is amazing, and is a dream car to own. I am kinda young for these here parts, only 25. But I love the style.) I don't know how to do "Quotes"... but here goes!! Century55sedan, First of all, it is not "woodgrained" as you said, it is REAL wood!! Here are some more shots of this 1951 Super Estate Wagon... For your viewing pleasure...it is my pleasure to see this each and every day!! Sorry to gloat, but it is hard not to!! I have been totally into Woodies since 1980, or so, when I first discovered them. This one is nearing completion, but is not finished yet. I have other Woodies, and would be happy to send you some shots. Email me at: mikesoldecars@yahoo.com If you want.

Rob, It is a 1942 Oldsmobile Woodie, one of two known to survive. Charlie Montano in NY state has the other one. Mike

If the rather heavy set guy would get off my tailgate, I could level out again!! I am REALLY tired of this!!

So, you will see, this is the BEST place to buy & sell our parts!!! None of the political crap here!! LOL Mike

It makes me recall how there were cars that in their day were said to be ahead of their time. The 1936-37 Cords were that way, as a good example. They had so many innovations and were lower than any other cars back when introduced. Hey, they actually had a sub-frame!! In the mid 30's, no less!! But, today, it seems to evaporate away, since we have seen so very many low cars, many lower than the Cords were, and with many of those same refined innovations in them. It kind of waters them down. It is difficult to put ourselves in the era that these ideas were introduced, so many years later. We really have to try to imagine them in the situation in which they were when proudly shown. Isn't it similar to us, today, proudly showing our treasures?? At the shows...I mean. Mike

Well, this "public" doesn't have any interest with the current stuff offered! I would love to have any "ugly duckling" from the '40's or '50's than any of the current garbage offered! Even if it doesn't run!! Mike

Thanks, keiser31, I did that, and what a lot of negativity!! I am sure if this was in their barn, they would be proud of it!! So, it is not "pretty" in this day and age, but just how did it look back in the '50's when it was produced,and probably worked extensively over by over-tired workers!! I would say, gorgeous!! Primarily because nothing quite looked like it...no, nothing looked even remotely like it in their days!! And perhaps that was what it was to find out.... Surely we didn't see many of these unique items used afterwards...so perhaps it was a success!! Customer testing, so to speak! But, still this dream car, no, this dream wagon is wonderful, for moving the industry in a new direction. Think about it, it was in a different direction!! So this wagon still should still be historic for doing that..... I know I would cherish it... Seriously, wouldn't you? It is history! Cheers, Mike PS: No, Woodies are true history...would they ever try to build a new one in this day and age???

What a lot of negativity!! Hey guys, lighten up...this is a one off! At least give it THAT status! Ugly, maybe, but still a one off! I am sure a lot of period employees worked their a$$e$ off to get this thing to period shows. And remember, you are looking at it today, just how did it look back in the mid-fifties?? Probably a lot different than now!! Cheers, Mike

What a lot of negativity!! Hey guys, lighten up...this is a one off! At least give it THAT status! Ugly, maybe, but still a one off! I am sure a lot of period employees worked their a$$e$ off to get this thing to period shows. And remember, you are looking at it today, just how did it look back in the mid-fifties?? Probably a lot different than now!! Cheers, Mike

Hey guys, did you get a glimpse of this rare item on eBay? It only has a few minutes before it is over, but reserve was not met, so it should be around, perhaps re-listed!! I just happened upon it. Had I seen it sooner I would have done this sooner!! The current item # is: 230688060500 And that should be good for a while. Note the high bid, not reaching reserve...at least not now, but... I don't know how to send it to you directly...there is probably a way, but, alas, technology has passed over me!! Ok, perhaps this item was noted earlier, and if so... As it was said on Laugh-in by that gorgeous creature (her name escapes me), "Never mind!!" Cheers, Mike

Bruce, just go to: National Woodie Club - Welcome It will get you started. Mike

They are nice, but don't look like a Woodie...keep looking!! LOL Mike

Wanna come see fer yerself?? Go ahead!! Would get me relaxed!! LOL Mike

Would be happy to crawl under...tomorrow!! Gimme a break!! Cheers, Mike

Well, it is possible that different body styles have a different aspect. Perhaps there was a clearance problem in your model, for what ever reason. I only am familiar with Estate Wagons, so my authority is limited to them. Keep in mind even though your body is still intact, you have jacked it up, with possibly similar end results (as far as the frame shift, already mentioned), which is still involved if you are jacking it high enough to get under it!! Yes, your girth comes into play here...Well, mine does too, big time!! But, we are working on that issue, and more does not need to be said!! Trust me on that, if nothing else!! Cheers, Mike

What, no pictures?? Come on, guys, us West Coasters don't get to go and see all the Eastern goodies!! Shoot some pictures for us, OK??? Especially the maroon 39??? Buick Woodie!!! I am drooling!! Mike

Thanks for the great picture, West. I am currently restoring a 1947 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, and every little bit helps!! Great motivation!! Mike

No, lancemb, they are two parts, well three, if you include the plastic. The outer ring is a separate piece. It is good for 1951 & 52 Buicks...front of hood. Do you want to sell it??? Mike

You should join the National Woodie Club, if you haven't already. They have an outfit that regularly advertises in their monthly (wonderful) mag. that deals with Model A's. They also have an extensive archive which may have exactly what you desire. Mike...Proud member of NWC since 1980!!

I am sure. If your body is off the frame, with less or no weight on it, the frame will raise up. That will make the frame move sideways since the stabilizer rod swings in an arc. I have a bare frame here and I was able to mount the drivers side link, but not the passenger side due to this sideways shift. But it is very close, not 2" gap (see pics). I will hook it up after the body is back on it. Mike

I looked at 4 different of my cars of 50-53 Buicks, Supers & Roadmasters (including a 52 Roadmaster), and they all have the links with the mounting heims on the same side. The shock arms are in line with the frame directly above it. I hope this helps, Mike