firecars

I have a 1948 Chevrolet Woodie, how can I tell who built it? I understand there were at least 2 companies that built the wood bodies on the chassis. I've noticed in pictures some rear windows have a divider in the glass, mine does not, does that help determine the builder?

Doing some winter work on our 48 Chevy woody, were the kick panels made of mahogany ply-score or were they the standard heavy cardboard painted to match interior? Our car had none when purchased a few years ago. Thanks Wayne Sandford

Here are a few pic's of progress to date. Tailgate and fenders next then glass, then roof cover. Shooting for a spring 2023 show circuit.

Went to Mystic for the Yankee chapter meet show, I think I counted 21 cars, very nicely displayed on the grass at mystic seaport under some trees. Did get a chance to talk to a few members about woodie repairs/rebuilding. Thanks everyone.

I will be at Mystic but woodie-less. Thanks for your thoughts

So I have been working on this 48 Chevy Woodie for a year now, drive train is finally done, new 250 6 cyl, th350 and s-10 rear axle. It drives around the yard, hurray!!! My question is do I paint the metal next an assemble that and then finish wood, or should I finish wood and then paint and assemble? Most of my car friends think painting should be next and then finish woodworking (not really a lot to do, maybe a few more pieces to make and assemble and then varnish. Over the winter I had to build a new rear drivers side door and have changed all the panels to new mahogany plywood. I did start with Satin finish but.... I'm going to change to gloss for finish coats (thanks to comments here). I am still in need of mechanical parts for a left rear door, window regulator and metal bracket if someone has those parts collecting dust. thanks for your thoughts.

After sanding it down, could I switch to gloss? If yes that's what I'm going to try.

I am brushing each coat on mine as well. in the beginning coats I used a sponge brush and disposed of it when done. Now using a Purdy nylon/polyester brush, to date it works well. But I am second guessing my choice to use Satin finish, I do like the look a lot better when its wet, nice and shiny.

Interesting, all 8 coats are Satin, did not see that anywhere. but I have noticed it beginning to look "foggy" with last coat. I was thinking of stopping at 8 due to look. I guess the question is which should it be gloss or satin?

I am well into doing a 48 chevy and chose to use McCloskey "Man O' War" Marine spar varnish. It claims to have maximum UV protection. With 8 coats on it looks great and exceeds my expectations. It really leveled nicely, can't wait to do frame and rear quarter. I did go with the Satin finish, still trying to decide if it should be gloss. But I'm very happy with the results to date. Hope to be installing doors in next few weeks.

I bought it out of a wood dealer in New York, it is mahogany both sides, a little expensive but I thought it was worth it. I think $250 per 4x8 sheet. They had the Ash so I ordered it all at one time. I think all the wood was $1250.00. I'm changing all the mahogany so it will all look identical (I hope).

Again, thank you! we will try to make Woodie show in Maine, probably camp somewhere near by. I don't think our car will be ready for that, but should make Mystic 2023. The new drive train runs, metal body parts are prepped for painting, wood is about 60% done. If it ever warms up here in CT I'll be on it full time, at least trying to get it driving around town.

so another question, do you varnish inside door also? it appears that it was from fisher, is that correct?

Yes, I am planning to be in Mystic, and will try to make the heritage show, hopefully Ma. show, was not aware of Me show. They are on my calendar.

Wow again great points, I was planing on varnishing whole car at once, even though I was thinking of doing it piece by piece in a warm space, your points really just made job easier for me. I can do it piece by piece. The doors are all being stored indoors, you just opened my eyes to begin varnishing the doors now while finishing up car work in the garage. Last week I drove it out of garage on new drive train (250 6 cyl, 350 auto), body parts waiting for it to warm up before I paint it (oxford maroon). Looks like I start building a clean room for varnishing. I live in Conn. and yes I'm a member of Woodie club.