Director’s Thoughts –  MARCH, 2021

“Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow!”  Remember that phrase from the movie, “White Christmas” when Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera –Ellen begin to sing in octaves when they are sitting in the train car on their way to Vermont with ALL the Snow?  Well, that is what comes to my mind today as it just snowed again over night.  I spent the last 2 days, of course my 2 days off, shoveling snow!  It snows about every 2 days or so.  Now enough is enough.  Spring is only 20 some days away, YEH!    

March Fun Facts and Tidbits

Ah, March, in like a lion, out like a lamb, or so the saying goes. That’s not the only saying attributed to the moody month. For the Northern Hemisphere, March ushers in spring. That was even true back in the days of the Julian calendar when there were only 10 months and March started off the year. Sayings such as “A bushel of March dust is worth a King’s ransom,” and “March many weathers,” remind us of the swiftly changing and windy weather March brings.

The first three days in March were once considered bad luck. They called them the blind days. No one would plant, enter into an agreement or a journey during these days. March is also known for its borrowing days. Though the story has changed through the ages, the month is no stranger to tumultuous weather. Hundreds of years ago the borrowing days were known to be any wild weather day in March. In later years, the days came to be assigned to the last three days in March.

Historically, planting and war go hand in hand in March. Named for the Roman god of War, Mars, March became a time when armies began to march again and farmers tilled their soil. While farming and the military have both dramatically changed since Roman times, March and spring still holds a power over both of them.

March is the month of spring and with it come a lot of activity in nature. Birds migrate. Animals begin to mate. (They give us the phrase, “Mad as a March hare,” too.) Plants begin to grow. Even the full moon gets involved. The full moon in March is called the Worm Moon. It earns this name because of all the insects beginning to hatch.

March Madness kicks into high gear as basketball enthusiasts cheer on their favorite teams. Whether cheering on a local high school team or their college and professional players, fans wear their colors and watch every nail-biting game.

Day light saving time also adds an element of tradition and rancor to the season as many (though not all) spring forward and change their clocks one hour.

Besides the fun facts, in some places, the car season begins.  Every day I see more and more ads in Facebook of car events.  Hopefully as the season progresses, more and more events will be held so we all can get back to a somewhat norm from a car season perspective.

For those members who have an Irish background, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”                                                                               

Sally

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, FEBRUARY, 2021

 No monthly meeting was held due to inclement weather.  Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative in order to hold the March meeting.  Hope to see you there.

Woodie Wagons

Wood-bodied station wagons, affectionately known as Woodies, may be gone, but are certainly not forgotten. Woodie wagons were first popular in affluent American communities, and were often found at hotels, country clubs, and national parks. Featuring hand-crafted strips of birch and mahogany on both interior and exterior panels, wood-bodied wagons were priced higher than regular models.

Woodie Wagon’s History (1928-1953)

At the start of the 20th century, most every form of transport was made of wood, including boats, planes, and horse-drawn carriages. When the automobile arrived, many early examples were wood-bodied. Steel-stamping techniques slowly improved, and steel gradually replaced hardwood over time. Designers, however, continued to use wood for styling. Steel improved body strength and durability, but car owners liked the look and charm of wood.

Ford Woodie Wagons

In June 1920, Henry Ford bought over 400,000 acres in the Michigan’s Iron Mountain forest as a source for lumber. While most other car makers had outside vendors manufacture their wood bodies, Ford’s huge track of forest gave them nearly unlimited lumber for their wood bodied cars, trucks, and wagons. Although located in the village of Kingsford, it was always referred to as the Iron Mountain plant. Today, the facility is a county-owned, public airport.

Outsourcing to Coach Builders

In addition to Ford and Mercury, most American car companies, including General Motors, Chrysler, and Nash, offered wood-bodied wagons during the 1930s and 1940s. One of the major outside vendors to manufacture wood bodies was Hercules Body Company of Evansville, Indiana.

 The Hercules Company began in 1912, building body kits that converted Ford Model-T roadsters into pickup trucks. They were called upon by other car manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Dodge.

Another major outfitter of wood-bodied wagons was Ionia Manufacturing Company in Ionia, Michigan, who built many station wagon bodies for General Motors. Although Pontiac and Chevrolet turned to all-metal wagons in 1949, Ionia continued to produce all 12,791 Buick Woodie wagons from 1949-1953.

The assembly of each wood-bodied wagon usually required over 150 sizes and shapes of wood, from strips several feet long to tiny framing blocks. The bodies also required hundreds of different parts from hardware to safety glass. Wood-bodied wagons weighed an additional 200-300 pounds heavier than their all-steel counterparts

After the wood body was finished, it was cleaned and sent to the varnishing booth. After the first coat of varnish was dried, it was sanded and re-varnished several times until a uniform coat was achieved. After drying, the body was lightly sanded and a final coating of varnish was applied. From there, it went on to the trim line for interior fittings, minor electrical work and the installation of the seats.

1940 Packard Woodie Wagon

Before World-War-Two, the Packard Motor Car Company built some of America’s finest luxury cars, featuring hand assembly and traditional craftsmanship. In 1940, Packard offered two Woody Wagons; the One-Ten series, and the longer One-Twenty series. The latter models were powered by Packard’s 356ci “straight-eight” engine.

Both the Packard One-Ten and the One-Twenty wagons featured ash frames and birch panels, with a mahogany-paneled version available at extra cost. Either model could carry eight passengers, but the eight-cylinder One-Twenty offered more comfort with an extra five-inches of rear-seat legroom. 1940 was Packard’s first year for the column-shift transmission on the One-Twenty series. It was also the last year for free-standing headlamps.

Post ww2 Woodies

Woodies weren’t very profitable for car manufacturers. They were labor intensive to produce and hand-assembled. In 1947, Chevrolet’s eight-passenger wood-bodied wagon continued to be their most expensive, and least popular model. A total of 4,912 were built that year. By 1951, the Woody wagon would be gone from Chevy’s line-up.

Last Of The Wood-Bodied Wagons

Ford woody wagons up to 1948 were all wood from the cowl back, with the exception of the rear fenders. On 1949 to 1951 models, real wood attached to the steel body on the doors, sides and tailgate. Starting in 1952, all Ford station wagons were steel-bodied.

Late in 1950, the mahogany paneling on Ford wagons was replaced with Di-Noc plastic vinyl sheeting bonded to steel panels. Chrysler had been using this trimming idea on their Town and Country models since 1948. Chrysler ultimately stopped using Di-Noc and converted over to body color panels and wood framing in mid-1949.

The last wood-body Pontiac was the 1949 Streamliner Wagon. Approximately 1,000 were built. Plymouth discontinued their Woodie station wagon in 1950.

Buick’s 1953 Super Estate and 1953 Roadmaster Estate Wagons were the last production American station wagons to have real wood construction. By the mid-fifties, car manufacturers produced steel bodies only, due to their durability and lower cost.

As Woodies became older and affordable, they passed into the hands of younger drivers, most notably surfers on the America’s West coast. Along with the language, clothes, and music, the Woodie Wagon became a part of 1960s California surf culture.

Maintenance of Wood-Bodied Cars

Old Woodies require considerable more maintenance than conventional steel-bodied wagons. They needed to be washed more frequently, and protected against rain, road grime, road salt. Weather-worn panels need replacement, and nuts and bolts holding them onto the car’s body need to be gone over periodically.

Woodie Wagons as Investments

Once thought to be a mere curiosity vehicle, old Woodies have risen steadily in value over the decades. Finding any wood-bodied car with it’s original wood still intact is rare. It is not uncommon for a clean example Wood-bodied station wagon sell for $50k or more.

If you’re looking to buy a Woodie Wagon, you’ll find many more Ford Woodies than any other make, and very few Chevy Woodies. Although the pre-war models command the highest prices, post-war Woodie values have been rising.

Calendar of Events

MARCH 2021                             HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

• 2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 21 – Steelstacks Society Opener, Macungie Mem. Park, Macungie, Pa

APRIL 2021                              HAPPY SPRING! 

• 6 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30pm.
• 21 – 25 – Spring Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
• 25 – Leesport Farmers Market Car Swap Meet

MAY 2021                               HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

• 5 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30pm.
• 15 – Chariots of Fire Show, auto mall Morgantown, Pa

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1982  Buick Coupe Riviera V8, Auto Trans, 50K original miles.  Interior = leather seats, ALL ORIGINAL.  Exterior = Landau top, medium Sandstone w/ pin stripe, ALL original.  Factory air, AM/FM radio w/ power antenna, PW/PDL, PS, PB, CC, Center console, rear air suspension, mag wheels.  $10,000.00.  Sally Getz, 610-377-6130.  Pics upon request.

Brake Drums:  Buick caste iron aluminum drums, 90 fins and 45 fins.

Doors: 1965-66 Electra/Wildcat passenger (manual windows);  4 – 1966 Electra (2 front/ 2 back) in very good condition;  1966 Wildcat (pair from 2 door car, manual window);  1967 Sport Wagon rear w/ manual windows.

Driveshafts:  1962 Cadillac/Olds F-85; 1963n Olds F-85 Sedan;  1964 Riviera;  1965 Riviera & GS; 1966 Wildcat/Electra;  1966-67 Riviera;  1968 Buick;  1969 Riviera/Electra.

Gas Tanks:  1966-69 Riviera;  1971 LeSabre plus others

Hoods:    1953 Buick;  1957-58 Oldsmobile;  1965, 1969 Electra;  1964 Wildcat;  1968-69 LeSabre;   1963-65, 1967 Riviera;   1953, 1967, 1968, 1970-72 Skylark;  1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Misc:  Buick (NOS) 1970 header panel;  Pontiac full size (NOS) 1962-3?? Rear trunk/tail light panel;   Pontiac Ventura (NOS) grill surround;   GM Buick Resonator (02/70A);   1 pair of 1966-70 Riviera

REAR resonators, 1 = left driver side/1 = right passenger side;    Universal wheel spacers.   (NOS) ?1970? Buick Header panel.  

Mufflers:  (NOS)  Body = 35” long on all mufflers;   1962-64 Buick dual exhaust mufflers, 1 ¾ hole = LeSabre, Invicta, Electra;  2 ¼ hole =  Wildcat, (NOS).    1952-55 Cadillac front muffler

Paired Fenders:   

• 1969 Riviera  w/ small dent passenger side fender.  Also can fit ’68 Riviera w/ cornering light as option.
• 1965 Wildcat w/ rust out behind wheel cut out
• 1968 – ‘69 LeSabre  pretty rusty
• 1966 Electra (Very Nice)
• 1963 – 64 Riviera (NICE)
• 1966 Electra ( NICE)
• 1966 Skylark
• 1968 Skylark
• 1965  Wildcat 
• 1958 Special  (NEEDS WORK)
• 1967 Riviera  (some damage)
• 1965 Skylark
• 1965 Skylark  
• 1968 Skylark  (VERY NICE)
• 1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders

Patch Panels:    1966-69, ’70 Riviera;  1967-68 Electra, Wildcat, LeSabre 4 door aftermarket

Radiator Support:    1965 Electra;   1966, 1969 Riviera;   1965 Wildcat;  1965, 1967 Skylark;  1968 Pontiac (NOS);  1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass;  1980-1090 ALL GM (NOS) RWD “B” body except Cadillac 1984-90

Rear:    1963-65 Full Size Buick, except ’65 LeSabre,  ratio 3.07 rear.  #1365221,  $1366777, #43-14

Rear Glass:     1966-69 Riviera REAR tinted glass wo cracks or chips.  Have 1 NOT tinted.  Have sevral to pick from, ALL from original Rivieras!

Roof Glass:  1967 Buick Sport Wagon/Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser roof glass exclusive panels

Seats:  1967 Skylark Back seat;   1971 Skylark Cpe back seat

Single fenders:    1958 Special;  1962, 1966, 1978 Electra;  1978 Electra Wagon;   1966-67, 1969 LeSabre;  1963-64, 1965, ’70, ‘72 ’73-74 Riviera & Boatail Riviera;   1965, ’67 Skylark;  1964 Wildcat

Transmissions:   1967 Riviera ST/TH 400 w/ converter

Trunk lid:    1949 Super;  1963-65 Riviera;  1964 Wildcat;   1965 Wildcat & Skylark;  1966 Electra & Wildcat;   1970-72 Skylark;  1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Various paired fenders:  1950 Super;  1958 Special;  1966 Electra;  1965 Skylark;  1966 Skylark;  1968 Skylark;  1968-69 LeSabre;  1965 Wildcat;   1963-64, 1967, 1969  Riviera; 1980 LeSabre Diesel

Wheels: Buick wheels = 15 x 7, code 885, code XT, code K499/BHE;   15 x 6 code BX disc brake, 768 (NOS) manufacturer sticker = OEM precision X-40168/MW35984;  15 x 6 code 802 = 1966-67 drum brakes, chrome 3^rd design;  15 x 6 code 895 chrome 1971-87; 15 x 6 code 853 chrome 2967-70, 4^th design.;   14 x 6 code 795 GM chrome wheels; 14 x 7 code UD.

Oldsmobile Rally, code 887 w/ trim rings;   14 x 7 Rally code 887DO; 14 x 7 Rally code 878;  14 x 6 Rally code NM, #22505907.

Buick Chrome Rally = 14 x 6 code 813,  810,  914,  991;   15 x 6 code 853 w/ tires. Sally Getz, 610-377-6130, csgetz@ptd.net .  Pictures are available upon request.

Parts for Sale for Buick 1953–1956.  ( V–8)

Point set; Condenser; Resistor; Rotor; Distributor cap; 8  Autolite Spark Plugs. SOLD AS A SET $60.00.  ((BOB’S AUTOMOBILIA PRICE, $75 PLUS SHIPPING.))

Pair of fan belts (non a/c).  Power Steering & Fan Generator$ 15.

Anco wiper blades  (2) $6.  Upper & Lower Radiator hoses $16.  Front Brake Hoses (2) $18.  4 New Wheel Cylinders 2 front, 2 rear $25.                  Howard Kriebel 610 489 1253.

LOOKING FOR :  A good used Pickup Truck 1978 to 1989, Dodge, Ford, or GMC/Chevy.         Howard Kriebel, 610 489 1253