We are ready to begin building the new wood, and although we have a huge amount of pattern wood, and jigs from Hawirko's the task still seem daunting. Because of the logistics of building this car in Mexico, when you need something special, i.e. spiral up-cut router bit, 5/8" rabbet bit with a 1/2" shank, it becomes a waiting game, unless you cough up the big money for Overnight International Shipping. I hope you enjoy these pictures, this is the first time in a long time that this beautiful car had he correct wood on it. So far so good, everything is working good so-far, just need to finesse the joints. Time to Start working on the doors. Well here are some pictures of the wood I'll post more LATER.
Love your work. A rare car that deserves preserving. Those finger joints (?) look awesome. Subscribed.
Test fitting an original door to align the new quarter panel post. While I wait for some router bits to arrive, I'll post some photos of the motor and other misc thing, you might find interesting. Will try to get a better picture of the Shaper with the finger-joint cutter posted.
We removed the body from the chassis, and prepped and painted the chassis, it was in surprisingly good condition for its age and didn't require a lot of work, we have since purchased all the new suspension parts. Anyone familiar with this early type suspension, is aware of all the components necessary to repair it correctly. I have added photos of the chassis as well as a bunch on the motor and motor accessories following the rebuild. We had to trackdown a correct oil-filter and the air cleaner was from a later model and not correct for the later 47 model. We had issues with the 6 Volt coil and after spending a few weeks trying to find a new coil, we found someone that could rebuild ours. The 6 Volt starter, now I've said it, and I'm sure my therapist will be happy I acknowledged my problem. Anyway, it has since be resolve and weekly my meds are being reduced. Special Dog Bone Aluminum Body Mounts
Where did you get the finger joint cutters? What brand is the shaper you are using and what size is the spindle Dia. Thanks
I would also like to see a picture of the cutters and the machine that you are using for your finger joints. I replaced from the rear doors back on my '46. Most people that don't have "Woodies" don't realize how tedious this work is. Make a mistake on steel and you can fill it with lead or even Bondo. Make a mistake with wood and you are screwed. I have seen wrong holes and gaps filled with wood filler but you can always see them. Every cut I made I measured about a dozen times and was like a "cat sh**ing razor blades" when I made my cut. Nice job and keep posting pictures.
WOW---Thats nice work!!! And what really gets me is you guys are in PV!!!! A group of us USA hot rodders have come down to PV every winter FOR YEARS and never heard about any wood rebuilding shop. WOW!!! BILL RINALDI
Hey, Bill we are actually in Bucerias, just 15min outside of Vallarta. Next time you are here come over.
WOW! how do you manage to hold the piece you are doing the finger joints on! Those cutters look mid evil. The OSHA people would have a heart attack with that one! Are you a member of the National Woodie Club? I don't know if you know him but Jeff Yeagle is also building a Sportsman from scratch. Keep up the good work!
Not a member of the National Woodie Club yet, I was hoping to finish the Sportsman Project and they would be so pleased with the work that I would be the Ambassador to Mexico. As far as the finger joints go, with the material clamped down to the miter jig, and for how smooth the machine is "knock on wood" it cuts really nice, if you notice in the picture I have 2 clamps applying pressure, and it allows me to have my hand placement well away from the cutter head. Also above the cut-line attached to the machine is a tool guard, the really reduces the risk of injury. I have talked to Jeff Yeagle, and am really impressed with his drive to create his Sportsman, I sent him some profiles for the front door post, to help his project. Great guy, I hope to meet him someday.
The Jalopy Journal
