1932 "survivoration"

[ro]

So, "survivoration" is what I'm calling my approach to my '32 wagon. It's not faux patina in the sense of layering colors and sanding through to create the look. And it's not redoing everything to look like new. It's about gathering correct OEM stuff that is in good original condition.

I was extremely grateful to find a set of original doors and rear belt line trim.
So, I'm basing the entire "survivoration" around matching those doors. If anyone happens to have any removed original stuff that was too good to throw away, and it's correct for the '32, feel free to give me a shout. Even little things like hood welting, or whatever.

Has anyone else done a "survivoration?" Or whatever you call it. :-)

[G.M.]

To me it is a waste of time. This is a rare and expensive
32 woody, why not make it something of value?? G.M.

[cas3]

i think its a great idea...but its gonna be hard to do with a low production car made of wood. best wishes

[51504bat]

Your car. Do with it what you want.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by G.M.

To me it is a waste of time. This is a rare and expensive
32 woody, why not make it something of value?? G.M.

Park yours next to his at a Saturday nite parking lot gathering, or a Saturday morning swap meet, and 95% or better of the "lookie-lou's" will be gathered around his raggedy ol' wagon of NO value! The arrogance....! DD

[nickthebandit]

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would spend more time looking at this wagon than a restored one. I can appreciate what it took to put this together, and to keep it looking as it is.

[tomcarman]

Originally Posted by G.M.

To me it is a waste of time. This is a rare and expensive
32 woody, why not make it something of value?? G.M.

We have (2) '32 Fords that have been in the family for many years. My brother and I have an ongoing joke about want something for a '32 it's a $1000 minimum. I admire people who have the time, knowledge and financial resources to retsore a rare '32 of any model but the truth in our experience few have the resources to undertake such an endeavor.

[Bored&Stroked]

I've deliberately not restored my 32 Cabriolet . . . the paint has wear and tear on it, the old top is yellow and water stained (still has the "critter" paw prints on it from being a hammock for vermin in the garage for 55 years), the Firestone wire wheels haven't been repainted, the front bumper is old and rusty looking, etc.. I did redo the interior and the drivetrain (though still a flathead). I will say, the old look and feel of it is more attractive to most folks than if I'd restored it. There are a gazillion rep-op 32's out in the world - with nice shiny paint, new chrome and SBCs in them -- you see very few original cars that have "that look" from back in the day.

Also, it is funny how it goes - a car like mine that is kind of a rolling museum is worth more as "it is", than if I'd spent another $30K on new paint, chrome, etc.. But, with that said - the market might just change again . . . so who cares.

I know your wagon is extremely rare - but as long as you're doing what YOU want to do and enjoying yourself - that is truly all that matters. Have fun, get it done . . . drive the heck out of it!

[ro]

Good morning, all. I appreciate all of the comments . . . and I do mean all of them. I consider the fact that we all have our own opinions to be a good thing.

With regards to building something of value . . . I believe I am doing just that. Value to me, for sure. But I also contend that I'm building something with monetary value, as well. To be clear, the choice for doing a "survivoration" was made for personal enjoyment reasons, and not for monetary investment reasons.

However, I wouldn't be too quick to assume that I'm making a bad investment choice. As mentioned, the car is very rare . . . and that is true no matter what. I also feel like there are a growing number of people who really appreciate the story, and history, of the things they buy, or simply enjoy seeing. This car will feature the 11th set of wooden doors, made in 1932. They are solid, they function fine, and they've been there and done that. You feel that when you look at them. The man I bought them from cared enough to keep them around, even after having a brand new body built for his car. And btw, his car is beautiful! I feel like I'm honoring him by giving those doors a new purpose. I don't know the build number of my car, but it's early - like the doors - and it shares the same original leftover '31 paint color that car #11 had.

So, to monetary investment - again, it's not driving my choices - but . . .

A fully restored 1932 Woodie would be worth what, maybe 60-80k? I honestly don't know as much as many of you about this, but I think I'm in the ballpark. A new body would cost 40k+? That doesn't leave a lot of room to buy it, source parts, and refinish everything.

My car might not bring 60k, but I'm betting I'd have a better net gain. Say there are 100 buyers who prefer the full restoration, and only 2 who like mine. Truth is . . . you can only sell it once. And because '32s are rare, I'm certain I would be able to connect with one of those 2 people.

Don't give up on me :-) . . . I think as the car takes shape it will seem like a better idea than it might right now, to some folks.

rod

[TJ]

Build it the way you want it. Please yourself and you will be happy. Frankly nice old original cars are what I enjoy most. It's rolling history and if they could talk I would love to hear their story.

[FritzJr]

@ro, as long as you are not doing anything which cannot be undone, the next owner can do a full restoration if that is their goal.

[woodiewagon46]

The good news is that the '32 Wagon has basically all flat panels so there are no complex curves to deal with. Someone with good carpenter skills and a good table saw can put together a fairly decent body. As you know it's a rare body style as only 1032, four cylinder cars were built and only 351, V-8's so trying to find parts might be tough. The original body was Maple with Birch plywood panels and Basswood roof slats. I would try to use the original wood variety's and stay away from pine and plywood. Don't listen to the nay sayers and enjoy yourself and your project.

[53MERC]

I too am a big fan of the worn, weathered, patina cars and trucks. Like V8COOPMAN mentioned, I am drawn to those vehicles at car shows and walk right past a lot of the shiny restored stuff. I love your plan. Have fun with it.
I plan on keeping my 53' as-is. Dull paint and all.

[ro]

While I mentioned the original doors, I also have all the support structure made new by Wood 'n Carz in California. I got that with the car when I bought it. My front fenders are solid, but they don't retain any original paint, so I'd love to swap for some decent ones with old paint. The thing I lack with the body is the basswood slatted roof. That will be pricey, no doubt.

[NealinCA]

I put this 32 sedan back on the road wearing the remnants of original paint. The car was mostly complete, but I still had to find some matching original pieces and fake in a few small parts to match. It was a fun car and got more looks than my shiny one.

Good luck with your project.

Neal

[rockfla]

I'm still stuck at how he knows it was the #11 station wagon made? I didn't know Ford kept records of what engines went with which body style?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by rockfla

I'm still stuck at how he knows it was the #11 station wagon made? I didn't know Ford kept records of what engines went with which body style?

I don't believe it has anything to do with engine (trans)/serial numbers. I do believe that a couple of body styles were numbered on firewall as they were produced. Surely David will set me straight. DD

[ro]

Raulangs stamped a production number on the wood cross member supporting the gas tank on drivers side.

[KiWinUS]

Great stuff enjoy your journey. I am doing something very similar with a 36 trunk back convertible sedan. The car is amazingly solid but the cost to restore (I couldn’t afford) would be way more than it’s retail value. My intent is to make it a very solid mechanically driver with one of my KiWi-L100 cammed hot rod engines.
Great vehicle. Have fun
Cheers
Tony

[leon bee]

I also completely like your plan. It's about what I do with all my old stuff.

[DavidG]

woodiewagon46,

With respect, I recommend that you take a closer look at the next original or correctly restored '32 station wagon that you encounter. The side roof rails have a double compound curve from the B pillar forward (down and in) in addition to having a cove inside running their entire length to accommodate the side curtains that slide up under the roof. Not likely that even the best cabinet maker/carpenter could make them using only a table saw, even the very best table saw. It is error to state that "there are no complex curves to deal with".

[cas3]

all the auto makers had some real wood guys back in those days. the finger joints and nice fits are mind boggling on some cars

[Mr 42]

Sounds like a Good plan
I made a survivoration on my 33 Roadster.
http://brandow.eu/

[GSCOV]

It really boils down to how much time is on your clock still. And do you want to see it under your feet? We all like the hunt and challenge. It is hard tracking down parts for the "average" restoration. I know how hard the parts are to find and have owned 6 of these 32 wagons including 1 V8 car. The wood parts in finding usable originals will be the most challenging. God bless you in your quest.

[oldandtired]

Ro...Maybe you remember the song, "Garden Party?" n' see, it's all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see ya can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself."

[stangblue]

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I wish my garage had empty shelve space!

[woodiewagon46]

David, the roof rail you are talking about is common to most Station Wagons, built in the early '30s, not only Ford's. I have seen and read about it fabricated several different ways, such as two piece's morticed together, two pieces joined with woodworking "biscuits" and even a flat piece of steel bent and hidden in the glue joint. In the May 2020 issue of the Woodie Times an article about a 1930 Franklin discuses the exact part.

[tubman]

"ro" - As many others have said; it's your car, do it your way. In addition, I believe you deserve extra credit for coming up with the term "survivoration".

[ro]

I'm working frantically to trademark that term ��

[rbone]

ro - great project and I really like your openness to ideas. As said, it is your car. If you want to be able to drive the car sooner rather than later, there may be a hybrid approach. Find all of the original parts that you can now and augment with anything needed to get her moving under her own power. Then, over time as you find original parts, you can replace the aftermarket ones with original ones. I realize it is easier to replace some parts than others though, but this would get her rolling.

[ro]

I continue to appreciate the thoughts being shared. It is a very rare car, so I totally get the notion of making it as nice as possible to honor that. I also subscribe to the idea that there is honor in preserving all of the original elements as possible. I'm excited about this survivoration because I think I'll be able to find a sweet spot in the middle. The paint job in the photo will likely be "improved" to show a little less wear. This was mainly my attempt to see what I could do with creating an aged look. As I mentioned, the project is centered around the original doors. Once they are on the car, I will work to make sure the paint work feels right. The doors are nice, so the final product will be sharp looking, but not brand new. I am also paying keen attention to using the proper wood types, screw types, etc. It will be as accurate as the finest restoration.

And, don't forget to send anyone who might have old parts in my direction! :-)

Thanks again,
rod

[KGS]

Originally Posted by ro

I'm working frantically to trademark that term ��

Too late!

Survivoration ®

Just kidding

[ro]

Originally Posted by KGS

Too late!

Survivoration ®

Just kidding

Dang! I should have thought of doing it that way :-)

[flatford8]

I also applaud your effort!...yes, it is a very valuable car but, it ain’t just about the money. I honestly believe you will enjoy it more by not investing tens of thousands of dollars and worrying every time somebody walks up to it or leaving it home in the garage because something may happen to it. Consider a build thread and add pics and text when you complete another segment. I know a build thread is a lot of time and effort but I think many would be interested.
GBSISSON built his own “Woodie” using a half-ton pickup. Check out his thread on the build.......Good Luck!!!.......Mark

[DavidG]

DD and Robert,


Station wagon bodies were numbered as 'ro' states so it is presumably the eleventh station wagon body built. It would be something of a coincidence if it were the eleventh station wagon produced as that presumes that all '32 station wagons were assembled at a single assembly plant and that plant ruthlessly employed FIFO inventory control. Neither of those presumptions are accurate based on Ford's archival records. The body may be from the eighth or eighteen or eightieth whole station wagon built depending on where that station wagon was assembled and how far away that assembly plant was located compared to the location of where the body was built (there were two sources of the '32 station wagon bodies as Baker-Rauling only made some of them). There are no surviving records of when either numbered bodies or specific engine number engine/transmission assemblies were assembled together into a vehicle, station wagon or otherwise. A more accurate claim would be; "it's an '32 early station wagon and its body was the eleventh one built by Baker-Rauling", assuming it is a Baker-Rauling body. Presumably it has the early version of the header bow and no tool box in the floor in front of the tailgate like the later '32 station wagon bodies.


Some, but perhaps not even a majority of Ford-built '32 passenger car bodies (standard coupes and sedans most notably) had a body number stamped on the #1 steel cross sill usually with a letter prefix (D for Dearborn, T for Twin Cities, etc.) denoting the plant where the body was built. The cabriolets, convertible sedans, deluxe coupes, and some, but not all, Fordor sedans had separate numbered body builder tags riveted to that #1 cross sill.

[GB SISSON]

I love the premise of this '32 build. I rage up and down my gravel road in my home-built woodie wagon. Since the weather got good here in Western Washington mine has been parked in my sunny field getting a little more amber in her brushed on spar varnish. The body's framing is maple, panels birch ply and the roof slats hemlock. The double compound curve longitudinal roof stringers are laminated from 5 lifts of western sugar pine. I have hauled garbage cans to the dump and outboard motors and even a V8 block in the back. All 4 grandkids are visiting the island this week and they always have to go in Grandpa's wooden car. It doesn't get any better. If I ever get caught up with the work in my day job, I could make you some parts that look old. It's what I do for a living. Keep it up!

[cas3]

"grampa's wooden car" great story GB

[GB SISSON]

We all decided to call it that after one of the girls went to school and told the teacher that grandpa showed us his woodie......

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by DavidG

woodiewagon46,

With respect, I recommend that you take a closer look at the next original or correctly restored '32 station wagon that you encounter. The side roof rails have a double compound curve from the B pillar forward (down and in) in addition to having a cove inside running their entire length to accommodate the side curtains that slide up under the roof. Not likely that even the best cabinet maker/carpenter could make them using only a table saw, even the very best table saw. It is error to state that "there are no complex curves to deal with".

TRUE the side rails have a little shape.. I dont use a table saw.. but I did make these for my 36 (which are very similar in design to the 32)

[sawzall]

BTW Ro.. I havent forgotten about our phone call.. I did find some pieces that may be of interest.. unfortunately (or fortunately for me) ANOTHER wagon has come into my life.. and I have been somewhat distracted by it..

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by DavidG

DD and Robert,


Station wagon bodies were numbered as 'ro' states so it is presumably the eleventh station wagon body built. It would be something of a coincidence if it were the eleventh station wagon produced as that presumes that all '32 station wagons were assembled at a single assembly plant and that plant ruthlessly employed FIFO inventory control. Neither of those presumptions are accurate based on Ford's archival records. The body may be from the eighth or eighteen or eightieth whole station wagon built depending on where that station wagon was assembled and how far away that assembly plant was located compared to the location of where the body was built (there were two sources of the '32 station wagon bodies as Baker-Rauling only made some of them). There are no surviving records of when either numbered bodies or specific engine number engine/transmission assemblies were assembled together into a vehicle, station wagon or otherwise. A more accurate claim would be; "it's an '32 early station wagon and its body was the eleventh one built by Baker-Rauling", assuming it is a Baker-Rauling body. Presumably it has the early version of the header bow and no tool box in the floor in front of the tailgate like the later '32 station wagon bodies.


Some, but perhaps not even a majority of Ford-built '32 passenger car bodies (standard coupes and sedans most notably) had a body number stamped on the #1 steel cross sill usually with a letter prefix (D for Dearborn, T for Twin Cities, etc.) denoting the plant where the body was built. The cabriolets, convertible sedans, deluxe coupes, and some, but not all, Fordor sedans had separate numbered body builder tags riveted to that #1 cross sill.

Thanks for "un-sticking" me David!!!

[Bored&Stroked]

Hi DavidG - I'd like to look for the body tag on my Cabriolet. Is this a tag that you can see when the body is on the car (assembled) - or is it hidden? Where exactly 'should' I look if it is accessible? Thanks as always!

[ro]

Originally Posted by flatford8

I also applaud your effort!...yes, it is a very valuable car but, it ain’t just about the money. I honestly believe you will enjoy it more by not investing tens of thousands of dollars and worrying every time somebody walks up to it or leaving it home in the garage because something may happen to it. Consider a build thread and add pics and text when you complete another segment. I know a build thread is a lot of time and effort but I think many would be interested.
GBSISSON built his own “Woodie” using a half-ton pickup. Check out his thread on the build.......Good Luck!!!.......Mark

I can see where it might be fun to share the experience and get thoughts and input from folks on here. I will say though, I'm no mechanic, so it would not be a very technical thread The car has a running '32 b motor installed already, but the wiring needs completed. A portion of my thread would show me reaching out to other folks when it comes to such things.

So, I'm open to the idea if folks would be interested, and someone could suggest a good way to publish such a thing. Seems like there are some limitations within the normal threads with picture sizes, and such.

I am a filmmaker and graphic designer, so while it may lack technical expertise, the thread would at least look decent.

[DavidG]

B&S,

If intact, as a fair number of them seem to end up removed when a body is painted and then not reinstalled or perhaps kept as a souvenir, it would be beneath the front edge of the seat bottom on the right side riveted to the top of the #1 cross sill.

[woodiewagon46]

There is an original '32 Station Wagon tail light bracket in the classified section of the V-8 Ford Club site if your interested.

[DavidG]

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With respect, that bracket on the Club website is misidentified. Unlike later station wagons, the '32 version uses the same tail lamp bracket as the later Model A, '32, and later pickup trucks, etc.. It mounts under the body, not on the side of the body as shown in the first photo below.


In the second photo, the original bracket is the third from the left (the remainder of the brackets in that photo are the rest of the tail lamp brackets used on North American '32 vehicles).

[Kerk]

I remember Lee A. telling me the story of His attempt to pick up his Original 1932 Woody Wagon from the original owner. The owner would not let him take the car as it was raining and he never had it out in the rain!! Lee went back on a nice day and drove it home . kerk

[DavidG]

Kermit,
And thanks to Lee my station wagon has the correct sliding side curtains. He and his brother, Jack, would not be happy with what happened to the business that they built from the ground up in Amesbury, MA.

[woodiewagon46]

David, that's why you're "the man" when it comes to the 1932 Ford!

[hop up]

Very cool project Any updates?

[32phil]

I'm a little late to this "survivoration" saga.
I wholly support the preservation aspect of it, especially the recycling so to speak of parts removed but too good to discard. Lord knows I had a ton of those over the years !!
Contact me after April 1st. and I will donate my time and efforts in helping you get whatever locks and keys etc. you may need for the wagon.
Best of luck with your project.
Phil

[JSeery]

Looks like the last time ro was on the Barn was 10-13-2020 05:42 PM. Hopefully he logs back on one of these days.