Projects 48 Merc Woodie

What machine do you have to make the finger joints? Also, how did you make the doorsills? They look like you made them on a big shaper?
Thanks very much for showing this nice work on a nice machine.

 

Thanks Dueced, I appreciate it, though I may be more inclined to agree with Gearhead.

Hold on to dads old tools Jake, they really don't make em like they used to. Most of my tools were bought used, some are older than I am and I'm pretty sure they will all be around after I'm gone. Check into Fords' Iron Mountain plant some time when you've got a few minutes, pretty impressive place.

 

I had a set of shaper cutters made to cut the finger joints, same with the other two common profiles. I also have a duplicating mill that I can use for the more complicated shapes, if I have a good pattern to follow anyway. Quite often I have to make the patterns, but when you are only interested in the shape and not the appearance, a scrap wood pattern can be made much faster than a real piece.

 

WOW! Your woodworking skills are amazing - a dying art.
Where did you learn to do what you do?
Love your shop.

 

I got started in the mid 80s building wood sport fishing boats at a place in Florida named Rybovich, the one pictured here is 48', and all wood. After I got out on my own I built a few Chris Crafts, the one here is a 1946 22' Sportsman, all the wood in this boat is new. About ten years ago I got into cars and that's about all it's been ever since.

 

Thanks for the reply. Those boats are beautiful. I truly hope that you continue your work for a very long time so that you and others can enjoy the fruits and beauty of your labor. It's true sculpture. Such a master craftsman is a rare find these days. Thanks for what you do. Hope you have the chance to go to the Mt.Dora wooden boat festival held in FL each year.

 

19Fordy, The show has moved to Tavares. Went this year for the first time. Mind-Blowing!!
http://www.tavares.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1719
http://www.acbs-sunnyland.org/

JT

 

I was at that show a few years ago, I think it was the first year at Tavares. I built a Ford Sportsman for a guy up here that had a house near Tampa, he showed the car at Amelia Island and at the Mt Dora (I think it's still called that) car/boat show that year. He was the kind that drove his cars, he drove it home from Amelia Island after that show and we drove it from Tampa to and from the Mt Dora show, good times. Unfortunately he passed away a couple years ago, heckofa guy. His car is now in California.

 

One more door, a couple tail lights and some finish sanding and the outside will be wrapped up. Have a few panels and most of the trim on the inside left to do.

 

I never thought I would say this , It was a pleasure to watch what you do with your wood!

 

True craftsmanship! I build model airplanes (the OLD way, planked fuselage, carved/shaped blocks) so imagine my appreciation for the use of exotic woods, in the full scale!
Your Chris Craft Sportsman build was amazing.

Thanks for filming your forming and fitting door jambs, frames and panels...top was ultimate.

 

Thank you and you're welcome. How about a little Chris Craft before and after. 16' 1951 Riviera.

 

Another little custom touch.

 

mamllc, I like that little "flair" you put on the bottom of the lift gate where the rubber seal goes over the tailgate on a stock vehicle, very cool. Taillights are amazing.

 

Thanks. The tailgate is a little easier to get open with the rubber gasket, but the way these cars get used today, the improvement in looks is (at least to the owners of the three of these I've built) worth the slight inconvenience.

 

Since last time I built all the interior trim, disassembled and finish sanded everything, got the parts sprayed, and reassembled everything. Other than a few details and a good cleaning it's ready to go.

 

DAVE, THE MERC LOOKS GREAT, HERE ARE SOME PICS. OF MY 42 DAVE DID FOR ME

 

Beautiful work. Great to see another woodie getting back on the road. I am sure the owners will be smiling! TEB

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BEAUTIFUL!!! What a nice job. What is that Kangaroo hood ornament. I collect aftermarket hood ornaments for my '46 Woodie, and I have several but have never seen that one. With your talents I would bet that you made it yourself. I hope that someday I will be able to see the car in person.

 

Thanks Jim! He says he's taking it out west next fall, you guys should get together, the wife is looking hard for an excuse to go back. Nice pictures, you have the perfect spot for that!

 

Thanks, but I can't take credit for the hood ornament. This car gets out often, shouldn't be too hard to find. If you ever do see it have Jim tell you the story behind the kangaroo.

 

I presume this in an Ozzie aftermarket Ford hood accessory?

 

THE HOOD ORNAMENT, THE KANGAROO WAS PURCHASED IN AUSTRALIA, AT AN ANTIQUE SHOP, ITS FROM A 1948 VANGUARD. I DO HAVE THE 42 HOOD ORNAMENT, BUT WE MADE THE KANGAROO WORK, IT LOOKS BETTER.

 

Nice work and lots of it!

 

Way cool Jim, that kangaroo looks like it's doing 100mph.