Having produced the first production Model T in 1908, Henry Ford initialized the assembly line six years later, quickly propelling his company to global leadership in automotive manufacturing. Equally impressive were Ford's pioneering efforts in developing various natural resources including the maintenance and replenishment of forests that supplied raw materials used in his vehicles. Hundreds of millions of board feet of maple and birch lumber were used in framing Model Ts alone, and that volume grew with Ford's ever-expanding product lineup of cars, trucks and wagons.
Several years after discovering this 1946 Ford Woody, Tom Joseph (Greer, SC) managed to bring it home for a partial rebuild, which involved replacing the original Flathead engine and other components in the drivetrain. Then, after 13 years and thousands of trouble-free miles, Joseph decided to update the original wood, paint, interior and running gear once again. Rather than replacing all of the vintage timber, only pieces showing their age were swapped out, and yet it's almost impossible to see where this "reforestation" took place. As the woodwork was being shaped, the body panels were reworked and coated in a rich black PPG finish by Richard Wright.
This time around a GM Goodwrench 350 cubic-inch crate engine was fitted with Edelbrock's Performer intake manifold and 600cfm carburetor topped with a '65 L79 Chevelle air cleaner used to capture an era. Other additions include a Pertronix ignition system firing through Taylor wiring, Southern Rods & Parts stainless steel 1 5/8-inch exhaust headers, and a stainless oval exhaust system fitted with Hooker mufflers. A 700-R4 automatic transmission from TCI Automotive manages the power, which is controlled through an ididit column/shifter selecting the ratios.
To improve this car's road manners, Joseph stepped up with Alan Pitman Race Cars, updating the frame with a new X-member before replacing the original front suspension with Mustang II tubular control arms incorporating coil springs, dropped spindles, and power rack-and-pinion steering. Stainless steel brake lines supply GM disc brakes boosted with Southern Rods dual master cylinder and balanced with a Wilwood proportioning valve. The same braking package resides on either end of a 9-inch Ford rear axle housing fitted with 3.73:1 gearing and Moser axles. Riding leaf springs and tubular shocks this has proven to be an ideal setup, allowing the Josephs to cruise comfortably wherever they choose.
Once all of the mechanical aspects of this '46 were in order, attentions turned inside where Rob Hyson wired all of the electrics of the Southern Air Maxi II electric heat and air conditioning. Add in a powerful Kenwood audio system, VDO gauges and other modern touches hidden away in the name of originality and it was time for the finishing touch.
Got-U-Covered laid down brown reproduction Ford vinyl over the seating, while Wise Guys handled the front seats. Above, Mercedes top cloth offsets beautiful top bows that highlight the interior, while brown wool carpet already bares witness to this car's traveling intensions-no surprise considering the enjoyment the Josephs get lumbering this beauty down the interstate.
As good as they look, it's the squeaks, rattles and groans that really make you smile behind the wheel of one of these, a testament to wooden cars, and to Henry Ford for his pioneering spirit.
 Looking through the Southern...  Looking through the Southern Rods and Parts banjo steering wheel, the VDO gauges blend nicely within Rodtech adapters, the surrounding dash panels and an ididit shifter. |  A great deal of effort went...  A great deal of effort went into tediously uniting the original wood with newly crafted pieces replacing those ravaged over time. Every effort went into maintaining originality despite modern updates centered on function. |  Beneath the vintage L79 air...  Beneath the vintage L79 air cleaner lies a bone stock GM 350 cubic-inch crate engine displaying a subtle mix of polished and chrome details to keep things simple and reliable. |
 While it's easy to enjoy the...  While it's easy to enjoy the beautiful exterior lines of these cars, it's the interior that everyone loves. Kept simple with three rows of brown vinyl punctuating the expanses of maple and birch, the original character of these surroundings retains history. |  Tom Joseph is a gearhead....  Tom Joseph is a gearhead. When he's not popping the chutes of his Super Comp dragster and Super Gas '33 Dodge roadster, you'll find him honing his businesses, Southern Rods and Parts, and Southern Air. |  |