VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 wood parts for door

Does any one have a source for wood for doors on a 32 4dr Special. I have a pattern. I am in need of the front door header bar (both sides) and rear door bottom board (both sides). I know about Rodman (he doesn't advertize in G&D anymore) and the guy in Va. (whose price is outlandish (if I heard him correctly). I had been using the guy in NC but he is sick, sold the business and I've been waiting the better part od a year and he doesn't know when I'll get them. I'm not trying to sound crass but would like to drive my car once before I kick. Any help is appreciated.

I will tell you autowood is the way to go. Just have a little time.Just finishing up my 31 4dr sedan rear doors and i can tell you his lower boards are right on the money.

I called Rodman. He said he'd rather not mess with them and suggested I use an epoxy in the rotted area. I don't like the idea of epoxy at a stress point and he does't (or didn't) want to make the wood.

I'm with you.....I wouldn't use the epoxy either. That is basically just a Mickey Mouse fix. New wood is the only way to go.

Right, new wood is great---if you can get it, afford the time and $ and the parts are made correctly. I decided against new wood and used epoxy to repair door wood on both a'27 and '34. I was pleased with the results- joints are tight and curvature is correct. My approach was to drill angular holes between pieces near joints then fill with epoxy. Metal bar and ell stock was also used in critical places.
Someday when I pass the next owners may pull off door panels and say "what a cobble job". The titles are in my name now and i'm happy with it. Good luck to others who face similar issues. Dan

I used Rodman several years ago and was very happy with the quality and speed.

The pieces are not difficult to make if you have a good pattern and decent woodworking gear(thickness plane and band saw). Any experienced furniture maker should be able to do it with the old pattern (even if some it is shakey), he has the door for test fitting, and a couple of hours per piece. Not sure what wood was used in '32 doors, likely ash, may have used poplar in bottoms

I have used Rodman in the past for other items. Not sure what the problem is with the door wood.

Unfortunately I don't have either of the tools but may try it anyway. I'm trying local wood shops to see if they can do the work I can't. Most replacemnet has been ash but i understand they used whatever they could get it made from. Most of my original seems to be oak.

I agree. sometimes you have to make a repair as best as possible, with the means you have. While wood replacement is the best way to go, sometimes you to try to make other type of repairs due to money, lack of space, time, help. etc.

Try to find a woodworking hobbyist that likes a challenge. You could try running a local ad, attend a crafts fair, or see if their is a school that may have adult woodworking classes. They will have the tools and the expertise to assist you. Various hardwoods were used in the doors , probably depending on local availability. I made the wood for the R.H. front door on my 32 sedan and it contained maple and poplar. I think the rear door wood would be less of a challenge and not as complicated as you might envision. The satisfaction of doing it yourself will be worth the effort.

Making them yourself is a big advantage, since the most expensive piece, i.e. your labour is free. Don't scrimp on the wood, I found ash to be the best to work with, holds its shape, takes small nails well, and shapes nicely. Any good hardwood supply place may have good scraps for small money. In selecting pieces, get as straight grain as possible, good and dry, and no knots.
Many pieces can be made using only a table saw and a good hand plane. I made the front cowl/door posts for my '31 Coach, probably the most complicated pieces of all, and though not easy (compound curves), after a couple of rough fits, got them about 98% right. Trial and error will get you 99% eventually, and remember, the wood is cheap material to waste.

Thanks for your input. I may try it myself just for the experience.

Good idea, and you should have fun doing the wood yourself.

Many, many years ago I built a 32 coupe street rod. I used epoxy in several locations. The result was nothing short of amazing. You could even drill it and tap fine threads. Never used it since as new wood was available for all the 32's I have built since. Don't remember who I purchased the materials from.

I'm not telling you to use use it, or not to use it. All I can say is it worked in my case and lasted with zero problems the whole time I owned the car.

Happy motoring,