48 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” Wagon

The 48 Ford Super DeLuxe being a classic among classics in the Woody Wagon world. 

When surfing exploded into southern California during the 1950’s, the surfers adopted the readily available used Woody’s for their affordable spaciousness. Shove the surfboards through the back window and there was still enough room for all your friends and a cooler. Soon, they became synonymous with beach culture as movies and music featured them regularly through the 60’s. 

Finished dimensions are approximately 12.25” L x 4.25” W x 4.5” T

Convertible Version

Also check out the Convertible Sportsman version of this Woody project!

STEP 1 – Upload Project

Open the Designer software and open the included project file(s). You can then simply compile (upload) the project(s) to your memory card.

Note: If you wish to have the opening back window hide the woody back and unhide everything in the optional back door folder. 

NOTE: Carve times are as follows:

  • Woody Side Layout.mpc
    • Good – 4 hours  47 mins
    • Best –  7  hours 07 mins
  • Woody Middle Pieces.mpc
    • Good – 2 hours 07 mins
    • Best – 2 hours 55  mins

Take and insert the card into your machine and load the project board. 

Turn your machine on and proceed with Step 2… 

STEP 2 – Carving

Once the carving is finished, remove it from the machine and vacuum or blow off any excess sawdust.

STEP 3 – Working with the Parts 

Now that the project is carved, you will need to separate all the pieces from the tabs using a sharp chisel.

STEP 4 – Cut the base parts

Use the top or hood as a measure guide and cut two pieces out of the ends of the boards. Trim one of these pieces to 4.75 inches.  These two pieces will become the base of the car. 

STEP 5 – Glue up and Sanding 

Glue the wheels together.

Clamp and glue the front grill, hood, top and back of the body together.  Use the bottom pieces to help clamp but do not glue them in place at this time.

NOTE: Align the body parts as best as you can.  A little overlap is to be expected.  

Next, sand the body and wheels blending all the seams together.  

On the Remaining parts remove all the tabs and sand each piece using a rotary tool and files. Sand all surfaces, but be careful to not get too aggressive as you do not want to remove the fine details. 

TIP: If you will be painting, use a sanding sealer, such as a spray shellac, before sanding.

STEP 6 – Wheels

To finish sand the wheels chuck a short piece of  3/16” dowel into a hand drill. Wedge the wheels on to this dowel to finish sanding the wheels. 

This same technique is used to assist in painting the white walls and hubcaps.

STEP 7 – Assembly

SEE EXPLODED ASSEMBLY GUIDE AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE.

Glue and paint the floor pieces and the seats.  Glue the seats to the floor with the back seat at 3 7/8” and the front seat at 4 7/8” from the back of the floor.

For the steering wheel cut a piece of  3/16” dowel 1 3/4” inches long and slightly taper one end so that it will fit tightly into the steering wheel.

Cut a notch on the underside of the dash 5/8” from the side.

Measure 7 1/4” from the back of the floor and 5/8” in from the side of the floor and using a 3/16” bit drill an angled hole at this position.  This hole is just to help hold the steering wheel and will not be seen.

Using a rotary tool under cut the fenders to allow clearance for the wheels. 

To position the floor to the body, place the floor on some pieces of scrap so that the front of the body and the back fender are flush with the floor.

Dry fit the base to the car and adjust the steering wheel mounting wheel undercuts as needed.  Glue the car body together clamping if needed.   Be sure to push the floor to the back of the body.

Cut two pieces of 3/16” wood dowel 3.5” long for the axles. Dry fit the axle supports to make sure axes turn freely.  Glue the axle supports in place. 

Glue the front bumper and lights in place. 

The back bumper is glued to the bottom of the floor.

Glue the spare tire on.

Bonus Assembly Option!

There are some hidden elements in the MPC files. If you unhide them and carve, you will get an option for a 2 part back door with a back window that can be opened!

Use cloth tape to hinge the optional back door. 

FINAL

Assembly Guide

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