Toyota knew that places like Eugene had a very woodsy vibe, and that its pickups were the official truck of Eugene. So it made sense to cater to its most loyal patrons, in the form of an optional solid wood grille and bumper. Not many have survived, as our healing rains may keep rust away, but they don’t keep rot away. Quite the contrary.
So let’s take a closer look…
Toyota wasn’t going to do anyhting half-assed when it came to offering the wood package, and the careful attention to detail and high craftsmanship is all-too apparent. But then the Japanese have a very long and deep reputation as being the world’s greatest woodworkers.
Even the Toyota logo has been carefully crafted out of two contrasting wood species.
Unfortunately, this buyer did not also select the optional wood rear bumper.
In the era when parts of bodies were made of wood, they never made the radiator grille of wood. This is not just beautiful, it’s historically unique.
One might first think, “No collision insurance coverage” and “Improvisation is cheaper than new parts,” but this shows offbeat inspiration, and some care. I like it.
Oregon does not require vehicles to have bumpers, so if this is a crash repair, the builder went beyond what is required.
The next logical step is to craft the whole body out of wood:
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1609-custom-built-all-wood-ford-pickup-truck/
Interesting. Must’ve been really inclined to do so, think of how easily the correct parts would be found at the local pick ‘n pull!
Well for something like this you better be on the ball as the needed parts are likely to go out the door the same day the vehicle is set. But yeah you should be able to find them at a local yard. Also this is one of those vehicles where there is great aftermarket crash part support and competition making new parts cheap and on the shelf.
The Toyota name and logo almost look to have been laser carved. Nicely done!
Then along came the 5 mph certification….
Eugene is not the only Oregon city to support the wood accessory truck industry. When I reported to USBLM in Medford, for a summer job in 1961, I purchased a knarly 2×8 to back up the chintzy front bumper on my 1961 Ford Econoline. Excellent protection.
Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of this obviously trend-setting purchase.
You see lots of trucks with the handmade all wood flat bed to replace the rusted or busted original and front bumpers made out of a straight length of 2x or 4x, but this is the first I’ve seen, grille, headlight surrounds and a bumper with more than a hint of the original shape. Nice work.
A matching wood hood scoop would have been a nice addition. Nice work though!
This tailgate (and rear window) I saw in Banff a couple of years ago is rather crude in comparison.
Giving you any ideas for your little Japanese wonder car, Paul?
If you pay attention in woodshop, you can pull off something like this. Thumbs up.
The introduction is really funny. Thanks. Well, here is a picture of a regular production legitimate wood frame for an automobile. it is, of course, the Morgan factory where steel chassis are used and wood frames for the metal bodies.
Wood truck? Protect it with shingles.