Approximately two years ago, I contacted Classic Wood Manufacturing out of Greensboro, North Carolina about the wood they furnish for the A-400 and received a price list from them. They do not provide a very detailed description of what exactly they provide and also state that they use primarily kiln-dried ash with most holes pre-drilled. I am interested in obtaining the sub frame as a complete unit, but would like to know if anyone else has acquired their product and how close is it to the original and how did it fit during the installation process. Also, would they make it out of oak which is what was originally used, or is ash the only alternative?
Thaniks for your imput............Tim Johnstone
Hi Tim:
I ordered the Classic Wood chassis kit when I began the restoration of my car. My original chassis wood was complete and marginally good, but kind of "punky" in places so I decided to replace it. The Classic kit that I received was well crafted but many pieces were not at all like the original. I contacted Steve Cannon at Classic and learned that they actually did not have decent original wood patterns for the A400. Hence my ill fitting kit. So, I made the required pieces using my originals as patterns. Then I carefully disassembled my original wood and delivered the entire original wood structure to Steve at Hershey so that he would have correct patterns for any future A400 kit orders. A fellow A400 restorer that I am in contact with just used a Classic wood kit in his A400 and I am told that it fit fine. Keep in mind that these kits will always need some final fitting due to tolerance variations from car to car. Ash or oak is correct. I personally use furniture grade ash.
I found Steve and the entire team at Classic to be great to work with. They really care about their product and will do anything they can to help you install it successfully. I highly them and their products.
Good luck,
A400 Guy
Tim, I purchased the complete wood kits from Classic Wood last year. The sub-rails were the most difficult to fit, because of the cross pieces. Although they required very little trimming, I must of had the body on and off at least 20 times. Each time I made either a small adjustment to the wood or the new body patches that were welded in place. I do remember that I did have to trim about 1" off the rear to get the body forward enough to get the doors to line up.Being able to remove one inch and not have to add it is the best way to go. The body and top bows fit without any trimming at all. The body kit did come with curved pieces around the quarter windows, but I did not use them.
I have no problem in recommending Classic Wood kits. Steve Ryan