Saving a Car LOST for 60 YEARS - 1940 Keller Super Chief Woodie 1 of 4 | Episode 1

[@kentmckean6795]

As a historical car, it should be restored to absolute stock condition, including 6Volt system

[@steve-vk6np]

He did say 100% original, but then......12v system, LED LIGHTS?? Nope, needs to be original.

[@stevenkeeffe]

Given that it is not only a truly rare (1 of 4 remaining) car, but also a "historical" car with a verifiable back story, I would have to agree that you don't convert anything. 100% true to it's last running / driving condition, or release it to someone who can/will. Not holding true to that given the circumstances, you might as well be converting the Wright Flyer to fly to Mars. There's plenty of old, rare, cool cars to convert / customize without ruining what has the potential to be a museum quality example. But, I digress, it's his car to do what he wants. Throw some wire spokes and whitewalls on it, bag it, wedge a SBC in it and paint flames on it if you want. The internet is going to talk smack no matter what you do, because it's "what the internet do"....

[@gillespriod5509]

A 12 volts system Is more convenient to reliably use the car and no problem, but LEDS would look like crap on that car in fact ruining It, i cant stands LEDS on Classics

[@jessekauffman3336]

Absolutely

[@Hogger280]

This is the wrong guy to do the job!!

[@Dennis-mq6or]

When I saw you hook the battery cables up backwards, and ran the starter backwards, it broke my heart! Any car that old is POSITIVE GROUND!

[@TheKimmer1969]

I am definitely going to follow this restoration. Thank you, Dave for sharing. Awesome find. It made me soooo happy when you said "100% OEM, like it rolled off the showroom floor" ....

[@jamescook5738]

Back when I was young before I lost both hands I was a mechanic.. My first car was a 57 Chevy. Any time I hear of a car being found n brought back to it’s Original Show room condition I get very excited. I want to follow your Restoration of this very rare vehicle. Am also excited to see you want to make it as Original as you can make it. Awesome job.

[@malkierie]

I'm literally shedding tears of joy in anticipation of this restoration. As someone who was in school for historical preservation before Katrina hit New Orleans and derail that plan I live for this kind of thing

[@tetedur377]

Where did you go to school? If I were (much) younger, I would do that.

[@Gribbo9999]

Having had my prostate removed because of cancer I am delighted to be able see a nice woody.

[@allthingscraig7213]

Thank you for saving this piece of automotive history!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Definitely was a must 👌

[@j.6sifore162]

No, this is something a lot of us can’t wait to see.❤👍🏼

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@davidspencer7718]

No one took a part cause no one was looking for such a part. Good for you. We made a mistake in crushing these old cars. Good save.

[@thealgorithmisbroken]

Thank you for saying you want to restore this car to original. Too many people turning old cars into rat rods. I like to see old cars as they were.

[@zx1100a1]

⁠Hey Dave, You can find an actual replacement filter for that period correct aftermarket oil filter housing, it’s going to require a Fram C 4. UPDATE: It’s available online for $12 and probably local as well.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

That will be cool thanks

[@schnell356]

It's very possible that the filter element is a metal skin with perforations and a paper core and you are seeing an accumulation of dirt and solidified oil on the outside. It's probably not doing much filtering in that condition. The Porsche 356 uses a very similar canister system with a Mann element and it's a bypass design, not a full flow design. Your car may have that too. Very cool project!

[@williamoneal2763]

Special order a 8 volt car battery. Then you have to change nothing at all. The car probably is a positive ground..not negative ground. Also oil filter is a cartage type. Discard old cartage type filter and replace with a new one or you can just run car without a filter. Will not hurt engine. Wow..this filter was an extra cost and most cars of this time did not have one in this time era.

[@touhouer7647]

This is something that deserves to be restored, Something that is very very rare. What you guys found is something I call a piece of history and this thing needs to be restored to its former glory. You just never leave such beautiful pieces of history and art especially when it comes to cars that are old to rot, They should be all restored and kept to original/stock conditions.

[@020Dutchy]

Amazing how good that chrome work still looks

[@automotiveaddiction428]

Great save..good luck on the restoration

[@SoFloSteve]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Amazing the tires held air, floor mats still decent and amazing the engine was turning over. So glad you have a keen eye and caught this rare car before it was too late. Looking forward to the process and progress of the Keller.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks, one valve stem kept popping out but im refinishing the wheels and new tires and stems

[@fishflash1]

Wow! This is going to be epic. I'm guessing the level of fabrication and creative use of parts from other cars will test everyone's brain power and ingenuity.

[@jamesmatheson5115]

The great thing is the amount of the original OEM stuff still intact on the car, what a great find, there seems to be a hell of a lot of material on these little cars, 18 were made in total, this is #4 of the known survivors, sad story, the car never had a chance, what seemed like a great success story turned to shite overnight.

[@JenzRock]

I dig all your other builds. But I have to say that this one will by far exceed those. I like when history is restored. But to find a gem like that. I’m sure you will find some help restoring that beauty.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@cbforme]

I see Dave doesn’t know how to pick a easy project. It will definitely be a blast to watch you bring this car back to life.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Easy isn't in my vocabulary I'm German lol

[@christophershanz498]

I knew where one of these were whenever I was around 12 I’m 32 now and I’m going to check into it. I had no idea how rare they were.😮

[@christophershanz498]

For real ❤

[@CK-br9mn]

Wow, this will be quite an undertaking but given the rarity it'll definitely worth it! Thank you for saving this piece of automotive history!

[@joshmont5133]

You are correct only 3 are known to exist now 4 great save

[@thisolesignguy2733]

You can feel the heart & soul in this old car. The time, blood, sweat, & tears that the original craftsmen put into it. You can just see how it's getting happier and happier. That's how I feel about vintage signs also, I can see the intricacies that the craftsman spent time putting in to it, each brush stroke, each letter and logo that was painstakingly applied. That's why I'll always be a sign guy and what you're doing for this little gem is honoring the craftsmen that came before us when talent and hard work were recognized more than just how many you can pump out in a day.

[@dayslife]

as you stated before Dave, this car is worth more then your house ...👍💕

[@pedroequis9396]

So proud that you're willing to tackle this !

[@Junkyard_Dave]

It will be some work but definitely be nice when done

[@Chris-s2e5t]

Thats a normal. Canister. Oil filter....you replace. It ....are. You the right. Guy to restore this.....hope. Your an expert woodworker...

[@OsbornTramain]

wow, amazing, i didn't realize any had survived, I had heard of them but thought they were extinct

[@1977jed]

What a Fantastic find! This car very much deserves to be saved! I look forward to seeing it!

[@the_blue_gamer]

I hope you let us follow along on this car like your others. I would absolutely love to watch the progress on this car. I love this cars story. Long and since forgot only to be restored.

[@fetus2280]

I just found your channel.. and Boy am I ever happy I did. This is something Well worth saving, putting back to the Original state it came off the factory floor. Would be a right crime to do anything else to this glorious piece of American history... a Museum Piece is what it should be. Good luck mate.. I look fwd to seeing this come to life and being Driven. Cheers.

[@vortexgen1]

This is a very special car and I'm glad that you are going to do a full restoration.

[@natesmemes1794]

This car caught my eye the first time I saw it in your last video. I love old woodies, I did wood working for years always wanted to build one. It will be a big project but I have to say it looks pretty good sitting low on those flat tires the way it is, easy to see the potential in this rare gem. Congrats on the find Dave!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks I can't wait

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

I appreciate the lack of ego in the kind of restoration where a person is preserving an aged vehicle, and not hacking it up and making it their own. I appreciate you putting this rare animal back to how it left the production line :)

[@xlaimuxllt]

quite impressive how some parts shined up like new just after wash

[@FnaAuto]

That is an awesome find 👍 can’t wait to see this restored

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@davebrittain9216]

Subscribed just to see this get done. Very cool find!

[@davidwatson3921]

The oil filter is a bypass oil filter, it only filters part of the oil flow, but it filtered very finely. Replacements for that filter should still available. The metal aircleaner is possibly available as a paper type aircleaner, oil a foam type filter also

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Looks like the filters are still available and I will want a good air filter once she's running again

[@anmous69]

Such a neat project, good luck with the wood work.

[@mrdanforth3744]

Don't change it to 12v. Keep it 6v all the bulbs etc are available. 12v conversion is not as simple as it looks, 6v works fine.

[@dalleymonroe3836]

As a car guy and a grease monkey you have found the holy grail of cars in my opinion. I can’t wait to see it done and back on the road.

[@BudgetBuildz]

What an incredible piece of automotive history! So glad it’s being saved!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

There are so many cars worth saving in that tow yard

[@BudgetBuildz]

@@Junkyard_Dave Maybe I’ll have to come take a peek sometime! I have no idea where you’re at but I imagine on the opposite side of the country 😅 Something like that little gem you’ve found there is worth a trip though!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

@@BudgetBuildz I'm in Colorado

[@AWizardAndaMouse3432]

@@Junkyard_Dave was the wagon in Colorado Auto and Parts? Or elsewhere?

[@1936fordcrazy]

Love this project, im a big fan of all your projects but this one resounds so much more any youtube channel can restore a lambo or other exotic this is history and has a story

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Definitely unique and it will be a break from crazy fabrication projects

[@MarchHare59]

I am amazed the car wasn't scrapped for the aluminum like the only other Dymaxion. I'm guessing it didn't look like it was made of aluminum so no one bothered to give it a second look. In spite of her ragged appearance, the car is in remarkably good condition and perhaps the most intact, undamaged and unmolested junk yard car I have ever seen. It reminds me of a Crosley which was a good idea but badly out of step with the American sensibility that bigger was better. I pulled out my book "The Complete Book of Collectible Cars 1930 - 1980" by Richard M. Langworth and Graham Robson to see if there was a review, but even though there are cars listed with build runs as low as 20 - 30, the Keller Super-Chief was not among them. That's how rare it is. Your discovery is truly the stuff of legends.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Im surprised it wasn't worse off than it is cant wait to start pulling it apart

[@mikehunt1418]

I Had a Friend Just Like You Bud..a little older ,But a PROUD Saver of our History. Good job Bud

[@stephaniemiller7348]

My Great Uncle was George Keller! This is so exciting!! Where in Colorado are you?

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Im in Pueblo and that is cool

[@Plushybear09]

Can't wait to see this restoration

[@ellis7099]

Some people would see this car as just another thats rusting into time. Others would value it, but would still let it rust away because “its not savable”. But people like you JY Dave. See this car for what it is and bring it back to life. No matter the condition

[@Shaku4Shintai]

I hope you were able to save that little knob at 15:10 that got blown away. This looks like it's going to be one hell of a fun restoration!

[@simplysimon9868]

Wow Dave!! What a find and save in your capable hands man. Back to original will be so good on such a rare woodie.

[@vita8208]

Wow, that’s what I would call mission impossible, now I’m very interested how this restoration will go without any parts available on the market.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

It will be good because everything will just be made

[@michealfigueroa6325]

Parts, Hell, that car was about two thirds wood bodied and what of that wood that remain is in worst than rought shape I hope that there are some factory paterns Good luck

[@oldfag_adventures]

given how original and short of a run the car had, any "replacement" parts would have already been made to order back in the day. to put it briefly, the only difference between restoring it now vs then would be the tools used to make the parts if that even

[@1leggeddog]

Well this is cool, saving a litteral peice of car history. There are projects, and then there are necessary projects!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Yeah glad it wasn't crushed over the years

[@40beretta1]

This is a series that I will watch every episode. I hope each episode is longer than 20mins

[@johnkranz4004]

Very KOOL Story Dave Can’t Wait for part two it cleaned up well Excellent save

[@Snakeman1985]

I love the fact this car is being saved, there is absolutely nothing really special about it other then there was a few made. But it belongs in a museum or back on the road. Not being scrapped and turned into budlight cans, thank you for preserving this historic artifact.

[@Omri.Collects]

I’ve prob never been more excited about a car build!! Def looking forward to this restoration content.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@susanlevesque9227]

Wow so so rare restoration a definite. A special car it has historically value. Could be worth thousands when finished. Can’t wait for more pics and videos. So neat.

[@bloodreighn]

hey dave, that car is possibly positive earth, give it a try again the other way around

[@rickauger4285]

Can't wait to show my buddy in Canada this. His name is Bruce Keller and we are both car guys. I hit the subscribe button too. Cool find 😎

[@tdtvkc1]

Hi Dave, what a score, to find a bit of Automotive History rotting away in a junk yard. You have got a keen eye, I wonder how many people walked right by that car not even giving it the time of day. I can't wait to see what you do with it. If you can upgrade without destroying the integrity of it then I understand but that being said I had an old 1950 Buick and it had a 6 volt system and vacuum wipers I never upgraded them and it's one of the fond memories I have because that is the way people had to drive back then. It sounds to me you have got the right idea to restore to the most original it can be and function and drive like it did, sure to be a hit at the car shows, I have never seen one nor did I even know it existed. But now, thanks to you, I do. 😀✌❤

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Wow! Never even heard of a rig like that. Lot of resto work to do for sure, thanks for a cool video! You can still get an oil filter for that old canister bypass filter, same one as later Chevy '53 & later trucks with pressure lubed bottom end.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Not sure yet hopefully

[@adamwing9301]

Dave! There is no other person better suited to tackle this! You got this! This is gonna be awesome! I see a Green Ribbon at the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach in your future!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Can’t wait to see more of the restoration Dave 👍👍👍🇦🇺

[@mattconnor6779]

This is extremely exciting! Please document with photos for the benefit of future restorers/restorations. I hope you work to maintain as many as-built materials as possible.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

My friends wife wouldn't mind me cutting all their trees down in Alabama for wood lol jk

[@rot_studios]

Watching a piece of history get some much needed love, with calm soothing piano music on is such a good vibe. I haven't been this relaxed in a while

[@lorenzorodriguez2700]

dude you got my attention 😮. That's a gem

[@simscoordinator]

With your talent and workmanship, I'm sure that car will comeout awesome. God bless

[@richardbrunner9539]

I love this build Dave. hope you can pull it off!!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

I think it will come together

[@richardbrunner9539]

Hope so! That car is from Alabama!! I am from Mobile Alabama👍 looking forward to watching the build🙏😎

[@richarddahlgren4775]

Hope you have access to another one of these cars for patterns and measurements for the restore the wood

[@Junkyard_Dave]

I should have access to a set of wood to make patterns from which is awesome

[@kayak_homie]

What an amazing project this will be, cant wait to see it

[@donphillips5957]

I saw that shell and it caught my interest, finding out what it is is just unbelievable. I can't wait to see the project going.

[@aftonline]

I found another article on this that says it's a 1948 model, not 1940. I assume 1948 would be correct if the company was founded after World War 2?

[@theblockingone]

Yes it would

[@johnboysshopofdreams72]

Thanks man for taking on saving a piece of American Automotive History .

[@tmiklos4]

The horn ring and plastic insert is available, brand new from the original tooling. One of the willies jeep sights have them. They used this horn ring on a different steering wheel. Also the Century Boat Company and the Chris Craft boat company used this exact steering wheel, in the early to mid 1950s.

[@tmiklos4]

I am betting that the steering gear is Ross, both century and Chris Craft boats used ross gears. I believe that Ross supplied steering gear complete with the steering wheels .

[@dustsmoke]

For a car like that my vote is you restore it exactly as it came from the factory. 6v isn't that bad and adds to the experience of driving something truly historic. I've kept both of my 6v restorations completely original even though you can LED them. I also thought about converting to 12v originally but very glad I didn't looking back on it now.

[@mattcassinell694]

Thank you for preserving our history Americans forgot were we come from the hardships and sacrifices we have made to be the country we were long ago Maybe if the younger generations may open there eyes

[@justinsexton6659]

😶iv seen one of these back when my great grandfather was alive they are very beautiful its so awesome you found another one can't wait to see it done

[@thinkingofyouto1]

Oh dude that’s where I left it thanks for finding it I’ll be over tonight to pick it up

[@RedDogForge]

Makes me wonder what else is out there lurking in the wrecker yards...bless you for taking on this task. I spent 3 yrs restoring a south bend 11" series O lathe A fairly short model run and extremely scarce size in that model run.with it's configuration Made it absolute hell to find parts. May your quest go well :)

[@Fabrice1970]

This is great for you to save such a nice car and preserve history. Also, when are you going to release new videos on the Charger Wagon?

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Monday I should have a video

[@cwinney13]

I’m pretty excited for this restoration because it’s such a different car.

[@funfunfun18]

I’m not in any way a car person in any way, but I love seeing old machines restored, especially a machine as rare as this one. Really looking forward to watching your progress Dave.

[@BitterDemo]

I love building woody cars. I have built seven over the years. My 51 Studebaker 2R10 Pickup is now a woody. And I plan to drive it towing my Reproduction 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile to Missouri with it on a trailer and my Old's is also wood. I also built wood Race Cars and won several trophies.

[@979gator]

Is that the same one that I saw on puddins fab shop junk yard walk around?

[@brendanfarrrc3394]

This what I love to see rare car being brought back to life it's going to be like a phoenix rising from the ashes keep up the amazing work can't wait to see it complete

[@jdadon2000]

Awesome. To bad about the Celica. I saw your comment in last video. But I sure hope the good stuff about it gets used. They are beautiful cars. I am excited for this super chief. Nice detour from the usual. Nice to see this classic piece of history coming back to life. 🎉

[@Junkyard_Dave]

It will definitely be a change of pace

[@DavidBall-v5i]

WOW!!! So far so good!!! Can't wait for the finished restoration. This should be amazing!!! Thanks!!!🌞

[@azazeldeath]

As an ex mechanic, and someone that has done some pretty insane restorations ill give you a huge bit of advice. Hydroblasting is great, it'll make all the engine parts etc look new. And yes cars did have clean engines that even had some shine to them when new. It's just some cars are so old that we don't have good colour photos of a new engine bay for them, or underbody. Edit: for very delicate parts use dry ice blasting. Seriously check out videos on both it's almost cheating in the restoration process. I've built/restored a couple of show cars using hydroblasting, not as often in dry ice blasting but it was just becoming a thing when I became disabled so only got to use it maybe 3 times.

[@TheWombat2012]

Don’t forget to carefully pick through those piles of crap you swept up and tossed on the ground. I almost guarantee that there will be tiny brackets or pieces in there somewhere.

[@BrucePierson]

Don't forget your wagon, we want to see that one finished as well as the Durango. Hope you have time for all these interesting projects!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

She's getting worked on too

[@tinkerne-round4079]

Cool a few years of content. I'm sure the car found the right guy to bring it back. Yeller Keller

[@aelaan12]

My heart skipped a beat! You are brave to take on this project, and you have a new subscriber. I love, truly love, this iconic car. I remember the milkman used one. My word Dave, this will be so epic!!

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Thanks

[@g0fvt]

The oil filter looked like a bypass type, not a full flow, only a very slow flow through them but very fine filtration. Not sure I would use LED lights but despite the critics I woud go with making it 12v negative earth. Easy to convert back to 6v if needed.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Holley has some oe looking led replacements that have a much nicer light output

[@grahamwillox]

After watching your content for a few years now I know that if anyone can take the time to do this car right it’ll be you. Looking forward to this. 👍

[@russellholland2022]

Dave I watched the build of the hell cat magnum , I got my 5.7 magnum from Elway dodge in Oct of 2004, still have. anyway I found you getting the Keller woodie and looked Keller up in my book. Keller (US)1948-1950. Huntsvillie,Ala .Keller Chief and Super Chief .were shot lived. There is a picture of a 1950 Keller sedan 2.6-litre I am a retired carpenter and want to see the wood work being done. thank You for doing the Keller

[@americanrambler4972]

My opinion is you should avoid going into “2020’s restomod mode” on this Keller Super Chief. Since the Keller was built of mostly ‘off the shelf’ parts as far as mechanicals are concerned, maybe going mostly original would be a good choice as a plan, and then consider 2020’s updates. My reason is, much of restomod changes are fad items which age faster than last nights fish dinner don’t look current after only a year or two. And spares support for those parts is often non existent.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Im going to keep it pretty much original most of the updates will be in newer coatings to keep it alive once its back together

[@michvod]

​@@Junkyard_Dave Hope the updates are such they will not be out of fashion by the 2050s. So no LEDs or 12V systems. Do it the Jay Leno style, this is a once a lifetime opportunity to save such a car and better do it exactly original to the every bolt. If feeling the grasp to mod it, just think the value will be lower that way - as this car will probably end up in a museum and not some car guy's garage...

[@1gatomon]

This is something some people get to do Once in their life.

[@knsubramanian9837]

This car is older myself by almost two years!.This deserves full restoration and kept in a museum rather than for daily use!.

[@AllSpeed]

theres a guy that still makes woody wagon wood parts for the woody Fords. i wonder if theres anything usable he makes. maybe with slight modifications. That said im super excited for this build.

[@Junkyard_Dave]

Yeah wood is out of my realm I've done house stuff but I'll probably need to do alot of research

[@danmadison5087]

First step.... Restore the wing nut on the air cleaner. I'm hooked. I'm lined. And I'm sinkered. I found you thru junkyard digs. : )

[@mrdanforth3744]

The oil filter is a replaceable cartridge. Look on the filter or on the housing for a number, new filters are probably available from your local auto parts stores , those filters were used on many cars tractors, industrial engines, fork lifts, etc.