Story of a Classic: Wooden Ford Pickup Truck

As the frosty days of winter give way to the promise of spring, the collector car community buzzes with stories of passion projects and painstaking restorations. In this edition of our “Story of a Classic” series, we feature Al, a South Dakota craftsman and enthusiast who turned loss into artistry. When Al inherited a 1979 Ford Econoline Van from his late father-in-law—along with his father-in-law’s dream of making it something special—he embarked on an extraordinary journey. Over nine relentless South Dakota winters and more than 3,000 hours of meticulous work, Al transformed the van into a breathtaking, fully wooden truck.

Featuring a V8 351 Windsor engine, a 9-inch rear differential, and weighing in at 4,300 pounds, this one-of-a-kind creation is not only functional—with seat belts and speakers—but also a heartfelt tribute to family and ingenuity. Read on to discover how this remarkable vehicle became a testament to determination and legacy.

Q: What inspired you to build a wooden truck?

Al’s all-wood Ford pickup truck

Al: The idea came to me at a car show in Rock Valley, Iowa, about 10 years ago. I was parked next to a beautifully restored 1940s Diamond T truck with a flatbed and stake sides. As I chatted with its owner, I thought, “I’d have done those stake sides differently.”

That thought stayed with me and eventually snowballed into this project—building a pickup truck entirely out of wood.

Q: How long did it take to complete the project?

Al: It took nine winters and over 2,500 hours of work, mostly in the evenings and on weekends. I started by crafting the cab, then worked on the bed the following winter. It was a long process, but it allowed me to take my time and make sure every detail was right.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges?

image of the Ford logo carved out of wood

Al: Cutting the fuel filler door was nerve-wracking because the wood grain had to match perfectly. If I made a mistake, I’d have to start over with a new box. Another big challenge was sanding the headliner—it was hours of tough work at awkward angles.

Even the steering column was a challenge; I had to wrap the steel shaft with red oak and make it fit seamlessly.

Q: Do you still drive the truck?

Al’s all-wood Ford pickup truck at a local car show

Al: Absolutely. I take it to car shows and sometimes for a bite to eat at Burger King—when the weather’s good, of course.

It’s not exactly practical for long trips, though—it gets just seven to eight miles per gallon!

But for me, it’s not about practicality—it’s about sharing this unique creation with others.

–

Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here

Want to see your collector car featured in our Story of a Classic series? Email [email protected] for more information.