Woodie Wagon craftsman collects and restores Military buyback cars | Barn Find Hunter - Ep. 76

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Published 2020-03-18

Mike Nickels has been restoring old Woodies for several decades. Fortunately for Tom and us, he's located right in Hagerty's hometown of Traverse City, MI. Tom thought Mike might have some leads on where we could find cars in the area, but as it turned out, Mike had plenty of interesting cars of his own to keep us busy for the day. WWII-era military vehicles and several Ford and Plymouth wagons in the process of being restored are only part of the story in this episode. Tom asks Mike questions about Woodies that he's been wondering about since he first found his 1939 Ford Woodie Wagon at the age of 15.

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All Comments (21)

@haiceid 4 years ago

We need to see a hour of this somebody needs to do a documentary on Mike Nichols
@TheFlyingdeuces 4 years ago

I hope he has someone to pass his knowledge on down to as this art needs to be preserved and continued for generations to come.
@chrisblore9635 4 years ago

Stuck at home today. I can think of no better way to spend my time than with Tom and one of his many fantastic shows. Thanks Tom..
@mowler8042 4 years ago

MY goodness that finished Woody in the Blue color was spectacular...
@roberttoews2775 4 years ago

That blue woodie is gorgeous!
@mmmmcheese4850 4 years ago

Woodwork and auto resto...what a life talent. That’s art!
@martentrudeau6948 4 years ago

Tom Cotter this is another great story about a great man, Mike Nickels. When I see this man and his work a proverb comes to mind. Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Thank you Tom and Mike.
@murphy3999 4 years ago

Good to see that art of building woody's is still around. I bet that man forgot more about cars then most people know. Long live the workmens craft of building.
@davidwildridge8080 4 years ago

Nothing more satisfying than grabbing your gal and taking the old woodie for a spin...turning heads everywhere you go!
@cut-- 4 years ago

Must have been one of Tom's BUCKET LIST days. Great Show.
@superc4308 4 years ago

Boy i hope he passes his trade down to someone what skill and talent wow 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@nikolaslarson6891 1 year ago

Charming craftsman, Mr Nickels. Brilliant video.
@SoundwaveX7 4 years ago

I love learning about the cars in each video as well as the history behind the vehicles in Barn Finds. :)
@life_on_cars 4 years ago

As a Brit can I say I’m addicted to this American classic culture. Thanks Tom.
@jorgefernandez-mv8hu 4 years ago

A living legend. What wonderful work he does and modest too.
@urumetalhead 4 years ago

I wish Mr Nickels many more productive years, amazing skills and valuable knowledge.
@mathewkorn5008 3 years ago

Thank You Tom ! That was a real treat and I appreciate it
@jimburig7064 3 years ago

Mike Nickels is a mighty nice guy. This interview must have been a pleasure.
@reubensandwich9249 4 years ago

White Ash wood. I wonder what will eventually be rarer, the wood or the cars.
@charlesduzzie9811 4 years ago

OMG!!!!! Never in my life have I seen or heard of anyone that does work like this. Amazing!!