1932 Ford
Over the dotage the cream of the Elderly Van hobby has always risen to the top. The Traditional Ford Broiling Rod Roadster is the Creme de la Creme!
Instructions
1. You Testament commence by securing an Early Ford Protest. Pattern "T", Mannequin "A" or 1932-1934 Testament daily grind.
Cook definite the protest is in solid occasion. Many repair panels are available, de facto Unabridged Bodies are available Virgin.
You Testament extremely demand to track down any trim or additional lot to comprehensive the reason (Hood top and sides, Sprint, Floor Boards, and Windscreen.
2. Close, you Testament desideratum a frame. The 1932 Ford frame is accepted under 1928-1932 Ford Roadsters. It Testament itch to be narrowed to fit under the "t" and "A".
A 2x4 steel tubing frame can again be "BUILT". On the other hand for a traditional van, you should operate a Ford Frame.
Suspension cunning, it's up to you... On the contrary a dropped "I" beam front axle on Split wishbones with a reversed eye Transverse frond spring is inflexible to defeat! Don't forget recent shackle bushings!
The rear suspension is mostly eclipsed, so some virgin Coil overs could be used. Sure the cardinal guy that climbs under Testament understand conscientious absent. A transverse Grand Arch "A" spring with 'Bones Testament 'cache 'em smilin'.
Brakes should be 1940-1948 Drums all the conduct environing. 1940 Steel wheels are always a hit besides.
Once the chassis is a'rollin, analysis and recheck your guide heighth. There is NO CURE for a Febrile Rod with a Wick disposition.
3. The drivetrain is following.
A Actual traditional Ford Fevered Rod Roadster SHOULD hold a Flathead V-8. You are OKAY, whether you bound a Close Banger Engine, however the flathead is czar.
Provided you are Cast away in the 50's, push with the Rocket v8, Cadillac or Chrysler Hemi. A Approved smallblock Chevy or "Y" block ford is okay further.
Nothing beats ONE stock Model "A" or '32 tail light for that EARLY look!Hubcaps or No Hubcaps? It depends on the look you are going for. Big Tires on the back and Little tires on the front will help with the LOOK!
Transmissions are along the same lines...... a Top loader 3 speed with Lincoln Zephyr gears is a CLASSIC in and of itself. "Zephyrs" are available aftermarket! Try to use a 1939 box if you can.
Keep the toque tube and you will be the envy of the "Reliability Run"!
Quick change Rearends are LEGENDARY! Halibrand is the HOLY GRAIL... but Winters makes a nice 'MODERN' quick change. Listen to those gears HOWL!
4. Time to put that body on the chassis. Henry Ford used Plywood for the floors. If it was good enough for HENRY......
The Traditional Ford Roadster Dash is SIMPLE! A few gauges. Just enough to keep tabs on that MILL!
A rubber mat to cover that plywood and a Nice CUSHY Roadster front seat. Door panels and trim are optional, but try to keep it simple. Old Hot Rods are Built to GO FAST!
Looking Pretty is secondary.
Don't forget a period steering wheel. Back in the DAY, racers used SAW BLADES, cut out and wrapped in TAPE (the metal wouldn't shatter. a "BELL" wheel will look GREAT and they TOO are available NEW!
Finish her off with some simple wiring and MAYBE a fuse block (old Hot Rods didn't have one.
5. Time for trim and details.
The grille shell (radiator shell) is a FOCAL POINT on old Hot Rods. For Model "T", try a nose from a tractor, truck or Model "A" shell. For Model "A", the Deuce shell is IT! For '32....don't even ask. HEADLIGHTS are the PERSONALITY! Little headlights, BIG Headlights, Accessory Headlights... it's UP TO YOU! Just remember, the old timers didn't even RUN headlights! (or a windshield).And about Windshields... Try to get something CLOSE to stock and CHOP IT.
If you have to ask.. you will be asked to leave NOW.And 1933 and 1934 look FANTASTIC with 1935-1938 Ford Truck (narrowed) or 2 1940 Ford hood ends welded together (Pierson Bro.s coupe).If the Grille is a FOCAL POINT....
It will look a LOT better than something home made or MODERN! Spend the money!
With that stuff figured out, time for Tail lights! The classic is the 1939 Teardrop. But also consider the 1948 Chevy and 1950 Pontiac. They look GREAT.Nevertheless Valid Ardent ROD Roadsters dash Flatheads!The 59ab was the Grand daddy of them all! In virgin senescence, guys are GOING Flashing with the 1949-1953 Flatheads. As elongated as it's a flathead... GO FOR IT!
Firestone Dirt track Specials and Front RIBBED tires are available.
Also, consider Wire Wheels or Wide 5's for a different look!
6. Finally,
A TRUE HOT ROD is NEVER FINISHED!
Especially a Traditional Ford Hot Rod Roadster!
You may decide to paint it. What color? What else.... Henry Ford' s FAVORITE COLOR! BLACK!
Chrome is okay too. It won't make it go any faster, but it sure does LOOK GOOD!
And Accessories! Don't get carried away. A connecting rod column drop, License plate topper, SCTA badge on the dash, Leather straps holding the hood down, and a CUSTOM tonneau to cover the interior are ALL Period Perfect ADD-ONS, and will make your ROD stand out!
