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1932 ford 3 window

24K views 32 replies 12 participants last post by  LOVEMY32 
#1 ·
can someone point me to a thread about building a 32 ford? just would like to read about what chassis to use, what body to use and so forth.

I've never built a hotrod before but I have built a rockcrawling buggy so I have the mechanical knowledge/skill but I dont know much about hot rods. So tell me where to learn the basics.

I'm thinking I would buy a rolling chassis and a fiberglass body so all i would have to do is the engine, tranny, paint and interior. Anything I'm overlooking?

And what is a general cost of building something like this with say a chevy 350 no engine upgrades?
 
#2 · (Edited)
Stretch1 said:
I'm thinking I would buy a rolling chassis and a fiberglass body so all i would have to do is the engine, tranny, paint and interior. Anything I'm overlooking?

There a lot more to a kit then just doing the engine, tranny, paint and interior..there's so much little things that people don't think there is... Don't let anyone tell you different.. ;)

And what kit you buy has a lot to do with how much extra work you get.. :mwink:
 
#3 ·
;)





I built this 1932 Ford 3 window coupe ... BUT I started with a original Henry built 32 3W coupe.



You can go to my project journal and see how I did mine. Link below.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?action=view&journalid=3880&page=1&perpage=5&reverse=1

A few questions need to be addressed ...

1 ) Do you plan on running fenders or NOT ?? Bumpers ?
2 ) Do you want to run a HOOD ?
3 ) How complete a chassis are you prepared to BUY ?
4 ) Are you planning on Air Conditioning ?

Stretch1 said:
And what is a general cost of building something like this with say a chevy 350 no engine upgrades?
Answers

1 ) Fenders require fender braces, running boards and a headlight bar.
That can ADD $2,000 :(
2 ) A hood is another $500 for a repro hood and as high as a few grand ( 2 to 4 ) for a original 25 vent hood.
3 ) Fuel lines, brakes lines ECT can ADD another grand ... stuff easily done at home
4 ) Air Conditioning can easily ADD another $1,000 to $1,500 ... because in addition to the unit ... you need a compressor, brackets, lines, a dryer and a more expensive radiator.

_____________________________________

Frame $5,000 to $10,000

350 Chevrolet Engine ... used/junk yard/crate varies from a few hundred to 5/6 grand

Transmission = a few hundred for a used T-350/T-400 or PowerGlide. A few thousand for a 700R4 built by a reputable rebuilder

Fiberglass 3W body ... 3/4 thousand for a CHEAPIE ... a LOT more for a GOOD 3W body from Wescott ( IMHO the BEST fiberglass 3W body ... but also the most expensive :embarrass

Radiator ( Walker = with A/C ) $750 or so

Fuel Tank = $450 or so

Running boards, fenders and related parts ( frame horn covers and front splash apron ) = $2,000

Headlights and headlight bar = $500 and up if you go with the original style lights and bar ( but still repro ... originals COST MORE ... much MORE )

Wheels and Tires ... can easily ADD $1,500 or more.

Steering column = junk yard $$$ to $500

ADD another $1,000 for bumpers and bumpers braces

Add in all the little small stuff ... plus the body work ( YES ... it will require body work and fitting ). Paint, upholstery, ... glass ... Windshield frame ... interior ... ALL ADD UP :cool:

I have a very talented friend who is very GOOD at finding deals and swapping for the pieces he needs. He recently built a 32 3W over a period of 3 years and he has 38 grand in receipts. He painted his own coupe ... but hired out the upholstery.

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You can BUY one a LOT cheaper than you can built one ... :thumbup: :thumbup:




Deuce ... General Rodding Tech Moderator
 
#4 ·
hey duece, very good info there. thanks for taking the time to respond with some detail, much appreciated.

my plan is

no a/c or heat
no fenders, hood or bumpers

as far as chassis i would like to have the frame, suspension all there as I wouldnt be comfortable doing that work myself.

the body, i will research based on your advice

the fuel, brake lines, steering column and the small things i can do myself

the engine and tranny would prolly be from a wrecked camaro or something similar

i enjoyed building the rockcrawling buggy i had so i wouldnt want to buy one already built, just not the same, when you build it your self and get cuts and bruises from it, i feel you will be more likely to take better care of it.
 
#5 ·
Stretch1 said:
my plan is

no a/c or heat
no fenders, hood or bumpers.
Then you are after something like this ...





Almost all ... ;) fiberglass 3W bodies come chopped.
Look at the differences in the two vehicles shown above.

1 ) the BLACK car has a very plain ( cheap ) looking firewall ... but does have the better looking ( IMHO ) factory style windshield frame.

2 ) the YELLOW car has a more original looking firewall but a cheap, glued in S-10 windshield rubber around the windshield glass. Just screams CHEAP to me.

_______________________________________________ [/B

Now the RED car ... looks more like a original real 32 Ford 3W coupe ( to me :D ) because it has the correct door handles and door hinges. Plus the windshield.



All these things can make or break the looks of a 32 3W coupe to a lot of rodders.

When Henry built his 32 3W coupe ... they had a cowl vent, door hinges and a canvas top insert. SOME coupes still have those features ... in fiberglass cars.

A NOT CHOPPED 3W ... looks the most like a Henry built car.



Wescott does make a non chopped, very correct 32 3W coupe body ( below ) but it is also the most expensive
:(



Go here for Wescott ...

http://wescottsauto.com/Body/bodyindex.html

There are other 3W coupe bodies out there for less money. I suggest you research each one, find the features that Y O U like ...

TCI is a well known frame manufacturer ... ( since 1974 )

http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/history.cfm

But like 32 3W fiberglass bodies ... there are LOT Sof people building 32 frames.

Deuce :thumbup:
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Stretch1 said:
can someone point me to a thread about building a 32 ford? just would like to read about what chassis to use, what body to use and so forth.
CENTERLINE has a great build going on today of a 1932 Ford 3 window coupe. You can see some of it here on this site (do a search) and also go to his site to follow his build. Excellent photos and info.

;)
 

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#7 · (Edited)
To Randy,

I got your Private Message about what you have edited out (a link to the build of the orange '32 Ford 3 window coupe on another site), and can appreciate what you said to me in that Private Message as to the reason you edited my post.

I just read the link you provided as to the guidelines for posting on this site ( I have read it before), and am unable to locate any info as to just what guideline(s) I have violated (as you posted) by posting a link to that other site.

As a matter of fact here is a quote from the Guidelines.

"If you've found something posted on another website or bulletin board, please feel free to post an excerpt of it, plus a link to the originating site. There's nothing wrong with linking to another site, we don't consider ourselves to be "in competition" with any other automotive sites, and we regularly communicate with many other hotrodding webmasters and forum administrators, and link to their websites."


The OP of this thread requested info to a thread that showed a build of a '32 Ford and I provided two links and four photos. You edited out one of the links and left the photos.

Perhaps this site doesn't want to allow Freedom Of Speech and doesn't any longer wish to receive any posts from me? I'm just too old to play the silly games.

By the way: You can edit this post or even delete the thread, but someone will have already read it somewhere.
 
#9 ·
NO oops ...

The place that was deleted has large amounts of profanity ...

It is NOT a PG based board ... like this board is.
Your grandchild can view this board ... I am sure I would NOT want any children I care about wading thru 55 pages laced with bad words ... for a LITTLE bit of car information.

I visit over there ... BUT ...

It is NOT the same kind of place this site is.

Sorry you feel this way Frisco ... and YES ... I could delete your post :)
But it has NO profanity ... and as a general rule ... you are a good, helpful member.

We have a profanity filter ... and the place you linked to does not.


Deuce :cool:
 
#10 ·
Deuce said:
NO oops ...

The place that was deleted has large amounts of profanity ...

It is NOT a PG based board ... like this board is.
Your grandchild can view this board ... I am sure I would NOT want any children I care about wading thru 55 pages laced with bad words ... for a LITTLE bit of car information.

I visit over there ... BUT ...

It is NOT the same kind of place this site is.

Sorry you feel this way Frisco ... and YES ... I could delete your post :)
But it has NO profanity ... and as a general rule ... you are a good, helpful member.

We have a profanity filter ... and the place you linked to does not.


Deuce :cool:
I agree with you completely about the lack of a filter at that other site.

My posting of that link was to help a new member to this site in reply to his request.

It is interesting to me though, that by doing a simple search on this site just how many members here (including yourself) have posted links to that site and not have their posts edited out for a supposed violation. See a few examples below.

Just wondering why I was singled out?

Deuces Link

Another members link

Another one

More

And just one more
 
#11 ·
Frisco said:
I agree with you completely about the lack of a filter at that other site.

My posting of that link was to help a new member to this site in reply to his request.

It is interesting to me though, that by doing a simple search on this site just how many members here (including yourself) have posted links to that site and not have their posts edited out for a supposed violation. See a few examples below.

Just wondering why I was singled out?

Deuces Link

Another members link

Another one

More

And just one more
The post I made that referred a member over there was 2002 ... and there was NO PROFANITY in that thread ...

The next few ones you refer to are in Body/exterior and I do not moderate there ... and I have not read those posts to look for profanity.

The last one you refer to was done by another Moderator ... and I do not find profanity in it either.

You have not been " Singled OUT " :)

Things do slip thru sometimes ...
and as a 32 Ford 3W coupe owner, I did read this guys post more closely than some of the other posts. There are more than 2 or 3 moderators on this particular part of the forum ... so I do NOT read every post ... but do try to read every one with more than 4 or 5 entries.

IF you are offended ... SORRY ...

.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Is there some reason why we are suddenly afraid of mentioning the name of that site?? Why all the mystery. Everyone knows you're talking about the hamb. And everyone knows its just about the only automotive related site in the net where a few very talented guys are surrounded by a bunch of hoodlums, misfits, and societal rejects. Where in the blazes is the mystery in that????

Most forums have an overall personality that reflects their leadership. Here it's PG rated and we are mostly civil to each other and to new people. Its that way because that's how Jon wants it, and thats the way Jon is. What does that tell you about the hamb.....

I really hate being in the position of defending the hamb but... I think its a bit over the top to remove links to another forum just because that forum or thread may contain profanity. Its one thing to circumvent the rules here and post profanity, but if we start editing links to other forums just because someone there uses four letter words Jon's going to need another 20 moderators just to check and approve every link. I might be wrong but I don't think Jon really wants to carry things quite that far.

The link that Frisco posted does contain some profanity but there is a lot of useful information contained in that thread. Exactly the kind of info the original poster asked for. Editing a post here that contains profanity is one thing but removing a link to good information just because it might contain a few four letter words is carrying things a little too far. That's the entire reason I quit moderating after 10 years. With the new influx of moderators at that time all of a sudden there was WAY too much interest in "just getting along" and being politically correct. This is an automotive forum and it seems to me we should be WAY more interested in providing good information rather than denying that information based on some superfluous need to be politically correct. Come on guys...... use some common sense!

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
 
#13 ·
If you're going to build a 32, build a real 32, not a plastic copy. I gave $1200 for my 32 in 92' and all I got was the body,and frame, but its real, and its steel and came with a 1961 Florida title. I don't think I've ever seen a plastic 32 on the HAMB, they'd hammer you over there for even asking about one.
 
#14 · (Edited)
32Essex said:
If you're going to build a 32, build a real 32, not a plastic copy. I gave $1200 for my 32 in 92' and all I got was the body,and frame, but its real, and its steel and came with a 1961 Florida title. I don't think I've ever seen a plastic 32 on the HAMB, they'd hammer you over there for even asking about one.
That steel is real crap makes me sick! Its nothing more than a form of automotive snobbery. Just like the Pebble Beach crowd who looks down their collective noses at anyone who doesn't drive a 100 point Dusenberg or Ferrari. Give me a break!

If you, or anyone else wants to read the thread Frisco posted.... just go to "that site" and search for a post by "Hot Turkey" titled "Can't afford a 32 3 window, make one." A 55 page thread about building a GLASS deuce and the hoodlums loved it.

CAUTION: There might be words there that could offend people with overly sensitive ears!!!!!!

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

The most important things you learn are those things you learn AFTER you know it all. -- Chip Foose
 
#16 ·
I just went and checked it out.. I see nothing wrong.. I do see it to be a very good thread to learn from.. I think it has more to do with it not being a ''REAL STEEL CAR''.. :nono: This steel is real garbage is for the birds.. Get real !!!

As far as a real 32, If someone gave me one I would still ''CUT IT UP'' !!! :D Nothing impresses me about a stock 32.. ''NOTHING'' :mwink:
 
#17 ·
Frisco --

You are completely correct. The link shouldn't have been removed.

I'm sure you understand Deuce's concerns about keeping this site more or less "PG". And, I'm sure you also understand that mods aren't perfect; without scouring through the moderation history, I think it's safe to say that this is a rare error.

Ultimately, I'm responsible for all acts of moderation on this site, and I apologize for the deletion.

To clarify: we do have a longstanding policy here of freely linking to other websites -- in addition to links placed on the forums, our Knowledge Base and list of 180+ other hotrodding forums are prime examples of that philosophy. We do draw a line at links to pornographic websites and links that are placed as part of advertising or stealth marketing campaigns. This was neither.

Thank you for stating your case so calmly, quoting from our guidelines, and pointing out previous relevant examples. Mods and admins are as imperfect as everyone else; you'll probably see the occasional similar error over time. We are all dependent upon each other to allow cool heads and analysis to prevail.

Please feel free to re-instate the link, and let's get this thread back on track.
 
#18 ·
32Essex, just out of curiosity, have you located all the steel parts for your 32 to make it real? (your opinion, not mine). I happen to own and drive a 36 5W that is all steel, but it is an improved Ford with a Chevy drive train. My 36 pick up is all steel, but using glass fenders because I did not want to do all the work to repair 4 of the 8 steel fenders I owned when I built the truck. After about 257,000 miles on this truck, I think it is pretty real. I guess what I am getting at, anyone that applies their skills to gather the parts and builds a car to their satisfaction is dealing in reality. Only the total restoration buffs can sort of stake their claim to "real" but they are just a little bit pregnant if they have used any reproduction parts.

Regardless, there is a lot of information available on this site and many others that can offer good advice and ideals when it comes to building 32 Fords, steel or glass or a mixture of both.

Trees
 
#19 ·
32Essex said:
It's just my opinion, and I have a right to it .
Very tue, but the person who started this thread did not ask for the merits of glass vs steel. This is an age old argument that comes up every so often and elicits heated responses as it is no doubt intended to do. Since your response did not contribute positively to the OP question you should limit your future responses to the question asked.

Vince
 
#20 · (Edited)
Here's another link to a 3 window build. Da34Guy's build. You might have to join the site to see the pics. Its one of those "gold chain" type sites but this guy's build is worth a look. Here's one of his roadsters. Saw this car up close at Deuce Day in Phoenix last fall.



Although he and I don't agree on painting techniques, he builds several deuces a year (by himself) and he sells them at major classic car auctions so its pretty obvious that he knows what he's talking about when it comes to deuces. As far as I can tell he only builds glass cars with bodies from N&N. I know he does post here occasionally so if you have any questions send him a PM.
 
#21 ·
Centerline said:
Here's another link to a 3 window build. Da34Guy's build. You might have to join the site to see the pics. Its one of those "gold chain" type sites but this guy's build is worth a look. Here's one of his roadsters. Saw this car up close at Deuce Day in Phoenix last fall.



Although he and I don't agree on painting techniques, he builds several deuces a year (by himself) and he sells them at major classic car auctions so its pretty obvious that he knows what he's talking about when it comes to deuces. As far as I can tell he only builds glass cars with bodies from N&N. I know he does post here occasionally so if you have any questions send him a PM.
Your 1/2 right Centerline.
I also build 33 -34's and do Steel also. I use N&N, Rod Bods by Elvis (Australia) Brookville, and good ole Henry stuff, depending on my customers wallet.
And I build 3 - 5 cars a year.
 

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#22 ·
da34guy said:
Your 1/2 right Centerline.
I also build 33 -34's and do Steel also. I use N&N, Rod Bods by Elvis (Australia) Brookville, and good ole Henry stuff, depending on my customers wallet.
And I build 3 - 5 cars a year.
I stand corrected. Wondered why you use that name when I hadn't seen any pictures of 33-34's that you had done. Now I know.

One of these days when I visit my Grandkids in Dewey I hope stop by and pay you a visit.
 
#24 ·
Thanks. Daughter-in-law is due in two weeks. I'll give you a call when my new Granddaughter decides to make her appearance to see if you're home. Always like to take the opportunity to pick the brain of anyone who has a lot of experience building deuces, especially glass bodies. Hopefully I'll see you in a couple weeks.
 
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