Rusty Bowtie
General Category => General Discussion - Intros => Topic started by: LeadFreddie on August 19, 2015, 07:54:38 PM
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Hi folks, Lead Freddie here.
I've been around hot rods and customs since I was 15. My first car I bout was a 55 business coupe an from there the numbers embarrass me. Last count was 65 in total with no make over another. I like the lines of a car more than the name plate, although my dream was to own a 55 Nomad. I've dont that too and ready to move on.
I'm in the throws of trying to make a deal on a 33 Mercury coupe and from what I can tell, its a Rumble seat Coupe too. The present owner has had it ~ in the open for at least 15 years and at 73, I think he's coming to the conclusion he may not get to it. You know how it can go though, often its not a deal until the last minute and then it happens. For now I'm on the no sleep, no appetite routine.
IF it comes together, it'll be my first pre 55 Chev. It'll be a few years before it sees the road as my wife and I travel in the winter leaving me only summers to play.
I want to build it as a old school hot rod but unlike the Ford rods I've built, I have nothing to go by. Steering box switches, drum brake and backing plates, all that I've done in my rods but this one I'll be starting blind.
No V8 for this one but a cammed up 59 235 with dual carbs will pull it along and thats about all I know for sure.
When it comes to parts, I know theres a lot will be needed. Its basically a shell- missing the drivers door and grill but everything else is basically there. A full chassis less motor tranny is under it.
I sure hope to be able to draw on folks experience so i can build a 50's style rod in a traditional fashion ( not rat rod or high end custom). With luck I can start sharing pictures of her soon.
Light a candle for me, cross fingers and toes, just hope this comes together.
Attached are a couple old school traditional Rods I built and more of some old fords that have passed though. The couple is now in GErmany and the Roadster is owned by Felix Holst, VP of Development of Mattel Hot Wheels.
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Welcome to The Rusty Bowtie...I look forward to watching you new project come together. Looks like you've built some really nice rides over the years. The whole purpose of our site is to bring together people with like interests to share information, give and receive advice or just B.S about all thing car related (and sometimes not so car related ;) ) Again ...Welcome aboard!
Moose
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Welcome to the site LeadFreddie. My fingers are crossed for you.
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Welcome LeadFreddie......Great site, a lot of guys willing to share their knowledge and what they are doing with the cars
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Welcome Leadfreddie from Kentucy enjoy yourself here the guys are friendly and knowledgable.
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Welcome aboard KANUCK from BC from an elder KANUCK from Howe Island CANADA lol.Welol thyat is where i am now 32 chevy roadster 59 corvette 3 tops.62 chevy custom tennesse van 81 ford short box stepside 80 caddy fleetwood brougham and 84 caddy fleetwood brougham. a 2000 gmc short box stepside and a 2005 silverado lowrider. so you see we are very versitile and have no favourites lol lol vette59jdwl welcome to rusty bowtie great bunch of lads if you have any questions just ask
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LeadFreddie
Welcome to the forum..I'm almost Canadian..live about 800 yards from the Quebec border. A 1956 Nomad would do me fine!
That 33 Mercury you mentioned is it a Chevrolet claim?...the guys on the VCCA have been going back and forth on that...they argue that there is no documentation that Chevrolet ever documented the Chevrolet Mercury term...kinda entertaining.
Nothing wrong with a 235 engine...first auto engine I ever rebuilt at 14 or 15 for my first car a 57 Chevy 2dht 210.
Member "sixball" is the in-liner guy on this forum.
Ed
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Hey guys,thank you for the welcome.
Edny here's a bit of background;
my good friend told me of a fellow with a 30 something truck in his shop that's been sitting since 1970. I got hot and flustered and had him call to see if it would be for sale. When he called, the fellow said his truck was long gone, but he had a 32 Chev in his yard that's been sitting there for over 15 years.
When we went to look, I just about jumped out of the moving truck when I seen the front end and long door sticking out of the overgrown bush. I was totally blown away to see it sitting there. On close inspection I found extra parts in the cab but no driver door. The door handles are gone and so is the deck lid. From what I could see, there was no hole for a trunk handle as I peered though the cab but light is beaming onto the trunk floor from a hole. This is what makes me think it's a rumble seat coupe.
Like I've said, these are all new to me so I began my quest for information on this. I knew from the slant front window it wasn't a 32, abut that's all.
So tonight I lay here searching the net for parts and builds. I can't sleep so may as well wake dream a little longer.
As per the 235... I love that motor. Had that in my 55 business coupe on a three on the tree. I repeatedly whooped my buddy in his 55 crown Victoria with its tbird engine. My thinking that motor on a boxed frame will be enough for me.
My 31 coupe ran a 327 with single b.tri power. My nomad had a 327 auto. Love those too but this girl will be built as if she was on the street in 1960 and owned by a young buck on limited coin.
I like building that way. I've had the ford's at shows and have had people come up and say, "I remember that car back in 63, that's Bob Smiths old coupe (or roadster)." What àn awesome complement and I hope I can do the same with this one.
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Welcome from South Carolina. You have certainly come to a great bunch who like nothing better than share their experiences. Look forward to seeing your build.
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Welcome, I like your plan. I've been a straight six fan for a long time. 235s are great engines. The project I'm trying to make myself work on now is a 26 Chevy roadster. I'm also thinking nothing later that '62 as my engine is based on a 153 four cylinder from a Chevy II. Did you get any pictures of yours"
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Welcome, I like your plan. I've been a straight six fan for a long time. 235s are great engines. The project I'm trying to make myself work on now is a 26 Chevy roadster. I'm also thinking nothing later that '62 as my engine is based on a 153 four cylinder from a Chevy II. Did you get any pictures of yours"
No pictures yet. I didn't want to show too much excitement.
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Here is a link to a thread for old Chevys on the HAMB. They are a lot more PC "Period Correct" there. There are some good pictures of older style Chevy hot rods. You'll notice some of the guys from here three too. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/termites-and-bowties-early-chevy-group.323303/ (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/termites-and-bowties-early-chevy-group.323303/)
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Here is a link to a thread for old Chevys on the HAMB. They are a lot more PC "Period Correct" there. There are some good pictures of older style Chevy hot rods. You'll notice some of the guys from here three too. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/termites-and-bowties-early-chevy-group.323303/ (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/termites-and-bowties-early-chevy-group.323303/)
thanks much, I'll join the group once I have it home. You'll find me and many builds under my handle, Lono.
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The frustration of the wait continues. I tried to abandon the idea after no headway trying to have someone else motivate the owner. I can't bring myself to another ford build. I truly am fixated on this old bow tie.
Tomorrow I'm heading back to the property to get the car owners name and number. Maybe if I beg, sniveling and share my dream of a traditional build, even encourage him to share ideas I can incorporate he'll take pity and pass it along.
I seem to be finding the odd part here, fender there so feeling confident I can rebuild it without owing my soul to FedEx and ups. I just have to win him over. Wiĺ take the camera too and get a picture or two.
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All my best to you on getting the car. I know how it can be fretting over if you can get it or not.
Oh and welcome to the bowtie. We have areas for your other projects as well as chevies.
John
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when talking to the owner, tell them you want to RESTORE the car.
Telling them you want to hot rod it , will get you out the door rather than in it .
mike 8)
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I hear you. I seen a modern single master hanging off the firewall, a 60's power glide stick in the floor and it has juice brakes (don't know if chev had them in 33). Somewhere someone had plans.
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Hi and welcome to the Bowtie. Good luck, I hope you get the car. My 33 had mechanical brakes when I got it.
Tom
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My roadster body sat in the corner of a fenced lot for several years I drove by it almost every day. It was for sale but for several times what it was worth. I wanted it but could not afford it. Then one day it was gone and I was sad. A few years later I got it from the new owner for $200 and some old Ford parts I didn't have any connection to. It's been sitting for a long time but I'm chipping away at a lot of little stuff Maybe I'll get it done yet.
See if there is something he might trade for, something he needs. A new roof, a well pump, tractor work, firewood, yard work, fence repair,……….
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Some pictures from today. I so badly want to adopt this project.
The deck lid has been tag welded shut with a skim of bondo over it hiding the handle latch hole at the TOP of the deck lid.
I have the owners number now.. will start calling right away.
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a few more ( and yes, the jeep is 1942 production)
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That is not a project for the faint of heart! But, I hope you can work something out. The owner seems a little eccentric, I mean with that Jeep and all ::)
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The jeep and trucks are property of the land owner. The car is owned by a fellow who was a mechanic apprentice and worked for the land owner 15 years ago. Thats how long the car has been there.
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the coupe , a 3 window , appears be either a 1934 or a 1935 Chevrolet ***standard series***. From what I can see in the picture the frame is a 34
If the frame has a K member underneath its a 34, if it has a X member underneath its a 1935 standard. It did not come with a rumble seat in 34-35 std series.
In the picture of the hood side panels, the correct 1934-35 ...3 long louver side panels are below the green truck ones.
mike 8)
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Thanks Mike.
I didnt see any mechanicals for the rumble seat but can see where the hole is on top rather than towards bottom. I guess it may have been a replacement over time. I noticed the clutch and brake pedals are still hanging so thats a bonus.
Are those factory brakes or later year?
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Thanks Mike.
I didnt see any mechanicals for the rumble seat but can see where the hole is on top rather than towards bottom. I guess it may have been a replacement over time. I noticed the clutch and brake pedals are still hanging so thats a bonus.
Are those factory brakes or later year?
Trunk lid may simply be mounted upside down with handle hole at the top. If the inside trunk has rain water gutter metal parts too : tops bottom sides, its a regular trunk. A rumble seat has no bottom metal gutter to catch the water also that the lid can pivot. The bottom 1/3 of the side gutters are not there in rumble seats.
With the late model power booster mounted to the firewall, somebodys been playing with the car. Stock pedals are mounted to the frame, not hanging.
Those brakes may be a stock rear end as they were mechanical operated with shafts and levers.
mike lynch
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Interesting Mike, thanks again.
It has been played with for certain so theres no going back to stock for this one. That's why I want to build it as a 50s/ early 60's hotrod. Get rid of the modern ( 70's) parts and turn back the time for a traditional hot rod build. I know Chev wasnt as popular as ford because of the wood but I so love the lines of these cars, I just gotta do it.
The pedals are on the frame ( I meant to say that first time out) and the picture of the backing place is of the front passenger wheel.
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I love that JEEP it should have a 327 or 5.3 liter chevy
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Finally found the owner. He has a 35 gmc truck build on the go and then it's this one.
sadly moving on...
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Don't give up on Chevys, They are out there.
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Leadfred Welcome to the site, hope you get what you want, but don't give up you can find a ole Chevy out there.
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Yeah don't give up. I was looking for a coupe for a few years and finally came across my Cabriolet by chance. The right one will come along when you least expect it.
Tom
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There are lots of pickups that can make great looking old school rods. Some not so much.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2h_i2nIB0Ys/SK9mCpn6lOI/AAAAAAAAArY/Ex3HzIyKQZs/s400-Ic42/100_0361.JPG)(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lp3Bet6r024/ShlqgptY4WI/AAAAAAAABy8/tJsP_QBSisI/s400-Ic42/100_0873.JPG)(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94cU4sunqBk/Shlu4vfF7EI/AAAAAAAAB2k/60kqZrk7nGs/s400-Ic42/100_0932.JPG)(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQflS-AN6hw/ShnS38c9bZI/AAAAAAAAB44/8IweUdHnnkY/s400-Ic42/100_0965.JPG)(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AEnN53qbjOw/ShltTZBISDI/AAAAAAAAB1M/siygJxXcjFQ/s400-Ic42/100_0910.JPG)
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Off to check out another on the weekend, then a 37 chev truck on Monday. ..not giving up quite yet.
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Yesterday's trip was worth the effort. I May be coming home with 33 to 35 5 window tin, plus a 2 door sedan.
The issue I have is there is a pile of frames and I can't identify which are right. Does anyone hand a picture of a bare frame the can share?
The ones I thought may be right seemed too long and looked more like a 34 ford frame. Some of these frames have been modified , rodded with the cross members removed, boxed rails so on. All are very use able but I don't want to drag home the wrong frames.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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There is no wrong frame take the one that is boxed and if it has independent fropnt end all the better make it fit lol lol vette59jdwl
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Check out this post by Moose. It has pictures of the frames that would be helpful to you.
http://rustybowtie.com/index.php?topic=634.0 (http://rustybowtie.com/index.php?topic=634.0)
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Thanks for the link from moose, what a great source.
I'm going to drink home frames and a metal break from the same location.
I think I can dig up the fenders for the sedan too.
The owner is an old school hotrodder and his 10 acres are filled with cars disassembled, baby hemis, hemis 409s, piles offenders from the 20s though 40s. As life does,health issues have put him away and now a close friend is helping to clear his land. The dear lady who it taking care of things has been invaded by vultures.
She has posted a complete 33 3 widow for $5k and a 34 sedan delivery for $9k. Both complete and straight. I wanted the coupe but when I arrived, she had sold both to a sweet talker for $6500.
I found 4, 32 ford grills, 2 34 ford grills, all with shells and put them in a pile. I asked for a price and she said, $1000.00 because they were so nice. I asked if she knew of eBay . She has an account so then I told her the real value of the grills and shells. Those shells, so original and straight as an arrow are worth closer to $8000.
I don't take advantage. I may not get ahead but I sleep very well at night.
Looking forward to posting pictures soon.
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I'm with you! I have paid more than the asking price several times when the seller didn't have a clue. I have more often turned and walked away when the price was ridiculous. I hate dickering.
I hope you can find what you want there. I would shy away from a frame someone else has worked on especially if it had IFS.
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I agree with Sixball on staying away from a chassis that someone else has workd on, I'm speaking from experience, It cost me a lot of time to take it out and start over.
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Agreed, leaving the frame with a mustang fs behind
I ll build with hairpins and cross steering.
If I want lush rides I've got my 66 Caliente convert for those days.
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Yesterday's trip was worth the effort. I May be coming home with 33 to 35 5 window tin, plus a 2 door sedan.
The issue I have is there is a pile of frames and I can't identify which are right. Does anyone hand a picture of a bare frame the can share?
The ones I thought may be right seemed too long and looked more like a 34 ford frame. Some of these frames have been modified , rodded with the cross members removed, boxed rails so on. All are very use able but I don't want to drag home the wrong frames.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If your looking at 5 windows you have to know that the frames for 1933 Chevrolet MASTER series is 110 " wheelbase with I beam axle and leafs springs in front.
The other 5 window would be a 1934 Chevrolet master with 112" wheelbase and uses a dubonet knee action front suspension. These frames are not interchangeable.
The 1934 Chevrolet STANDARD series is 107" wheel base has a K member
The 1935 Chevrolet STANDARD series is 107" wheel base and has a stronger X member design. Coupes for the standard series only came in 3 window
mike........... 8)
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Gawd I hope to be able to get off this into page and into the real world soon.
I passed on the coupe and sedan because even though they were affordable to start, there's too much bad Karma involved.
I'm talking to the owner of the attached one now. Was a running driving car. Owner never got to restore it but ran it to move it around his storage locker ( aka airplane hanger in Arizona). All trim is there, all wood intact- but original. Is $7K a good, fair or over the top price?
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For what i see there ITS a steel at 7 G's vette59jdwl that's a real GEM
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The $7,000 is going to go somewhere in the build, better to do it up front with a solid complete car than a few hundred at a time chasing missing parts from all over the place. It's only money you can't buy time. :)
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NICE 32 CHEVY..........very popular car restored or street rodded. There is only ONE model , no masters or standards. Wheelbase ,frame, fenders, body is all the same.
unfortunately a company who re=-issued the 32 chev roadster body and fenders and hoods in steel only lasted about 5 years and went out of business otherwise all the 32 guys would still be able to buy steel repop fenders and running boards..
I think the gas tank cover and the front gravel shield are still available from bowtie reproductions who bought most of the old stock of parts .
don't forget that $7000 US is 30% higher $$$$ cost, plus another 13% HST
mike
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LeadFreddie, that sounds like a pretty good price to me. Like Sixball said, you're going to spend it somewhere, you might as well pay it up front and get a good platform.
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32's are cool cars! I'd pay $7,000 for it I think that's fair and you have a good foundation to build on.
Tom
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That's a good looking 32 and the price is not out of line if there is paperwork attached to the car. Do the doors hang real good or do they sag when opened?
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Oh God you guys you're not making this easier.
No papers but no worries, don't know about the door sag, it's in Canada, that's the CDN price, shipping will be in the $2k region. Don't know what to follow, my head, heart or pocket book...
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DEAL DONE!!!!!!!!!
On its way to me and will be here next Sunday ( 13th) Stoked beyond belief. Finally, I can jump off my into and into the rest of the forum.
I know I'm going to be asking a lot of dumb assed questions along the way, these early chevies are new to me.
I have no plans on painting it; it'll remain as in the picture. Interior seats will eventually get upholstered using old, aged leather from jackets. Wheels will be clean but used period chromies. I truly want it to look like a late 1950's early 1960's hotrod that was just "found in a barn". I'm not talking ratrod but a build thats been hibernating for 50 years. a 235 will power it.
Heres a fun little clip of my last Chev. I dreamed of owning this since I was 15. I had a 57 as well but lost it to my first wife.
The clip is filmed in my shop and you'll see my glamour wall with many of my past projects. This 32 will not be an overnight success story but one I plan on building over a few years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91CZQesMORQ
Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support.
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Congratulations! Funny video and great pictures. Somehow I thing you will do well with this project.
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a few more pictures...
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more
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just a few more..
Vroom Vroom!!!! ;D
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Very funny video, LeadFreddie. Nice Nomad, too. Soon that video will be a reality and we will be Jonesing for spring. I think you did OK with that '32......but I'm kinda partial. ::)
When you get it I am going to ask a favor of you. I need the measurements/location of the soft top insert, but I won't bug you until unwrap your new toy. Good luck, you will get plenty of help from the guys here.
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Congrats man! Now you are the proud owner of a Rusty Bowtie ;D Looking forward to the build thread. Let us know if you have any questions. Cool video too 8)
Tom
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Very funny video, LeadFreddie. Nice Nomad, too. Soon that video will be a reality and we will be Jonesing for spring. I think you did OK with that '32......but I'm kinda partial. ::)
When you get it I am going to ask a favor of you. I need the measurements/location of the soft top insert, but I won't bug you until unwrap your new toy. Good luck, you will get plenty of help from the guys here.
Will do. Hmm, soft top, forgot about that. My Model A was chopped 4.5 and channeled 5.5 so the hole in the roof is how i could see the stop lights. Wont be doing that with this one.
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okay, one last thing for now.... Can a pre 59 235 bolt into a 32 with a stock tranny/ rear?
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NO vette59jdwl
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I like that 32. From the pictures the doors line up nice, and the wood looks to be in fair to good condition. Congrats.
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From a fellow 32 owner...Congrats on you new project.I look forward to watching it come together.
Moose
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Nice score it looks to be complete and in good shape, , can't wait to see the video on this one should be interesting
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leadfreddie if your interested in selling any of your extra parts I'd be interested as I'm building a 32 sedan and looking for some of those parts I see in the pictures.
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leadfreddie if your interested in selling any of your extra parts I'd be interested as I'm building a 32 sedan and looking for some of those parts I see in the pictures.
okay, will keep that in mind.
Thanks everyone for the push I needed to seal the deal.
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62131 is your coach a 1932 -4 door or a 1932 -2 door coach. vette59jdwl
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It is a 2 door, there's pictures on my build thread, I haven't posted anything on it in a while. I guess I need to do that and get it up to date.
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The reasin i asked is that i think we have just purchased a 4 door 1932 coach I need the hood rad and rear fenders and my bud needs and engine transmission and rear axle plus whatever else he needs I need these parts for a roadster vette59jdwl
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I would like to have a different hood, but I need a head light bar and garnish molding for the doors. I can live with the dash panel I have but would possibly change it if I could find one at a good price.
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Leadfreddie, welcome to the site. I missed this one. That '32 really looks like a nice solid start! ;) I hope you figure out a way to get that 235 in there. I really like the torque on them motors. Good luck with your new build.