History History (and Build) of Just Steve's 1932 Ford Three Window

I think the 32 could have passed the 27 but it is 5 years newer Lol

 

Friday night I went out and put about 20 miles on the car. Everything keeps working better and better. Despite a breather system I was pushing oil out the dipstick, and the header gaskets are shot, but the******* and clutch are working really nice.
This morning I changed out the header gaskets and used some ultra copper sealant. I could see one port was a little wet and had fouled a plug. I pulled the rest, and replaced them and opened up the gap a little more. I also made a double o-ring dip-stick plug while I wait for an o-ring dipstick from Centerville.
I ran up to a little car show in Winthrop. Even in them mid-90's with super high dewpoint the car is running 165-170F. It seems a little "fat" with both Rochesters working as primaries.
Here's a short video, Forgive the slow-shifting it was a little tough to steer, shift and take video.

I'm really happy that the performance and driveability keep improving.!

 

Roadsir, that nailhead sounds great!!! I still like the video of the roadster in the snow from last winter,- one of the best. Bob

 

As of today I've got 4,100 miles on my 322 Buick, sure like the way it starts and runs.

 

That's impressive. I better get a speedometer in mine pretty soon! How is yours on fuel? Granted my motor is really fresh but it seems really thirsty!

 

Thanks, i'm partial to the******* sound too. I'll be looking for a place to take it next weekend, and probably the Scavengers show the weekend after.

 

Haven't check the mileage, doesn't seem too bad, I've got a 15 gallon tank. I'll check mpg in the near future. North Mankato Fundays Sundays was a good show today, very humid but ok.

 

Hey Eric..........thanks for the virtual ride. Love the old GM 3 speed whine. Takes me back.

 

Stuck valve or seized rocker to shaft . Spring coil bound

 

The valve is operating fine, and there were no real marks on the rocker bore, and no bind. There were some signs of a wear pattern on the rocker insert (that rides on the valve),that were re-surfaced. Anyway, I replaced it with a seasoned original and it has several hours of run time and all seems right with the world. I suspect it was a weak part, or maybe the tip "bit" into the valve.

 

Eric, great to see it back on the road, you have done a fantastic job, thanks for sharing have really enjoyed following on your journey.

 

My question is after all the hard work, long hours, and substantial investment, at moments like this is it truly rewarding and worth it all? [emoji53]

 

Hell yes!

 

Not even sure how to respond. Apparently you don't get it...

 

My thoughts exactly!!

 

Just hoping you could scream at me a resounding hell yes!!!!!! It's indescribable. I am about to start into that HAMB common affliction of switching focus onto another(possibly cooler)build before I had finish the current one. Thanks for your support guys.

 

Eric, you said on Josh's thread that you will get 80 miles on it today. I am still baffled by the gear ratio. I wanted to ask if you got the "rear axle ratio" from a code tag? or did you verify it by counting turns?

..and does the rpm sound about right at 65, if you really have that ratio? It should be a bit up there in rpm, I would think?

The only 37 Buick gear I have left, is an input shaft, and I just counted and compared with the 51-64 Olds, and they are same count. But that really still says nothing about first gear etc, .

One more question is do you use a featherweight aluminum flywheel?

.

 

Frank, I have a complete set of gears from a 37 Buick. I will count them for ya.

 

I wasn't sure how to take your emoticon. But he'll yes it's been worth it.!

 

No the car had a 4:11 but it was shelled, so a 3.78 went in.
I don't have a speedo or tach in the car yet. Once I do could run so speed / rpm tests in each gear to find out the ratios.
The Rpms don't sound out of line, but when you stab it the car comes to life with the two primaries.
I chickened out and ran the stock heavy flywheel. I had a Scheifer aluminum, and I still have a Creitz lightweight iron flywheel....

 

This is what it's all about. A perfect night to run to a little river town called Henderson. People got a kick out of the car. Some know the story, and some don't. A lot remember Steve.
I forgot to take pics while I was there. But caught a few on the way home.
So yes it was well worth the hours, time, money....







I better work on the gauges. That's a little tacky.

 

... beautiful flight, it looks like. ^^^ gr8' pics'.

 

Thought you might be in Henderson tonight.....Karl mentioned you had a little bump steer scare? Is everything sorted out?

 

Thanks, I'll keep the updates coming. It's been fun!

 

Frank, here is the count on the gears:
input 17
2nd 21
rev 31
cluster 16-17-21

 

It was hot today. Dad ran up and we took the 32 back to its old stomping grounds. We went to the Scavengers show in Moundsview. Jon from the Rhythm Rods stopped by to see the car. Even took home a big ol trophy which really isn't my deal, but it was appreciated.

It was about 125 Miles one way. Car ran and drove great up and back averaging about 16.8 mpg. I guess it's not as fat as I thought.

Here's a few pics.

 

Congratulations on the trophy win, even if it isn't what you are about. Great that it is running good.

 

Sure was nice to see the coupe in person today. Thanks for bringing it up.

 

Finally got a full set of baldy caps for the 32. Here's a few pics. I really like this look on the car.

 

Nice..