Well, it aint pretty but it's mine! Been gathering parts for a '30 Tudor (that I know will probably never get built!) and came accross this '32 Chrysler roadster body that I couldn't p*** up. I was going to build it out of cast-off parts and hand-me-downs. I had even decided to leave the body pretty much as-is and channel the hell out of it over a Z'd Model A frame. Well, along comes an inexpensive '46 Ford frame off the HAMB delivered (thanks Mike!) and changed my plans before I started. Now it's going to be a highboy with a reveal cut into the frame (poor man's Deuce frame). Ignore the Trans Am snowflake wheel, I just needed a guide to paint the wheel well back in for a visual. Looks like I should be around 110"-115" wheelbase. Should handle pretty well I hope. I'm hoping to get it set up as a roller by summer time. On a side note, anyone have ideas how I can add the door jamb area to the body so I can return this beast to working doors? Thanks!
Well you're farther along than me right now! Looks like a good start. It would be pretty cool to see that old race roadster back on the road again. Mike
I need to grind off several dozen rivets to I can partially remove the x-member so I can narrow the frame by about 5 inches in the middle. The stock front crossmember needs to go bye bye as well. I need to find some front hubs and a 9" rear with 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern and then I can make it roll (insert loads of grinding/welding/cursing). Believe me, when it get that far someone will be pushing my fat *** down the street in it as I make open exhaust noises!
Awhile back somebody said to be traditional it had to be a Ford, but that's bull ****, nice to see some off brand rodding material once in awhile.
This part sounds good!!!! your Quote I was going to build it out of cast-off parts and hand-me-downs. I had even decided to leave the body pretty much as-is and channel the hell out of it over a Z'd Model A frame. This part sounds like a bad Idea. your Quote Well, along comes an inexpensive '46 Ford frame off the HAMB delivered (thanks Mike!) and changed my plans before I started. Now it's going to be a highboy with a reveal cut into the frame (poor man's Deuce frame). Either way nice roadster and Good Luck.
Yeah, I know...but cheap and local will do the trick every time! I promise one of my two '30 Sedans will have about a 5" chop and 4" channel with a 4-71 blown Y-block (that's why I keep my avatar as a reminder!).
This part sounds like a bad Idea. your Quote Well, along comes an inexpensive '46 Ford frame off the HAMB delivered (thanks Mike!) and changed my plans before I started. Now it's going to be a highboy with a reveal cut into the frame (poor man's Deuce frame). dont get me wrong, i like a lot of channelled cars, but i think that looks pretty darn good, plus you would have more room inside. now build it out of cast off parts and hand-me-downs. one thing about it, as a highboy, doors would be a must(for me anyways)
Doors are overrated...LOL! Opening doors and decklid are on the agenda, just need to figure out how to do it. Was an old dirt track/jalopy type car long ago, so everything is welded shut and the jamb areas removed. Anyone have any ideas?
This body would have been fully wood structured and of course now is not. To open the doors you'll need to structure the body and perhaps use the door jambs from another car which are tall enough and straight enough to work. It looks like there was a golf bag door in the side of that body that has been filled too. I kinda like the frame out back so you can install a 32-like gas tank or tailpan. Looks like an interesting project.
I've considered that, but the car is longer and wider than a Model A so I wasn't sure if putting a gas tank out back would make it appear even longer. I figure the trunk should be absolutely huge (for a hot rod) so I may just put a tank behind the seat. As far as all the tabs and flanges the wood would have been attatched to have been cut off. I thought about using the jam from another car, but can't bring myself to cut up another body just for the jams...unless of course someone has some they'll be willing to part with! Adam
The gl*** T-bucket builders in the 60's would glue in enough wood in the door jamb area on the inside, so that they could then cut out the door, along the reveal, leaving a matching jamb and door frame. Then mortise in the hinges. I wonder if you could do some surgery by transplanting a close match in metal, lifted from a donor car. A closed car would be easier to find, if the hinge and rear of door jamb areas were sound.(unrusted) This body has all kinds of potential. maybe even a slant six w/multiple carbs and long hood!
This body has all kinds of potential. maybe even a slant six w/multiple carbs and long hood![/QUOTE] I know, I have a nice complete 350 but it would almost be a shame to install a "belly ****on" motor in it. I'd love a Chrysler straight 8 or a Hemi, but those things cost money I don't have. Perhaps by the time I get it rolling something unique will present itself.
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