I'm working on my 32 Chevy last night, putting a '98 Explorer rear axle under it (which fit perfectly I might add) and I started to wonder who else is working on one of these cars. I got mine pretty original and I'll be adding a 350 w overdrive to make it the family truckster. Anyone else got one of these "other" 32s? If you are using a stock frame with a newer engine, what crossmembers did you have to remove? The first one had to give way for the IFS front end that I put under it. But, will the next two going back the frame need to go? Did you have any clearance issues with them? I'm going to be running a 700R4
I built one awhile back. but there are quite a few guys building early chevys such as yours on this board. Search them out...John
Here's the starting point. My son and I just put the rear axle under it last night and now, he's all stoked to get going on it. I'm glad. Next is probably the engine/trans combo. I figure if I can get it running, I'll drive it like this for a while. It even has the original interior in it!
Anyone else got one of these "other" 32s? If you are using a stock frame with a newer engine, what crossmembers did you have to remove? Not necessarily using a newer engine but all three of the stock crossmembers in my frame came out. The front was replaced with a Model A and the center and rear cross members I fab'd myself. About the only thing I used was the frame rails but lopped off the front frame horns and installed Model A frame horns.
Okay, I was pretty sure that they'd have to come out. I'm at that point where I'm getting ready to sit the engine/trans in and I'd like to put it in there with the body on so I can position it better. But, it'd be a lot easier if I have to remove those members to do it with the body off. I guess I'll just have to have some friends over. "No drinks until the body is put back on!'" That'll get em motivated. Only Chev, that car looks good with a set of 'Vette spokes on it! I've got a spare set of '00 wheels sitting around... hmmmm. Probably wouldn't go with the oldie theme though.
I am selling my car so I have $ and room to pick up a local 32 3w Chev. I hope it works out. Been following several threads on these odd balls
Okay, spent a few more hours on the car today. Got all the rat's nests out of the car and my younger son helped by vacuuming out the car. Had a good day today figuring out what I'll be scavenging from the 89 Chevy van that will donate its engine for this project. Just a few update pics. Check out the High School football schedule that I found in the car! I'm going to have to go back and see what year these dates line up. Check out the phone number on the back!!!!
nice looking coach.... keep the front end stock....it's a chevy, no need to make it a mock ford. Parallel leafs not transverse.......
the inside. I'm planning on keeping the inside pretty much the way you see it, short of new plywood on the floors and probably a floor mat, not a cushy carpet.
Too late PBR!! Actually, we put a fat man fab IFS under it. It's got an Exporer rear with discs all around. I did want to make it a nice cruiser for the family truckster.
Except for the one rear fender, and this "rust hole" there aren't that many dents in it. The car has sat in a barn since '61 when my friend's dad bought it. He never drove it and tore it apart. He was going to make a rod out of it but never did. I asked him if I could and I started putting it back together in '86. It was great. I was the only kid in my high school that knew anything about flatheads and mechanical brakes. He passed away and his widow knew how I felt about the car. She asked if I wanted it and sold it to me. When I purchased it, that was the first time that she ever set eyes on the car. It took us two days to get to the car when I started working on it in '86.
A fellow HAMB-er had asked about them already but if he doesn't get them, I'll keep you in mind for sure.
I have two, a roadster and this 2 door sedan that is a donor for the roadster. Mocked up the sedan tub last night with a few parts. It will go on the shelf until the roadster is completed.
How about a 4 door sedan? A friend has it now & installed billet wheels! Used to have wires. That candy lacquer is 25 years old. The 55 is mine too.
Now THAT will be cool Mick. I've got a hemi in my 27 T. It's a Desoto 330. Won't be blown though. That will look tough when you're done. So what are you doing to the roadster? that's a great looking car Steves. If I can ask, what are you doing for turn signals? Cowl lamps with dual elements? Also, what gauges do you have? I was thinking of trying to run the factory gauges. I know I'd have to turn down the juice to 6v but what else is there? It wouldn't make a difference with the Ammeter would it? The only gauge that would need to be modified would be the oil pressure gauge, right? I know right now it's way too low. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...and running IFS with fenders is cool, IFS without ain't so cool. I'd be on the same path with IFS on mine, but redoing an old hot rod the way it was so gotta stay stock-'ish' mickdude...got any pics of the roadster? is/was it a real one? they give me a boner!
If I was going to build another 32 chevy it would have to be a sedan. Right now I have the 28 chevy delivery to finish. Your car looks like a perfect candidate for your family build. I never seem to find them in that condition, they are usually in about 30 pieces, folded in on themselves cause of the wood rot. Nice car
The car was built in the late sixties ,1954 235 ,hydr brakes great driver she loves it ,we take both coupes out when we can she drive the shit out of the green one also
what is the suspension in the front? tire size? I think i'm going to bed dreaming about that...o my god is that beautiful!
Great looking cars C-man! I'm on the assembling side of things so I dream of the days that the fam can hop in the car and go. The T and the 32 have sat for about 7 years as I worked on other projects. Now it's their turn and I decided to start on the 32. I'm really getting excited seeing everyone else's cars and the fact that my kids are getting into it only helps fuel the fire! Keep em coming!
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