After completing my Model A roadster project last year, I was certain that I would be keeping it for a very long time. I imagined myself driving it as an old man, reminiscing on how I had built the car when I was much younger and more ambitious. I assumed I would someday be teaching my daughter how to drive its manual transmission, and how to keep it running. And maybe she’ll want to keep it long after I’m gone. But after finding this 32 roadster, I decided I’ll do all of those things in this car instead! This roadster was pulled out of storage last year after sitting disassembled since the 60’s. I wish I had more back story on it, but I honestly can’t complain as the car was relatively complete and dry with some minor patches that were nicely done. I’d like to build the car into a prewar style hot rod while preserving as much of its aged appeal as possible.
I already started disassembling the roadster. Fenders now off, @HellsHotRods helped mount up some 750x18’s at the rear. The original motor was pulled.
In the Weeds Awesome...Life's like that...Look forward to what you have on your mind...and congrats...
You lucky son of a gun, this is what most Rodders dreams are made of. I hope you will keep the fenders on. I think calling it a jalopy may be a little harsh. We are your visions for the finished look??
Great job Steven, perpetuating history and hot rods!!!! Really looking forward to this adventure and seeing how it evolves...
... sooooo' clean. Dig it ! Big hearts for the kiddo' helpin'. My 7 year old would like the moving pad comfort, for her little legs too. So stoked for you ! ... and of course, for her. Very cool. She has a `32 !
The fenders are definitely going back on eventually. I’d like to get the front end a bit lower, and have the option of pulling them off for races.
Wild guess, she’s also your project supervisor right? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The worm screw/cam looked pretty nice, so I only had to replace the worn races, old bearings, and damaged seals. The box was cleaned and painted.
Reassembled and adjusted by first setting the end play of the worm screw/cam by shimming the upper cap where the column exits the box. Next, I adjusted the eccentric nut at the side for gear lash between the worm screw and sector shaft gear when the steering wheel or pitman is set to center. And finally, I set the end play of the sector shaft by the screw and locking nut at the opposite side of where the sector shaft exits the box. Now,, I learned this sequence from information shared here on the HAMB. Please let me know if there is a better way to make these adjustments. The assembly feels smooth with almost no excess movement, but I might discover that more adjustments are necessary once I’ve re-installed the assembly onto the car.
The original axle was not as straight as I was hoping. Some gentle torching and pressing helped correct the camber which was originally +3/+2 degrees at the wheels. I was told that Ford initially set their 32 passenger front ends to +1 degree (-6 at the kingpin and +7 at the spindle) for road crown, but I ultimately set mine closer to 0 on each side.
Yes but I might reassign her to heavy line and motor works. She insists on painting the car purple, pink and orange, with other “rainbow colors”
I worked on the front spring this morning. I’m going to use a reversed main leaf to help lower the front on a stock axle. New bushings pressed in and each leaf cleaned for paint.
Original backing plates and mechanical brake hardware removed this morning. I started cleaning the bearing and axle surfaces.
Alright... not going to win any car shows but the differential is clean and painted. The plan is to eventually build out a 36’ Columbia. I’ll make that one pretty.
The Jalopy Journal
