Hello, I am a new member and am looking for advice on a new project. I am finishing up my 1957 3100 truck build and was looking for a new project. I went to a car show and while looking at a 32 coupe, I met a guy who knew a guy... long story short I bought a an unfinished 1932 5 window coupe project. The goal of the was to build a Milner replica. New Parts include: -Chassis by Weedetr (triangulated 4 link, 3:73 limited slip ford 9 inch center, dropped solid front axle, Willwood brakes, brake lines run, vega steering box) Body by County Line Rods (just a shell, with inner and outer door skins and deck lid, grill shell, dash) 327 destroked to 302 with 283 crank (fresh build) Edelbrock 600 CFM carb American Graffiti style headers Richmond Super T10 transmission Hydraulic T/O bearing Hurst shifter Denali bucket seats power window set up Door poppers 4x4 3/8 aluminum sheet for firewall Cragar reverse chrome wheels Mickey Thompson sportsman tires multiple miscellaneous other parts I have built a few cars to varying degrees, am comfortable with anything mechanical, electrical, can weld and work with wood. I am not a body man. I learned with my truck build that early decisions can have a lot to do with the quality and outcome of the build. I want to build a car that is fun to drive, safe, and turns heads not necessarily a show winner. I think my first tasks will be to verify the engine, fit up the drive train in the chassis and the body. Thinking my first decisions are: Should I keep the body or sell it and buy one from some one like New Age Motorsports with the doors hung, some structure and glass. Where should I put the gas tank? How to install the pedal assembly. Any advice from those who have been down this road before is greatly appreciated. Thanks, TBS
Welcome Eric. Congratulations on the new project. Just some simple advice. Take some time to use the search feature for any questions you have, you can fine most answers to your questions there. Post photos, we all like to see what you are working on.
Thank you for the guidance. I will start searching and will post some pics. I am 6"4 and don't fit in well in the 3 windows I have sat in.
Are you saying that the body is in pieces, ie you have to assemble the inner and outer door skins etc? If you're not comfortable assembling those, try to find someone who can. At last you can start on the chassis and other stuff.
It really depends on the quality of the body and level of finish on the glass , it sounds like you have jumped in the deep end. Decades ago we did the same with a glass 34 pickup , as far as we got was glassing in the firewall and the more we looked we realise the body was very inferior and not strong or straight, but cheap. Sold it. Found 2 steel ones. It has had several owners still not finished.
@Eric Stiegmann ,Like others said , Welcome, When It comes to Ts -32s Truck's Roadster's Coupe's 5 w & 3w Before a chop & a use of straight firewall can be a Challenge , Being Tall , & possibly with a big shoe . Lay out of seat location, pedals, etc. Mock up critical in my opinion to fit to be some what comfortable ,
Yes the door skins and deck lid will need to be assembled. I just bought it and have not brought in home yet. I will examine it more closely when I get it home weekend after next. Other than the body, I am not too intimidated. But I agree, I feel like I jumped into the deep end there. I may keep it and attempt it myself, have someone do it for me, or sell it and start with something that wont require as much work. Appreciate the response.
Thanks. That is great advice. It has been chopped already to mimic the Milner car. Definitely will mock everything up. I intend to drive it, so it will need to be comfortable. I sat in a steel body original car and fit OK. I think without the package tray I will fit fine but will mock up seating, steering etc. before I start anything. Eric
Read through the thread by LM14, one of the better glass builds I’ve seen (online). Cheers and best of luck with your build.
Rather than building ANOTHER copy cat car why not do something a little more original? Its different for everyone but Id choose a steel Model A body over a glass 32 body - Ive owned both. I also prefer the looks of the Model A too.
Sorry guys, should have been clearer. The original owner intended to build a Milner clone. That is not my goal. Not sure yet if I will go open wheel, full fender or somewhere in between. It won't be yellow for sure (no offense to anyone). If I decide to ditch the body then my options open up more.
If you already have the body, I suggest that you work with it to develop your fiberglass skills. If it turns out; great. If not, go to plan B.
The Jalopy Journal
