Projects Building my Dads dream car. Fred steele Tribute channeled ‘32

INTRO :
Well it’s taken a trip back to Canada and an Auto trader magazine to bring myself to a realization. A realization that we need to capitalize on the moments and time we get with family. It’s important. That being said I want to build a channeled 1932 Ford roadster in Tribute to Dads long time favourite Builder Fred Steele. The iconic flathead powered Purple Roadster has been an all time favourite of Dads for as long as I can remember.

A newly purchased Auto Trader Magazine and an excited Old man shares to me Ron Hartwells Roadster For Sale loosely based of Fred Steele’s Original. Dad in excitement says “Son if I win the lottery I’ll get you to build this for me, Finally. “
Right here was where the light bulb turned on and I thought to my self. We don’t need to win the lottery. I can make this happen.

*Fred Steele Roaster was built in 1951 - Moms birth year.

*Ron Hartwells was painted in Liloc Purple- Moms favourite flower.

These are the small things that Dad romanticized over.

With a recent sudden passing of Dads long life best friend of 65 years and Uncle to us it made things become important. These next 10 years are important. So I want to create memories that will be shared forever.

So with a long intro you get the idea that this build is important and why I want share every bit of it.
Over the next year I will be slowly collecting bits and pieces to complete the Puzzle.
I will be shipping parts to Australia. Where I run and own Bennetts Customs. We will do a complete series similar to the ‘Midnight Special’ and have weekly videos on YouTube.
https://youtube.com/@bennettscustomsco?si=Sahj8y5taaeSgWTH
A goal would be to have this completed and sent back to Canada August of 2025 and Drive to Deuce Days in (Victoria BC) riding passenger with Dad behind the wheel.

I will put a list on small things I’ve already purchased and collected over the years.

It’s time to give back to someone who has given so much to myself, my siblings and our Family. This man deserves it. And I have the fire to make it happen.

Follow along and enjoy, please provide stories, info, or even parts you think I could use.

Thank you Hamb family!


Fred Steeles ‘32

Ron Hartwells ‘32
Dad enjoying his Drive in the race car

 

That's awesome!

 

Obviously being a 1932 roadster, this won’t be original. I will be reaching out to Brookville to see if they want to be involved in this series.
It’s the major player here in making this happen.

A set of rail from Jeremy at Victory Rod and Custom will help me with the foundation. A plan to run a f1 crossmember or something fabricated to be similar. Reason being is an original style ‘32 K-member will not work with the channel and large legs of my Father. His height will play a major factor in getting creative with the way we channel this.
I have sourced a great running Mercury Flathead from a hood friend Dave Love from Canada. He was excited it was going to a good home. A ‘39 trans would be my first choice but with Dads beat up body from Rugby could be a factor. A T5 trans will most likely replace that idea. Rear end hasn’t been finalized but either a ‘36 rear end or maybe an early Olds? These are all ideas that you guys can chip in with as well. OR if someone has something not being used and willing to sell let me know.

 

Fred Steele’s roadster is one of my favorites. It will be fun to follow your project. I don’t know where that roadster is now but I remember seeing it many times.

 

Fred Steel's 32 roadster is my favorite all time car too.

 

It’s in the 3 Dog garage in Boyertown, Pa.

 

IIRC I drove that car from Boston back to Boxboro after a car show when us 3 Aussies were staying with Fred during our Hot Rodders Tour of the US. My 2 mates would have also driven it either to or from a Joe Kizis show in the Hartford Armory.
Hey @jordabennett you do realise how much chrome is on that car? Ars you chroming the firewall? That car is definitely show car class even by todays standards.
Engine in that car was rebuilt by ronnie roadster on here a couple of years ago.

 

It has a great home in The Three Dog Garage in Pennsylvania, also home of the 2024 AMBR.

Bob

 

I have a spare 36 banjo but I am a long way from Oz. Very cool project Jordan. I recently sat in a 32 at gnrs that had the seat tucked back and had 2" of body stretch added, I am 6'2" and I had almost too much leg room. Just ideas...

 

Thank you Loiver I should be able to source one from Canada fingers crossed. I definitely will get a bit creative with allowing more room. Fred’s being channeled 6”s would loose a lot of floor but I will be able to get a lot back with modifying the top of the frame rails. Similar to what Ray Prue had done. Picture below.

 

That’s really cool! Great memories for sure.
As far as chroming goes I’ll work out what I can make from stainless etc. Chroming here is a small mortgage but definitely can make or break a car. Being a tribute and not an exact replica there will be parts (mainly firewall) that might how to be changed.

 

That is really cool that you are doing this for your dad. Looking forward to this. Thanks for sharing.

 

Great story and look forward to seeing the build

 

Fred's Roadster is Channeled 8"+. that is one of the reasons it looks killer. not your typical Street Rod 6" channel that just looks to modern in my eyes

 

Yes you’re right! 8” here we come!

 

Fred's roadster is channeled so much its near impossible to actually drive it but its so dam cool. Your legs are straight out there's no way to bend at the knees how the heck he drove it is a mystery. I have had the pleasure of knowing Fred he was quite the caricature. When the crew at Three Dog worked on the roadster they found areas inside the car where Fred wrote some interesting and funny notes no doubt for the day when some other care taker would discover his funny and over the top writings.

I'm proud of the fact that I restored the cars flathead engine exactly as Fred last built it we think it was 1956. The bore remains the same its 3-3/8 plus another .030 over Egge machine custom made the pistons. The same dual coil distributer remains which I restored . Even the four original Stromberg's that Fred put on that engine way back in the mid 50's we restored as well I'm happy to say that the car starts easily after everything we were able to do. Fred's roadster was included in the 75 most significant Deuces a great honor for an East Coast Hot Rod and a lasting tribute to Fred Steele as well.
Ronnieroadster

 

Amazing story Ronnie! Incredible you were able to know him and rebuild the motor. See sometimes it’s these little story stories that make a build so important! I love the little details with the notes. It’s actually something I enjoy doing. Car related or not some one some day will stumble upon something and have a giggle.
mid you have any photos Ronnie it would be awesome to see!

 

I remember many years ago sliding under the back of the roadster at a Ty-Rods meet, to look at the rear suspension. Way up underneath was a permanent neatly lettered note asking me what I was looking for under there. It was so much fun to read that note. That is a very special roadster!

 

That is so cool!! See these are the little details I love to hear about!

 

YEP!!---I remember ol' Fred, his LAR card was #53. Have fun with your project!---Don

 

Well small update. Mom and Dad have been here on holidays and with 24hours left in there trip I spontaneously pulled out a small amount the the parts I’ve collected, purchased through horse trading and even a few donations to the cause from friends. These items were displayed and told Dad he was going to help me film a YouTube episode. I planned my for my parent, son and mom and arrive shortly after to interrupt the video with my son running over with a Rod and Re-styling magazine with Fred’s 32 on the cover. Hudson always knows whose car that is. “Poppa’s car”! Dad was shocked and said in a passing comment about I wish I could get this built and then I dropped the news. Long story short- there were tears on joy, a stunned and smiling senior and a very happy and smiling son (myself). I was able to film it all and will share it soon. So for now it’s a goal. A three year goal. Not like the TV shows but I goal to get this Tribute built and send back to Canada in time for Deuce days 2028. (With hopes they confirm another event after this years upcoming one)

Still seeking some nice chrome Guide 904s headlights (Percolators) or BLCs

And the most important piece of the puzzle. A body. Most likely a flat packed Brookville roadster body without a floor because of the serious channel. This is going to be the the hardest part finding and being able to afford it. But the goal is set so it’s time to make it happen.
More info and pictures coming soon !


Remember: This isn’t a replica built by any means I will create subtle tribute to Fred’s roadster and add some personal details and creative touches that I would hope to get the nod of approval from Fred himself.

 

Looks good!

 

I like it, subscribed!

 

Very cool! I can't wait to see how this goes!

 

Hopfully it has the ending I envision!

 

A full heart forsure. Really can’t wait to create this.
Anyone here have any good (direct) contact to Brookville? Still missing a major component being the body but that’s okay still a lot to do before then.

ALSO- For those who have channeled 32 body’s over the frame can you remember how much you narrowed the frame to the the cowl slip over nicely?

 

I pumped gas into that car as a 12 year old hanging around the local Citgo station in Littleton Mass. Also one time in his T bucket when he came in. Loved both of them. Still do.

 

How cool is that!

 

Very cool build to do for your dad!

Since Deuce Days is in July and you don't yet have a body, I'm guessing Deuce Days 2025 is out?

 

Unfortunately! But that’s okay, fingers crossed there will be a Deuce Days 2028.