I'm on the fence about whether I should find an original 32 frame or build my own with new rails so I'd like to know what the real pros and cons are of each one. To make matters worse I'm not 100% sure of what I'll be using for a drive train yet either other than it probably won't have a banjo rear end. The engine will probably be an early sbc (283-327) or possibly a flat head and I'll be going for a 50s-60s look. I still have lots of time to decide because I'm still in "parts collecting mode". <!-- / message -->
An original is always better in my book due to it being easier to title, less fab and most importantly it was made by old Henry. For those choice engines especially a flathead you probably would need to do little to the frame to make it work since you can run a front mount on the SBC's as well so long as you're using an early ford trans too. The pro's for a new frame is they are...well new and nice, you can set it up how you want and lend themselves to whatever engine you desire. I'd go original over new on just about every part except wheel cylinders.
Oh and just for the record, I have a new 32 frame built by Ionia Hot Rods and it gorgeous so I can tell you there's no wrong choice. If I were building a 40's style hot rod I'd probably seek out an original. But because I'm building a mid 50's hot rod,I like the addition of boxing plates, and the option to run a t5 without cutting an original up.
I've built them both ways and has already been stated if your going for an old, period correct build using old origonal parts and you can source an origional that hasn't been hacked or rusted to death I'd go for it. However if your going to use primarily new parts i.e. body,engine,trans,rearend then going with a new set of rails or a purchased frame using new components you might end up with a more solid build starting with new. Above all start with a clear vision of where you want to end up and avoid changing themes in mid-build. Frank
I used good solid original rails with an aftermarket model A front crossmember, homemade x member and tube rear crossmember for my sedan. I didnt want to spend money for a set of rails when I already had the originals. I guess Im just a cheap ass.
Thanks for the comments. Now I'm leaning more towards finding a good original frame but I have one concern about that. As long as the frame is straight and not heavily rusted are there any issues with using 80 year old steel? carcrazyjohn, what problems did you have with the welding?
A lot would depend to me on the body. Original Henry, original frame. Fiberglass, aftermarket. Here in NM the DMV will only title a 32 Ford as such if it has an original frame and VIN. Aftermarket frames are titled 2012 (or year the car was built) special construction so that is a consideration to us. If I was lucky enough to have an original 32 body I'd darn sure want it titled as a 32! Don't know how it is in your area but around here original frames are hard to come by and bring top $$$. Much cheaper to buy an aftermarket.
I have always found that if the metal is clean, there is no finer material to weld on than original Henry steel. It also seems to be of a higher tensile strength than currently made frames.
It is an original body so that's a big part of why I'd like an original frame. Initialy I was thinking of buying a new set of rails and picking some cross members that I'd like and build one mostly because I didn't want to hack an original frame and because some have said that the old metal is "no good". On the other hand I have never built a frame from scratch before so I would have to learn a bit along the way. As I put more and more thought into this build I'm thinking that I'll be using front and rear 32 cross members anyways and the K member as well if I go with a flat head. If I go with an early sbc, Y-block, etc then the K member will be carefully removed so that if I want to go back I'll be able too.
Man, I went through this before. I bought a 32 Ford chopped 4 dr sedan---built in the 50s, upgraded in early 60s----and then sat in a garage until 07. When I was finally able to buy it (pestered the guy for 43 years) the 50s build on the frame was not for me. The front cross member was torched to clear a nail head lower pulley at one time, the original K member was hacked up with a torch and the rear shock mount was a bolt (head and all) welded to the rear cross member. The left and right rails were up and down to each other. AND there was metal fatigue and splits at the the rivet area's. Could it be straightened and repaired---Hell Yes. BUT I preferred to build a new frame. Did that and am VERY happy I did. Your choice, that was mine. BILL RINALDI
The cons....sometimes you have to start with shit The Pro's....it's Henry's...and he's glad you saved and used some old bones. The pic above and the ones below are from my current 32 project. They were bad but me and Koz got em back in shape.
I find it ironic we are talking about using an original frame with out using and original engine but need to make it correct..
I used my original frame but took it up to Pete and Jake's. The did the center section, dropped front cross-member and boxed the entire frame. Love the way it turned out mounting the original body back on. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Like I told the kid, "Your musics not too loud, its just like OKC, it sucks!"
I prefer to use a original frame ... and always have. Your have the VIN number already on the chassis and if you have the title ... it makes registering the DEUCE for highway use a LOT easier. And NO ... that is not my serial number. It is one I stole off the internet a few years back
Real hot rods very seldom had original engines. Sometimes the decision to use an original Henry or after market stampings is a logistical one. If the guy up the road has an original frame and the after market rails are on the opposite end of the country then the original is the obvious better choice. Given that the original is solid enough to work with. If I were building a rod and it had to have a duece frame I would lean toward original over after market. If I were in a hurry and didn't have time to chase an original than after market would have to do. Of course now that I am older and have already paid my dues I don't have to make it to that car show or cruise like I did when I was younger, so I am probably more inclined to wait and seek exactly what I want over making due. A lot of variables here. Sometimes you need to back up and regroup. Take a little time to think it through and find out what exactly it is that you are after.
True! I was just trying to stir the SBC debate. I have a set of repro ASC rails in my garage. For me thats good enough but each guy has his own reasons for going original or repop and they are all valid.
The Jalopy Journal
