Projects Ford Pickup build. Please advise!

Hello, I am brand new to this board and I have already had a thread deleted. Hopefully it was because the thread was in the wrong place and this one will stand. I wish the thread could have been placed in the correct category if in fact that was the problem. If I am in the wrong place again, please move his thread to the correct location! Round 2!

My name is James. I own and run an American V-Twin performance and service shop in eastern Oklahoma. I recently landed a deal to make my own camshafts for late model Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I run a Factory Pro chassis dyno using a 4 exhaust gas analyzer. I will tune any EFI or carbed bike be it American made or rice (metric) but we only turn wrenches on American bikes. I recently acquired what I think is a 1932 Ford pickup that I intend to give purpose. I want to use it to advertise the shop and pick up and deliver motorcycles with. I'd like to have a low aggressive stance, a look that is not too refined (no show truck), a ramp that is hidden under the bed that slides out to drive a bike up into the bed and possibly a small winch for bikes that do not run. I would like to have an air ride system to be able to keep the low look while hauling a 900lb Bagger in the back. What I currently have is only a frame, a cab with doors, a grill and a dash. I have only just begun to look into how to get this project headed in the right direction. I have looked at getting a new rolling chassis to really get the project kick started. I am considering running a modern EFI V8, an overdrive tranny and a positrack rear end. I'd like to get 18-25 mpg and have something that has disc brakes and a good steering system but none of these possibilites are for sure thing right now. The Flatheads are very appealing to me aesthetically but Im not sure of their capabilities in the economy area or performance area. The rollers I have looked at are in the $10k range and I'd like to avoid spending that much if possible but I'm not entirely ruling that out. Does anyone have a set of plans to build a boxed in frame and a parts list to get the other things needed to complete a nice rolling chassis? Do you think buying a complete roller makes sense for this project or are they better ways to get the same end result? I am not looking to build a show truck by any stretch of the imagination. I just want something that drives great, is reliable, functional and is somewhat practical for the purpose I intend to use it for. Another advantage of buying a complete roller I suppose would be to get me going the right direction quickly. I am going into winter in the shop and some big engine build projects are already starting up and I don't have a lot of personal time to do this build myself. I am looking for direction and encouragement on getting this project moving. I just got the truck 3 days ago and the magnitude of the project is starting to set in. I think it should be pretty simple because there is no power options etc of a modern vehicle but maybe I'm a little naive about how hard this could be. The cab has already been chopped and has some rust as expected all the way around the bottom of the cab and there are no floor pans right now. I just want this truck to catch people's eye as it will be an advertising piece for my shop and to really work well for what I want to do with it. I looked at a couple of different chassis from different manufacturers that have the frame beefed up, boxed and rack and pinion steering. Although I like the idea of independent front suspension, I think I would prefer the solid front axle and hairpins because they are more appealing to my eye and I am a bit of a purist. That brings up my next point. I know that the LS motors are great and can be found for not a lot of money and they are very common for these type of projects, or at least in later model projects but unless I can be convinced otherwise or there is a big difference in cost, I would like to do a Ford power train to keep it Ford specific and because they are a little more rare. I would like to keep the engine looking as early as possible but I again, I am considering EFI and I dont know if I could keep an early look by using an EFI engine. A tall order I'm sure. I've been poking around looking at possibly the Ford Coyote motor to knock down 30 plus mpg and have gobs of power but because they are pretty new, they are still costly. I love the look of the flatheads but I'm ignorant to their potential. Maybe you guys can give me answers and options in this department as well. I really love the forum you guys have built up here! I'm glad to be a new member and I appreciate any and all suggestion, opinions, options and encouragement. Thanks ahead of time for taking the time to read my post and I will get pictures up ASAP!

Edit: I have been reading the rules of the forum. Again, I am not dead set on an EFI engine. If you guys can inform me on what I could expect from a nice flathead engine or possibly something I havent considered, I'd be very interested in hearing about that. They are certainly very appealing to me aesthetically. I'm just under the impression that they may not be good from a performance aspect but again, I am ignorant of their capabilities. If you guys feel I am on the wrong forum for what I'm wanting to do, please point me in the direction you feel would be best for me for a message board and feedback. I hope I haven't already offended some of you. No offense was intended and I'll try to refrain from using terms like rat rod and Fuel Injection etc.

 

your kinda bouncing around with your ideas. you may be better off buying a complete rolling chassis.

let's see the pictures of what you are starting with

 

Yes, I need some input on which direction to take this project. I hope I haven't already worn out my welcome by implying that an EFI engine might be a possibility. I have not made a decision on that or many of the other things that need to be addressed. Please bare with me. I am ignorant on a lot of stuff this early and I'm a little out of my element. It looks as if I will get a good education here on the early stuff also of I don't get kicked out of here first. I'll get pics up in a bit. Thanks for your reply!

 

Here are pictures of what I have. I just got the truck 3 days ago and although I wanted to do something like this someday, I really had no plans to do it anytime soon. A customer and friend came in and told me about the truck and actually wanted me to have it to help advertise the shop and he gave me the truck! That is part of the reason I dont have better plans about the project. It was totally unexpected and the only stipulation is to get it going. He just wants to see the truck running again and there are no further stipulations except that he would get to drive it during parades and things of that nature. I hope I loaded the pictures properly and you can see them clearly. Thanks again...

 

What's wrong with the frame it has? I would use that one. I probably wouldn't use a flathead if hauling and economy are the two main goals.

 

The horns have been cut from the frame which I suppose is easy enough to fix. It would also need beefing up and boxed. What would you recommend for engine?

 

these guys might be able to help

http://westtexasspeed.com/

 

Looks like it has a lot of potential, modern efi engines, disc brakes, ifs etc. are not going make you a lot of friends on this forum, but if your looking to get educated on the traditional way of building hot rods, then imo there is no better place. With that being said, it sounds like you need direction, I myself haven't built anything, yet, but I come here to learn and dream, so I could only give you a base to work from, off what I learned on this forum, I would find a bed, rear fenders and running boards and go full fendered, lower it with a drop axle up front and get a nice stance, find a period engine, like a flathead, olds rocket, buick nailhead, hemi or caddy, 3 or 4 spd toploader manual tranny, upgrade to hydraulic brakes from a later model 40 or so Ford or Lincoln, and some white wall bias ply tires on chrome steel wheels, from reading threads on this forum that is a sorta really basic formula for building a traditional hot rod, I'm no expert and there is plenty of people on here with tons more knowledge than me that will chime in, but it's about using period parts like they would have done back in the day, it is your truck and you should build it the way you want to, I just felt the need to contribute by "spreading the gospel" as they say here.

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OK, didnt make it through all your original post way too long for my short attention span.

Here's my input, the 32 is bitchin. BUT if you want to be able to haul bikes (baggers and such) to have a bed big enough to fit a full dress HD or even an Oldwing you're going to need a box wider and longer than will look right on that 32. My 61 shortbox cant even fit my stock 71 CB750 in it with the tailgate up.

As badass as that 32 could be, it will look funny if its long enough to be functional. Maybe look at a late 50s early 60s long box truck for the shop truck? bigger, easier to work on as a first time project, and in the end it will be able to haul what you want to.

 

I totally agree with you Gearhead, I was thinking of maybe having a platform in the bed that would slide our to make the bed extended. It would only be out while hauling a bike because I agree that it would look stupid with a long bed on it. If I did have a platform that slid out, it might make the front wheels pull off the ground lol. Maybe this truck shouldn't be used in the manor I was thinking of or maybe I should just get a small trailer to pull behind it that looks somewhat like it goes with the truck. Any ideas from anyone on that option would be appreciated as well.

Murch, I agree with you as well. I have a buddy that does all of my head porting for the shop on the HD's. He has been on Speed Channel, Horse Power TV a couple of times and built a business building Cadillac motors. Maybe he could turn me onto something in the engine department. As for the wheels and tires you suggested, that setup was one of my favorites for options on that part of the truck. I am looking to get educated on this way of hot rodding. Its a whole new world for me. The stuff I grew up around was later Muscle type stuff. This is a whole different ballgame and its refreshing to get into something that is new. My forte is Magneti Marelli and Delphi Fuel Injection for Harley-Davidsons and combustion chemistry. Im excited to have the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone a little and do something different. Thanks again for the reply's given...

 

Gearhead is probably right, not a lot of room in those pickup beds, but you could still advertise your shop with a bitchen 32 ford truck even while pulling a trailer .

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looks like a 33 ?

 

Hey, thanks, sawbuck! I wondered about that. I have no VIN number, no title, no way of knowing for sure what year it is. What is it about it tells you that it looks like a 33? The no title problem is another reason I considered going with an aftermarket chassis. I figured that would come with an MSO and resolve and potential issues with tagging it for street use and insuring it.

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375939

 

Hey thanks for the great replies! Very useful information in the links I might add! Petejoe, do you happen to know John Walker from Torque Inc? He is my head porter I mentioned in my post in my introduction or my original post that was deleted and he is in Ashland, Ohio. I told him about my new truck project and he said he has a buddy up there that does a lot of this stuff? Would that happen to be you? If so that would be crazy to have met you so quickly through this endeavor.

BTW, I notice the thread has been rated as terrible. How did upset the crowd so badly? I'll try my best to be honest and forthcoming with information. I hate to make bad 1st impressions. I'm serious about the question I'm presenting the project in general. Hope that helps my credibility.

 

Since you don't have much to work with and are a novice, I would suggest buying a truck already finished, or mostly finished. Lots of deals out there. It will get you on the road much faster. Your '33 is cool but will take tons of time and money to get it to the level you want. My 2 cents.
Welcome to the Hamb.

 

You have a 33 cab,they are basically the same.

Your truck has a firewall that is welded in place a '32 Ford truck has a stand alone firewall.

The rear of the cab has the double beltline like a 32.

It appears you do indeed have a 32 radiator shell. HRP

 

no offense.... i sense you have strong desire , but a lack of knowledge. nothing wrong with that. if i had that cab and frame i would build with them. you need to get educated on hot rod building. i suggest you read and study other build threads on here. go to a few hot rod shows and look around, get catalogs from parts/chassis suppliers like Pete & Jakes etc and ask questions. there are some books available on chassis building

many on here have been doing this for many years and have done many builds. it's hard to relay all the knowledge in a quick answer

 

Anybody have any experience with the folks that 2racer posted a link to?

RMR&C, thanks for your input. I dont know that Im exactly a novice since I am a mechanic by trade but I am absolutely a novice when it comes to vehicles of this vintage. Now if it was an air cooled V-Twin, no worries, jump right in with both feet but I tend to think you could be right about the rolling chassis. I have a good paint and body guy, damn good in fact. I have all the faith in the world that he can iron out the issues with the cab to the level I would want, at least for now. I dont want a show truck. Cant afford it and I want to drive this thing a lot. It would not be a good idea to build this thing into a show piece and then drive it almost daily. The nice thing about a roller is that I could be on the road sooner. You are spot on about that as well. Thanks for the welcome too, by the way. You have a nice ride there!

 

Yeah i meant novice at hotrods because of the questions you asked. By all means build the truck, just be aware it might not happen overnight. It took me about 5 years to build my first one. (no hamb back then tho) You have come to the right place for help.....the amount of skill and knowledge here is staggering. Good luck with your truck.

 

I would get a complete rolling chassis with all the suspension in place. Not that your frame can't work, but with your time and experience, a complete replacement frame already set up would be easier and ensure success. Lot of sources, just look around and get what will work for you. I would go with radius rods and not four bar, but I like the more traditional look of radius rods better. Although a flathead is nice, if you really want to make it a driver and shop truck, a newer OHV engine would be better. That does not mean SBC or SBF, it can be a late 50's/early 60's engine like a Cadillac, Olds, Nailhead, Pontiac, etc. Then couple it with a OD manual trans or even OD auto if you want.

Don't get too caught up trying to be absolute traditional. For what you want, a nice updated drivetrain and chassis will get you an improved result.

As for the bed, leave stock length and build a sliding floor that would extend with the tailgate down so you can haul a full length bike back there. When not hauling, slide it in and close the tailgate for a floor only 1-2 higher than stock.

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Me too. Paragraphs please.

 

Ok, now that the grammar police have spoken, can we get back to hot rodding and replies that are pertinent to the project? With a project so wide open to suggestions, I thought I'd get more. I'm not trying to stir up problems but it seems some here are. I came here for advice from the pros in building these cars/trucks not a lesson in paragraph structure. Back to regular scheduled programming please and thanks again for the legit replies.

 

38Chevy454 has some good advice

 

whats wrong with a parts getter and some cool vintage door art - that satisfies your buddys request with his donating it too you and then you can find another project to do the hauling. It can be done to create a bike hauler outta what you got but I think there would be compromises.

You can take a 1.5 ton and make a roll back hauler with airride (not traditional) and make something sick cheap. Big grain trucks run about $1400 around here. Theres a 1939 Chevy grain truck in Marshal AR for $1400 that would be great as your base bike hauler ( or multiple hauler).

 

You will get a lot more help if a guy can absorb what you are trying to say and copping a attitude ain't going to help your cause.

Go back and try to read your first post,It made my head hurt! HRP

 

You've got a decent '32 frame and a workable 33 cab there. The main difference between the 32 and 33's are the '32 had a flatter removeable firewall, the 33 is welded in and bumped out to give a bit more legroom.

I would absolutely build that frame for the cab, find a bed and some rear fenders(finding the fenders may be the hardest part of this whole build)...

Gently scrape/sand the top of the framerail on the driver's side just in front of the firewall near the steering box holes and around the rear crossmember, if you're lucky you'll come up with a readable set of stamped numbers. There's your VIN and you're one step closer to getting your title.

 

Oh, and that model T front axle is not going to do you much good on this project...

 

Oh boy, Time for my two cents.....

The frame you have looks really decent. I would have it blasted and box it. Easy enough to do. Add a dropped axle with 'bones and a set of disc brakes and a cross steer and you have two thirds of the game and you'll be in under $2,000. I do these all the time, (check my threads on here which are just a small part of the number of these trucks I've done), and I speak from experience. If you are going to haul with it nothing beats the TCI parallel leaf setup on the rear.

A 9" and a good donor 350 engine, 400trans, (don't use a TH350 if you're going to haul), or a 700R4 if you want the overdrive. I recommend the Chevy over some neater engine combos for a first time build as they are, dispite all the bitching about them, the easiest drivetrain to use by far. Also the least expensive. You should have this thing running and rolling for about $7,500 doing the work yourself.

I know I'm going to get killed for this on here, but for what you want to do with it, I would recommend a later TPI or TB engine as they are stone reliable under all conditions and dirt cheap. Just run a full hood.

I agree with Thunderbirdesq that the fenders may be the hardest part. The bed is easy to fake if you don't mind paying someone to run the beads or aren't concerned with them not being there. As it seems you are not a true purist, ( no offense intended), you could use a pair of glass fenders from Speedway which will seriously cut bullshit time from your build.

Some steelies, (run 15" not 16", easer on the wallet and easy on the road to find a replacement if you need to), as they were traditional after about 1955, and pick a color that could have been on the truck at the time and your home free.

If you should consider this route, PM me and I'll give you a detailed list of every part you will need for this and provide you with the dimensions to have a local sheetmetal shop bend the bed up. I can also give you any dimensions you may need and where I source the rest of the parts. I'm not selling anything, I just like to see old trucks on the road.

Have fun!

 

Great reply, KOZ! Thanks for putting the time in to read my thread and offer some useful advice. If you dont mind, please send me that pm. I like the idea of $7500 as well. Still undecided on a lot of things pertaining to the build but sounds like you have some information that is worth taking a deeper look into. Thanks!