Projects How much would it cost?

I’m considering the possibility of getting a “replica” (not original) ’32, but after looking at some online prices, I wonder if I can’t really afford one, or if I’m just looking in the wrong places.

Let me explain what I would like to buy if it’s possible and practical:

I would want a ’32 replica that a casual observer would call a pretty simple, modest, and quite conservative hot rod.

I don’t need or want show quality, because it is intended to be a secondary almost-daily driver, used in the short term (1 to 2 more years) for transportation to and from short pre-retirement consulting gigs that run 3 months to 6 months duration and 3 month gaps between them, and long term for pleasure driving only.

Likewise, I could not stand owning or driving a car that has serious workmanship issues, or design flaws, and certainly not a “rat rod”.

I’d want what I think you guys would call a “cabriolet” – a roadster with roll up side windows and a convertible or take-off top, since I do drive in rain, and, especially on consulting gigs, have to park outside at hotels and at my client’s site. Although I’ve been a motorcyclist for 46 years, and can handle rain myself as a result ☺ , I imagine that a roadster interior, unlike a motorcycle, cannot gracefully survive repeated soakings. ☺

I also need HVAC, turn signals, and an aluminum rad (I live in Texas). Fenders are not required in Texas, which is great because I love the look of a fenderless highboy.

I want utter simplicity so that I can do my own maintenance and repairs, and so that the number of things to break is very limited. That means no sound system, and no other electrical gizmos, no $600 HID lighting, and no stuffed-in/barely fits engines or other unnecessary engine compartment accessories. Engine computer is a question mark: I am leery of the added blackbox complexity and the cost, but would probably appreciate the superior fuel mileage, startability, and adjustability, so am open to advice.

I picture a pretty modest (250 to 300 hp) crate Chevy engine, a 700R4 transmission (for the overdrive), but a rear axle capable of handling more power down the road as I put retirement years to good use in modifying the engine. 3.7 axle (I like nimbleness when I am in traffic).

Paint can be pretty basic, and nothing wild. Probably typical bright red or other basic color. Show quality is not needed and not worth the high cost to me. Daily driver quality is.

I don’t strongly care if the body is steel or fiberglass, and actually prefer fiberglass simply because it won’t rust.

I don’t want a “fancy” chassis with independent front suspension or other features. A plain ’32 frame with split wishbone or hairpin front end, and the typical 4-link rear would be fine, and in fact strongly preferred for its simplicity.

Because I value longevity and hate the look of corrosion, modest alloy or chromed wheels, a stainless exhaust, and a chrome front axle assembly would be worth the money to me. I don’t need fancy wheels or wide rear tires.

I’m not real sensitive to panel alignment or fidelity to original dimensions. But I do want the car to look like a properly built car, not someone’s amateur project.

I’d like an observer to think “nice car” versus either “loud hot rod” or “money pit toy” or “amateur hour”.

I initially thought that surely the above can’t cost a ton of money, but I am wondering I was wrong. Most ‘32s I see advertised are in the $36k and up range used, with $30k being about the bottom of the range where I can say that yes, I’d be willing to own and drive that car. I saw one shop that advertises new roadsters equipped as I outlined above for about $39k, but most seem to be well north of $50k. I’m ignoring the gorgeous ones that go into 6 figures because I just can’t afford, and really don’t need, a car like that. $36k and up seems steep for a simple car with very few features compared to even a brand new Kia or Cruze. Why are they so costly? Is it the body panels? Or?

I am asking on this forum because it looks like you guys and gals know a bit about ‘32s.

What should I really expect to pay for a ’32 like I have described, if it still has sufficient life and appearance left to go say 10 to 15 years and 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and remain worthwhile to maintain and repair?

Jim G

 

32 fords are expensive,they always have been,steel or glass..original or reproduction.

Bare bones you might find one in the 30 to 40 grand range,,but when you ad cabriolet to it and heat & air the price goes up.

There are all kinds of suspensions,,painted,plated or stainless.

Wheels & tires can go from reasonable to insane in price,paint & interior,type of gauge clusters can add up really fast.

And then you add up the hours,,,one thing is for sure..cash talks. HRP

Heres a couple of nice car in the classifieds.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=852829&highlight=1932+ford+roadster

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=844818&highlight=1932+ford+roadster

 

Honestly, after reading all that stuff you wrote, I'd recommend a nicely built '53 Chevy Business coupe. It seems like you're asking for either a $50,000 street rod or a nice, safe, trouble free driver. A full size sedan would give you a fairly trouble free car and still be "cool".

I don't like threads like this because a proper answer can only be given by someone who knows the OP VERY well. There are way too many variables in a decision like whether or not a person should get a hot rod. For instance, they break. It's part of the fun. Are you able to fix it yourself? If not, can you afford to have it fixed and maintained? Those aren't direct questions to you, but they're some of the things to consider. And......

 

I'm with Fred. I have been doing street rods for over 40 years and the best bang for the buck to fit in your situation would more than likely be a Kustom (spelled with a K) like a '50's car. They can be just as much fun to have, cheaper to own and maintain and easier to insure. Sure, the Duce would have more visual impact, but the impact in the wallet is substantial!

 

One of the best introductions i've seen. Thanks and welcome.
As for the insane 32 Ford prices, I suppose it's simply because they are so popular and if you don't buy it someone else will.
There are other equally interesting and dependable rods and customs out there that you might also enjoy. Actually almost any well maintained and well built older car will attract attention and be a fun driver.
Just don't give up on your dream of owning a 32 Ford.

 

I am with Fred. I know for 25 K I could do what you are describing. The? is can you do it, do you have the skill and tools to do it? A 32 ford is just like a Harley even a fake one cost a lot of money.

 

When I read your post "Shays" comes to mind about 12-15k. You should be able find a great car for around 36k not sure about a 32 though maybe with a sbc. I would take some time and look around alot. gl

 

If you're set on a 32, I'd suggest getting a complete running and driving car, from the current owner, not a newly built from a shop. Mild engine, a/c being most important, start offering $30K for the cars that are currently for sale and see if anyone bites. Start looking at car shows, if they drove the car there, its a pretty good chance its reliable. If its built as a street rod, fine, drive it for a while then start making changes.

 

sounds like you are dreaming about having a perfect rod for a perfect price. why a '32? have you searched the classifieds here, and on eBay to see what rods that seem to fill you wish list. then post a ad that we can look at and discuss. it does not have to be your final pick, just something to talk about.

 

I would lean towards a different type of car...
And get your wallet out...


I do have to say thats amazing... 8 years to make a first message

 

A brand new car will have all the durability and creature features we all love... and a warranty. The problem is they ALL look like suppositories and devalue quickly. In 10 years your new 30 k car will be worth 7 grand, while your 32 ford will still be worth 30 K or more. It will also have a cool factor that is timeless. Your choice!

 

Hey, someone that types slower than me!

 

hahaha

 

I want a custom hand built car for the price of a new econo shit box. Why can't a find one?

 

One thing not mentioned is your laundry list of 'wants'. Chances that you'll find exactly what you want probably aren't all that good unless you have it built; it's not like going to the dealer and saying 'I want one of those in that color'.... You're buying somebody else's vision, so a certain amount of 'wrong' will be attached.

 

The fact that you say you need ROLL UP WINDOWS is going to drive the cost up considerably - there are very few '32 Ford style "Roadster" type bodies that have Roll Up windows , in fact I'm not sure there are ANY made ?!?!?!?!?!?!?

 

He mentioned "cabriolet" in first post, which have roll-up windows.

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

Yeah they are Don.
Both in glass and steel.
This 1 just left the shop a couple of weeks ago, sure wasn't what the op would want to pony up 4.
Had a/c pwr windows, everything the op listed in his original ?
A glass body is well over 12500.
That's just the body.

He's dreamin.
He can sh*t in 1 hand and wish in the other, and I can tell ya which 1 is gonna fill up first

 

Well, if ya wanna shop.. have fun browsing!

http://www.cars-on-line.com/fd06_32-39custom.html

 

Gateway has one for sale now

http://gatewayclassiccars.com/louisville/1932/ford/cabriolet-S404.html

 

I know that, but are there any reproduction True Cabriolet (fixed windshield posts) bodies made?

Well There you go - who makes those bodies?

 

Is that Gateway car an original steel '32? If it is, that seems like a good starting point.

The roll up side windows are going to be the toughest thing. I would think the most cost effective way to get what you want would be to buy someone else's finished car (with side windows already in it, can't really add those later) and then spend some money setting it up just the way you want it. And my guess, to get all the things you want in one car, you'll spend around $50K.

If I wanted to do all the things you want to do with an old car, I'd buy two. A nice original steel Model A roadster with a '32 grille and a '55 Chevy 2 door post with A/C or something like that. It'd probably be cheaper than the '32 you describe, you could accomplish all the same things, and you'd have one to drive while the other is down for repairs.

There's no way any shops are building those cars start to finish for $39K. To have what is described above, built by a pro shop from the ground up, could run 2 years and $100,000.

 

32's are high because everybody likes and wants them. I'd broaden my search if it was me. T's will be the cheapest, but also the smallest. A's can look as good as 32's if done right. 34 and later the same thing.

Don't limit yourself to one year or body style. Find something that you like and is in the shape you want, drive it a while, then sell it for the next one. It has taken me nearly 30 years to get a 40's coupe like I wanted, even at that I ended up with a different one than what I would really love to have.

 

Would you like fries with that?

 

Nothing like real Henry steel !!!!! Get what you want or you'll never be happy ! Merry Christmas all G-man

 

Think of the biggest number you can then double that and you should be good

 

The first car HRP posted is probably the best deal and as close as you will get. It does not have the SBC and OD you wanted but you can change that if you like. It looks like a good car and would be loads of fun!

 

A quick internet search shows '32 cabriolet bodies made by Gibbon and County Line Rods

 

There is a Shay repo on a car lot here in the New Orleans area. It looks okay at a glance, but since I have no interest in it I did not look at it other than a drive by.
I could if someone was interested.

 

I think reality jumped up and slapped the OP in the face.
He ain't come back.
Maybe he's out buyin lottery tickets