1932 5 window subrails and floor need replacing. Just talked with Dick Spadaro about this. They sell all parts separate or I can buy the subrails and floor with rockers and cross channel all welded up and correct. A good idea to buy the assembled parts or individually? Sometimes I think all assembled would be better. Less work, welded on a perfect frame so its "right". But then I wonder about fitting each part to the body might be better. More control of movement of the parts and placement. Any good advice from anyone who has done this? Oh and, both the lower 4 inches or so of both B pillars are rusted gone. I can buy a new B pillar but its the entire pillar. Does anyone know of someone who fabs just the lower part for a graft?
If you have a nice frame, I'd think it best to buy the assembled subrails. If your frame may be tweaked, and you aren't going to fix it, then buy them separate and weld em up on your frame. Then you know it will fit like a glove. Tha bottom of the pillars should be easy to fab yourself.
Having done this with pieces and also welded sub assemblies when we assembled some Brookville roadster bodies I would go with the assembled parts if possible.
If you get the complete pan, you'll be forcing the body into submission to fit it. It will probably be pretty nice when done. Then you'll be shimming the fitment of the body assembly to the frame. But that's the way I'd do it.
I think I will go with the complete welded assembly. The cost to ship is going to be a bitch, but I think it is the way to go. Lots less work and it should go back together easier. I appreciate all the advice.
Definitely get the assembled rails. We've done both and there is no comparison with the finished product. We have built bodies on the frame that is going to be used in the final build so the frame has to be right on the money or your going to spend hours getting everything aligned. Frank
The Jalopy Journal
