Hello, Looking for names of shops or individuals who can replace a suicide front end with traditional frame horns on a 32 in the PNW (Washington or Oregon preferably, possibly NorCal). I am new to this hobby - but am familiar with other enthusiast forums and will take any recommendation of any long standing forum member seriously. Thank you!
We have some members in the PNW who are fully capable of doing it. One is Riley Morris at Rocket's Hotrod garage in Outlook Wa, (near Sunnyside Wa. Rocket's Hot Rod Garage They did a lot of work on a Buddy of mine's 32 after it was beat up in an altercation with a semi. Tom's '32 | rocketsgarage Another is our own Marty Strode who is outside of Portland and might be willing to tackle that part of it. Good clear photos of what you have and an idea of how much work has to be done and if you have a bare frame to work with or expect somone to take the front end of the car apart and redo it and put it back together. Yuppers, Hitchiker can handle it too and he is up above Seattle.
Howza Brutha- I highly recommend Choice Chassis and Brake. https://www.facebook.com/p/Choice-Chassis-100068565685570/
Darrel Schroeder at Schroeder Speed and Custom. [mic drop] I bought my frame for the 34 roadster from him. He did quarter ellipticals which I prefer over coil overs but will do what you pay him to do. Ask around the Portland area, he name will always come up. Nice guy as well. I see him everywhere and there is always a smile and hearty handshake. He doesn't buy frame rails, he has a wild jig and build and boxes to fit the project. Like building a house, you have to have a proper foundation. His frames are exactly that. This was July 2014, the day I picked it up at his shop in Troutdale, OR, right off I-84. He's the one on the left. If you've been to the Portland Roadster show in the last 20 years, you met him.
Thank you for the referrals -and I will keep an eye on this thread for more. Yes, I’m not only looking for frame repair, but also reassembly to create a “roller” with proper suspension components. It’s a hacked frame but original Henry and has a title so repair is my goal.
All good suggestions on this thread and im honored to be mentioned on the same thread as the other shops suggested, as i consider their work top level, as guys I look up too and admire. That being said We do have a 32 frame jig and are currently about 3 deep on the wait list for frame building/repairs. We're in Mount Vernon, WA(or will be soon). I'm certain OP can find someone closer capable of the work though. Good luck with your new car!
I'll second this. I've known Darrel for 40 years and watched him transform into a Top Tier builder. Quality is above all his number 1 goal going in. Customer satisfaction is his end result. New from scratch or quality repairs you're in good hands. His jobs actually get done and leave his Shop. He's not a storage facility/Rod shop!
I have picked up and dropped off here over the years - just west of Portland, Oregon. Family owned and operated business run by Father & Son. Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYEwVHppD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Jim
All great suggestions but I will add my .02 with another recommendation for Schroeder Speed and Custom. Darryl built the frame and set up the entire chassis that's under my chopped Coupe and it drives SO well. Extremely knowledgeable and talented guy that's been around a long time. ironandsteele.com
Schroeder has built two '32 chassis for me, both fantastic. I would also recommend Rockets Garage, they do nice work too.
If you're looking for a nice traditional job closer to home check out Bob Kellison. 190 W Oregon St, Creswell. 541-895 2883. He worked on my '32 for a prior owner about 35 yrs ago, he has worked for some of the better shops in town before going out on his own years ago. Tell him Red sent you.
@Geodude By the way welcome to the HAMB. A lot of great knowledge here. Post some pictures of what you're working on. Is it just a frame or a complete project.
Darrel Schroeder does excellent work. He did the chassis under my deuce tub for me. The quality and stance are great. He has enough good guys in the shop to probably squeeze you in too - plus he is reasonably close to you.
This is also an excellent choice. I worked for Mike in the mid 70's. He has one level of work and its par to none. Way back then he took a bare and abandoned 32 B-400 very rough body shell, did a total restoration and went to Hershey and won his class with a 99-point judging. That is not an easily done task. We've remained friends over the years, and I've been impressed with his contributions to the Hot Rod world. Nothing second class there. I have never been in his shop when there isn't at least one 32 something or several at one time. You would not regret this choice.
Thank you for all the referrals. Yes close to home is preferred but not a deal breaker. I intend to follow up on the info here before making a decision. About the car: Early 50s survivor hot rod, Model A roadster, Flathead, titled as a 32 (so I am guessing 32 frame), channeled, suicide FE, bobbed rear fenders and cycle front fenders, 40 ford wheels. I plan to keep the Flathead if it’s serviceable. Has been in my family for a long time, but have not seen the car since I was a child. Don’t have any photos to share, but hope to do so once I take possession of the vehicle in late summer/ early fall. My goal is to take it directly to a chassis shop. I expect there to be surprises with this project. I’ve been told that holes were torched in the frame to make it lighter back in the day -but yet to confirm. A new frame would make sense, but hoping for a traditional fix. My project goals are 1) make it safe 2) make it drive.
I agree with Alchemy on the surface. That said I would never just build a new chassis unless the old one was for sure past sensible repairs. Both shops I mentioned are very qualified to make that judgement with you and for you. How involved are planning to be with the overall project?
Yes, highly prefer to repair the original frame unless there is not another option. As far as my involvement goes -I am still trying to figure that out. I am not a fabricator or machinist, but like to turn wrenches when I can. I know I will need help getting it to move under its own power - after that I’m confident I can handle everything else myself. It would be ok with me to have one shop do the chassis, and another do the drivetrain if that is the best approach. Right now I’m focusing on finding the best fit for chassis repair.
Hey, welcome to the hobby! For a '32 Ford swap from suicide to traditional frame horns in the PNW, check out So-Cal Northwest in Oregon they’ve got a solid rep for chassis work. Up in Washington, Kincer Chassis might be worth a look for custom builds. NorCal has NorCal Chassis Works if you’re open to heading south. Call around and ask for past projects on '32s to get a feel. Anyone local got a shop they swear by?
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