Projects Thoughts on a 32 model B project

I have ‘32 model B roadster - original (frame, drivetrain, body) except for a fiberglass rear trunk hatch. 59A flathead with a triple carb setup is the only mod.

looking for thoughts from the forum on 3 topics to make this a driver:
- steering
- suspension
- brakes

I want to update the steering so its a little easier on the arms. Mustang, Vega , other? The rear buggy spring is bent and listing passenger - I am thinking of staying with that setup with a new spring - thoughts on setup or additions? Brakes are original drums from 32 rebuilt…good thing I ride my bike a lot. Brake upgrades that don’t break the bank?

Thanks for any thoughts on options

BB

 

There are many, many, guys on here that know far more than I do but I think that I can share my thoughts on your steering question. I have a ‘28 RPU and some years back I did the F-1 steering box conversion and if you want to maintain a stock appearance, that’s the way to go (in my opinion). That said, by Mustang, I****ume that you are referring to a Mustang II? That is probably the way I would go however there is no way that you are going to keep anything remotely stock looking with a rack down there. I think that the best compromise is the Vega box. Cross steer is much better than side steer and with the Vega box there is no glaringly obvious “non stock” appearance.

 

Hi Brodie, I see you've been around for a few years, but this is your first post. Welcome to the conversation. First off, a '32 Model B is a four cylinder. Model 18 is a V8. Don't know what your serial numbers are, they will tell what the original engine was. Us '32 guys reserve Model B for stock four cylinders. If you want to keep a stock look as far as the steering an F-1 or F-100 box work with slight fitting and modification. @NealinCA makes an excellent new box that is top notch but might not fit your budget. Mustang boxes were used in the early 70's, requires welding a bracket on the bottom of the frame and uses the stock type drag link. In street rod applications it has been superseded by the cross steer Vega. More welding and changing the right spindle and as with the Mustang dealing with the column.

What brakes are on it now? You said stock chassis, should we****ume they were upgraded to hyd? Boling Bros makes Lincoln brakes to upgrade the drum brakes. If you want to keep it traditional no need to upgrade to discs. Drums will stop a flathead powered light roadster.

Suspension? Again, what have you got? I'm of the group that likes a good profile. If it sits right, it looks right. Dropped axle, reverse eye spring, upgrade shackles, tie rods and shocks. Same for the rear. It is rare to bend a spring. Check to see if the spring is settled in the frame pocket. '32's will normally lean to the driver's side. Guys will use a tapered shim between the spring and frame. Use a reverse eye spring to lower one inch.

 

As 28 RPU stated, the F-1 box is a common upgrade. However they are getting tougher to find, and cross steer is better. Ford went to cross steer later. Whether using the Vega box or a later Ford cross steerbox.

Brakes the typical swap is use 37-41 spindles, with 40 style hydraulic brakes. Or get F-1 spindles and F-1 brakes or 53-56 F-100 brakes. Or any of the aftermarket solutions available. Rear just convert to hydraulic, your front brakes are much more important.

Suspension just decide of you want lower or stock height. You can get reverse eye spring to lower, or spring with less arch. Do you have or want a dropped axle in front?

 

Steering: Neal Jennings Converted Hudson style box. Retains the original style steering.
Suspension: Clean up the original suspension, remove a few leaves to soften the ride and
build the original shocks pr get the new Roto Phase shocks.
Brakes: Convert to Boling Bros. Lincoln style drum brakes.
Ain't many nearly original 32's left. Also get a Brookville steel deck lid.