Previously on This Ol' Fordoor: First Drive: Deuce Mordoor Although it may not be obvious on the outside, we've made some good progress inside the car since the last update. Since we couldn't bring ourselves to cut up the original dash opening, we had a friend help us whip up a simple dash insert on his mill. The gauges are an old set of SW's that we removed from a previous project in the late 80's, and although they are a bit weathered, they should work out great. -Ryan
After putting some temporary color on the dash panel, the next project involved the steering drop. Because we want to avoid using a tilt column, we chose an original Ford column mount that gives us some extra drop, along with an early style column. The first picture shows why this setup is not a direct bolt in. The '32 dash panel is curved along the bottom rail, but the column drop we are using is straight, so we mated the two by fabricating a separate mount behind the dash panel. I still need to paint the steering column and drop, but it'll be a cool little detail that will make the car more comfortable as well. -Ryan
I like it. Wish I could see the drop mount better.. Hey ,I have a spare old stainless trim band for the dash opening. If you need it let me know,I'll trade you for a 7-Up or something?
Thanks for the offer, the stainless trim would help bring a little shine to the opening. Sent you some additional pictures of the behind-the-dash portion of the column mount as well. -Ryan
Dude, I think it looks like a hot rod! Now for the dumbest question in the world; you ready? What is the little toggle switch near the key on the column? A lock? I'm going to run the same drop in my truck, guess it would be nice to know what it's for.......yeah, let me have it.
That's the on/off switch for the ignition. I love the insert & drop. Thanks for the update. I just sold a drop like that not long ago... JH
I've had a few PM inquiries about the column drop, so hopefully Harrison will be able to confirm or deny what little info I was able to dig up on it. From what I can tell, it is from a '38 or '39 1 1/2 or 2 ton dump truck, but was probably also available in all of the large commercial vehicles? It'll probably piss off the "Dump Truck Restorers of America" when they realize it went into a lowly fordoor hot rod. -Ryan
Ryan is correct on the drop. As you can see, it has more "drop" than a standard Ford passenger car part. A COE drop is similar but is on a different angle. The COE piece could easily be used though after a carefully placed pie cut to get the angle like it needed to be. I guess the price of Ford big truck column drops just went up. JH
Oh yeah, just for that I added even more pictures for you! Special thanks to Hot Rod Ron's father, Ron Sr., for loaning me his wheels/tires for a trial fit. -Ryan
Progress is coming along nicely. Lot of progress since we spoke at the LA Roadsters show. Thanks for the photos ... Looking good ...
I new the wheels and tires would change everything on that car. I will have to check with my pops to be sure but i think the wheels are 16x4 all around with 500x16 black wall firestones and 750x16 rear. Did you guys put the ET's on my dad's car to see what it looked like?
The tires are Deluxe Champions, rears are 7.50/16, and the fronts are 5.50/16. Ron Sr. thought that the wheels were all 4 1/2 inches wide. -Ryan
From a 38 Ford big truck I robbed the tall column drop with original key and switch that works so plan to use it on my 32. I also used a spare original dash tunnel for S&W gauges...Just enlarge the three holes a little since 32 gauges are smaller diameter. It looks likes stock with the original turned face.
Just wanted to say thanks to Vaphead for providing some original stainless bling to the mix. Besides making this generous offer, Eric wouldn't accept any money, not even for postage! If you need parts, head on over to riley-auto.com. I can't promise you any free trim from Eric, but at least you'll get damn good service. -Ryan
free trim? She'll go out of business giving it away. That close up of the dash with the stainless on it. Perfect. You are current on the dues for the "HDC" ?
I missed the last couple of posts. Looks like you've gone to Shiny-ville?! What color? For what it's worth, I like the mags! I like both sets, but....
Hey Jeem, No color yet, just a whole bunch of Squeeg's yellow primer and sanding lately. The Halibrands and ET's will stay on the car for good, the steelies and bias tires don't jive with the era. -Ryan .
Ryan, Great update, the Deuce is coming along nicely. The dash looks great nice solution on the insert. Keep up the good work, CBB
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