Finally a 32 Roadster.....Help Wanted

I am really excited right now. I finally got the car I have wanted since i was a kid. 32 Roadster. I know its not Henry steel but that is too rich for my blood. I got this as a rolling project and now I have to determine a few things. I am going to try to make the Roundup with it so I need to get some parts ordered. Here is what I have planned for it:
-40's Lake style finish
-Black Frame
-Black Engine
-Black Body
-Black Wheels
-37 Banjo Wheel

Here is where you guys come in. Can I get some opinions on:

-Tail lights ...... Teardrops?
-Interior/Seat ....... Wide Pleats?
-Gauge Panel ........Pierce Arrow. Champion?
-Headlight Bar/Mount
-Filled or Unfilled Grill Shell (I have the filled already)
-Which Hood? 25 Louver? 4 piece?
-Canvas Top?
-Tannau Cover?
-Change the Hairpins?


I can't wait to drive this thing. I have been thinking Vic Edelbrock Sr Roadster Style (no number) or Hank Negley Style?

What do you think? I know its my car and I should do what I want but its fun to talk about what your going to do as much as it is doing it.....I just hope I get time to work on it and don't have to hire most of it done but life most the time dictates otherwise.

 

Well I wouldn't put door handles on it unless the doors open.

Smooth hood sides are a must. Original looking interior of it were mine, perhaps distressed leather so it looks like someone drove it for awhile. Complete interior to hide the glass. Tonue if you don't own a roof.

I like hairpins myself. But I don't know when they became popular.

Auburn dash.

 

My favorite!!! You're actually asking for our opinion so I won't feel so damn bad when I give it!! And besides all that, I love bench building hot rods!!!

Tail Lights....I would go with '39 Ford or '48 Chevy
Interior....Wide pleats on a brown leather or Oxblood hide.
Gauges.....my '39 Cadillac I have for sale center mounted
Headlights.....none.
Hood.....Go easy on your wallet and get a four piece you can stamp d shaped louvers in on the sides.
Door Handles....Stock '32 Ford
Canvas top.....no top just Tonno (sp?) cover
Hairpins......change over to stock '32 units or copy Doane Spencers.


Man I love it and can't wait to see it whipped together. that thing is going to be awesome!!!

 

Oh and I like the dark maroon wheels with the black but the wheels could go black to with no trim rings.

 

32 Roadster did not have outside door handles

 

Really???!!!!, well then never mind them and that's one less thing to worry about!

 

I guess thats why I never saw any on one. Thanks for the info.

 

Sure about that??

 

Very kool project., This is what I would do, I would do a roadster version of
Rohlers's Coupe. It was just the baddest Coupe ever. Why not build the
baddest roadster?



Good luck can't wait to see it on the road..

Happy Trails, Mick

 

Though most hot rods don't use the outside door handles, they did come with them.

Mick

 

Ford factory photos show outside door handles.

 

At least its metal. Nothing wrong with it not being "Henry Original". God knows I cant afford one. Looks like good start.

 

Loose the hairpins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest looks good.

 

Very cool, noth'in like a little salt in your diet.

 

'39 taillights were the standard






'41-'48Chevy taillights were also used

 

Thanks Jimmy B thats greatness.

 

The origional one I had a few years ago did,and there was no evidence it had ever been apart.........................should have kept it..........probably worth a couple million with the handles...........DAMN!!!

Frank

 

Don't you just love Jimmy!

Did anyone notice in the last pic... it sez, suc on the cowl... and R on the door. Suc r!

 

haha i have no idea how you were able to catch that just writen in the dust! funny though

 

32 roadsters DID have door handles! FYI ! Definetly loose the hairpins.

 

They were the open car style,... but they did in fact.


Here is a repop of the original,....

 

I like the 39 tail lights, I agree with J.J on the maroon or burgandy seats and the tonneau cover. Great looking project.

 

Study this LA32/Louie's car.......

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=499&pictureid=238550

Also, if your wanting a quick build just get it on the road and "pick" idea's from your little books or glance thru the "Vintage Lakes" books.

Also, not sure if Klazsurfer is still around on the HAMB, but he had a spot on 32' going for a while.

And if you can find any shots of Pat Gahnal's roadster........study it.

And not that you haven't seen it, but study & study the Bass' 32.

Chris

 

Just don't take long deciding which way to go on this stuff, do something as you have just bought the most fun car you will ever own, so get it on the road as fast as you can. I have hairpins and I like them.

 

-Tail lights ...................................................... 39 Chevy
-Interior/Seat .................................................. Wide Pleats
-Gauge Panel ....................................................Pierce Arrow. Auburn
-Headlight Bar/Mount,........................................ No opinion
-Filled or Unfilled Grill Shell (I have the filled already).Stock, unfilled
-Which Hood? 25 Louver? 4 piece?.........................4 Piece, solid sides
-Canvas Top?................................................... Nah
-Tannau Cover?..................................................Yep !
-Change the Hairpins?,.........................................Wishbones.

IMHO
​

 

Every image of an original 1932 Ford roadster I ever saw had exterior door handles. HRP

 

Here is a photo of my 32 roadster ( taken in 1973 ) with it's original Henry Ford installed door handles.

I run 39 Ford tail lights now ...



One thing to consider when using the 39 tail lights is which type of deck lid you have. A rumble seat lid slides down into the body and WILL HIT the 39 tail lights unless you mount thm low. The 41-48 Chevrolet lights clear either a truck or rumble lid.
and light up BETTER than the 39's IMHO.

 

Lose those hairpins for sure...

 

What about creme coloured wheels with twin orange or interior matching pinstripes on the wheels?

Tri bar Bell steering wheel, Zephyr center mounted gauge cluster and yes a toneau cover would be amazing!

Oh, and belts to hold the hood down.