Projects My '32 ford coupe found it's way back home after 56 years

Teaser....not fair.

 

Just quick photo of the steering arm upgrade ......old school vs new......

 

That could read strong and solid (old) and weak and wimpy ( new) .
That new style hoop steering arm is not very confidence inspiring in the open design with just the tube welded into it for the tie rod.
The old one has the bolt through tab style which probably is stouter too.

I would be inclined to grind the edges of the old one to round them out and make it look prettier along with some lightening holes.
A trip to the chrome shop and then....

There are also hoop type steering arms that are better designed than that open one.

 

Blue, give me your address and I will get a shipping rate to send it to you .

 

I don't need it, however I would suggest you do some research on ways to improve that rather sketchy looking open hoop arm.
There have been guys do so here on the Hamb if I recall correctly.

 

Thanks for your input ! I know these have been around for a long time and I have never heard of a failure of one. I use one my roadster but it is a much lighter car. I sure will not use the one that came on the car but I will certainly look into others.

 

I think some guys have beefed those up by welding a plate into the hoop with the appropriate cut out for the axle kingpin boss and a few holes for style.
Doing that would make it considerably stronger and fully capture the tie rod mounting tube.
Even 1/4" plate would do it.
Maybe overkill but I like building things strong.

 

I kinda like the hoop style, too; and wouldn't expect any grief using one. I first bought one back in '65 from either Warshawski's or J C Whitney and have used many more since then. Never any problems; but you do have to notch the face of the spindle so the the nuts seat square, same as you should do with any bolt-on arm. Only ones I saw back-when with reinforcing plates were on track cars. Nothing wrong with adding a plate if it puts you in a safe place; but, a plate with holes does seems kind of arty, to me

 

Just more reminders.

 

Wishin' and a hopin'

 

I think I understand what you are saying Dad but I hope I can do the fender thing. If not.... a highboy it is...

 

A good day today out in the "Speed Shop" where nothing gets done very fast. Actually, I got a good start on installing the Speedway Motors disc brake conversion on the front axle of the '32. The plan for it is to have it on the road before I turn 80......Don't laugh... that is only two years away.....

 

Now 'yer talk'n.....When exactly is this "old enough to know better" supposed to kick in?

Bob,
3/4 of a Century & still don't know any better.

 

Following along closely with this exceptional thread! Just wondering, did you weld or bolt in your new So-Cal front cross member? I also bought one from So-Cal, mine having an inch drop and caster is built in with 7 degrees.

 

As of now it is just tacked in place but the bolt holes in the frame are still open as are my options on this one, Mike.

 

Bob, I'm not sure I will never "Know Better"...LOL

 

I'm asking because I'm planning to use the So-Cal cross member within my original Chevy rails. Mine has the original holes to use to bolt in, but will weld in for better strength. Your original chassis is shaping up nicely - keep up the great work!

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Thanks Mike, I'm trying......

 

Any current updates to share Hapydz?

 

I will be back on the project soon Mike as soon as I get things ready for winter around the old joint.....

 

Just doing a favorite habit to do from time to time... Spending some time on the HAMB, saving some photos I've seen on fabrication and installation for my own project! Thanks Hapydz!

 

It's coming Ron! End of the week it may even snow... happy building!


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It is a good thing that the shop is heated Jordan !!!

 

From information gathered, Jordan's Grandfather, bought the car from the dealership where I traded in on the 1940 Ford coupe. He in turn sold it after storing it for three years.

 

I am going to try my very best to get the '32 sitting as nice as Joe Mitchell's drop dead gorgeous beauty......What a ride !!!!! Craig Wise gets credit for the great photo !!!!

 

That looks good, but I’m not sure it’s very practical for you unless they have achieved smooth and bump free roads in the Thunder Bay area and potholes are a thing of the past.

 

Mitchell's '32 looks like it may have air ride suspension.

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Practical ?

 

I don't believe it does Mike....

 

I.D.W. Stance...... (In Da Weeds!)