Has anyone ever built a ford roadster body from aftermarket sheetmetal panels? I’m want to build a 32 roadster thought it be cool to start collecting parts and eventually build the body if it isn’t possible
Buying a body from Brookeville or atleast starting with a ford body that needs new panels and buying said panels from the same manufacturer seems like it would be the most sensible. Start mixing and matching different company's panels to build a body seems like it could be a nightmare in acceptable tolerances from one company to the other. Plus, depending on where you live and what is required to get a car on the road, you could atleast either start with some paperwork for the already existing car or the paperwork that comes with a Brookeville Certificate of manufacture.
I have researched brookville bodies right now I can justify spending 12k at once for a body. I have no issues buying all the parts from Brookeville or one manufacturer just wondering if anyone has ever done it from a completely un assemble parts
Yes it has been done. Many guys have attempted it. Look at the threads by Flop, he has shown a few Brookville roadster and coupe assembly jobs. And you will see it isn't just bolting the parts together and then placing a couple welds. LOTS of fitting, cutting, bending, rewelding, and then smoothing it all out. I wouldn't recommend attempting it unless you are a metal magician. And, there are frequently fully assembled 32 roadster Brookville bodies in the HAMB classifieds for around $10,000, not $12,000.
Sounds like a good way to end up selling enough parts to build half a 32 body on Craigslist for less than half what you paid for them to me.
I know this isn't what you asked but if you were building a 32 coupe you have a few more options. I see sedans for sale reasonable on occasion. They make great coupe donors. Buy a 4 door sedan and turn it into a 5 window with some aftermarket quarter panels and decklid and associated panels. Buy a 2 door sedan and build a 3 window coupe same deal. I don't think its a super cheap option but maybe something to think about if your not totally set on a roadster
You can buy an assembled Bville '32 roadster body right here in our classifieds from @swanwaco32 for $9500 or so? https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1932-ford-roadster-body-brookville.1051091/
I appreciate everybody’s advice I’m not a metal magician but I’m pretty decent with metal I just finished up at 66 bronco body which was pretty simple and straightforward and I just completed all the metal work on my 1970 Dodge charger RT wait to there’s any Mopar fans in here that was a super difficult task
You have kind of chosen one of the most expensive early ford body styles with which to start. A Model A roadster (‘28-‘31) would be more affordable/available to keep the initial costs down.
I know the 28-31 is not out of the question yet. Finishing up a 66 bronco build so starting to plan my next project
If you are not working with a 32 budget and already have a 70 Charger R/T (I am jealous, BTW) I would say go for a 26/27 T roadster (if you'll fit comfortable) or a 28/29 roadster. Those bodies seem to go for a few less bucks than 30/31 and a lot less than 32-34 roadsters, at least around New England. Where are you located?
Think about what I'm saying: You will spend more in the long run buying the pieces as you can afford them, then assembling them, than you will buying a complete body outright. It costs more to buy the pieces than it does to buy the complete body, and that's not counting your labor of assembly. It's a false economy buying pieces as you can afford them then saving for a few months (years?) and buying it all at once. Been there, done that (more times than I would like to admit). SPark
I built a 32 roadster body complete from all misstamped and incomplete Brookville panels. I think I still have pictures of the whole process if those would help.
Although it sounds like fun. The money you would spend on parts will scare you. Then you have to build jigs to hold it all in place. Don't do it. Buy one all done, you will have plenty of work building the rest of the project. There are plenty of bodies for sale. Joe
LM14 is right. I'm a working man, not a lot of disposable income. I bought a cheap fiberglass 32 roadster at a swap meet. No bracing, floor, etc. Well, the body is not the same side to side (Henry's weren't either), thin, thick, pits, yada, yada. It sapped my enthusiasm. I should have saved my money and bought something better to start with. I'd probably be driving it by now. I know where there's a fiberglass 32 roadster body. Cheap.
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