'32 3W build quandary- '40s or '60s build?

I have had this little deuce coupe 3W body for about 6 years and I all I know is it was a old hot rod with a Lead Chop, bobbed rear fenders and a mild channel.

The only history I have on the car is that it came from the Northwest ( Seattle area was where it was purchased in the early '80s by the previous owner) and there was speculation that it was the Bo Knab coupe from Oregon pictured below in the black and white pictures, however another HAMBER claims to have the Bo Knab coupe already???

When I started the build I knew I wanted to preserve the old hot rod soul and not change the body at all, however the bobbed fenders and channel screamed early '60s Hot Rod to me so that was the direction I took it with '58 Power pack 283, 6x2 intake, '55 chevy rear axle, chrome reverse wheels, black walls and cheater slicks.

Now the quandary part: my tasted have changed over the last 6 years and I am in love with flatheads and '40 style Hot Rods.

To make matters worse I came across a vintage built 59A Flathead with Wieand speed parts recently and I have all the parts to change build styles like, '34 banjo rear, 16" Steelies, '40 juice brakes, '39 column and steering box.

The new frame is boxed and set up for SBC with Hurst mount so the flathead will bolt right in and I am running a T-5 transmission so that can go either way as well. I have '36 wish bones in the rear taht bolt on to the chevy rear axle.

So my questions is do you think this body would look right built as '40s Hot Rod or should I continue to make it a early '60s Rod?

Constructive input is appreciated.

 

Personally, I like BOTH styles...but from your pictures, I say continue the build 60's style!

 

The Bo Knab coupe looks to have a harder chop than the one you have.

Sorry, I don't have any history on the car but I hope someone will chime in. I'm curious too. Neat car.

 

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How's that saying go? Oh yeah..."Wish I had your problem"...lol.

Go with the '40s style! No, wait...'60s for sure!!! Hold it. Crap...you choose.

 

man, I think it's kool just the way you're going!

 

I would go with the SBC... but if I were in love with flatheads I would go with the flathead.

 

I'd just mimic those pics you have...best of both worlds!

 

Keep her like she is. I like both styles but the 40's seem to be the style today. She looks great to me and reminds me of my back East days.

 

It would be hard to go wrong with either styles.

Changing directions mid-stream always ups the costs. But... If you build what you love you won't be saying "would've, should've, could've" later on.

 

yes!

 

Uh oh, here comes the "it's your car, build what you want" comments....I say 60's style all the way baby!

 

That is kinda where I am now, I have most of the parts but it would definately be more expensive to change directions now.

My main question is would the body look good done as an ealry style hot rod, I mean typically bobbed fenders were an early '60s trend?? Right??

 

They did bobbed fenders in the 50's also. i plan on adding some to my coupe.

 

My Roadster is going to be a 1962 build, so I'd say keep your project going in the 1960's style. Bob

 

Agree 100%

 

Keep the flathead on the engine stand in the garage for a conversation piece, besides in 10 years when you get bored with it you can go to the other style.

 

The world needs another late 40s style coupe, not another 60s rod. When it comes to the late 40s hot rod 3 windows they are mostly mild not wild. I say build it like the Bo Knab 3w.

 

What era speaks to you? If you grew up in the 60's, those are the cars that you remember. I like the 60's street/strip style. Your car looks good already in the direction you're heading.

 

I personally like the 60's route you were going but my Dad engrained that into my head.

 

I love flatheads and and 40s style hotrods but this car looks early to mid 50s in my book. If it were mine id do it early 50s with the flatty.

 

awesome hot rod either way

 

I like the 60's look you already got going.

 

What would be wrong with an early 60s lakes style coupe? Best of both worlds.

 

60's style..

 

60's

 

If you want to fit in with all 890,000,000 fiberglass 32's with Chevys in them ,then dont build the flathead for your real steel one.

 

I wish I had your problems...

 

I kinda figured my roadster as a 60's style but if I ever build another it will be more the 40's style. HRP

 

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