Cool find! cabriolets take a special touch but when done right are just as cool as anything else. I think the issue I see with most that miss the mark Is they are trying to get a coupe or roadster recipe to work or to make it something it’s not. Ill have to think today about how I’d build this one you’ve found there’s a couple cool 32’s running around that I love but on a 33/34 Mike at @IronTrap is building a killer Cab with a flathead that he should be cruising this spring! I’ve heard rumblings that maybe one day it’ll get a nailhead but that 3/4 cam flatty sounds so bitchin I’d be hard pressed to change it! Looks like they just posted an update! Hopefully this isn’t steering your post to off the path.
These two. Tastefully modified restored car, little chop, get the top just right, and the stance, spot on. Alfin32 built some nice stuff, RIP. The black one is no slouch either.
The Cabriolet roll-up windows are a big plus but especially like the 32's when the 'A' pillars are laid-back a tad bit, probably questionable on 33-34's to coincide with the factory laid back grille, hood, cowl, door elements, might be more suitable to a mild chop & keep all the laid-back angles consistent.
Hmm I think I would build it with an east coast flair but not channeled. With the car low and no fenders they look channeled most of the time anyhow. So… clicking on thinking cap…. HEAVY hammer dropped front axle with the tell tell signs remaining in the neck, chromed 40-8 ford backing plates and a worn chromed front spring. Maybe a sectioned stock grill? Some times when these go low the lines get funny towards the grill and maybe I could score a piece of shit 34 grill with the bottom rotted off and I could make the bottom. y block with filthy Fenton valve covers and that mega bitching 6 carb intake that’s in the classified right now with the 4 carbs and eelco block offs in the centers. I’m tempted to say some early two piece try y style headers but my heart says some Bob bleed inspired chromed headers maybe like Sam’s red roadster or live wire? Like two longer exist tubes each side with ripple pipe or maybe a little trumpet at the end? Wide tuck and roll firewall cover in white. Ditch the fenders. Standard 750/500-16 rubber white walls red steelies and a full wheel cover. Let’s do those cool Studebaker cone jobs. interior just clean it up, chop that windshield Of course and maybe even the top but don’t upholster it yet. Some times I see a sport coupe with just the chopped Skelton and it works for me. moving to the back I think I want some Chevy tail lights like @Rocky runs on his coupe. Just because they work so well. Swap to an A rear cross member with a T spring and a chromed banjo housing. It needs 4 scavenger pipes so I guess that answers the header question. Then I can keep the hood on when I want too. Maybe some crusty chrome ladder bars or wishbones and red painted tubes. Maybe the backing plates are old hot rod red as well. louver the deck lid and toss a funky swirl shift nob on the floor shifter. don’t change the paint just drive it, then when a dent bothers me and I fix it just spot it in with grey primer until the remaining old paint is just faded garbage and there’s more primer spots than shitty old paint. Then it would get a good coat of grey primer and a white top. Clean everything really good but don’t replate or get to fancy and then drive it for another decade and let it wear out again That’s what I would do… if I was into that sort of thing lol edit: man maybe it should be column shift with a 46 ford steering wheel with the gold and red horn /center cap
I'm loving Mike's build. My dad had a 33 when he was a teen. I'd love to have one. This listing would be very close to what I'd build. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1933-ford-cabriolet-hot-rod/
Cabriolets are an interesting deal . . . kind of a richer man's roadster back in the day. Also, a lot more usable in colder/wetter climates (with the roll-up windows). When I found mine (at an auction in 2013), I was originally hoping that the "convertible 32" was a roadster . . . only to find it was a cabriolet going up for auction. Since then, I've actually fallen in love with the unique aspects of the 32 Cabriolet. I've had more fun in this car than just about any other.
Will trade my Deuce highboy roadster built in '10 for a comparable cabriolet. It is a very streetable over the road machine. It's been to the LARS, El Mirage 3 times, the CHHR once, and the Bayou Roundup in LaFayette, LA. Professionally built by Frank Zuehl with Vortek 350, 700R4, 8" Ford 3:73 posi, 30.5 radials with 8" and 5" steelies, Vintage Air ac/heat, heated seats, Sirius XM, Victory red Brookville. 210-414-4831 anytime until 2am.
The full hood begs for an original grille, which IMHO is one of the most beautiful ever produced. Lose that fugly steering wheel. Keep the flames. No channel. Maybe a very mild chop. Absolutely lower it a tad over original stance. I'd make it a long distance cruiser as I'd want to drive it everywhere. Would love it with a small journal 327 backed by a Muncie into a 9". '33-'34's are dream vehicles for me. Coupes, roadsters, cabrios, tubs...anything but tudors or more-doors. Out of my budget though, unfortunately. Andy
Very cool. Of all the fords, I’m not sure this one would benefit from a 32 grille. It would be cool to save the flames.
What a fantastic find and cabriolets are wonderful cars. What’s great as said the windows roll up and top flips on and your weather tight. So the hotrod season is longer and can stay dry in a quick rain shower. We built ours 30 years ago and its awesome
That beautiful full fender 33 that’s needs grille shell u would channel & use 32 grille - - - think I might puke. Different strokes for different folks.
My buddy Tom has a really nice 34 Cabriolet he put together about 15 years ago. I think the proportions are great. It still looks this nice and makes yearly trips from Oregon to Reno, NV.
I'd continue the flame theme, '33 grille, a mid Sixties SBC, some spokes front, pie crust back.....a Early Times vibe
Not a 33 34 but its all I have. Just your average old late 31 slant Cabriolet that is all nothing special.
My 29 cabriolet was also my high school car, was recently rebuilt close to what it was back then. Cabriolets are definitely more luxurious than other ford body styles. I love its styling. 1929 was the first year for the Ford cabriolet, and it is not as sleek as the 33, but is a clear step up from the 29 roadster.
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