My wife and son think it needs a dropped H/L bar...and no cowl lights. I am still undecided. If I do, it will be a gently dropped original bar, as I don't want it to look to "street roddy". Haha...I am enjoying the cheap labor! The info came from years of looking at other 32's and talking to car owners when I see something I like. Plus I have done some experimenting on my own with my RPU and the old Fordor drag car... Road ride is fine with one or two people in the car...people in the back seat cause it to bottom out. I may have to do something there...but having "the look" is sometimes made up of compromises. The tape measure was used to set the toe. We first set the wheels "straight ahead" using a framing square against the axle and backing plate, then kept measuring front and back outside tread width, while adjusting the tierod length. I had set my RPU up with 3/16" toe in, and it worked well, so that is what we did here. Ok, Larry it's your turn. I usually start at the top and take out every other leaf. Both the front and rear reverse eye springs I picked up from friends and just left them as they were. I just lucked out this time. They are 2-1/2" center to center, rather than the stock 2", so they lower the car another 1/2"...plus the added length makes it easier to install a reverse eye spring. I think someone did already, but with the thrust bearing being on top for a 32 versus under for 37-48 makes the difference in ride height. Yes, and to clear the drop in the axle. I use Torrington needle thrust bearings under the axle along with 37-41 kingpins. I used this same set up on my RPU. No way Bubba!
Wow, excellent work and taste as always! What's the story behind the car, is it a restoration or original?
I haven't even read this yet and I still bet it wins. Edit: Now that I've read the posting, I've determined this car needs the 12 spoke fake spindle mounts. Otherwise, I won't be voting for it to win TECH WEEK.
There are very few sites on the internet where I will click on a thread titled "dropping a deuce" Fortunately this is one of them. Outstanding job.
Holy Moses, Neal. Spectacular! Weird thing about the earlier thrust bearing being on top. I always thought the point of those bearings was to take the load, being on top really doesn't accomplish that the same way.
Great tech. When you are starting with a car looking that good, it's nice to see a beautiful drop without cutting anything up or doing anything that can't be undone. -Rob
I am the 4th owner. As the story goes, the car was originally purchased in Madera California and stayed with the same owner in Mariposa, CA until 1958. The second owner was a Gas Station owner in Fresno, CA. He kept the car until his passing in 2001, the 3rd owner bought the car from the family, but never moved the car from the 2nd owner's barn until shorlty before I bought the car. The ODO shows 37,415 miles, which by the looks of the fenders, etc, could be accurate. The car was repainted and upholstered in the late 70's...and other than 40 Ford brakes, appears to be very original. Yes, I thought I'd drive it for a while with the stock steering, so I have a good comparison...
Neat car Neal. I like it when things seem to fall in place without a lot of fussing around to get them "just right".
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