Thread: Buying a new 32 roadster

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Fellas I need help. I am looking to buy a 32 roadster and need help in some decisions. I am looking at a Kilbourne body and
chassis built and sold by Fastlane speed and rod shop of
Kansas City Ks. Does anyone have any experince with these people? They are in the price range I can afford.
I would also like to know if rack&pinion is worth the extra bucks?
Any comments or suggestions pro or con will be helpful.
Thank you

Look up "dangerous toy" on the members list and send him an email or private message, he's got a Kilbourne bodied roadster. I don't think he got it from Fastlane, but he'll have to tell you that.

If you're doing a beam or tube axle I'd vote against the r&p, they can get a bit twitchy. If you're going independent front then they're fine.

He's correct about r & p steering on a beam. I know someone will come forward and say it has been on their car for a zillion years, but overall they steer badly. Bump steer as the front travels up and down is the biggest flaw, plus the twitchiness he mentions.

If you are referring to the frame mounted Uni-steer rack and pinion system that is DESIGNED for use with a straight axle front suspension, then YES it is a great improvement over the Vega unit.

I think Don and Bob are referring to axle-mounted homebrew crap from the 70's. And they are correct, those setups are no good.

Don't know if your interested but the roadster shop has alot of nice pieces

roadstershop dot com

You are correct Uncle Bob... I did not get my Roadster from Fastlane... Les check your email and let me know if you have any other questions I might be able to help with...

Dave Brisco

You might want to check the dimensions, mostly the cockpit ones, on the Kilbourne body - they're about 1 1/2" -2" narrower than original ones and pretty much all of the other after market ones. No idea why they would do that! I make top frame kits for roadsters (Topsters) and any we've sold to owners of Kilbourne bodies have to be narrower than the rest. That diference could cause other problems too.

This outfit offers roadster packages at a good price. Premium chassis and an excellent body. And, if you live in Ottumwa, IA they are a few miles closer. rjays dot com

Killiborn sells direct and they are just across the river in Illinois. A fiend of mine has had a Killiborn body for many years and he is very satisfied.

RJays sells the Show Me Rod and Custom body with 2" stretched doors and cockpit. 2" does not sound like much but it is a real enhancement. If you are 6'2" like me it makes a huge difference. Doug White, the owner is a good guy and he can also put a package together for you. showmerodandcustom dot com

what is the address for bear fiberglass you speak of

First time on here, I also plan on buying a 32 Ford from Fastlane
Is this a mistake or what??
Can someone fill me in
Thanks

I've heard of Fastlane but I've never heard anything about them. Didn't even know they did 32 Ford bodies! What model of 32 body are you after? My roadster is a Wescott and it's been on the road ( and driven LOTS of miles!) and it's still perfect - no cracks etc. DA34Guy is right - watch what you buy, check the measurements etc out closely ( to see how close to a real body it is), and spend the extra few bucks for a good well known body. DON'T go cheap, you'll regret it bigtime! I just did a coupe and it cost me an extra $2000 in body work to get it right. Bottom line - stay with the well known, well sold bodies.

Thanks for the help, I am looking for a Coupe. Can you recommend a builder?

kennyd is one of the best around, but I understand he has quite a backlog and I might be wrong about the backlog. He's a member of the forum.

Originally posted by 1956f100
Thanks for the help, I am looking for a Coupe. Can you recommend a builder?

If you want to deal locally there contact Carl Brunson, 702-651-0133. He doesn't build complete cars, but does custom paint, located in the industrial park at LVMS around the corner from Shelby. He'll know the guys in the area who do good and honest work. Okay to use my name as a reference.

sweet