Thread: Planning on Full Fendered Deuce later

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I could probably buy a 3w Deuce coupe for less than what it will cost me to build it, but I just want to build it. I want to start fenderless. The question is - what do I need to be aware of so I can add fenders later if I decide to make the change?

Aside from having to drill holes in the frame for fenders and running boards, you will want to make sure anything you mount, like shock brackets, etc. will clear the fenders later on. I would think your rear end tire to tire width would also be important so they will properly tuck under the rear fenders.......otherwise it will end up looking like some of the cars built in the 70's and 80's.

If your frame is fully boxed gaining access to the inside of the frame to put nuts on the new fender bolts might be an issue, but that could be planned for and built in.

Don

You will need a rear end ... no wider than 58 inches wide ... wheel mounting flange to wheel mounting flange. A 56 inch
wide one is even better.



My 32 3W has a 56 inch wide 9 inch Ford under it.

I would suggest a 46 inch king pin front axle width.
( no suggestions for a IFS ... I do not build 32's with them ).



I always make my wheelbase 106 and 3/4 inches. The rear axle is moved rearward a extra 3/4 of a inch. The extra 3/4 of a inch centers the wheels in the fender ... better than the stock 106 wheelbase.



Finished 3W ...







See how the tires and rims are up UNDER the fenders ??
Both my 32's are built the same ... axle width, wheelbase and components.

This photo is at least 25 years old ... but see how the stock wheelbase makes the wheels/rims sit TOO FAR FORWARD ?

The rear end is too wide also

BUT this was considered a very good looking wll built 32 ... back in the 70's

One thing to consider is front hairpin or 4 link mounting. If you want fenders later you probably do not want the through-frame-mount, but instead would tab down below the frame.

Radiator and grille shell location is very important now if considering full fenders later. It's necessary to have room for the headlamp mounting bar later.

Mike

Thanks guys. This is all good information for the build.

check with your local law enforcement people(cops) to see if it is legal. if you have state safety inspections check with them also. i did not a few years back and altered the rear height of my 1969 ford galaxie and was stoped an ticketed for having to high fo a rear bumber.the legal limit was 21" from the top of the bumber to the ground. i was 23".so the day i went to court i had the bumber right at 21". the court measured the height and case was dismissed after a lecture by the judge.i had been in his court before but all the cases were dismissed because i always corrected the problem before i went to court.

just a word of advice.

Good point. I will check, but down here in Florida most anything goes. I lived in Connecticut and Massachusetts before that and there were a lot of restictions.

Originally Posted by Deuce

You will need a rear end ... no wider than 58 inches wide ... wheel mounting flange to wheel mounting flange. A 56 inch
wide one is even better.



My 32 3W has a 56 inch wide 9 inch Ford under it.

I would suggest a 46 inch king pin front axle width.
( no suggestions for a IFS ... I do not build 32's with them ).



I always make my wheelbase 106 and 3/4 inches. The rear axle is moved rearward a extra 3/4 of a inch. The extra 3/4 of a inch centers the wheels in the fender ... better than the stock 106 wheelbase.



Finished 3W ...







See how the tires and rims are up UNDER the fenders ??
Both my 32's are built the same ... axle width, wheelbase and components.

hey Deuce!! what front spring do you use? are there different weight ratings??? thanks pete

dup here in ga. we have no emmisions or safety inspections like you down in fla. i live out in the county.

Originally Posted by prpmmp

hey Deuce!! what front spring do you use? are there different weight ratings??? thanks pete

I suggest a TCI front spring.
# 400-4510-00

List $133.00 ( but mine is the CHROME one ... # 400-4510-01 )

It is ( eye to eye ) 29.5 inches and made for a 46 inch king pin to king pin axle.

Deuce,
Thanks for the heads up. The frame in your pictures shows the shock mount from the side of the frame and the lower 4 bar mount down low. In order to clear the fender the height and the angle of the shock mount must be taken into consideration too, right?

Originally Posted by Deuce

I suggest a TCI front spring.
# 400-4510-00

List $133.00 ( but mine is the CHROME one ... # 400-4510-01 )

It is ( eye to eye ) 29.5 inches and made for a 46 inch king pin to king pin axle.

thanks!! pete

Originally Posted by florida

Deuce,
Thanks for the heads up. The frame in your pictures shows the shock mount from the side of the frame and the lower 4 bar mount down low. In order to clear the fender the height and the angle of the shock mount must be taken into consideration too, right?

Yes, I just bought the complete front 4 bar suspension set up from TCI.
Most everything on my chassis came from TCI except I used the original 1932 Henry Ford frame rails that originally came under the coupe.





You can click on this

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/jour...ge=1&reverse=1

and see a small photo journal of the construction of the 32 3W coupe.
There are a few non 3W related photos but it is mostly 1932 3W construction stuff.