Another Build Thread - My '32

[J. Robinson]

And so it begins... I finally completed my Track-T and accompanying build thread(Another build thread? Yep, my track-style T) just as my wife developed a problem with her back and legs. She can't climb in and out of the T without a lot of help, so I have decided to build another roadster that has doors. The T is for sale at this writing.

Meantime, I have purchased a Deuce frame from Clarke Hot Rods in Ormond Beach, FL. I took delivery of it on March 4th and brought it home to my shop where it rests until work starts in earnest (see pic). If you followed my build on the T, you know this; for those of you who just found this thread let me tell you: I like to do things the old fashioned way. I build my cars using salvage yard parts wherever possible and I fabricate all of my own brackets and welded components. Until this car I fabricated all my own frames including the Deuce-style frame under my '31 coupe. I do my own body and paint work, woodwork if needed, engine assembly, and have done some limited upholstery work. My favorite part of any build is the suspension. I fabricate all my own radius rods, spring pockets, shock mounts, etc.

As a kid growing up I was frequently told I couldn't do something or I could never have something because "it costs too much". I learned early on that I could have lots of those things if I made them myself, so... I became a "Jack of all trades". I discovered that I like making things, so I build everything I can instead of buying pre-fabricated stuff. If you like things that go together fast, this ain't your place, but if you like detailed explanations and lots of pictures, stay with me. I am an old retired school teacher with not much money, so I am slow and methodical and do things inexpensively where I can - the way old hot rodders did it years ago.

(Pic deleted. Reason unknown.)

[NTFDAY]

I like your style. The big budget builds are nice, but the home made builds have so much more character. BTW, tech is just across the state from you in the Tampa area.

[rspears]

I like your style. The big budget builds are nice, but the home made builds have so much more character. BTW, tech is just across the state from you in the Tampa area.

I agree 100%. There's nothing wrong with a home build that's not cranked out in six months or less, and bringing in features from different cars you might see, incorporating salvage yard parts, making your own brackets & components just makes it yours and is a big part of the fun, IMO. Always enjoy watching your innovation, Jim.

Ken, I hadn't noticed that Richard/Tech had moved to Tampa! Last I'd seen he was out in Hemet, CA east of LA! That's a big move!

[J. Robinson]

In keeping with my usual budget building practice, I have acquired several items along the way for free or I have traded some kind of work (usually welding, wiring, or painting) for something I need. For this build I already have a Jeep front axle identical to the one in my coupe. JEEP??!! Yes, old Jeep 2-wheel-drive station wagons (1962?) have I-beam axles with a factory 4-inch drop! The one in my coupe works exceedingly well, so I'll use the other one here. The front end will be suspended on torsion bars (Nissan pickup) like my coupe. The ride is good, ride height is adjustable, and it corners like a Porsche! I will build my own radius rods and panhard bar. I have a Ford Ranger steering box, but don't know if I can use it here - time will tell.

For an engine, I was recently gifted with a freshly rebuilt 454 Big-Block Chevy. It originally came out of a Chevy wrecker, was completely rebuilt, but then the wrecker was sold with a salvage yard engine installed. This one sat on the stand for a few years and now it's going in my '32. I would like a Turbo 400 or a 700R4 trans - I'll look for one later.

Recently I was given a 9-inch Ford rear for hauling it away. It was lying on the ground (had been there for years) next to another one that was marked "58 sta wgn". This rear looked to be about 2 inches wider than the '58 wagon rear, but it was not labeled. Could it be early '60s? Anyway, the left axle turns, but clicks; the right axle and pinion are stuck! That tells me it has serious problems (broken spiders?), but I don't care. I have a couple other 9-inch "chunks"; as long as these axles and housing are OK I can use it. I pressure washed it Monday and discovered some markings. The tag says 2.69. The number in the box is 25. Anybody know how to decipher the markings? Anyway, I also have a complete 4-bar set I can use or I could build a set of "truck arms" that will launch better. I haven't decided yet.

[J. Robinson]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I like doing the build thread along with my build. It helps keep me focused.

I go to Tampa a few times a year to race my Electrathon cars. Maybe I can arrange to meet Tech sometime. A friend of mine just moved from Chino Hills, CA to Paducah, KY. After selling his little 1200 sq ft house on a quarter acre in CA he bought lakefront property in KY with 5 bedrooms and paid cash! That gives some indication of the disparity in real estate values. Maybe that and tax structure prompted Tech to move..?

[NTFDAY]

. Maybe that and tax structure prompted Tech to move..?

He grew tired of the high desert in the Hemet area, It's a little south and west of Palm Springs. He's always wanted to live near the ocean and California is a little pricey.

[J. Robinson]

Comparable real estate in Tampa is probably about 1/3 or less what it would be in CA. here on the "Space Coast" probably about 1/5.

[NTFDAY]

Comparable real estate in Tampa is probably about 1/3 or less what it would be in CA. here on the "Space Coast" probably about 1/5.

I think you have to acquire a taste for Florida, I never did. The last time I was in Florida was around 93-94 for my youngest daughter's boot camp graduation in Orlando. It's a beautiful place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.

[J. Robinson]

Humidity and heat are a problem for some folks. I thrive in it and hate anyplace cold. I was born and raised in Indiana and I was miserable 8 months out of the year. If it's below 60 I'm freezing. I won't go north in the winter and I have lots of friends up there who won't come south in the summer. Hey, it'd be awfully crowded if we all wanted to live in the same place.

[daytonagary]

Humidity and heat are a problem for some folks. I thrive in it and hate anyplace cold. I was born and raised in Indiana and I was miserable 8 months out of the year. If it's below 60 I'm freezing. I won't go north in the winter and I have lots of friends up there who won't come south in the summer. Hey, it'd be awfully crowded if we all wanted to live in the same place.

AGREE wholeheartedly. Left the miserable Ohio weather in 1982 at age of 33 for the beautiful weather of Daytona Beach, FL and never looked back. Get to enjoy so many more precious hours of your life in the warm climate. I get in touch with my old high school buddies in the winter and they are so miserable for so many days each year because of the cold, snow, ice, etc. weather and I am down here in my garage building hot rods hot rods and out attending car shows all year long. With only one life to live, I am so glad I did it my way....................

[stovens]

Jim sounds like your already off to a good start with parts, engine, rear axle and frame already. Do you have a body lined up or is that further down the line?

[40FordDeluxe]

I also like your style! Take your time, we will be following along! All this talk of nice weather has me perplexed. They say we are going to get thunder storms soon, some severe. But then it could turn to the s word by tomorrow. Sheesh

[Davyj]

thanks for taking the time to post the build, looking forward to following along............

[J. Robinson]

No, Steve, no body yet. I will have to sell my Track-T before I can buy a body. BeBops is a 10 hour drive up in Tennessee and they have a good reputation. Also, there is a relatively new manufacturer (1932 Deuce Coupe) here in Deland, FL that I will take a look at. I haven't seen any of their stuff in person yet; just the pics on their website. Something else may turn up before I sell the T, also...

Ryan, I know what you mean. My wife's brother used to call from here (Florida) when we still lived in Indiana and I would be depressed after talking to him. He would be talking about walking his dog in sunshine and short sleeves while we were looking out the window at 10 inches of snow and single digit temperatures. After the blizzard of '79 and the record-cold January of '80 I had enough! We sold our house, I quit my job, and took a 40% cut in income to get out of that depressing crappy climate. I've been here for 35+ years now and never been sorry. People sometimes ask "Don't you miss the change of seasons?" I reply "Yes, just like I miss a toothache!" It ain't for everyone, but it was the right move for me and my family.

[Matthyj]

Jim, I am similar to your build style, not much salvage here but a ton of fabrication, only thing on my last car outsourced was the tranny overhaul and the powder coating on the frame. I have more time than money and these things don't get done overnight thats for sure, I would also rather fabricate than buy my parts all this ads up to a unique and non duplicated car which is what this hobby is about (at least to me).
I have heard good things about Bebops and they have been around a long time when many of these companies have come and gone so longevity is a plus. I believe your tag on your 9" is the gear ratio, just make sure you have a 9" and not a 8" as they look very very similar and both are suitable but I believe a socket and rachet will not go on the nut at the 7:00 location and the nut must be removed with a wench, if a socket will go on you probably have a 8" and I can't tell by your picture. Sounds like you will be having some fun in my book, no matter where your located! Best of luck Matt