Thread: Followed Me Home II

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I've been toying with the idea of another build, and have been watching for a stalled project and considering other options, but with no time frame in mind. Sometime last Fall I was on my way to town and I noticed what appeared to be the tail of a '32 Roadster peeking out of a garage, but no one around. Early last week I was on the way home and again saw the garage door open so I stopped and rang the bell. Long story short the guy had a Show Me '32 Roadster with the 2" stretch in the doors & cabin, a Pete & Jakes roller chassis and "other stuff" in a garage with one narrow walkway clear. As we talked I asked, "Is this a work in progress?", and the reply was "Yes......., actually No, I'm never going to finish this car." We talked about what all he had, what he had spent, and what he thought he needed to let it go. Yesterday I went by and sealed the deal, loaded the truck with the engine, tranny, and as much miscellaneous "stuff" as I could get in the truck. Today I went back with the trailer and got the body, chassis roller stand for the body, and engine stand, and more miscellaneous "stuff" that we'd overlooked yesterday.

A quick rundown of the "stuff" - P&J Chassis w/TCI IFS front end and triangulated ladder bar back end, ShowMe Deuce Roadster body, Radiator, Grill shell & insert, New Chevy ZZ4 crate engine from Chevrolet Performance, TH350 Tranny (used), new torque converter, Edelbrock headers w/chrome ceramic coating, American Autowire harness, headlights w/integral turn signals, Gas tank w/cover, grille/radiator support rods, VDO Gauge set, billet gauge panel, chrome flywheel splash cover, accessory valve covers, Holley carb w/AN inlet kit, Holley performance mechanical fuel pump, Edelbrock air cleaner, Coil of aluminum tube fuel line, and more. In essence, I think that just about everything is there other than a drive shaft, windshield, and interior. Yeah, there'll be more, like a shifter and e-brake, but not much!! I'll likely bag the TH350 for an OD automatic, and solve my problem of no paper trail on the old one at the same time. Also the PO bought 3:00/1 R&P for the rear, and added a posi to it. Once I settle on some back tires I'll run the numbers and spring for a new R&P.

Yeah, it's another 1-800-Hot-Rods build, so it may not be of any interest to anyone but me, but it continues my fun, and keeps me out of the old folks home for a while A few pictures of the "stuff" laid out in the barn.

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Looks like you got the makens of a PROJECT on your hands. You know if we ever stop working on this stuff their going to bury us. I ain't quiten for no one, and neither should any of us. Have fun and post pictures.

Yeah, once the PO decided he was ready for it to go he wanted it ALL to go. As we were loading (garage had many years of junk) he said, "Oh, here's that steering wheel I bought. Throw that in if you want it. It's a banjo style and might not be your thing." A very cool wheel with a equally very cool center horn button adapter with Henry's V8 logo - a $280 wheel!! Today there were two boxes of car dollies, HF specials never opened, and he said "If you want those throw them on the truck. I'll never use them." A great guy, and not interested in trying to change the deal.

If I was just a little bit closer I'd offer to help, looks like a fun project.

Man Roger, that is awesome! Now you can have one for iffy weather and one for sweet nice weather. Definitely looks like a deal a guy couldn't pass up. There are a lot of good pieces there for sure!

Talk about a " barn find "
Congrats!!

Great deal Roger, not sure what you paid but it looks like you got a good head start on the parts list.... That's what i call being in the right place at the right time.. great score...

So it's home then!
Good score.
Pleased for ya!

This will keep you out of mischief for a while!

Good find Roger! Didn't mean it to sound like I was picking on you with my "1-800-Hot-Rods comment", nor was I putting anyone down. Just meant that FOR ME there's getting to be just too many of them around and not really my cup of tea. No offense meant!

If you're so inclined, seen a number of cars picked up in this stage, finished, and sold for a considerable profit!!! Heck, I was still hoping you were gonna find a fast back horse to build!!!!!

I see the problem that the original builder had right from the start.....He installed the distributor in the wrong end of the motor, no wonder he lost interest .

Looks like you did good Roger.


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So, he didn't keep the big box with the AMT logo?

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Good find Roger! Didn't mean it to sound like I was picking on you with my "1-800-Hot-Rods comment", nor was I putting anyone down. Just meant that FOR ME there's getting to be just too many of them around and not really my cup of tea. No offense meant!

If you're so inclined, seen a number of cars picked up in this stage, finished, and sold for a considerable profit!!! Heck, I was still hoping you were gonna find a fast back horse to build!!!!!

Dave, I really liked your 1-800-hot-rods comment and was not offended in the least. I truly thought when I saw it, "Yep, that's right! And so much different than 25 years ago. Today you can find just about anything you need from somewhere in the world via the internet, and it's only a click or call away. If I were starting a business I'd be trying to get 1-800-468-7637 for the phone for sure.

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I see the problem that the original builder had right from the start.....He installed the distributor in the wrong end of the motor, no wonder he lost interest .

My thoughts exactly, Bill There were three big things that I saw that gave me reason to pause when I considered the project - 1) I like Ford in Ford, and had it in my head that my next one would be a 4.6L mod motor, or even a Coyote if a salvage one popped up, 2) TCI IFS setup is not an option I would select, as I like the traditional I-beam axle setup, and 3) the triangulated ladder bar setup in back, as I like the geometry of a 4-link much better, and the "look" too. A friend who shares the same opinions tried to tell me it's too good a deal to pass, so buy it and sell the chassis, engine and tranny on Craigslist and buy new! I've decided that doesn't make sense, and I plan to build it like it's started, keep costs down to a minimum and make it available for the right offer once done. Already have a SIL that says, "I get to buy it when it's done!" but I fear he'd think he gets it for cost!!

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

So, he didn't keep the big box with the AMT logo?

Exactly!! This is about the closest one can get to a "KIT Car"!! Didn't come with instructions, but who ever read the instructions??

Roger you will find that to be an excellent handling car when its done---Its not really so much "Triangulated ladder bar rear" as its more a triangulated mounting system that actually has far less binding in the travel dimensions of almost any live axle mounting systems( longer arms, closer front mounting points) Heck, even Nascar uses that mounting system so it must be superior to all else that's out there-----with adjustable coil overs and anti roll bars you have probably one of the best set ups out there. Good deal----


Now if your going to change the trans and would rather have a Ford---do it now----------engine and trans are about the only items that are level playing field for $$$$$$$$ and a couple mounts are easy to change, but if after you do exhaust, etc-------

Not sure how I missed this yesterday?? In any event - You Scored! It should be a fun build...