Thread: Opinions to buy a '32 Roadster

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Dennie, Thanx for the Kudos
Matt, Yer funny - Can't even start to buy the parts for what you described.
Lotsa ways to cut corners on a build (which I suspect was done on both cars you showed)
I refuse to cut corners, it'll alway bite ya in the butt down the road.
Like puttin a band-aid on a heart attack.
Do it once and do it right, ya won't be satified if ya short change your self.
Case in point.
Had a customer (about 4 years ago who said he had a budget of 35 K, Built him his requested car.
6 months later he comes back and wants updates.
Add 10K.
Now he's got 45 in it.
Told him when he payed the bill, that if he would have done the updates on the original build it would of only cost around $6500.
His statement to me was " Guess I should have listened to you Don"
Seems most 1 st timers have it "set in stone" they know more than some one who's been doin it for 40 + years.
Good luck on your journey.
A couple more to wet yer whistle.

I openly declare that I know NOTHING. That's my problem. I don't even know what I don't know!

What I do know is that if I spent $45K on a build for what I thought I wanted, I 'd have an incredible car that I probably don't love... I'd rather buy a halfway car for less $$, learn what I like and don't like. Flip it and then call you for a real build.

What I need, is advice on the cars in the price range I'm looking at. Are the two cars I'm looking at decent for what they are? Which do you think would be more desirearable on resale? Which (or both) would give me a good sense of what these cars represent so that I can learn their feel, power, sound, handling, comfort so that I can learn what I need to build a great car on the next go-round?

Or are both bad choices and should I keep looking?
Are there other places to find a good selection of pre-owned 1932 Roadsters?

Well I still think the solid Black car. (More bang for your buck) . Look at deuces limited. Real good place for Deuces. See you there

Matt, not trying to be mean here, but you don't seem to be reading the advice people are giving you, but maybe you're trying to narrow down what you have someone look at for you? You declare that you "know NOTHING" and it seems like you're asking guys on a forum (one of the best, most informed forums, to your credit), guys you don't know, to pick out a car from ads that is going to keep you whole as you learn. The best anyone can do is offer opinion on what is stated, and what looks best in pictures that are intended to flatter the car. Here's an idea - in your "Looking For A Kit" thread you mentioned HB Classics as your closest N&N Dealer. He's smart enough to know the value of a good base roller, and honest enough to tell you to buy used vs him building new. How about going to visit him, spend a couple of hours looking at features, and seeing if he knows anyone that has a good car for sale that fits your needs? Just an idea.
If you don't like that, the solid black one is a better choice, even though I like the look of the flames. Pick up a Hemmings - lots of cars there, too.

Oh yeah, here's the latest

I spoke with him. He told me to buy used, without even talking price or anything. But going there and seeing his product and speaking with him is a great idea. He's not close (about 3 hours away) but it might be worth it.

I missed the huge meet here in NJ a week or so ago. I was working all day and couldn't make it.

I have heard and welcome everyone's advice. What I need is to spend some time behind a wheel and that's hard to come buy anywhere. I don't know anyone who owns one of these cars locally. And even then, the lessons gleaned from driving something regularly for a few weeks or months trumps any other experience.

Hemmings is also a great idea. But I didn't see any Deuce's or HighBoys listed. I guess it's listed under '32 Roadster...

I think I'll keep watching for now. I too like the looks of the flamed car better but know that the all black is a better deal...

And to be honest, I have reached out to both and have not heard back from either...

Another one is Autabuy Muscle Cars, Classic Cars, Sports Cars, Hot Rods, Trucks, SUVs, Parts, and Accessories for sale! :: AutaBuy.com Just looked at the September issue at the barber shop and there are some deals out there, especially on some projects with work remaining. Main thing is if you don't know what you're looking for paying a guy from NSRA or a qualified appraiser to look at a potential car is money well spent, IMO.

Thanks for the autabuy site.

Ok. Been lookin a lot. Seams that for me to get what I want and something of quality will cost me closer to $35k'ish or a scootch more.

Hey, I'm learning. Now I just need to be patient and wait for the right one. And get it inspected by someone trustworthy.

Gonna put up some other links to see if I'm getting closer.

1932 Ford Roadster Street Rod Classic For Sale :: AutaBuy.com

getting closer? (although I don't love the color)...

Originally Posted by Mattnshilp

1932 Ford Roadster Street Rod Classic For Sale :: AutaBuy.com

getting closer? (although I don't love the color)...

Matt, according to the info in the ad, this car was built by Street Rods by Michael, Shelbyville, TN. Michael Young is a very reputable builder and a hell of a nice guy. If you are seriously interested in this car, I'm sure you could call him and he would gladly give you any and all info you needed regarding the build.

After browsing around the SRbM site using the link above, I'm sure the car in your link is the same as this one on SRbM's site. Most noticeable in both cars are the removable hard top, the dash trim for the gauges and the windshield posts, all very unique features. What do you think?

Mike

I like the last one, but I really want black...

How about this one?

Street Rods, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars at HotRod HotLine.com

I am seriously considering it. Spoke with the owner. He's a 70 year old Hot Rod Veteran; and a true car guy. Gonna get an inspection (by David Kennedy in TN) and see where it goes....

Opinions?

It looks like a nice, basic '32 roadster. And if it was built by Michael, it will have excellent workmanship. The price is maybe a little high--if you see it for yourself and are suitably impressed, I would try to negotiate down at least 2K. My 2 cents . . . .

K. Thanks.

You say "basic". What would you do to it ?

It's not built by Michael. It is a Bebop body on a Michael frame. Built by a reputable professional shop.

I don't mean to minimize the car by calling it basic. But it has a carbureted 350 engine and 350 transmission which are very typical for many, many street rods. And the color is basic black, a very popular color for highboys. It would provide a nice canvas for tweeking it if you so desired. It is a car that I would not mind having in my driveway. What I am trying to say it there is nothing out of the ordinary about that car, and that is why I thought it was priced a little high.

Ok. I'm good with basic than.

I put a deposit on the car. I had a friend check it out and am waiting for the inspection.

I like the fact that it is solid, clean, simple and a good place to start. I am paying his asking price, but for that the car is going back to it's place of birth for a Glideseat install (so the car fits my little 5'6" body) and complete customization of the interior to make that happen. Which will run about $1500-2000. So I'm ok with the price.

And it's worth a bit extra to know I'm buying from a true street rodder who knows his stuff and loves his cars.