new project 32 ford HI BOY - pics link, never done this before

I am acquiring a 32 ford hi boy project. the details are: reproduction frame, with fiberglass body (made in Mexico). It has a buick 6 cyl and buick trans that I am going to sell or scrap. It has a ford 8" rear that I'm not sure is good to use or should go with another rear. I have inspected the car and all in all it is a solid pick up where the previous owner left off project. No rust, no dents or damage. I need some advice on everything - things I should ask the previous owner, t hings I will need but at this time have no idea I will need them, is is relatively easy to switch motor mounts for a chevy 350...... any advice is appreciated. At the bottom of the pics you'll see a picture of my first project - a 2002 Honda Shadow 600. I did all the work and paint myself. I plan on doing the same thing to the 32 Ford. Yes, the Honda is for sale if you are interested. It is a harley owners nightmare as I've won 4 trophies with it and always turn heads with it...

Here are about a dozen pics of my new project...

http://www.aoneinc.com


Thanks,

Another Florida Boy to the forum !! Terrific. Shows how much rodding activity there is down here.

Buying someone elses project is always a little interesting, because it is hard to tell what he has done, and what he has not done. But it is also a great way to save money, because the first guy rarely gets all that he has put into a car out of it.

I would start by asking him as many questions as possible. You want to know who's frame and body you are buying, in case you need to contact them for any info or parts later on.

You also want a detailed list of years and models of all parts used, i.e: the rear end, front suspension, brakes, steering, etc.
It is a bear to try to find brake parts later on if you are guessing about the year and model, as an example.

As for what to do with the car. How are you going to use it, and what do YOU LIKE in a car? That is the important thing. What theme are you going to follow? ('50 style traditional, smooth billet rod, etc.) Pick a style and stay loyal to the theme., (No chain steering wheels on a traditional rod, as an example)

The 8 inch is a fine rear end, and in some ways preferable (initial cost, lighter, etc) But if you are going to light them up every once and a while, with fat tires and some HP, go the 9 inch route.

Whatever you do, I would start from scratch when you build it, and make sure all of his welds and construction are sound and safe. We have all seen some backyard engineering that borders on suicide.

Sounds like a great start, and you certainly picked one of the all time favorites to do it with. Good luck.

Don

PS: I'm so dumb :( :( I just noticed you posted pictures. The car looks great, and most appears solid and well done. I do question the metal floor installed inside the cockpit. (looks like metal) I don't care for the way the steering support is angle iron bolted to the metal. Doesn't seem real strong, and this is a flex point if not braced well. I think that is the only area I would be worried about. Otherwise, you did real good, I envy you.

I plan on a pure hot rod that will take me the next 2-5 years to complete. Since I'm not bringing 25K to the table, I will enjoy the long weekends and once ever few weeks of adding parts and building up to the first drive. I will probably go after this project in a two step meaning I'll want to get it running and driving, then come back and tweak out the paint and chrome.

Thanks for the advice on the 8". I had never heard of an 8" until now. OH, yes I do plan on laying down some rubber once in a while. I'm a product of the 70's and to many times watching Smokey and the Bandit at an early age, then the dukes of hazzard.... But I won't stick some mickey thompsons on there. Probably 16x8.5 or something like that.

i have a 600hp sbc with a 8" rear end. =)
no problems.