Thread: Fiber glass vs. steel body.

Tweet

Hey guys, I've got a really big issue that i need help with. I am currently in the planning stage of my build, and I started to run into a head ache of worry. I am looking to build a 32 ford sedan delivery to take the place of my '03 toyota, (and i know its better to buy already built or a project someone got tired of.) but I feel like I won't love the car like I would if I built it from the ground up.

Anyway to my question/worry, I've been looking around the web for different bodies. One company I was looking at (acauto) makes a '32 sedan body for about 6 grand, and I like the look of the bodies they make. But like I said, I would like to have this car as a everyday driver, and i am worried about someone hitting me from behind, and their car landing in my back seat (where my daughter would be sitting) because of the body is not strong enough to take to impact. So should I try and hunt down a steel body, or am i just being a over paranoid father?

P.s. if this question was already asked in a different post I am sorry for the repost.

there are literally hundreds of fibre hotrod bodies being used in new Zealand and I believe usa would be the same and your worry is not an issue.
over here , ours are steeled out so that they are as strong if not stronger then some original bodies.
I think your being paranoid!

I agree, properly braced, generally using 1" square tube fully welded, tied in at the bolting points a well built fiberglass body is probably stronger than the original steel with wood bracing. You can also supplement the bracing to the extent of a roll cage, but will sacrifice room. Shop for a quality, hand laid glass body, with coremat panels in the floor, and perhaps the roof(?), and pay particular attention to the quality of the bracing.

To work within the very narrow parameters you've outlined around safety I doubt the steel body would be any more tolerant of a texting fool that would rear end you.......I've got sedan, they're pretty much just a shell, and cutting a door opening for a delivery would just weaken it further. Additionally, known rear end collisions with '32s have shown that the stock mounted fuel tank just in front of the rear bumper is probably more of a hazard or danger in that kind of accident. Either way, these cars weren't designed with collision tolerance in mind.

In any 30's car you will never find crash safety in modern terms. Get real, that was over 80 years ago. Accept the reality and drive with the mindset of someone on a motorcycle.

Originally Posted by lost_urban

or am i just being a over paranoid father?

Never to paranoid when it comes to family and safety, the trick is to balance it with reason, not always easy to do.
I would add as others have said here, brace it reasonably and drive it accordingly.

I had the same mindset as the OP when we built my youngest son's high school ride, '72 Chevy Luv pickup, California Stepside kit, 455 Olds/TH400, 10.25" narrowed Olds rear ('57-'64). I installed a full NHRA-legal rollcage (rollcage, not rollbar) and full SFI 16.1 safety belt system. I also installed a window net so he could run with the windows down and I would not worry about him losing an arm in a rollover.

Bottom line: It is incumbent on us parents to make things as safe for our children as we can. My son is now 42 years old, not having been injured or killed in that sweet little hot rod truck.

.

About the only thing you can do is brace the rear frame. I built a frame extension that ends just under the rear valence. You cannot see it. It will help in a minor hit and prevent a car crashing through into my trunk.

I agree with everyone else as far as the safety aspect of the car goes. Unless you absolutely have to have a delivery, I would rethink this decision. I love sedan deliveries, and I don't know your daughters age, but I have a friend with a SD with a rear seat installed and his kids hate riding in it because they can't look out any side windows. Has nothing to do with safety, but may be something to think about.

Mick

Yeah, I agree with Mick, didn't notice the "delivery", and stopped at "sedan". The back of a sedan delivery is not intended for seating, and it will be like riding in a cave with a bright light out front. If you're going for a back seat I'd suggest that you opt for a sweet sedan body, to provide light that ventilation for those back seat passengers.