1931 Ford PU Project...three questions

RobertB

RobertB

Senior Member
I haven't even titled and registerd the 31 SW yet, but I've found a project 1931 Pickup on Craig's list locally. They are asking $4500 but I'm waiting to find out if it even has an engine in it.

Assuming no engine...how does that price sound?

Also, I was just reading some older threads and saw a picture of a 31 coupe with a 32 grill shell. Are they a direct replacement?

Finally, on a Fast and Loud several month ago, they cleaned up a Model A roadster that had larger headlights installed. I really liked the look of those big headlights. Anyone know where to buy them?

I'll now put on my flack jacket and steel pot helmet and await the answers and slings and arrows from the purists.:eek:
 
I think the larger lights were 1932 lights. Which originals are what you call expensive. Price wise it doesn't sound too bad. The 32 grill fits, not like a perfect glove but it fits.
 
Is it rotted 6 inches up all around?
Is the frame twisted?
Does it have a radiator?
Does it have a rear end?
How about 4 wheels?

Get the idea, we need more information to give you an intelligent answer. $4500 could be the best deal this year or you were taken for a body and stuff worth less than $500.00.
 
The price sounds high without an engine but it could be way over priced and maybe not even good for a starting point. What else is missing along with the engine? They tended to use these trucks as trucks and some of them are rough. Then it might be a "rat rod". The filler neck is in a different location on the '32 so the shell is not a "bolt on" "direct replacement". The '32 shells usually ended up with the filler neck hole removed and a pressure cap installed under the hood. The lights were probably '32 and you can seed them in most of the vendor's catalogues (for example https://www.bobdrake.com/ItemSearchForm.aspx?Search=b-13000).

Charlie Stephens

RobertB said:
I haven't even titled and registerd the 31 SW yet, but I've found a project 1931 Pickup on Craig's list locally. They are asking $4500 but I'm waiting to find out if it even has an engine in it.

Assuming no engine...how does that price sound?

Also, I was just reading some older threads and saw a picture of a 31 coupe with a 32 grill shell. Are they a direct replacement?

Finally, on a Fast and Loud several month ago, they cleaned up a Model A roadster that had larger headlights installed. I really liked the look of those big headlights. Anyone know where to buy them?

I'll now put on my flack jacket and steel pot helmet and await the answers and slings and arrows from the purists.:eek:
Click to expand...
 
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I had left a message and the seller's son called me back.

Original rear axle and suspension, original front axle and suspension, 4 aluminum "hot rod" wheels.

No Model A engine or trans. No rust apparent in the pictures.

305 Chevy engine sitting in it. Ran when it was jerked from the donor car.

No transmission.

01717_aqOWiAgaOmJ_300x300.jpg


Above is my attempt to insert a picture...dooh.

The owner is supposed to call me with more details. :confused:
 
honestly if you want a model A truck i would pass there is too much to undo OR if you like it the way it is and think its cool than spend your money and see what you get seeing that your in NM i can see where the style is west coast non traditional build but as an investment with paint yet to do .you may only break even.
 
it is hard to see the condition from the pictures, but if the fenders and box are in great shape, and there is no rust in the cab, it may be an okay buy. $4500 is asking. Will take is usually a bit lower. I would look at it in person. Pickups are popular now.
 
It's a shame that the HAMB site is down as this is a perfect question for a hot rod site.
But since it is down maybe they are lurking here?
 
If the brakes and everything else are working just fine it might be an ok buy. But personally i would put a ford engine and tran's in it. Preferably as made for a '31.
 
You might consider also is the family going on A outings? are you tall? find some one near you that has a four door set in it take it for a spin check out leg room the four door more confort for driving and family pickup fits short people better and the back of seat is kind of straight with no way to tilt don't get me wrong I have one of each and love but on the short side here so it is all in what you are looking for
 
Lets just say that in that condition with motor and trans missing, it is not a steal ! I would keep looking before I would invest $4500 in it. And yes it is a perfect question for HAMB if it us up.
Wayne
 
Robert,

You need to sit down and decide where you want to be 4 years from now when you finish it. You can fine tune the time estimate based on your slant window. Do you really want a truck or did you just happen to find this one? If you want a street rod it might be a good place to start depending upon what an inspection shows. If you want a restored (or driver quality) Model A I think you should pass based on what you have posted so far. You will easily put more into the truck in time and money that you could buy one for and you will save a couple of years of your spare time if you buy one in the condition you want (or close to it). This truck looks like the classic example or trying to save money by buying cheap up front and then ending up spending more before the project is complete. Look at the truck and then make a list of what you will need to put it in the condition you want. One final deal breaker for me would be if the paperwork is not clean. What is the status of the paperwork?

Charlie Stephens
 
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Roberto,
1-If it was a good buy, he wuldn't have had to put it on Craig's List!
2-If ALL original parts aren't there, you'll be searching for them FOREVER!
3-It looks like someone's, "PIPE-DREAM" Hot Rod.
4-EVEN when you find a "PRIMO DRIVER", you usually have to spend tons of $$$$ on it, just to make it roadworthy!
5- Just 'cause it's OLD, folks think it's worth a FORTUNE!
6- PRIMER hides a multitude of body flaws, under MUCHO BONDO!
Bill W.
 
Seems to me the wisdom of Mr. Williamson is straight and to the point --not to mention easily read, esp. with my extremely poor vision. :)
 
OK..thanks for the reality check. I'll wait until everything is spruced up on the four door SW I have now, then I'll look for a PU.

I'm 6' 260lbs, so what a probably need in a PU is the coupe body with the PU bed.

I keep forgetting my own experience and the words of Jay Leno...buy someone else's finished project and save thousands of dollars and thousands of hours work.

Thanks again.:)
 
I think they make extended roadster pickup bodies for those that need them. Maybe Brookville? Or maybe make one starting with a sedan.

Charlie Stephens
RobertB said:
OK..thanks for the reality check. I'll wait until everything is spruced up on the four door SW I have now, then I'll look for a PU.

I'm 6' 260lbs, so what a probably need in a PU is the coupe body with the PU bed.

I keep forgetting my own experience and the words of Jay Leno...buy someone else's finished project and save thousands of dollars and thousands of hours work.

Thanks again.:)
Click to expand...
 
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