1932 BB Truck

[32BBflathead]

I recently acquired a 1932 model BB truck as a restoration project. It's a flathead V8 and I believe it to be a 1 1/2 ton. This is my first project and I've done a little research but can't seem to find out much about the BB model. I was wondering if anybody could tell a little about it namely the differences between the B and BB models, and possibly a good place to find parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Flowmeister]

1/2 ton B 1 1/2 ton BB
We will need pictures before any further questions can be answered,
or maybe we just like pictures.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

Check the serial number, post it (with the last 3 digits XXX'd out). My guess is that it started as a 4 cylinder and was upgraded later.

Charlie Stephens

 

[jimTN]

A truck with a vin number stamped on the frame betinning with BB started its life as a 4cyl and I believe most 32 trks were 4cyl. If the frame is stamped with a vin no starting with 18 then it started out as a v8. There is a world of good information out there about 32s,starting with the two books put out by the v8 club, then the book "the Early V8 Ford as Henry built it", also Ford service bulletins 32-37 to name just a few sources of good info. Mack Hills who sells truck bed parts has an excellent book with lots of pics about the cab.

 

[John R]

Very few big trucks were produced in 32 with the V8 engine. The serial number prefix should be BB18.

 

[32BBflathead]

Yep the VIN no starts with BB18 so its an original V8. Thanks for the info about the books I'll get them tis week and I'll get some pictures posted this week too.

 

[RMR&C]

Here is a pic of a '34 BB I restored a couple years ago........A little motivation?
Joblot has some parts for these as does Mac's.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

Yep the VIN no starts with BB18 so its an original V8. Thanks for the info about the books I'll get them tis week and I'll get some pictures posted this week too.

Your truck is very rare. You should be able to find the production figures in "The 1932 Ford Book" from the Early Ford V8 Club (earlyfordv8.org). I suggest you get a copy.

Charlie Stephens

 

[DavidG]

If it's a 131" wheelbase truck, 180 '32s were produced with V-8 engines. If it's a157' wheelbase truck, 369 were V-8s. (Both figures are for U.S. production, worldwide, add a little over 10% to the above number. Yes indeed, it's a rare truck.

As the V-8 engine was only released for the big trucks very late in the '32 model year, presumably the cab of your truck has all of the late cab characteristics, such as a detachable roof.

 

[sonny]

I have a 32bb 1.5 ton 4cyl. I did a total restoration and had a problem finding certain parts. After a lot of searching I found (Half Ton Fun) in NJ. Guys name is Bob and helped a lot with NOS brakes, seals, complete speedo cable etc. He deals mostly with the big trucks. He's not on the web, but you can reach him at Bob Selzam 166 toms river road Jackson, NJ. 08527 ph.# 732 928 9421.

 

[41panelmark]

Let's see some photos.

 

[ken ct]

Yep the VIN no starts with BB18 so its an original V8. Thanks for the info about the books I'll get them tis week and I'll get some pictures posted this week too.

Good luck with it,you better be sitting down before you hear the price of a fuel pump for 32-33 and each is slightly diff. Jim kroll is the only place I know that may have one,Hes in Perry,Oh. hes in the EV8CA roster or Renners corner[Google him] ken ct.

 

[32BBflathead]

I was mistaken the truck is actually a 34 model not a 32 found the vin today and thats what it shows to be as does the cab design, really sorry about that mess up. Anyway here are a couple pics of her shes in rough shape but is mostly there minus the glass, radiator, and floorboards. Beautiful truck RMR&C.

 

[32BBflathead]

Had some guidance to help get the year correct.

 

[Flowmeister]

Cab is definitely a 34
The hood is 33, I also think the grill is too.
A better picture could verify that.
Doesn't look that rough to me

 

[32BBflathead]

Here a some better pictures of the grill I don't have the trim that goes on the top.

 

[32BBflathead]

Thanks

 

[Flowmeister]

The grill is a 34, as it has the holes around the bars for the trim
and the top raised/stamped area is different on a 33.

 

[jim1932]

Well heck, now you need to change your name to 33/34bbflathead

 

[ken ct]

I have a 32bb 1.5 ton 4cyl. I did a total restoration and had a problem finding certain parts. After a lot of searching I found (Half Ton Fun) in NJ. Guys name is Bob and helped a lot with NOS brakes, seals, complete speedo cable etc. He deals mostly with the big trucks. He's not on the web, but you can reach him at Bob Selzam 166 toms river road Jackson, NJ. 08527 ph.# 732 928 9421.

Bob is a great guy to deal with also,very friendly and laid back and reasonable. know him well. ken ct.