Confused: 32 Grille on 31

J

jagalyn

Member
I want a 32 but the pricing on steel cars make it almost impossible. I've got everything I need to build a 32 except the body... I've got the rolling chassis, the flathead motor, grille, lights, firewall, hood, radiator, radiator shell... everything but a coupe or roadster body. I do not want a fiberglass body so that is out. I could buy a brookville body but 11-13,000 is out of my price range.

So that leads me to my question... I know of a few 31 coupes/roadsters that are doable... but what do I need to run a 32 grille on them? Will a 32 grille work with a stock 31 hood? Will a 32 grill work with stock 31 fenders? Can I put a 31 body and fenders on a 32 chassis... I've heard that the chassis would have to be "pinched"... what is that? Would it be better to keep it on a 31 chassis or buy a "pinched" 32? What are the pros and cons?

I've been told that the 31 is "so much smaller" than a 32... I'm a pretty big guy, would a 31 be too small? Should I just "buck up" and buy a brookville roadster body and be done with it?

I"m confused... any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
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Dont think a 32 hood will work with a 32 Grille, you will need to modifye either of them

The 32 frame is a bit to wide at the firewall, at least for the 28-29 body. That's the reason for pinching the frame.

The only Model a that is nice on a 32 frame is the 29-29 body.

If you want a 32 then get a 32, Id say save up for a brookville.

Can't you buy it in Flatpack? And assembly it yourself. Will save you some $
 
Here's a couple shots of my creations. The roadster has a 32 firewall, cowl vent, and grill and shell. Also I extended the A frame and put a duce gas tank in the rear.
The truck, has a 32 grill and shell with a special filler below the grill to tie it with the A fenders. It has a hood top now, whitch is Model A and it fits the 32 shell perfect. The 30 -31 hood will work with a duce shell with no mods.
I would be glad to answer any questions, Chuck.
 

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i was just like you wanted a 32 but cost to high so i got a 30 model a coupe boxed the chasis put a 8ba in it i used a 32 grill it was very easy to do no mod to a hood or fenders it looks good the onley fast give away is the sun visor that the a has & it cost a lot less then a 32 or brookville.
 
My '30 with 8ba, '32 shell, recored and modified '30 radiator, '32 style hood hinge and stock length hood and full fendered. No modification to the shell was needed.

Vergil

picture.php
 
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Back to the original questions...

First, to put a 1932 grille on a 1930-31. The shape of the back of the 1932 and 1930-31 shells are the same. This means NO modification to the hood. The filler neck on the radiator is farther back on the 1930-31 so it will have to be moved or filled, or a 1932 radiator used (which requires ovaling out the mounting holes to the frame). The headlight bar will be close to the grille and may require a mild tweak to clear. The fenders basically dont care what grille is used. The front apron will need to be changed, it needs a 1932 center mated to 1930-31 sides (the steel ones for this are junk, our glass one will work).

As to putting a 1930-31 on a 32 frame the first issue is with the kick-up of the frame from the hinge post to the radiator. The kick-up can be flattened or the cowl can be "taper sectioned" at the bottom. Keeping the kick-up will result in the grille being too high for the cowl, or chopping the radiator 1 1/2", and trimming the sides of the shell. The next issue is with the kickup of the frame over the rear axle and the width of the frame at the front of the wheelwell. The classic "best method" involves a pinch of the frame and major reworking of the floor of the body.

30-31 coupes in my humble opinion are one of the most undervalued bodies for street rods. They are easy to make look great.
 
My dad ran a gennie '32 shell on his model A for years with the stock full 4 side model A hood. It fit like it was made for it no problem.
 
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