Where to start on a 32 Model B 5-window?

G

Gary Leach

Junior Member
Hello everyone, this is my first post of hopefully many on this board. Please bear with me, as my knowledge of the early Fords is limited. Having said that, I am a fast learner and an absorber of any information you folks can give me. Sorry for the long post, but this story needs telling.

I have recently become aquainted with a 1932 Model B 5-window that is nearly complete, but has been stored in various barns and sheds its whole life. Overall the body, from a few glances, seems in fine shape. No big cancer that I can see. One small dent on the drivers front fender, but otherwise pretty solid. It has never been rodded in any way and I have no intentions of anything like that.

I'm hesitant to give a lot of information (or pictures) at this point about the specifics of the car, because it's not in a super secure location, and I believe is most likely a very valuable car, but I believe we can talk in generalities at this point.

I do not plan to own the car, as I plan to help the person (who has owned it since '38 i believe) bring it back to at least running and driving condition. I have swapped engines in vehicles in the past and am aware of the simple aspects of this engine. I believe with some moderate clean up, the coupe could run again. It was running when parked, so it does stand to reason that the engine is probably not locked up, or anything drastic like that. I am confident that I can make it run, as the owner also spent time on the side of the road "back in the day" getting it back up and running himself.

I intend to get the tires aired up, roll it out in the sun and begin the basic clean up.

The owner tells me he would merely like to be able to drive it again as he did in his youth. He's a little hesitant about bringing it back to full showroom condition as his dad bought it for him and his brother second hand, so we may only try to "recapture' its 1940/50 flavor, at this point.

The main question for me is, where would you start on a project like this? I'd like input from other guys that have been in this situation as to what worked for them, and what (they wish) they had done differently.

Thanks for your time, I look forward to your responses. Gary Leach
 
Hi Gary, big list of to do's. Clean it inside and out, focus on engine, drive train, brakes, electrical and get it running and stopping. As you go forward the car will let you know what it needs. Sounds like a great car and looking to see pics of it. Good luck and have fun!
 
You might want to purchase the 1932 book put out by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. Go to ; www.earlyfordv8.org. There's lot of good information there for this particular car.
 
Thank you done4, thank you TJ. Was there a "default" carb from the factory? I have a good idea of what I believe the Zenith looks like. One bolt, one drain? Are there (easy) ways to tell other carbs?
 
You can start with the gas tank which is sure to need acid cleaning on the inside and coating, then the fuel pump, Ken can fix that for you, then the brakes, install a set of floaters for them and all the rest is basically simple. New gaskets and clean carb, new oil, points and cond, check fluids in trans and rear axle and order new windshield and cowl vent gaskets. I would also install a new cowl wire harness as well as light harness as the old wiring is dangerous now and will crack with vibration and short out. Post some pics.
 
One more thing, the soft top would sure need replacing, be very carful removing the trim piece that holds it down so you can reuse it. The fabric is available from most uph. shops.
 
Also, I did forget to ask, is this car "common" or "rare" these days. Yes, I do bear in mind that it is 81 years old, so anything is relatively rare. I believe I had read somewhere that there were (only) about 20,000 Model B 5-windows, made in '32. I'm thinking of insurance value here, as I have no idea if it is insured.
 
Jim, could a radiator shop handle the acid cleaning? or is there a DIY solution? The top is long gone. It has a tarp currently covering the hole in the roof. I havent looked closely at any of the other seals and such around doors, windows and the like. This was more of a 10 minute look-see I had, than a detailed inspection.
 
A '32 standard coupe (5-window) is not a particularly rare car, but it is a desirable one. It's condition will determine its value, but more information/photos will be required to establish the size of the ball park. Unless someone is specifically looking for a four-cylinder coupe, those with V-8 engines tend to command higher prices.

Zenith was the sole source for '32 Model B carburetors. They have an oval-shaped bowl that distinguishes them from the Model A carburetors.

You and the owner will not regret following TJ's advice above regarding the V-8 Club book on '32s.
 
David, thanks. I'm looking into the book right now. l've also been reading about the carbs. Might just go the rebuilt route. I'm also looking into the other basic parts for the engine. Any idea if that production number is accurate? Also, with no plans to sell the car, we are just trying to figure out how much to insure it for. I'll see if I can send some pics to you and a couple of the other guys here. Thanks
 
I have the pictures ready to send out, but I would prefer to email them directly to you guys, if you would like to see them. That way I know who has them. Thanks.
 
Any idea if that production number is accurate? According to the V-8 ALBUM Book 32,090 1932 Standard Body Type 45 were produced.
(That's a 5 window coupe.) It doesn't give the number of cars produced with 4 cyl. and V-8 engines.
Not trying to instill fear but keep that car inside a locked garage, get an appraisal and insure it for as much as you can. You can also get only comprehensive insurance while you are working on it to get it road worthy.
 
According to the "Early Ford V8 as Henry Built It" .Domestic production ,51,794 32 std coupes were made.20,682 were 4 cyl.Hope this helps.
 
The rarity of the car is that it is unmolested and does not have the frame butchered and a garbage truck engine in it. There are very few v8s and I believe fewer 4cyl left that have not been modified. Lots of 4cyl cars had a v8 implant in the old days.
 
A 1932 Ford coupe is probably the most sought after collector car out there. Extremely desirable and valuable. Keep it a secret and take a look on ebay at completed listing to see what they have sold for or bid for.
 
34pickup said:
A 1932 Ford coupe is probably the most sought after collector car out there. Extremely desirable and valuable. Keep it a secret and take a look on ebay at completed listing to see what they have sold for or bid for.
Click to expand...



Exactly and they are only original once. Get it appraised and if he can afford it insured. Highly desiarble and worth a LOT more than the 31's and 33's.

If it was me do as little as possible, particularly from a cosmetic stand point. Make it safe (go through the brakes and steering 1st), mechanically sound and call it done. PLEASE post some pics!
 
Last edited:
A good radiator shop can acid clean the inside of your tank and protective coat it afterwards, cost should run $75 to $100.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top