Thread: ’32 3W Coupe roller package advise/opinions wanted

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I really appreciate the feedback from all of you. Just a little background on myself, I’ve been involved with cars since the late ‘60s. I started out on the drag strip, building and racing Hemi and 440 6-pak Mopars for many years. After starting a family, I took a break, and then in the ‘90s, I started back on 2 wheels with Harleys. I have a Springer that has been an ongoing project for over 8 years (yes, I do have lots of patience). I work on a lot of friend’s bikes doing everything from routine maintenance, high performance engine work, custom work. I have a well equipped garage with plenty of tools even though I will have to acquire a few more specifically for this project. My son is a welder by profession, his work has to be x-rayed and certified before it’s acceptable. This kid can lay a beautiful bead with a TIG or MIG on anything from aluminum to stainless steel, I’m very lucky here!! I have had an interest in street rods since an early age, but other things like drag racing were more interesting at the time. I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and I used to go to the rod runs in Pigeon Forge, TN every year when it was known as ‘The Grand Run’. This was back in the days when the Grand Run would be on a weekend right around Labor Day and the Shades of the Past split from the Grand Run and started having their own run on the following weekend. I also attended numerous NRSA Nats at Chilhowie Park in Knoxville. We've attended the NSRA Nats in Tampa many times since moving here 8 years ago in addition to many local events. This year we have plans to attend the Turkey Run in Daytona for the first time.

Bob and Henry, thanks. Even though this will be my first attempt at a project of this magnitude, I have been doing my homework and trying to get prepared, that’s one of the reasons I became a member here and a few other sites. I have saved on my computer many build projects on ‘32s, including Ken’s and Deuce’s to name just a couple (Deuce, the chambered exhaust on your car reminds me of the exhaust on the ’69 Camaro Z-28/RS I had when I was a young man). I have also picked up seveal books as suggested like Tex Smith's, Dennis Parks and Ron Mangus for interior ideas. I prefer to build my first rod rather than buy a ‘runner’ that I know little about the construction/workmanship. Instead of changing someone else’s ideas of a good car, I prefer to build it with the ideas and visions that I already have (with the help from all of you). I know good planning is the key to any successful project, everything needs a solid foundation and I haven’t set a time frame on a completion date. I’m planning on this being a multi-year project, whatever it takes to finish properly (I spent over 1½ years just planning and building a front fender for the Springer motorcycle). As far as the budget goes, trust me on this one, it couldn’t be any worse than what I have invested in the Springer. It almost makes me sick to think that I could have a killer ’32 Coupe for the money I’ve put into that bike.

Roger, I read the same article in Street Rod Builder magazine. It was the same day I talked to Duane at N&N. I told him that I would be following the article in the coming months to see how they build it and see how well they stick to their budget. He pointed out that there were several mistakes in the write-up, specifically the mention that the billet front hubs were part of their standard chassis package. I already keep a scrapbook on every vehicle I own, I’ve done this for many years. I use a 3-ring binder to put everything regarding my bikes and daily drivers, every receipt, every installation instruction for accessories, etc. I keep photos of build projects on USB thumb drives. When I do major projects for friend’s bikes, I take pics along the way and burn them to a CD disc for the friend.

Geronimo, you touched on something about the fenders that I’m having a hard time deciding. I really like the look of a full fendered car but thought about doing a highboy as my first project. Then I talked to a local guy with a highboy and he mentioned the water spray from the tires on rainy days and we get a lot of rainy days here in the Tampa Bay area from June until Oct-Nov. I also mentioned this to Duane at N&N regarding doing a highboy first, then possibly adding the fenders at a later time. As he mentioned, it just takes careful planning in the building stages.

Don, I’ve seen your work and cars on Big Al’s site, great looking cars. Only as a last resort would I “Buy a finished car and enjoy it or have one build to your specs”. Part of the enjoyment is the building process for me, many times I would rather build a bike than ride it. I understand what you say about the builders getting a discount on parts. That’s going to be a hard pill to swallow for me as I get the same type discounts on bike parts. I go to Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest every year just to meet and greet vendors that I do business with. I spend a lot of time researching parts sources and good prices for motorcycle parts, now it going to shift to street rod parts, any suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated!!!

Dave, I agree with you, I like the windshield without the chrome trim, just a personal preference, sorry Deuce, no offence.

Please keep the ideas and suggestions coming, I can use all the help I can get.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike52

1) I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and I used to go to the rod runs in Pigeon Forge, TN every year when it was known as ‘The Grand Run’. This was back in the days when the Grand Run would be on a weekend right around Labor Day and the Shades of the Past split from the Grand Run and started having their own run on the following weekend.

2) Dave, I agree with you, I like the windshield without the chrome trim, just a personal preference, sorry Deuce, no offence.

1) ... The Shades of the Past held their FIRST run at the Grand Motel. When the motel and a few " others " tried to take the run over and run it themselves ... the Shades moved the location ... but kept the first weekend after Labor Day and their event. The Grand Run ( held on the grounds of the Grand Motel ) is the week after the Shades and for a long time ... it was not really a street rod run but more of a car show ... as they allowed lots of 50', 60's and even 70's vehicles to register. Yes ... I have been to every Shades of the Past event ... including the first one Until recently, the Shades of the Past only allowed pre 49 ... since they opened their event up ... total registration is slowly dropping. Vehicles just stay up on the main Parkway ...

2) No offense taken.
It is just ones own taste. That preferrence makes it good for you ... that the less expensive 32 fiberglass bodies ... come with glued in windshields.

I also had a 69 RS Z28 ... with chambered exhaust ...



With your background ... you should be OK ... and end up with a car you can be proud of.

Mike, your background message includes many of the same sentiments I feel, and pushes me more towards building rather than buying. I don't have the bike/build experience but do have a barn w/concrete floor, a good welder, a pretty good range of tools and no hard end date for having to be done. Thanks for starting the thread, and to those taking time to offer advice.