Thread: 1 (one) guy's opinion

Tweet

I have owned a few shells in my life ...
But the Brookville does not even have the correct holes in the lower section for the water drains or the hand crank ...



I took photo of the red one off eBay ...

I couldn't justify the price of an OEM - even several years ago when I bought mine they were beyond what I would pay vs a repro tho I might grit my fangs and do it now.

I have seen the reproduction ones from Vintique and they look correct with the drain holes and crank holes. I have not bought any ( have a ample supply of decent originals ) but they sure look nice.

Originally Posted by IC2

Now you know my feeling when I bitch about mine!!!

Their grille shells - not even sure that I had even mentioned mine. I probably have close to 40 hours on it to get it presentable. Golahan Jr and I had a rather strong discussion at York about 3 years ago and he said the problems had been fixed - BS. They're as bad if not worse now. Sunken at the top, heavy die lines down both sides, right side raised detail incorrect, a Dale's grille required complete inner fit reshaping. Flimsy. Sides too long.



Fit and finish on your cars - that's your prerogative as to where you want to be. Mine - well let's say it's OK, better then an OEM, but could be better, but I built it for me

I hope I get the pleasure of seeing your car one day done. From all your posts, you have apparently taken parts from many manufacturers that are generally considered good or quality, and spent hundreds of hours making them "presentable".

It must absolutely stunning.

Originally Posted by Deuce

I have seen the reproduction ones from Vintique and they look correct with the drain holes and crank holes. I have not bought any ( have a ample supply of decent originals ) but they sure look nice.

I had a choice between the Vintiques and the Brookvilles from my dealer and while the Vintiques had the drain and crank holes, those particular pieces had even more physical problems then the one I ended up with. I had 2 of each to choose from and purchased what I felt was the best one of the bunch. Additionally, the Vintiques had radiator fill holes which I didn't want. I even did another check with my dealer last year before I got to sorting mine out and the Brookvilles were worse and the Vintiques still had a filler hole and weren't much better. I'll still continue looking for a good OEM, but it seems that you have the corner on the good available shells

Originally Posted by IC2

I'll still continue looking for a good OEM, but it seems that you have the corner on the good available shells

I have never seen your car but I imagine the fit and finish is as good or maybe better than mine. I know you are a picky son of a gun also.
I have been buying 32 Ford stuff for over 30 years and have gathered up a decent amount of SPARES ...



When I started going to Hershey and Carlisle back in the 70's ... I always took some $$$ to buy parts. If I did not see something I needed, I would buy a 32 grill shell or another 32 Ford piece ... cause I felt the trip was wasted unless I got some 32 Ford stuff. I think I am going to start selling some of it @ Charlotte AutoFair ... in the next few years. I am not planning on building any more Deuces ...

Now ... back to the thread topic

Originally Posted by Deuce

I have seen the reproduction ones from Vintique and they look correct with the drain holes and crank holes. I have not bought any ( have a ample supply of decent originals ) but they sure look nice.

I have the Vintique shell on mine w/ the Dales insert. Fit like they were made for each other. Tried a Brookville & a Vintique insert- not close. Brookville & Dales- not close either.

Speedy and Deuce - Thanks. I had hoped to have the car done enough to drive soon - but the upholsterer can't finish his part up for a month or so as he has to reinstall what he had already done. Then there are just those little niggling things left - today's 'list' - shimming the gas tank for an even gap with the body (it's a '31 but with a '32 rear mounted tank) repainting the steering column that I was able to gouge, just to mention a couple. As far as fit and finish - it's been a stretch, it isn't where I would like it to be, and there are some changes already on my list.

Originally Posted by IC2

Speedy and Deuce - Thanks. I had hoped to have the car done enough to drive soon - but the upholsterer can't finish his part up for a month or so as he has to reinstall what he had already done. Then there are just those little niggling things left - today's 'list' - shimming the gas tank for an even gap with the body (it's a '31 but with a '32 rear mounted tank) repainting the steering column that I was able to gouge, just to mention a couple. As far as fit and finish - it's been a stretch, it isn't where I would like it to be, and there are some changes already on my list.

Dave, hang in there and you will be on the road before you know it. Too bad this is not late April or May now. Everyone can hardly wait to see pics of yours once it is all together.

Originally Posted by stylingZ

Dave, hang in there and you will be on the road before you know it. Too bad this is not late April or May now. Everyone can hardly wait to see pics of yours once it is all together.

I'm hangin' - and got the column painted and it should go in on Saturday. Unfortunately for my car thing, I stll have to divide my time - wife, house, outside activities.

...and where are your pictures showing you actually DRIVING your car