Another Build Thread - My '32

[J. Robinson]

In keeping with my usual budget building practice, I have acquired several items along the way for free or I have traded some kind of work (usually welding, wiring, or painting) for something I need. For this build I already have a Jeep front axle identical to the one in my coupe. JEEP??!! Yes, old Jeep 2-wheel-drive station wagons (1962?) have I-beam axles with a factory 4-inch drop! The one in my coupe works exceedingly well, so I'll use the other one here. The front end will be suspended on torsion bars (Nissan pickup) like my coupe. The ride is good, ride height is adjustable, and it corners like a Porsche! I will build my own radius rods and panhard bar. I have a Ford Ranger steering box, but don't know if I can use it here - time will tell.

For an engine, I was recently gifted with a freshly rebuilt 454 Big-Block Chevy. It originally came out of a Chevy wrecker, was completely rebuilt, but then the wrecker was sold with a salvage yard engine installed. This one sat on the stand for a few years and now it's going in my '32. I would like a Turbo 400 or a 700R4 trans - I'll look for one later.

Recently I was given a 9-inch Ford rear for hauling it away. It was lying on the ground (had been there for years) next to another one that was marked "58 sta wgn". This rear looked to be about 2 inches wider than the '58 wagon rear, but it was not labeled. Could it be early '60s? Anyway, the left axle turns, but clicks; the right axle and pinion are stuck! That tells me it has serious problems (broken spiders?), but I don't care. I have a couple other 9-inch "chunks"; as long as these axles and housing are OK I can use it. I pressure washed it Monday and discovered some markings. The tag says 2.69. The number in the box is 25. Anybody know how to decipher the markings? Anyway, I also have a complete 4-bar set I can use or I could build a set of "truck arms" that will launch better. I haven't decided yet.