1932 FORD ROADSTER

When Dave purchased this project in 1999 he didn't mind that it was in such rough condition because he had every intention of building a rat rod. This project car was found at a San Diego swap meet and the previous owner didn't offer much background on the vehicle. Dave thinks the majority of it's life was spent as a driver as the car still had evidence of fresh oil leaks. The quarter panels and floor had been patched once in it's history but were rusted through again. They didn't represent a problem as all would be replaced in Dave's plan for this project. He decided to use a frame design similar to his 34' Ford 3 window coupe to give his roadster the long, low look that he was after.

 Dave altered the roadster's original frame by cutting off the frame rails at the firewall and fabricated a new set with an upward curve that creates the lower stance. The rails were also cut off at the rear wheel openings and replaced with a new rear section that was narrowed and raised for more tire and rear end clearance. Dave's frame design on his roadster is now being reproduced for sale.

Once the hurdle on frame design was crossed, Dave spent time on re-styling other elements. The grill shell is notched to fit between the pinched front frame rails and the hood panels are sectioned at the lower edge. A 20 gallon gas tank was positioned behind the seat and helps provide body support. The instruments, steering wheel and wire wheels all help this 1932 Roadster retain it's vintage appeal. The time spent on style and design made this completed project a long way from Dave's original idea of a rat rod.

CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE VERSION

Original '32 commercial headlights	Instrument panel from '33 Plymouth	Tail lights are from a '47 Kaiser
327 Tri-power- Sanderson headers	Body work in progress	Mocked up with cardboard hood sides