1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Hi, I just joined and I am hoping you guys can help me get somewhere on my project. I recently picked up a 1932 Ford BB truck. From the research I have gotten it is all stock with a 32 b 4 cylinder motor and 4 speed trans. my plan is to first get it to run and drive then go from there. I think it has a model A distributor,intake, Tilitson model X carb, and intake and exhaust manifold on it. I put the upgraded points plate in the dissy, rebuilt the carb with a Sacramento Vintage Ford carb kit, put a 12volt. coil on it and I have gotten it to run for a second or so. what I need know is to tune it in. If someone could tell me how to set the timing on the dissy., tune in the carb, and maybe tell me something else that would help me get it running that would be great.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

To time it, you need to determine if the distributor is a Model B or Model A. An A distributor has the advance arm coming out of the side of the body in a notch where the body meets the cast base. A B distributor does not have that as it has an internal centrifugal advance. Next, look at the timing pin on the timing gear cover to determine if its a Model B cover or an A cover.

see this link to learn about timing covers:
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/timingcovers.htm

see this link to time an A:
http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

see this link on B distributor timing:
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/timingiseverything.htm

The B times similar to the A, with the exception that you are setting the cam at 19 degrees BTC instead of 0 TDC. Obviously an A dist/cover or a B dist/cover is easiest to time. If you have an A dist and a B cover, you'll need some tricks to get it right, which I am sure someone here will provide.

why a 12 volt coil??? it was a 6 volt pos ground system. __________________
www.fordgarage.com

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Sounds interesting.

I always liked the Trucks.

How about letting us know where you live, May be someone near by can help.

Also, post some pictures when you ahve time.

Good Luck,

chris

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I would say I have an A dissy. and a B cover, so maybe that is why it only fires when I advance the timing all the way. I know that it was 6 volt positive ground, but nobody said that I couldn't make it a negative ground 12 volt system. I will defiantly post some pictures soon. I live in Portland, Oregon.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman,
with mix of 'dissy/cover'....I would put #1 piston on tdc, put a white paint mark on crank pulley and (next to it) on cam cover. After checking/setting cam in A dissy for #1 lobe.. Put a timing light on crank pulley , then start
and adjust dissy for best run.. now, put another paint mark max good run location on pulley...retry till satisfied. Confused..no...whynot?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman,
Is 12v coil..only 12v change or did you change entire system from 6v to 12v? Did you use ballast resistor or internal resistor coil? If not done correctly when converting..may not run..for very long!!

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

well I got it running and drove it around the drive way for the first time. all the gears seam to be there and I think the speedometer is even working right. I looked at the difference of the two covers model A and model B and decided sense the timing hole on each cover was about 1/4'' off I found 19 degrees before TDC using the timing pin then rotated the engine just a little bit back wards until the timing pin popped out of the timing mark. Now I was hopping I found TDC by doing this then went forward and set the dissy. I got it to run to the point where it idles, revs up, and doesn't die most of the time and then took it for a ride. after shutting it down I noticed I have water in the oil and it seems to be back firing a little after I rev it up then let it idle down. My next step is to take the head off and see what the valves and seats look like. does anybody know where I can find a chart that has all the torque specs. valve lash specs. etc. kind of like a factory service manual?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

as for my wiring set up I don't have much. I have a 12v battery going straight to the starter solenoid. a wire going from the solenoid into the dash where I have my on and off toggle switch to a 12v coil witch is supposed be a little different then a normal coil but looks the same, then a wire going from the coil to dissy. I have a Chevy one wire alternator to put in it eventually

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

speaking of wiring, what does everyone else do about this? is there a complete kit that can just be installed or does everyone just make there ownsetup?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Best bet would be to get catalogs from vendors close to you. I'm sure Vince Faulter will be here to help address your concerns. See his site below.

http://www.fordgarage.com

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I have been following your post and wondering how you came to have an "A" distributor on a "B" engine in a "BB" truck. Since the "A" dizzy is manual and controlled by a lever mounted on the steering column, how could anybody advance and retard the timing while driving a truck that didn't come with levers on the steering column?

Except for the different timing mechanisms, an "A" dizzy looks much like a "B" unit. Is it possible that that you already have the corrrect "B" distributor? Study Vince Falter's "4ever4" website for the differences. You could actually time the "B" dizzy with an initial advance of zero at TDC and it would start and run OK, but only up to its total advance of 12-13 degrees, which will only give low speed performance.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I am 100% sure it has an A dizzy. when I got it there was a choke cable that was rigged up to operate the dizzy from inside the cab. I was thinking of maybe finding an A steering column and putting it in there to operate the dizzy better, but I might got for a more modern ignition set up. I was thinking of hot rodding the motor just a little because it is a big truck and only has the 4 cylinder and not the V8. I guess I will try and find a good source for parts and see if I can find a nice ignition, intake, and exhaust setups. unless someone has some used or not being used stuff they want to get rid of.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

stick with the 6V pos. ground.

concentrate on fixing only things that are broke rather than something that's not.

also beware of so-called improvements like "modern" distributor plates.

some improvements like the Teflon steer-eze kit are truly worthwhile.

opinions (and your results) will vary.

proceed with cautious deliberation and have fun!

post photos!

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

It would be cheaper and easier to install the correct distributer. Advertise. A&L (860) 693-0112 or Renner's Corner (734) 428-8424 might have one for sale without a core. I am running a Model B distributer in my Model A because I want the automatic advance.

Charlie Stephens

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

does the model B dizzy have a vacuum advance or centrifugal advance?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I asked this question before, but there is so much going on in this thread I can Bailey keep up. If I have water in the oil does that mean I need to replace the head gasket or is there something else that is causing this? I would also like to find some thing like a factory service manual or something to figure out the torque specs for the head gasket etc. I have a copper head gasket from Sacramento Vintage and the guy said they are a little hard to seal. does anybody have some good advice when putting the head gasket in? do I need to use copper coat?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

The Model B has a centrifugal advance.

Charlie Stephens

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Charlie Stephens,

thanks for the numbers. A&L says he has one, but he has to figure out a price for one.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Interesting discussion. I, too, have a 32 BB. They make for reliable vehic les... Not too fast, but always eye-catching and fun. Ron Pilger.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Water in the oil could be a loose head nut. Try torquing the nuts first. Back off each nut 1/8th turn, then torque it to 55 ft lbs in one smooth motion. Follow the tightening pattern shown in Andrews book, from the center out. I do not have a pic of it, perhaps someone else here does. It could also be a leaky gasket... you should hope that's all it is. If the head is off, I would check the head for warpage and cracks. I would also check the block for cracks, especially from the valve seats to the cylinder walls. B engines have a tendency to crack there. Torque the head bolts to 55 on clean. lightly oiled threads. Do not clean them with a die, use a thread chaser or a wire brush. Pulling the head can be problematic too. A head puller will go a long way towards making it possible.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I have never seen another 32 BB. I cant wait until mine is that nice or at least close to it. do you have any more pictures and info? SO how fast will it go???

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I took the head off today and that is about as far as I got. I have a new stud set I was thinking about putting on there, but I don't know how often the stud bolts break, so I haven't decided if I am going to use the old studs or put the new ones in there.

pat in Santa Cruz, you mentioned something about an Andrew's Book? does that have some good info that I might need? and where might I find one?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Les Andrews, " The Model A Mechanics Handbook" covers, naturally, Model A's. But the similarity to a B is close enough for it to provide you some direction. The differences are probably best illustrated on Vince Falter's website

http://www.fordgarage.com/

and in the V8 Service Bulletins, which cover some aspects of the B engine. Model A vendors carry both books, but I would not be surprised if you can find them on Amazon. I'll be in Portland Aug 27th. I'd love to see your truck. I have 2 AA's. There used to be a guy in Portland who was a source for AA and BB parts. I can't remember his name, maybe someone else here remembers. The best source of parts and info for you will be AA and BB owners, as there is very little published info on them. The Model AA truck Club might be a good source. They have a web page too.

http://www.fmaatc.org/

http://forums.aa-fords.com/download/file.php?id=1630

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

it would be nice to maybe find one of those books. I know of a gut in Scio, Oregon (that is just east of Salem, OR) named Gean. He has lots of ford trucks from model A's up to 1956 trucks only. he has some AA parts, but not much for a BB.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

so I got the head off and it looks like the intake valve on the 3rd cylinder back is worn and has a nice crack starting. the seat is also in bad condition. how should I go about fixing it? I can probably find a new valve, but how do get the valve out and what do I do about the seat?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I found a new valve, valve cover gasket, valve guide remover tool, and went to work. I pulled the head and took all the head bolts out and didn't even break one. I pulled the valve and it looks like I can take it down and have the seat just ground and not need the put a new set in. I found a guy that said he could grind the valve seat and resurface the head for $40, that seams like a good price, but I don't know. My other question is do I need to have the top of the block resurfaced? it seems that there is some pitting and a few deep scrape marks from someone else scraping the head gasket off. I would think that would cause it to still leak water, but I don't know. I was trying to put pictures on, but can't seem to figure it out sooooo, help?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I think I figured it out. the photos I have are 2.70 mb in a jpeg file and the forum only excepts upto 512 kb

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Put it on photobucket and post a link.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Wow, great truck. Congratulations. Should be a Oil Millionair, can't tell which body style of a Ford I like as my favorite.
Alex

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

I finally took the fenders off so I can get to the engine without leaning over the fenders. One thing I need to figure out is how to get all these rusty bolt off. every bold on the fenders had to be cut off. I either drill the heads off or have a (3/8 steel grinder bit for lack of right word) that I have on an air straight shaft drill to grind the heads off. IS THERE A BETTER WAY??? it takes so long ad uses up drill bits. I finally found the VIN number that is on the frame. I already found the one that is on the bell housing, but didn't know where the one on the frame was. the funny thing about the Vin on the frame is it looks like it has been ground off and the same one that is on the bell housing put on, but it looks like it used to start with *AA and not *BB it actually goes *AA *b-------*. It makes me wonder if the chassis is an AA, but the body is a BB.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman,

Nice truck!:D
I just snapped off all the frozen bolts on the fenders and running boards on my wagon. I it was actually easier than cutting them off.:confused:

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

jerseyboy, is your wagon a 1932? I see that you are looking for some 32 seats. I took out my tank and the seats. there wasn't much too the seats. the frame and springs are there though, but I don't have a back.

I wish, I love just snapping them off, but the heads just rounded off before they would snap off.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman, Yeah my Woody is a 32.:D
I am looking for just the lower seats. They are the same as the 32 pickup/truck seats, that is two sections. Is that what you have?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

yah, I have the lower part of the seats that sit on top of the gas tank. they are a wood base with the spring frame attached to that. is your 32 a 4 banger or v8?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

It's a 4 banger, original. I'm gonna keep it that way. Plans are to hop it up a bit.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

WOW, never thought I would find another 1932 with a 4 banger. Are you ready for some questions?:D:D do you have any extra parts? where do you get your parts?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman, We have been working on what I think is a 1932 AAB truck for about 14 months. I have found that 32's are a rare breed and info on them is hard to find. It seems to me that the 28- 31 commercial trucks were AA's and 32 was a transitional year so the early 32 trucks were AAB's and the later trucks were BB's. The Ford Garage web site is the best I have found so far for info on 1932 Fords.

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Tom H. I really like it. it is so close, but so far away from what I have. where are you located? I have not been able to much at all about the BB and have never heard about an AAB. I did hear that in 32 they promoted having the 4 bander in the 1 ton until about November of 32 and after that they barley put in a 4 banger in the 1 tons. I kind of makes sense to me that it might be an AAB, but I don't know. I was maybe thinking the chassis was made in 31 and it was an AA that never got the body and running gear in it, so they scratched all the Vin number off after the *AA and Made it a *AAB, but my motor and trans is defiantly a BB. do you have more info and pictures of your rig? I would love to more of your rig. I s that a hydraulic dump bed?

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Jawman,

I just have spares for most of the running gear and engine, the woody stuff is hard to come by. Fortunately some of the 32 Woody parts overlap with 28-31 and 33-34 woodys.

I get parts from many sources, evilBay, Fordbarn, swap meets, and friends. I also get parts from Roy Nacewicz, Renners Corner, Bratton's, Dick Spadaro, and Dennis Carpenter. Roy actually has restored a 32 Pickup, so he has parts for trucks.

Check out Vince's site: http://www.fordgarage.com/
Hope this helps:

Keep V-8ing and 4-banging!

Re: 1932 Ford BB 4 banger
 

Have a 32 BB truck also just started working on it going to have an engine and two trannys and rear end for sale soon. Looking for a driver side running board