1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1606301324

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1606301318
A friend of mine owns this 1932 Ford Deluxe Three Window Coupe. When he removed the Fenders and Running Board, he was shocked to find a "false" panel similar to the shape of the genuine 1932 Ford Chassis in this area.
Can anyone identify this unusual panel? Any help with suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Is the frame itself embossed with the ridge on both sides?

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

I didn't check, as it was only a quick visit. However, I would suspect that the Frame is smoot, like later models, otherwise, why would you add these false panels to cover a Frame that was already shaped?

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Might have something to do with not having to paint the frame with body color when not 'black'.
Or maybe a process of manufacture specific to those in Australia.
Don't recall ever seeing the panels here in the US.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

A first for me and like 51 MERC-CT, the question as to what the frame looks like beneath that panel immediately comes to mind. Given that it is a deluxe coupe, the body is of North American origin as none were manufactured elsewhere. There are some surviving very early '32 frames that are completely flat along the side rails, but where they have shown up has been on commercial vehicles and no covering formed panels were in place.


Trevor, It would be informative if you could provide the body number, if it survived, from the tag on the #1 steel floor cross sill and the engine number stamped on the frame (just the number of digits will do in the case of the engine number).

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Could this be a 1933 to 34 frame that someone added the cover to thus making it appear to be a 1932 frame?

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

The number will tell!!!!

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Wow, that is incredible. Would love to know more from the poster and see more photos if possible.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

model 40 frames are not even close to a match for a 32 body

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1606342461
Here is a picture of the imported 1932 Ford Deluxe Three Window Coupe with the false covers on the Frame. I have asked the Owner for a body number and additional details. It has been converted to Right Hand Drive.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

There is the minor matter of six inches more of wheelbase in a '33-'34 frame. Another clue are the holes for the steering gear on the right side. The are simply round like all but very late '32 frames and all '33-'34 frames.


The panel is missing a fender attachment hole in front and another at the back for the rear fender.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Ask your friend to put his hand up the back of the frame rail and feel if it is smooth or has the distinctive shape of the stock reveal. The lower curved edge is much sharper on the actual chassis than that rolled bead on the cheater panel. In a similar vein it is also sharper on a gennie frame than a lot of the repro rails.

The rails may be fabricated and not gennie or even a better repro which do have the reveal shape. It would be funny if it has one of the mega rare smooth sided gennie chassis and the covers were made to give it the appearance of the more common frame.

Edit: David, it is stated that it has been converted to RHD so the round holes may have been recently drilled. I think they look marginally lower down the frame rail than stock. The upper bolt on a gennie rail is very close to the radius at the top.

Mart.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

hello Trevor , does the guy still have the fenders , I have a set of fenders very similar colour that came from a 32 3 window in queensland a few years ago scott

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Speaking of interesting metal work...Did you notice the top on the 5W Coupe in post #10? Is it me, or does it look a little "domed"? Perhaps it's just an optical illusion! Nice cars though!

Stay Safe,
Pat

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

In the same vein of questioning, did anyone notice the holes in the hood corners of the 3 window for what looks like rubber corners??? Is that normal??!

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

I see the same as you Pat.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

I must say, haven't seen this little "splash pan" trick before!

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

The 5W looks like it may have a filled roof.

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Robert,


Yes, that is normal for an original hood. The rubber bumper is held in place with a tubular rivet. (I've noticed that while your hood corner is formed like all of the others, it lacks those attachment holes.)

Re: 1932 Ford Frame - "false shaped panel"
 

Thank you David, another learned difference and hence why it caught my eye.