'32 Three Window Re-found

[Digger]

In June of 2008, Street Rodder had an article (see attachments) about a pair of Dueces that were found after a long haitus. One was a stocker, one was a '50s hot rod. The '50s hot rodded Deuce (which was a V8 car made in the 3rd month of '32 production) went on -Bay and was bought as a Buy It Now by a friend of mine here in Monterey. He has sicne lost interst and sold it to me last month.

I took it to Natale's Auto and they fixed the brakes, put new linkage on the rock crusher trans, and it is ready to go. The body is great, the interior really 50's. The dash insert, chrome grille shell and hubcaps are killin' me, but I will mainly keep like this for a while, bring it to local shows and such. Off the Fordbarn I bought a dropped heavy 32 axle, so I will put that on, and replace the tire/wheels hopefully with a worn set of something or other that will help set off the car.

Beyond that is my dilemma. Should it stay as it is to keep the history and coupe in tact, or is a full restoration warranted? I will not start any resto on it for a while, but would really like to put in a '39 Merc with 50's goodies, new interior etc. If anyone has a set of tires/wheels for sale that are used but not worn that would help the stance and look, I am interested. Thanks Barners.

[Mart]

Can't really help with your question, but I would like to say that is a nice car to have found or bought.

I'd lean towards keeping it like it is, but cleaning it up and looking after safety related items. I'd agree, a change in rolling stock would help a lot.

Nice car!

Mart.

[Django]

The wheels and tires are definitely killing the look. If it runs ok, then I'd just keep it as is for awhile.

Here's some inspiration from another survivor that runs around Chicago.

http://www.codyhotrodshop.com

[RB]

I for one agree with your thoughts & wouldn't beat yourself up to any great degree as the items are basically bolt on anyway.

[19Fordy]

Definitely change the wheels and tires. Any other tastefully done changes you make to make it a " 50's period piece" would only add to the history of the car. So go ahead and make the changes you want.

[Digger]

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Anyone know what happened to the stocker in the article?

[B-O-B]

Your car, your money & you only have to satisfy yourself, maybe your wife. That being said I think I might tidy up the gauge panel & as others have stated wheel tire combo. Awsum car to find, lucky you.

[41ford1]

Nice find.
What's under the wheel covers? Maybe you could get the look by replacing them with caps and rings. Might be a quick option.

[xix32]

well, if it were mine, i agree with the others - those wheels and tires should go. but, i would also get that grill shell off and hang it on the garage wall, it's just wrong. a distraction, to an otherwise art form.

[IVT1]

if you are looking for the 50's look, I've got a set of (4) 14" deep dish slotted mags that I would sell

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by IVT1

if you are looking for the 50's look, I've got a set of (4) 14" deep dish slotted mags that I would sell

Huh?

Think Neal East...

[1931 flamingo]

DON"T TOUCH IT!!!! Wider w/walls maybe. Chrome shells were the "cat's meow" in the 50's, ck the "little nooks". JMO
Paul in CT

[34pickup]

Yeah, I have to agree, the wheels/tires just have to go.Maybe chrome reverse and/or whitewalls and a little lower in front for the 50s look. As for the grille shell, I think it would look better on a custom show car. I don't think its particularly attractive on a hot rod. As said, its just a bolt on. And since its already a modified car, changing it to something more to your liking is more important than keeping the styling ideas of some long forgotten owner. The shell is probably pretty valuable to the right person.

[done4]

Boy, great car, totally agree on the wheels and tires. As for keeping it pretty much as is that is a tough one, but, your car, you money. I really respect that you are sensitive about history, that's terrific, but you have to be pumped about your ride. Good luck and I'm sure what ever your decision is it will still be one heck of a ride.

[Digger]

agreed, I am opting to do black walls on '40s rims painted red that show some wear on the paint. Big and littles for tire size. I have some different looks I can borrow from friend's cars, put them on, check it out, take them off, should be interesting. Looking for an old school reversed eye spring also. thanks Barners.

[Carl]

In my opinion, there is only 2 ways to do the car; leave it completely the way you found it(to maintain the history appeal), or build it exactly the way you want it. I have a 3w that was built in the 50's and I have most of the old stuff(except the Chev motor) but it is too weathered(in my opinion) to keep it that way. I am looking at every pic I can find of neat 3ws and will incorporate things I like into my car. I could also restore it, as I have most original 32 parts to do it. My 2 cents expressed. Ironically, I have a 34 3w with the same exact situation.

[Digger]

I drove it around behind the shop today, with 4:11 in it and that 400 motor, it's scary loose fast. Norma
Driving I don't even need first gear. I now have a 32, 33, 34 threecwindow. The 32 is this historic piece, the 33 a perfect metal body, making my firstvmi
D street rod put of it, and then the 34 a perfect restored stocker in the making loaded with orig accessories including Garwood fender skirts, photos to come....