The Ford Barn

Mike A Model · 02-25-2026, 11:23 AM

Hello, I am a custodian of a 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe. The coupe is an original Model B. However, the previous owner converted it to a V8 Flathead with Model 18 features. Not that I am a purest by a long shot. Saying that, I would like to put my coupe back to a Model B with its original features. I have been researching using the 1932 Ford Books and reading articles, looking at pictures to develop a checklist of parts and tasks needed. My request can you all provide me with parts and tasks for the conversion back to its original Model B configuration, I can bump them against my list. As a note, I have already acquired a Model B engine, currently I am having the engine rebuilt.
Thank you for your time and effort,
Mike

Newc · 02-25-2026, 01:45 PM

hardest part to find ? Correct choke cable. Newc

mercguy · 02-25-2026, 02:42 PM

Lots of differences. To name a few. Radiator, headlight bar, motor snubber, foot throttle,
motor mounts, steady rods, engine splash pans, wiring harness, hub caps, fuel line,
exhaust system, starter cable. I'm sure there's more. Most of the necessary parts are
easily available. Newc is right; choke cable is a bit harder to find as is a B headlight bar.
Lots more V8 bars around than B's. Good luck, Rick.

rockfla · 02-25-2026, 02:51 PM

I have nice "B" light bar IF you need (I think)

The proper front motor mount as they're were at least two or three for the 32 model year.

petehoovie · 02-25-2026, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfla

I have nice "B" light bar IF you need (I think)

The proper front motor mount as they're were at least two or three for the 32 model year.

tubman · 02-25-2026, 03:25 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Isn't the torque tube a different length?

rockfla · 02-25-2026, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

Isn't the torque tube a different length?

Not 1932, for the 1933 & 1934 4cyl cars YES.

tubman · 02-25-2026, 04:25 PM

As "Ol' Ron" used to say; "You learn sumpthin' every day.".

37 Coupe · 02-25-2026, 04:37 PM

If you are going to use a new radiator get your order in to Brassworks asap.It took 6 months to get mine for my Model B 5 window but well worth it,this was a year ago. Great fit and surprising ly the Model B exhaust I bought was from Waldrons and it fit great but also took several months.Model B wiring from Rhode Island I was lucky got it before they shut down,may be back now. I don't envy you for the task you are taking on it was hard enough on mine being a good original 5 window B. Engine in mine is from Schwalms and 39 trans gears in original '32 case.I think both trans are same. Easier pulling a shorter V8 then pulling and replacing a B engine as transmission has to be installed as a unit,gotta use a tilt to clear from crossmember for oil pan,not one of Fords better ideas. Model A guys tried to install engine separate from trans already installed like Model A before I got car,ended up removing oil pan to clear but then it after being compromised.They almost cut lip on front crossmember. If I were closer you could use mine as a guide,always a B engine.

rockfla · 02-25-2026, 08:09 PM

Confirmed, I have a really nice 4cyl “original”
Light bar IF you’d like it right below the Repro V8 bar!!!

big deuce · 02-25-2026, 09:05 PM

Transmission anti chatter bars are different too, I believe.

deuce lover · 02-26-2026, 01:12 AM

Radiator brace rods different length and air cleaner to name a couple more.

petehoovie · 02-26-2026, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfla

Confirmed, I have a really nice 4cyl “original”
Light bar IF you’d like it right below the Repro V8 bar!!!

Cool Kat with Hot Car · 02-26-2026, 02:44 PM

Hi Deuce Lover, Why are the radiator brace rods different ?

Farley's34 · 02-26-2026, 07:35 PM

I know someone who is planning to swap the drivetrain from a gorgeous 32 "B" Coupe. It was restored by the most respected 32 guru, who we recently lost. The parts will be easily accessible as the car will be in New England.

rockfla · 02-27-2026, 11:36 AM

Farley's34

I didn't know one post of that news could evoke the full range of emotions from Sad to "potential" happy.

deuce lover · 02-28-2026, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool Kat with Hot Car

Hi Deuce Lover, Why are the radiator brace rods different ?

The length as the radiator top tank is different from 4 cyl to V8. V8's are 29.5 inches long. 4cyl are a bit longer and by how much I do not know.

37 Coupe · 02-28-2026, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deuce lover

The length as the radiator top tank is different from 4 cyl to V8. V8's are 29.5 inches long. 4cyl are a bit longer and by how much I do not know.

B-8133 radiator rods are 30 1/4" long according to David Rehor book and the ones on my Model B.

BoxCar Tom · 03-05-2026, 05:44 PM

Finding a decent "Start" knob with attendant hardware is a bit challenging?

02-25-2026, 11:23 AM	#1
Mike A Model Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 30	Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Hello, I am a custodian of a 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe. The coupe is an original Model B. However, the previous owner converted it to a V8 Flathead with Model 18 features. Not that I am a purest by a long shot. Saying that, I would like to put my coupe back to a Model B with its original features. I have been researching using the 1932 Ford Books and reading articles, looking at pictures to develop a checklist of parts and tasks needed. My request can you all provide me with parts and tasks for the conversion back to its original Model B configuration, I can bump them against my list. As a note, I have already acquired a Model B engine, currently I am having the engine rebuilt. Thank you for your time and effort, Mike

02-25-2026, 01:45 PM	#2
Newc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,052	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B hardest part to find ? Correct choke cable. Newc

02-25-2026, 02:42 PM	#3
mercguy Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 41	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Lots of differences. To name a few. Radiator, headlight bar, motor snubber, foot throttle, motor mounts, steady rods, engine splash pans, wiring harness, hub caps, fuel line, exhaust system, starter cable. I'm sure there's more. Most of the necessary parts are easily available. Newc is right; choke cable is a bit harder to find as is a B headlight bar. Lots more V8 bars around than B's. Good luck, Rick.

02-25-2026, 03:25 PM	#6
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,132	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Isn't the torque tube a different length?

02-25-2026, 04:25 PM	#8
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,132	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B As "Ol' Ron" used to say; "You learn sumpthin' every day.".

02-25-2026, 04:37 PM	#9
37 Coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,024	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B If you are going to use a new radiator get your order in to Brassworks asap.It took 6 months to get mine for my Model B 5 window but well worth it,this was a year ago. Great fit and surprising ly the Model B exhaust I bought was from Waldrons and it fit great but also took several months.Model B wiring from Rhode Island I was lucky got it before they shut down,may be back now. I don't envy you for the task you are taking on it was hard enough on mine being a good original 5 window B. Engine in mine is from Schwalms and 39 trans gears in original '32 case.I think both trans are same. Easier pulling a shorter V8 then pulling and replacing a B engine as transmission has to be installed as a unit,gotta use a tilt to clear from crossmember for oil pan,not one of Fords better ideas. Model A guys tried to install engine separate from trans already installed like Model A before I got car,ended up removing oil pan to clear but then it after being compromised.They almost cut lip on front crossmember. If I were closer you could use mine as a guide,always a B engine. __________________ "Never complain,never explain"... Henry Ford II Last edited by 37 Coupe; 02-25-2026 at 07:36 PM.

02-25-2026, 09:05 PM	#11
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Transmission anti chatter bars are different too, I believe.

02-26-2026, 01:12 AM	#12
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rockwall TX Posts: 6,018	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Radiator brace rods different length and air cleaner to name a couple more.

02-26-2026, 02:44 PM	#14
Cool Kat with Hot Car Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 305	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Hi Deuce Lover, Why are the radiator brace rods different ?

02-26-2026, 07:35 PM	#15
Farley's34 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charlton New York Posts: 598	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B I know someone who is planning to swap the drivetrain from a gorgeous 32 "B" Coupe. It was restored by the most respected 32 guru, who we recently lost. The parts will be easily accessible as the car will be in New England.

02-27-2026, 11:36 AM	#16
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 5,164	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Farley's34 I didn't know one post of that news could evoke the full range of emotions from Sad to "potential" happy.

03-05-2026, 05:44 PM	#19
BoxCar Tom Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Basking Ridge, NJ Posts: 709	Re: Returning a 1932 Ford Coupe back to a Model B Finding a decent "Start" knob with attendant hardware is a bit challenging?