A Few ??? Re: my '32

[Fortunateson]

I have 3 questions about my '32 5w. It is Canadian built and I was just checking for the serial # just ahead of the firewall on the driver's side. This frame is really quite good with no heavy rust. Anyway there is absolutely no markings there. Did Canadian frame not put the serial number there? if not where do I look? Is the stock '32 steering box self-centrein? I hav ea '51 F-1 box htought I would use but only if the '32 is not a good option. And finally, were there early/late firewalls? (the car is a standard 5w coupe originally with a 4 cylinder.) Thanks all.

[JSeery]

The numbers can be anywhere along the frame from the firewall to the front cross-member and sometimes under the front edge of the firewall. The 32 boxes are a lot poorer design than the F-1 box, the reason for so many upgrades. No, idea about firewalls.

Is the original transmission in place? If so there is a number on the top of the inspection hole. You can check ValPelt's site for all the number locations, three along the frame and the one on the transmission.

[Vics Stuff]

The Numbers are also on top of frame rail in area of drivers door, there is also another location where the number is and that is on drivers dide frame rail top near rear axle. That is where I found a legiable one on mine.
Vic

[Charlie Stephens]

There were early and late firewalls with a few other changes thrown in along the way. You should get a copy of "The 1932 Ford Book" from the Early Ford V8 Club (earlyfordv8.org). I hope you are going to leave the 4 cylinder in and if you do a rebuilt original box is a good option.

Charlie Stephens

[DavidG]

There were three different '32 firewalls for LHD chassis (early, mid-year, and late) although the only difference between a mid-year and late firewall is the location of the hole for the drain tube from the cowl vent opening.

The location of the stamped engine numbers on the top of the left side chassis frame was the same for both Canadian and U.S. chassis. The Canadian engine numbers were unique and began with the prefixes of either CBG or CBQ followed by up to four numbers (iln the case of 4-cylinder engines).

[Fortunateson]

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Well thanks for the replies. The three variations of the firewall was what I had heard but wasn't sure; somethng about where the steering column passes throught the firewall as well. I knew about the other locations for the serial number but was under the impression that the location near the left side foot of the firewall was absolute. The four cyl( which was rebuilt to standards specs via welding and turning the crank and sleeving the cylinders was sold to a restorer that needed it four his sedan. I was torn about that but I decided to do a mild hot rod treatment and wasn't going to use it (I needed the $$$) though I kind of wish I still had it. Nobody has mentioned whether the '32 steering box is self centreing yet. So is it? The engine wil be a 8AB so would the '32 box be wise or not? Thanks again.

[rotorwrench]

The 32 thru 34 steering gears were only a bit different than the model A two tooth Gemmer design. Self centering depends almost totally on how much caster is built into the front suspension. Those early gemmer designs had a bit more friction in their movement than later Gemmer II designs that had the roller sector gear. The 37 Hudson design is one of the best for the 1932 but an early F-100 design can be made to work well too. With a good amount of caster angle on the spindles, they will center better than the Gemmer two tooth.

[Kurt in NJ]

The 32 is much like the A, my A will self center after a turn, the condition of the front spring will be a factor in the caster, the lower the spring the greater the caster, with a worn spring I couldn't "palm" the wheel, with a good spring I can, the condition of the steerring balls is also a factor

Proper restoration to original specs eliminates the "need" for most modifications

[DavidG]

For the record, the '32-'34 sector gear has three teeth.