Rumble Step Location on 1932?

[glennpm]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me exactly where the fender mounted step plate for a 1932 roadster is located? I know it is supposed to be on the crown of the fender but what is the space between it and the body or the dimension to the center from the quarter panel?

Thanks

[G.M.]

I would say from my 32's it is at the top as you say and centered
between the body and outer curve of the fender. I will try and take
a look today. G.M.

Checked the 32 cabriolet this after noon. The step on the very top
of the fender as stated from another post and the center of the step
is 3 1/4" from the belt line. This is the lower part of the side body
closest to the fender that steps out from the smooth side of the body.
G.M.

[DavidG]

I don't have the hole location dimensions handy, but the pad is not centered between the body molding and the outside edge of the fender. To place it in that position will result in the top of the pad not being completely horizontal side to side when viewed from the rear (nor will it fit the contour of the fender in that location). It was originally closer to the body as shown in the photo below.

[JSeery]

I have no experience with 32s, but there is not a brace under the step? It is just bolted to the fender?

[DavidG]

On the '32s there was no brace underneath the fender. Given the size of the pad and the number of fender-to-body attachments nearby, the load is well distributed. I've not encountered any used fenders showing distortion in that area of the fender.

[tiger.1000]

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Not a roadster but here's my 32 cabriolet. If the rear body adjacent to the rear wing is identical to a cabriolet;here's the answer.....(as near as damn it)....if needs be I will measure it with a vernier calliper.

Let me know

[DavidG]

David,

The width of a '32 cabriolet body at the molding at the crown of the rear fenders is slightly narrower than that of a '32 roadster so this would affect the measurement of the standoff of the pad from the molding.

[tiger.1000]

GM....looks like David has once more "saved our bacon !"

[Floyd]

how about that pink '58 Olds? (Slightly off topic)
My step pad is about 3 1/4" out, but the fender was in bad shape when I started. David's original pic looks like it is much closer than 3" to center.
My opinion

[glennpm]

Thanks everyone!

I’m having computer internet problems today so tardy in acknowledging the input.

[tiger.1000]

Flloyd,

That pink Olds is a pink Buick !

[glennpm]

Hi David,

When you have a chance, I'd like your dimensions based on your comment, "The width of a '32 cabriolet body at the molding at the crown of the rear fenders is slightly narrower than that of a '32 roadster so this would affect the measurement of the standoff of the pad from the molding"

From Tiger's GREAT pictures, he has about 1 1/8" between the edge of the step and the belt line moulding.

Thanks

[glennpm]

duplicate post

[tiger.1000]

Glenn,

Tonight I will do a proper job with a vernier calliper !

Watch this space !

[tiger.1000]

Sorry Glenn...I thought you meant me but in fact you meant David Rehor

[glennpm]

Yes, no problem tiger. David mentioned that the distance was different between the roadster and cabriolet.

Thanks

[DavidG]

David,

Actually, you should respond as I'm a couple of hours away from the only fender that I have at present that has the original hole in it for the step pad (all of the coupe/cabriolet/roadster rear fenders are same and the hole for the pad is the same regardless of the body type) and while it is off the car, the body I would use there as reference is also a cabriolet. I finishing up a roadster where I am presently located, but it is a standard model without a rumble seat and the right rear fender has no hole for the step pad. Perhaps you can provide a dimension for the distance from the vertical plane at the outside edge of the fender.

Another alternative is to use a cloth tape measure and following the curvature on the underside of the fender noting the distance along the curvature from the edge of the bead to the center of the hole, which is actually makes it a little easier as the center of the stud makes a more accurate target than the center of the pad on top.

Glenn,

Sorry, but I don't think you can go too far wrong with that dimension(s) from David in the U.K. and using a level to locate the pad so that it is level on the horizontal when viewed from both the rear and from the side, as that was obviously the design intent.

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

GM....looks like David has once more "saved our bacon !"

I don't know about that. My 32 has ALL original new parts. This was a solid
car restored over 40 years ago by "Mr 32" Bill Siecrest of Tulsa Ok.Bills cars
were restored by Virgil Stirum who worked for Bill. Bill had AT LEAST one
of every body style 32 in his collection. Back in those days NOS 32 parts were
available. Bill sent Virgil to Hershey and Ford dealers closing. Virgil told me
Bill would give him a big roll of 100's. When he came home Bill asked for
his change and Virgil would have to figure how much more Bill owed him.
At one time he had close to 150 NOS 32 fenders. My 32 has all NOS parts,
fenders, grill, bumpers, front end, trans, rear, engine and many other parts.
This cabriolet was one of Bills favorites and one of the last to sell. G.M.

[tiger.1000]

GM....vernier in hand, these are the results so totally ignore the tape measure as of yesterday !

See the sketch....the overall diameter of "my" foot pad is 4.76 inches....I say "my" because I believe they may vary depending on age and supplier ??? My pad is about 40 yrs old. That I do know.

Looking at the top of the pad it comprises a series of RAISED dimples.

The centre runs BETWEEN a row of raised dimples . From the centre point of the pad to the edge of the body is 2.972 inches.

I do mean the body and not the welt that separates the wing from the body.

IN ENGLISH a wing is a fender. And in English a fender is an appliance which sits on the hearth in front of a fire.

So......to reiterate, centre of pad to body is 2.972 inches

[glennpm]

Thanks Tiger, didn't know they had those in the UK except in zoos ;-)

I just did a trial fit and it looks good in that position.

I appreciate your help!

Glenn

[DavidG]

With respect, I also knew Bill and Virgil well in the day, but I guarantee you that not one of the NOS rear coupe/roadster/cabriolet fenders that they bought had the subject hole in it. It would make no economic sense for Ford to inventory rumble (right for LHD and left for RHD) fenders with the hole and non-rumble rear fenders without the hole. If they did, they would have a separate part number and none are listed in the '32 chassis parts service part catalogue.

[tiger.1000]

Glenn,

It may be worth mentioning that having perused the web it appears that not all pads offered for sale are the same diameter???? Hence the reason the dimension I quoted IS from the centre of the pad and NOT from the edge of the pad to the body.

[DavidG]

Good point!

[glennpm]

Yes the distance to the center is best anyway for drilling the hole.

I thought about starting a new thread but I’ll try it here.

What are the dimensions to the grab rail screws please?

[DavidG]

I recommend that you do that (start a new thread). I'll be away from my car stuff for a week or so and therefore cannot provide the screw hole location for the top prop rests (their primary purpose, but they also serve as 'grab handles'). While you're at it how about the four holes in the upper back panel for the two rubber bumpers that the rear window rests upon when the top is lowered?

[G.M.]

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Originally Posted by DavidG

With respect, I also knew Bill and Virgil well in the day, but I guarantee you that not one of the NOS rear coupe/roadster/cabriolet fenders that they bought had the subject hole in it. It would make no economic sense for Ford to inventory rumble (right for LHD and left for RHD) fenders with the hole and non-rumble rear fenders without the hole. If they did, they would have a separate part number and none are listed in the '32 chassis parts service part catalogue.

I agree the replacement fenders were not punched or drilled for the
rumble seat step. But Bill had enough open cars he would have known
exactly where the step was mounted. G.M.