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Discussion Topic:
1932 Chassis?
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JayRM |
11-10-2021 @ 5:08 PM
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Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Oct 2018
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I have a 1932 Model B pickup truck with a 4-cylinder engine. Is the chassis for this truck the same exact chassis as what came with the other body styles for the 1932's? What differences, if any were there? Also, were there differences between the 4-cylinder chassis and the V8 chassis in any of the model lineup? A follow-up question might be what modifications need to be made to swap-out the 4-cylinder for a flathead V8 of the same vintage? Thank you, much.
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3w2 |
11-10-2021 @ 7:59 PM
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Senior
Posts: 842
Joined: Oct 2009
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The only difference between '32 pickup and that of a passenger car is the rear spring, which in early production had twelve leafs and eventually thirteen leaves while the most of any passenger car, a Fordor sedan, was eleven leafs. The difference between a four-cylinder powered chassis and that of a V8 is extensive ranging in the extreme from the hubcaps to the radiators. The engines and transmissions and everything attached to the former as well as two-thirds of the exhaust system. There are other differences such as the choke control and accelerator pedal assembly and all of the wiring under the hood, but those will give you a head start.
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JayRM |
11-11-2021 @ 5:51 AM
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Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Oct 2018
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Thank you for the information on the differences between the '32 pickup and car chassis. Regarding the differences between the 4 cylinder and V8 chassis, are the basic dimensions the same or not? Do you know of any shop manuals or articles written by those who have converted a 4 cylinder chassis to flathead V8 one? Again, thank you for your help.
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CharlieStephens |
11-13-2021 @ 9:42 AM
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Senior
Posts: 893
Joined: Oct 2009
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The basic frames are identical except for the serial number that was added when the engine was installed. Of course there were changes during the production year to the frames but they applied to all frames. The same frame was used on for all passenger cars and light trucks (pickups). All of the frames had the same holes but some of them were left unused depending on which engine was installed. The differences are in what is bolted on to the vehicle. The following changes need to be made when replacing a Model B with a V8 (21 stud, others will require a few more things): Of course engine, motor mounts Muffler and exhaust system before muffler (same after) Radiator Radiator support rods (they are a different length between the V8 and the 4) Engine steady rods Hubcaps Starter switch (if it is early B with pull starter) Transmission (gears interchange but cases are different) Choke (B is a cable, V8 is a rod) Accelerator linkage Engine splash pans Gas line needs to be routed from right on Model B to left on V8 The B will have a few extra holes in the firewall pad from mounting the 4 cyl engine snubber Need to add V8 emblem to headlight bar Need to accept the fact that the serial number (VIN) is for a 4 cylinder Interesting to note when I checked several years ago the increase in value for the car based on the "Old Cars Price Guide" was about the same as the cost of making the change My advice, leave the 4 cylinder in there and add a few speed parts if you want. Attached is a photo of one I admired at a local car show. Charlie Stephens
This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 11-13-21 @ 10:21 AM
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JayRM |
11-14-2021 @ 4:28 PM
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Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Oct 2018
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Thank you, very much, Charlie. The photo of the 4 cylinder you saw, is very interesting and, perhaps, even inspiring. Your suggestion to stay with the 4 is definitely inspiring. Being on the fence about the swap, I'm now inclined to go with your suggestion. Thank you, much.
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