1932 Ford Hiboy Project - Opening Day

by Dick Zakrzewski

Bill Nicholson is no newcomer to hot rodding. He's been building hot rods for the past 51 years. Photo #1 is a picture of Bill and his current ride, a '32 Ford roadster he brought from California.

Photo #1

Bill's current project was his dream for many years - a '32 Ford hi-boy with a Ardun equipped flathead motor. See Photos #2a and #2b.

Photo #2a

Photo #2b

The motor is fitted with a new pair of Ardun heads, a one off cast aluminum intake and a one off billet aluminum generator bracket to provide clearance for the first of three '56 Ford Holley two barrel carbs. Canton Automotive Machine Service did all the engine work which included resurfacing the block, boring it 1/8" to 3-5/16" and installing a stock Mercury crank to increase stroke by 1/8" to 4 1/8". The increased stroke and bore raised cubic inches to 284. They also filled the old exhaust ports in the block with Devcon (they're no longer needed with Ardun heads), shortened the valves 0.200' to improve contact with the rockers, and installed a Crower "cast" cam and Melling oil pump.

It is expected that the motor will generate 250 hp on the dyno. You'll witness the dyno test in a future article. And yes, Bill has $25,000 invested in the motor.

Photo #3 shows the current status of the chassis. Bill started with an original '32 then added his special touches.

Photo #3

To keep the '32 on track, he fitted the chassis with a '56 Ford steering column and steering box. The '56 column is the same length as a '32. The only modification to the steering box was the addition of a mounting flange. Bill says he likes the '56 column because it makes the car easier to steer. See Photo #4.

Photo #4

The rear end is a new Halibrand quick-change gearbox sandwiched between '48 Ford axle tubes. The axles are 31 spline Ford. Rear brakes are 78-'79 Ford truck. Each end of the axle tubes sports a '36 Ford shackle for a transverse mounted Model T Ford rear spring. See Photo #5. Shocks will be from Alden.

Photo #5

At the center of the chassis we find a "39 Ford transmission with Lincoln gears. Note the closed drive shaft. Bill incorporated the original clutch and brake peddles: however, the original brake peddle assembly was modified for hydraulic brakes; i.e., linkage must push on master cylinder, not pull. See Photo #6.

Photo #6

At the front end Bill installed a 3" drop axle, '40 Ford brakes and a new pair of rare Alden shocks be bought 15 years ago. The front shock mounts are one of Bill's many fabrications. See Photo #7.

Photo #7

Front wheels are 5 ½" X 14" built from '57 Ford outers and ‘40 Ford centers. The rear wheels are 7" X 15" VanTeques. Tires are 185-70-14 fronts and 255-70-15 rears from B.F. Goodrich.

The chassis is already finish coated with black Imron paint. I told you Bill was no newcomer to rodding.

Watch for my next progress report in about one month.

Dick Z