1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Paul and Diane Brault
Round Rock, TX
Since my
youth in the 60’s, I have always liked the body style of the 1932 Ford Coupe,
both the three and five window bodies. However back then I could not afford to
purchase one or even build one. The available bodies were all steel and on
original frames.
Now that I have entered the semi-retirement phase of my life, I have the time
and money to make my earlier dream come true. I still like the body style
of the Ford deuce coupe and wanted to build it from the ground up. Today
most of the bodies are made of fiberglass and mounted on custom frames.
I did my research looking into several sources from Hot Rod magazine and Street
Rodder. I made several trips to other hot rod shops in the Austin local area
over the course of eighteen months. Most of these shops left a lot to be
desired. I selected Harwood Industries in Tyler, Texas as the source of my
frame and body. I made two trips to Harwood and met Gary Harwood, the
owner. The build a quality body and frame. Also, you can build the
car in stages and pay for is as you go. My coupe body is number 87 that
Harwood built. They no longer build street rod cars.
I stayed with a dark color with simpler line striping or flames for the look of
the early 1960's. The body would be chopped, with more of a racing stance
and have polished five spoke wheels. The transmission would be a four
speed manual with a Hurst shifter. The engine would have headers, finned
aluminum valve covers, dual quads mounted on a small block 350 Chevy engine.
This project
is now in the fourth year, and is about 95% completed. I have kept
records of the costs, part numbers, and build timetable. I also have a
journal that I recorded all the experiences of building the coupe. Diana
and I have done all the work, except the welding and final interior work.
The coupe is named "Bonnie" after my wife Diane's Aunt, who passed away the day
I purchased the frame from Harwood. Bonnie is not finished; they say you
never get finished.....but only the hood, A/C and paint remain to be completed.
All it takes is time and money.
Top of Page