Yep most of those early cars are pretty small even for a regular sized guy.
The 37-38 is one of my top dream cars as well. I pulled this example out of a magazine back in the 70’s or 80’s which was built close to what I would have done:
I tried to buy one back in 1965, but every time I went to the house the guy wasn’t home. The grille was missing but the car was dent and rust free, and dead stock on the outside. I knew something underneath must have been upgraded as the rear wheels were 5 lug. It was eventually sold to someone else at my high school, and that’s when I learned “the rest of the story”.
Turned out the owner installed a complete 1957 Olds J2 engine (3 deuces) and driveline, and shortly after got both drafted and married. The car sat in his front yard untouched from then on. I was always disappointed that one got away! It would have been an easy build for a kid on a budget.