I seem to dimly remember that 8032 PETs were capable of dropping to 40 column mode for compatibility with older PET software. And that seems to be documented as well online... but I can't figure out how to do it. Does the program itself have to call up 40 column mode? Or is there a way to invoke it before loading a 40 column program?
Also, for completeness I'll mention a few other options...
1) If your 8032 has a "universal dynamic pet" motherboard, then it will have a set of jumpers you can change to convert the machine to 40 column permanently. This will require a new EDIT ROM, and I think 1 mod to the motherboard. Of course you will lose 80 column capability.
2) There were 3rd-party boards that allowed you to switch from 40/80 as well, but you won't likely find one today.
3) You have to be aware that some 40-column software assumes the "N" or "graphic" keyboard, and will not work properly with "B" (business) keyboard as found on most 8032 machines.
4) I have a project to create PET EDIT ROMs. One thing I did was integrate the features of those software "drivers" mentioned above into the edit rom, so that they are available at power on. If all you need to do is run the occasional 40-column program/game then this is pretty convenient (ESC+X toggles the screen), although I'm not at the stage yet where the 40-column mode is usable for full-time use. Anyway, it might be worth considering.
http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projects/editrom/index.html
Steve