VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939/1940 question

Hi all here!
My first posting in this section!
until July I posted sometimes in the 1931 section, but on july 7th my workshop burnt down with the rear end of my 1931 inside, so after that I had to give up my nice 1931 and thought it is over now with my hobby.
But now the virus got me again and I began to search for a new old car.
My target is the late pre war era now, because these cars are a bit more usueful as a daily driver.
And if my info is true, in 1939 that complicate knee action was over and I guess a "normal" front suspension as used in 1939 and later is better for daily use.
Did see a 1939 4door sedan at a dealer not really far from my town, but in my mind too expensive and at least to bad and weak. Paint, complete electric, brakes, clutch, interior, all over. The car should have run in Florida until May, the last gas bill in the glovebox was dated may 2010. Cannot imagine it is true. how could the car drive without brakes? Was shipped to germany between june and july. Was sold in US for 9000.- USD and now she should be 11000.- Euro
I thought not worth.
another dealer wants to sell same as 1940 model since 3 years, it might be in good condition, the dealer talked about a 1991 complete frame off-restoration, I will see the car during november.
What is the difference between a 1939 and a 1940? The well known chevrolet picture book unfortunately ends in 1939.
All I know is: The 1939 has a two wing front hood, the 1940 a one part hood and the grill is different. And the back of the car (trunk, lights) is a little bit different.
From technical view the seem to be same. But confusing is, the book shows that only the optional vacuum gearshift has the stick at steering column. Am sure the 1939 I saw had no vacuum shift and had as well steering column gear shift.
??? And ebay offers another 1939 with gear shift stick on the floor.
Again ???
From sight of use as a daily driver which year would you prefer? 39 or 40?
There is a 1940 at ebay.com from oak view, CA.
My best friend from 1931 section, Chip Boyd did warn me and said "too many unanswered questions in the description, and a wrong engine too".
And my inner voice sais: Never buy a car just from some pictures!
So, in conclusion:
Should I look for a 1939 or a 1940? Which one is the better one in your eyes?
Who knows a good one for sale?
Not today or tomorrow, just in general.

Last question: Which is the correct tire size for these models?
The one 1939 I saw had 4 different sizes on one car and I could not find true info in the internet.

best regards
Stefan from germany

Stefan'
You might say that the 1939 and 1940 are more or less brothers under the skin. The engines are almost the same. The biggest change is the 1940 has a rope type rear main seal and the 1939 has a slinger type seal. Either can leak or not leak.
The 1939 and 1940 transmissions are almost the same except the 1940 has a quiter low gear. The floor shift was standard on a 1939 with the vacuum column shift optional. The 1939 vacuum shfit shares no parts with the 1940 vac. shift but operates the same - when its working OK.
The differentials are basically the same with the 1939 Master Deluxe having a 4.22 ratio and the cheaper Master 85 a 3.73 ratio. The Master 85 has leaf springs in the front.
In 1940 the Master 85 has the leaf front springs and 3.73 ratio. The Master deluxe and Special Deluxe have a 4.11 ratio.
The cars with the front coil springs (1939 and 19400 ride better and steer better.
The 1939 body is a face lifted version of the 1938 body. Its an older and more square design. The 1940 body is more rounded and a one year only design. Looks more like the 1941 but still has running boards and not as wide and low as a 1941.
Most body and sheet metal parts fit a 1940 only and can be difficult to find.
Either year uses the common 6.00X16 size tires

Which one is better in my eyes? I have owned a 1939 for over 35 years and like that car. The 1940 owners seem to like that year equally as well. My thoughts are look for the BEST 1939 or 1940 that you can find and also consider a 1941.
The 1937 and 1938 Master has the leaf spring dront suspension and is worth thinking about.

I recommend you forget the 39 and 40 and find a 1941 Special Deluxe (SD) 5 passenger coupe. It doesn't get much better than that.

Don't get a 41 Master. Although the lines are the same the extra chrome and interiar features on a SD make a big difference. The 41 will be something that's not all that hard to find parts for and you will be much happier and, well, birds will sing.

Chevgene's advice is sound. Especially, the "consider a 41" part.
Good luck,
Charlie

If you want something that looks a little "older" a 1939 is a good choice. I could even be talked out of mine.

Is it a coupe? Beamer

Its a TownSedan......they were more expensive than a coupe

Hello everybody,

thanks for lot of input!

Can anybody tell me more about the vacuum gearshift? How to see the car has it or not?
The 1939 I did see had a steering column gearshift, as I understood that must be the vacuum gearshift.
But: There was only one vacuum hose from intake manifold directly to the windshield wiper, nothing else.

shifting the gears was like a normal mechanic gearshift.
could run the engine just few seconds, because the carb. was clogged (no idle) and the car had no working electric, so she did start and run only as long as the dealer (seller) connected the dead battery with an 12 volt emergency start box. When he disconnected there was no power (generator out of order too) and the engine died.

During these few seconds I shifted some gears and there was no difference in shifting between running engine and stopped engine.

So, what does the vacuum shifting do and how can I see it is a car having it or not?

thanks
Stefan

The vacuum unit is bolted to the side of the gearbox itself, and makes the gearshift easier. It is a large round canister. It is connected with the linkages from the column change,and a vacuum line fitting on the manifold, Floor change models did not have the vacuum.
There was an aftermarket kit also available that removed the vacuum canister so that the driver shifted the gears on the column with his own effort.

Gene can't believe you would get rid of the ole gal, beautiful car and my favorite color.

From what you describe the vacuum assist has been removed and a conversion kit installed.

Will probably be selling my '39 next year. Too many cars and my wife can't get in it + we will no longer be taking trips and doing tours. After 36 years I hate to part with it but thats life.......and old age.

Hi Chevgene,

if you decide to sell your 1939, please drop me a line...am looking for one...

Stefan germany

Gene -- You could be sure the car would be going to a good home with Stefan....... He's a serious Chevy fan and a very good mechanic.

All the Best, Chip

It will preobably be next year before I can do anything. Especially as "drastic" as shipping a car over seas.
At the present time my wife is having mediacl problems and my time has been taken up by assisting her and running the household chores, etc.

Hi Gene,

no hurry at all! It will not be a projekt for 2010...

and all the best for your wife!

Stefan

Gene,
I'm sorry to hear that your wife's having medical problems. Please give her my best regards.

I don't remember ever having seen a picture of your 39. So what color is it and what body style, etc?

Germany is a beautiful country. I was stationed there in Stuttgart back in 60-63. Loved it, but I was, nonetheless, happy to return to the land of the "big PX." The 39 would surely be a topic of discussion and eye candy if it were a-crusing the autobahns (sp. And, as I would expect, being passed by everything from VWs up. (Grin)

If it goes to Stephon, I'm sure he will give it a good home.

Still, it's hard to part with something, as in a car that, that over the years you've established some affection and attachment.
Best wishes,
Charlie

Gene:
Very sorry to here the wife is not doing well. I hope everything works out for the both of you......