VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1940 vin #

I bought a 1940 Chevy Special Deluxe 2 door sedan back in 1964. I went off to war and left the car in my mother's back yard where most of the really good stuff was stripped off it. Now that I'm retired I want to rebuild it mostly stock as possible.

To start with, though I need to title it, because the one I got back in '64 disappeared and the state purged their copy. I have nothing but a few pictures to prove it's mine, so I have to do an "In lieu of Bond" title request.

The data plate on the fire wall gives Style #, Body #, Trim #, and Paint #. Do all of these together make up the vin number?

The VIN is on the passenger side floor just inside of the door sill plate, about at the center of the seat. Your car was probably titled by the engine number as most pre '55 vehicles were. Don

I'm not so sure it wouldn't be smart to go with the numbers you see on the body tag. In today's world, that is the VIN number and the engine number may be on an engine block that is not usable, although if it is, in fact on the frame, that would be better than the earlier years of Chevrolet.

Thanks. I found the tag on the floor board, and luckily the numbers are stamped into it, because the rest of the plate is unreadable. I also found what it all means at oldcarmanual.com

The original engine came apart back in 1965 (crankshaft broke in the center and tore up the block) and was replaced by a 235 from a 1954; and it's gone now, too. I'm not sure what I'll put into it for engine and transmission (that's gone, too), but I'd like to do the body, suspension and interior as close to stock as possible.

So I'm looking for some parts, too. Clock, radio, tail light rings, front seat and steering wheel were all stolen, and I'd like to get original if available. Oh yeah, they got the radiator, too. But I do have some extra chrome trim available if someone needs it.

So, where's a good place to go for stuff like that?

Here, in the parts wanted and parts for sale forums, ebay, Craigs list, Hemmings, Filling Station and Chevies of the Fortties, in just about that order. Try em all.

Hampton Coach (LeBarron and Behoney) (sp) for the upholstry.

I think the idea to go back original is a good one and is what the VCCA is all about.

Good luck with your project.
Best,
Charlie

BTW: Why I am I up at this hour (1:53 A.M.)? Went to see "Fast Five" at the movies last night and about the only thing good about it was the buttered popcorn. Ate too much and now have acid kicking in. I should have skipped the popcorn... and the movie.

Thanks Charlie. This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time. Being retired gives me the time, but the pay isn't all that great.....

I have a number of original 1940 Chevy clocks for sale. They probably would need to be to be serviced by a clock doctor. I also will have a pair of front seat backs for sale that will fit a 2 door sedan, business coupe or 5 passenger coupe.

dtm
You can view my 40 coupe on my website
www.1940chevrolet.com