VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Working on 40

I have a all original 40 Chevy in good shape. I'm thinking about pulling the motor, trans, rear end and updated to a small block. Also adding disc brakes with power and updating to 5 lug rims. If I do this I plan on keeping everything I take off. What do you think of this? I don't think the car is worth much in the current state and what to be able to drive it anywhere.

I would suggest you keep the 1940 all stock and purchase a new "CRUSE" for your cruising to the drive in. Much more comfortable and safer. It's really the PEOPLE you are going to see. Think about it.

Is it going to be cost effective? Project cars are going cheap. Complete drivetrain changeover plus brakes and radiator and steering and modern front suspension could run big $$$.

On the other hand ,if you have a donor car out back behind the ole garage....go for it. If it's a convert. or coupe it would make a cool streetrod.

Put the removed parts on the "parts" forum, somebody will need some of the parts for sure. GOOD LUCK

Well, it appears your kinda new 'round these here parts, so I don't know if you've been paying much attention to the "theme", we here at the VCCA like drone on and on about...So, I'll have to give ya a little hint...Read my lips..."It's only original once"...Sounds kinda catchy, don't it...? Say it a few more times...If it still ain't sink'in in, you might try "googling" H.A.M.B. Try it...! You might find your on the same "wave-length" as them folks...No offense...Good Luck & Good Night...

Blmfighter,
There are people that drive their '40 Chevys with original drive trains all over the country. Just ask Dave, our fearless leader, about how many miles he has put on this '40 Coupe. Then ask Dave, our NJ rep, about his '40 that he changed so his wife could join him on tours and excursions.

The car is yours to do as you wish. I would definitely keep anything taken off to either be able to reverse the modifications or sell to someone trying to keep their '40 as original as they can.

As not so delicately pointed out we are mostly a group dedicated to the preservation and restoration of old Chevys. So we don't have a vast amount of knowledge or experience with major modifications. There are others sites that do.

Suggesting that project cars are cheap(already butchered),and the cost could be high,is two good reasons to keep that old 40 chevrolet stock. I guess you missed that part of the post.

Seems confusing. Sounds like you are talking to the orginal fellow (you might be new), but it says you replied to wawuzit (steve). Either way ,it's his car to do with as he pleases.

If it were me. I'd go the orginal route, but that is not to say that I think a 40 coupe streetrod wouldn't look pretty good.

I think guys that want to go the streetrod way will soon find out this is not the correct forum (look whos talking)..smiles

OOPS..now I see the fine print. Sorry Kevin, I jumped the gun.

I like original 1940 Chevys. I have driven mine nearly 30,000 since I rebuilt the original 216. I usually cruize along at 60mph, but it also does real nice at 65 mph. I have the optional 3:73 rear end gears which came standard in the Master 85's ( straight axle car ) or could be ordered as a RPO for the Master Deluxe or Special Deluxe models. Original 40's are fun the drive.

dtm

Hi Arron,

Here’s another vote for keeping it original, but at the end of the day it is your car and you can do whatever you think would be enjoyable for you & your family. I'll admit an original car with 3 gears, 6 volts, and 72 year old parts can be a little intimidating to drive. Its definitely easier when you've got a fuel injected V8 and overdrive and A/C to make the miles pass by. Is this decision based on the fact that its older and not reliable, or is there a mechanical problem with the original driveline? Just want something newer / faster / more fun to drive? Just curious.

To me, and engine swap zaps the 'thrill' out of the hobby. Its fun to have something (in my opinion) to keep us in touch with what it was like to drive these old Chevys back when they were new. You had to watch the fluid levels, keep things lubed often, and you didn't have all the creature comforts. But it still did the same thing. You opened the door in one place and the next time you opened it…you were in a new place. It’s a marvel to watch these old things move under their own power, to hear the stovebolt’s happy little whine and exhaust note as it glides down the road. To me, even when I see a resto-mod that’s done fairly nicely, it just kills me to hear the sound of a small-block start up under the hood.

Don’t get me wrong, I like hot rods as well…but if you’ve got all the original parts still there and mostly working, it would be easier (and much cheaper) to just get it running reliably and enjoy it for a few years. If you have to modify it, you’re a good man for thinking ahead to keep all the original parts. Those will come in handy someday for sure. Load the cylinders with oil and store everything well and it’ll be fine whenever someone wants to return it to stock.

Sorry for the novel. Good luck with your decision and if you ever need a hand wrenchin’ either way just let me know. A 5 lug swap and a newer rear axle would get you better mileage and lower RPM's and wouldn't be too much $. It would also keep it mostly original everywhere else.

Maybe see you at the Davis Mansion show on Aug. 4th if the weather's nice!

It's great to drive an old car with the updates, our 41 that I updated with a tuned port and 700R4 out of an Iroc Camaro runs down the interstate at 80 if you want, but still looks like a 41. All our other cars are still original, and the 47that I bought when I was 15 is going back original.
We enjoy all of our toys and enjoy the VCCA tours. But as said earlier it's your car so build it the way you will enjoy it the most.

Blumfighter....I think you should do what you want to do to your car, like the old saying goes "what ever wind blows your skirt up"
But you may be awakened at night by black helicopters flying low over your house and strangers Trying to offer you "a ride" while you are walking (don't get in) There are some hard core preserver's tuned in to this site...Good Luck...I will Pray for you...Ed..LOL

I agree with you. Restoring an old chevy and being a points junkie is two different things.I wonder how many people on this forum can say their old chevy is 100% correct. If anyone says they have a correct car, I hope they post photos.

Hello,
I just bought a 100% original 1940 Chevy Special Deluxe from my uncle and original owner. It's got 92k original miles and bad [bleeped]. I'm 18 years old and have always loved this car.. I'm uploading pics and have questions..

1940 Chevys that are even almost 100% original are rare and to be cherished. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the care and preservation to a piece of history. Yes it is two pieces of history the car and yourself. Both require lotsa care.

Hotrodkid94
Welcome to Chatter.
Having a near original complete car to start with makes the restoration that much easier.
While I am not familiar with the specifics of the 40 models there are several on this site that are but we all will help where possible.
Tony

Blmfighter,
Here's my 2 cents, The wife and I drove my '40 from Chicago to LA without 1 problem on route 66, best trip I've ever taken and will never forget, the car has 70K+ on it, sweetest ride there is, my vote (if it means anything)you won't regret keeping it original...........

Wes

You asked the wrong question in this site. Never ask should I update my cay and put in a v8. These guys are people who restore old chevy cars and keep them stock, like myself. the only update I ever did was up date to 12v and thinking about changing to a 235 motor. If it were me I would keep the car stock! 40 was the last year for running boards and the first year a rear main seal was put on the 216 motor. keep it stock, drive it and enjoy the old car.

just my two cents

Blmfighter,

This is against the grain for someone who values original or stock. But here goes.

Because you asked the question, it seems to me the best advice is to update it.

Updates can be mild or drastic. Your call. I don't think you will be happy with the standard issue. By modern standards, they are noisy, hot and drive like a log cart.

Although, I do encourage you to keep it stock or with just a mild upgrade, i.e., 235/261 and higher rear gears, I doubt that will be enough.

In any case, good luck with it. Just remember, when you build it into a modern car except for the title, you take away the adventuresome and nostalgic aspect of owing it. This is something we stock folk cherish and wouldn't trade for anything in the car field.

Best,
Charlie

I agree with ole Charlie but you could also add a touch of chrome here and there.

Still one more vote for keeping your car original. I spent 8 years restoring my 40 Chevy Special Deluxe Sport Sedan and today it is just as it came off the assembly line in March 1940!

I have a lot of 1st place awards from shows, I have been in over the last 3 years. Everyone tells me the same thing, thank you for restoring this Chevy so we can see how they were when they were new. I feel I have a responsibility to preserve automotive history almost like I manage a living museum. I have been in a lot of shows, a movie and 2 magazine articles, G&D July and Classic Car August issue, because of a detailed all original restoration. Keep it original preserve the cars history.
Garry Ashland
www.1940chevrolet.info

Ger13.......Good for you.....I feel the same way, and preach it any time I can...I don't even care if it is raggedy and worn as long as it is real...Good Luck....ED