VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Just finished rebuilding a 1941 Chevy 216

It finished rebuilding a 1941 Chevy 216 engine. It's bored to 0.60, 0.10 on the bearings, it's been converted to insert rod bearings, new valve seats, new valves, new valve guides, and other new parts for the full rebuild. I just got done sliding it back onto the frame. I've got some hooking up to do. Let's hope it starts and doesn't blow up! Like most....I can't wait to get it running! I've been working on this car for 16 years and it's time to complete it. The body has been off the frame, the interior redone, repainted in pieces, the motor was the last thing to complete. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

One beautiful '41!!!!!

Your engine will be OK.

Just a great looking automobile,one day I hope to own one as half as nice as yours,beautiful job!

Dave

I can see the love ! Super nice car . Enjoy The Ride.

I wanted to keep this car completely original. However, I wanted to give it a personal touch. I changed the interior to a two-toned gray instead of the tans of 41. I did use Bedford cord as original by purchasing the fabrics from Hampton Coach but having a local shop sew it with all original seams put back. Hampton also made the headliner, made my under dash kick panels, hat tray, trunk panels, and did the front door garnish moulding windlace. I installed stainless steel screws on the engine covers and installed a new fuel pump with the vacuum pump combination to help the wipers. The exterior paint is the original color. When I removed the original rear fender gravel guards, the original paint was beautiful behind. I had the paint scanned and matched back to what it was. I hate to admit it....but the new color was matched to a 1987 FORD Dark Shadow Blue. I guess I almost crossed the line with that:) Many parts including all engine instruments are NOS and I can't say enough about the YNZ cloth wiring harness with signal lights wired in. When I bought new wiper transmissions, I got new ones that have the washer nozzles. Then I found a washer system and installed it too. I added a defroster blower and an under seat heater too. This car has been my project since I was 17 years old and it's taught me so much about building and maintaining a car. Now 16 years later, im trying ti figure out what my nect project will be. perhsps a 1929 Chevy. One last thing, I also have the registrations for this car from 1941 to 1960 and have spoken to an individual who knew the car's purchaser.

Congratulations!!! A real beauty...

Love it!! Fantastic work

A beautiful job to be very proud of. Nice work

That is one beautiful 41 sedan, great looking car to take out cruising.

You're making Tennessee look really good. Nice car for sure.

REAL GOOD JOB........I am always glad to see work like that, from someone who takes pride in their work...Wishing you the best .....ED

BTW....Is that a brown CAT (with ears sticking up) on the top right hand side of the shelve on the back wall in picture #9 ????....ED

Hmmm...See your running with an fuel filter before the pump, too. Is your tank older, or is that just the way you roll...? lol

Looks great Brandon. I know you're proud.
Sid

If you are shooting for original then remove the 46-48 radio and install a 1941 radio.

Ed, that's not a cat. I'm not sure what that is:)

Kevin, I have an all new fuel system including tank, lines, pump, rebuilt carb. I put the fuel filter before the pump because it put it down out of the way. The car never had a fuel filter so I didn't want to put it by the carb because it'd be he first thing you'd see when you open the hood.

As for the radio. I've been trying to buy a 1941 radio for several years but thay always go for $400 to $600. I found this radio, which is stamped a 1942, on EBay for $35. I had a spare 1946 radio also. I though I'd make one radio out of two. However, my 1942 radio for $35 works perfectly! So I decided to install it and put 1941 knobs on it. There's an AM classic country station here in Knoxville that really sets the mood for this car!

Actually Ed, that's not a cat....that's the instrument cluster to a 1957 Chevy Bel air:)

Interesting - my '41 has never had a radio.

Putting the fuel filter down low is an idea...As they didn't come with them, although many were installed just in front of the carburetor by the dealer or owners, so it's not unusual to see them there and I don't believe there's much, if any, point deduction for having the filter there. I always find it interesting to see if one is running a "period correct" filter and what brand.

Glad to hear you have an interesting AM station to listen to...In my area it's News & Religion...I can find an "oldie" but it's only late at night...When I'm in bed...Haha

I see (in the photo) you have two pieces of plastic on either of the radio...I went out and looked at my '47 and wouldn't you know, at one time I had them, too. But their long-gone, something I'll have to look for on eBay...Unless someone here has some they'd like to sell...!

Good looking 41 and a great history.

Kevin,

Why don't you just buy them brand new? $28.00pr.

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/8700/Chevrolet_Plastic_Plate_Behind_Choke_Throttle_Tan.html

Might just have to do that...! I am kinda picky when it comes to reproductions...I'm usually able to find original parts I want on eBay, but if I have my radio done and ready to install and still no plastic...Better to have those than none at all...! Thanks for looking those up for me...I wasn't sure they had them...Now I can sleep tonight...! lol Just kidding, now I'm aware of something else I need to get...The color of Plastic reproductions especially are rarely "spot-on"...

As did I. Nice job on the car my man.

I started the newly rebuilt motor today. It didn't blow up!

It has good oil pressure, rocker arms are getting oil, and I didn't hear anything rattling. Valves need final adjustment along with final timing adjustments. But it purrs like a kitten. I guess my dad and I did alright. What a relief!