The closed drive line with torque tube driveshaft cover was quite common in most cars and light trucks from the beginning (early 1900's) until the '40's and '50's, most manufacturers changed to the open drive system in the early '50's, F**D changed in 1949 but Chevrolet hung on until 1955. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems. All cars and trucks are now equipped with open drive lines, so if you plan to use a late model drive train you will use open drive. I used to drag race Chevrolets in the '50's and enjoyed the closed drive line because you could floor the gas pedal and then step off the clutch for a great launch. In order to do that type of launch you have to spend a lot of time and money preparing an open drive line to accept the shock forces generated. Such things as 4 bar suspensions, anti spring wrap up bars, etc. were products of overcoming the problems with the Hotchkiss suspension, that is mainly spring wrap up and rear end squat.
