The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs New to the bolt and have a few question.

I have a 1940 Chevrolet 1.5 ton panel. It is a solid vehicle. My dilemma is what to do. I think it is an extemely cool vehicle and I don't want to screw it up. So do I stick with an I6 switch from a 216 to a 235, or do I drop a V8 in it. Also, I'd like to have better braking and don't know if 1/2 ton disc brakes kit fit on this vehicle, or should I do a full frame swap. I am leaning away from the frame swap. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I would post a pic but not sure how.

Welcome to the site. Don't underestimate the torque that these stovebolt sixes have. I also wanted to discard the low oil pressure 235, but really wanted a newer 235. I accidentally ended up with a 261 (I thought I was purchasing a 235) and am very happy with it. Others have installed the disc brakes, I retained the drum brakes. I know they're not as good so I just pay attention more.

That is a very unique truck. In my opinion it would be a shame to butcher it up for a V8.

Figured out the picture thing I think.[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/ibdots13/media/image.jpg1_zpssensaayr.jpg.html?filters[user]=142771045&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0][/url]

Hint: use the 'direct' link in photobucket.

Looks like a very solid truck.

Thanks

Nice find on the 40 panel. If she is solid as you say I myself would make sure she is mechanically sound and drive her as is. Then make a decision as far as upgrades go. A truck that you can actually drive will be more popular/keep your interest more than one undriveable.

When I purchased Betty several years ago the original 216 was in the back and was just the block with all engine parts strewn around the back. So I bought her without engine and have since acquire a full pressured 235 I will put in some day.

7 years later and she is still not on the road yet. She is coming along slowly but I feel she would have gotten more love and I would be much further along if she was a running driveable truck.

I am trying to keep her as original as possible(with the exception of the 235)and get a lot of head shaking and naysayers when they see the 235 sitting next to Betty. "your putting that in her? O man you should put a 350 in....... that thing ain't even gonna move that truck....blah blah blah blah......"

I guess we'll see. But if you have ever heard a well tuned stovebolt 6 with dual exhaust you would understand.

Just my opinion and the direction I decided to go. The bottom line is, it your truck do what will make you happy.

Oh, and I see you are from Ohio if close to Sylvania give me a shout if you need anything.

Oh, and welcome to the bolt lot's of good info here!

Nice day out go out there and get your hands dirty! I think I hear Betty calling

Thanks for the advice. It gave me a lot to think about. I am in Whitehouse.
Just took a look at Betty, it looks like we're about it the same boat. I'm going to try and get some more pictures soon.

Ibdot;

I have to agree with the sausage king. :-)

You have a beautiful truck. It looks like it is all there and in pretty good shape. I would get the engine running and tuned up and get it on the road. Once you drive it a while you will get a better feel for what you want to do. Don't be fooled by all the lemmings out there. Bigger and newer isn't necessarily better. As many people will tell you, a good running stovebolt is plenty enough for these old trucks.

I faced a similar dilemma when I picked up my 58 Suburban. It was completely there and all original accept for a 250 in place of the 235 and clamshell doors in place of the original barn doors. It is almost rust free and rock solid for its age. I felt like it would be disrespectful to hack up such a pristine example of classic Chevy iron. If you were forced to pick up a previously done truck or someone's stalled project that already had a bunch of mods, that would be a different story. I personally think it is our duty to preserve such high quality examples of old trucks as much as possible. There are very few examples of unmolested Stovebolts left out there. We need to keep the history alive.

All that being said, my motto is "safety first." I have no issue with some modern upgrades in the name of making your vehicle safer. Maybe that makes me hypocritical, but a good quality breaking system is an authorized modification any day of the week in my book. It's not that the breaks are poorly designed. They were fine for the circumstances of their day. Now you have to content with distracted idiots that will dart out in front of you and slam on the breaks in their 2200 pound import that stops on a dime. It takes a lot longer to bring a 4000 pound 70 year old truck to a stop. It all comes down to how you want to use your truck. If it will be an occasional trip to the ice cream store with the grandkids kind of ride, the original breaks, in good working order, would be fine. If you want to make it a daily driver and get it out on the road I would go with updated breaks. I currently have the original drums on my burb but plan to upgrade to either power assist or discs at some point. I try to be very careful when driving but I've still had a few white knuckle experiences. Kind of goes back to my rule about preserving the old iron. Keeping it out of an accident is part of that preservation.

I would also get her running as is first. Then do one upgrade at a time.
When I got my 37 it was in pieces and I'm dying to drive it. Things always take longer than planed. I'm on year three.
You got the truck to enjoy so enjoy it.

Bill

By the way Great trcuck!