Well folks I thought I'd start a Project build thread for the 1940 Chevy.
I'm new to the Old Chevy world but not to old vehicles. I've been working on old Willys Jeeps and fixing up trucks since I was 12.
Last year I started offering an automotive class as an elective for the small School down the road. I was looking for a project we could work on.
Talking to a friend of a friend after church one Sunday, I got a lead on this "old truck in a field" down in Maryland. The truck had been sitting out for 5-10 years. The property owner's friend had parked it there years ago. The person recently died, so no info or paper work. I knew I was on a fool's mission.
My first surprise on getting down there was the truck seamed in relatively good shape for sitting out. The driver's door had rust through on the bottom and the windshield frame was shot, but when we hooked a chain up to the truck, it pulled loose from its resting place.
We got the truck loaded and headed back home. Man we got a lot of thumbs up and honks on the way; that was fun!
When we got back home, we started really looking it over. It was nice to see that someone had re-done some of the wiring and it had a 12v battery in it. So it had been taken care of at some point.
The next stoke of incredible luck was after we rolled it of the trailer and popped the clutch -- the engine turned over! I was sure it would have been stuck after all those years but it was free.
We cleaned crap off the truck, put a new battery in it and hit starter button, and it cranked! I popped the cap and sanded the points up, pulled the plugs and inspected them, then added a little fuel to the carb and low and behold the old girl fired!
It was unbelievable! Mice, nuts, and smoke all over the driveway from the tail pipe! We added a temp fuel can and got the pump primed and she even ran for a min or so before the carb started puking gas. Talk about a successful day!
Now for the rest of the story. The entire glove box was filled with a mouse nest. As I pulled it apart, I found three or four chewed up owners cards! Talk about dumb luck!
By putting the pieces together I was able to get the year, make, title and vin # and an owner's address and name!!
The next day I did some sleuthing on the old web and after cold calling some numbers, I hit pay dirt. The guy on the other end of the line said he thought maybe it was his Dad's old truck that had been sold many years ago. By that evening, I was talking to his Father who did remember the truck and had sold it over 25 years prior! It was pretty neat!
I went from a old parts truck in a field without paper work to a pretty solid truck with a good chance of getting a title soon in two days.
The vin # 14KC0148 ... which was painted over but in one piece, and with the info off the owner's cards, I now know this truck is a 1/2 ton Chevy which came out of the Baltimore factory in 1940.
The truck has the name of a moving company on the doors, so with the info I have of the last three owners, it's very possible this truck never left a 60 to 100 mile radius of the factory it was made in! It even has both its original plates on it from 1940! Not bad for a 82 year old truck.
The Engine # is GM with a 20 underneath it and casting # of 3769716. You folks where kind enough to ID the engine as a later 1958-62 235 cid 6 cyl. The past owner did think the engine had been replaced so that adds up.
So that's where we are now. My plan is go get it running, driving and stopping, and get the windshield and door fixed/ replaced and then we'll see where it leads.
Let the games begin!
Last edited by Windyhill; Tue Sep 20 2022 09:49 PM.
Ha, the amount of dirt and crud I've ingested over the years... Like putting my flash light in my mouth while I try and read #'s off this old engine block...which I use for everything...that rides around in my pocket...I was just working on a septic system last week wasn't I ?.... It's just good old mouse dirt.... Here's engine pics.
Last edited by Windyhill; Sat Sep 17 2022 09:26 PM.
Careful about the flashlight in the mouth, I used to do it all the time, but if you've got lithium batteries it's like putting a 44 magnum in your mouth and playing Russian roulette. Not a common thing, but I'd hate to be that guy.
Welcome to the Stovebolt and the Project Journal forum! Your 1940 1/2 ton Pickup Class project' will be of great interest to our forum participants. I'm really looking forward to watching you refresh the '40. Be sure to ask your questions in the appropriate forum(s). There's a wealth of knowledge here on the SB. I see that you've checked into the Welcome Center and introduced yourself, an excellent first step.
I've sent you a PM with some additional Project Journal information. You can just click on the flashing red envelope in the upper righthand corner to open it. Stovebolters love pictures..........
Glad to see you started your journal. I love your story! I’m looking forward to your progress and future posts.
One thing I noticed about your engine, it’s a Chevy 235 not 232 as you stated. Maybe just a typo. I do that all the time. My wife says it’s because of my fat fingers. LOL!
Last edited by Phak1; Tue Sep 20 2022 12:30 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
Well the boys got the first layers of grim scrubbed off, and we pulled her in the garage. After a lesson on shop safety and how to properly use a lift we started the inspection process and began a list of what needs to be done first. We pulled one wheel and pads and drums look good. Someone had done brake work at some point and the wheel grease still looked clean and red so that's a good sign. For starters: Brakes: A master cylinder, 4 new wheel cylinders, All new hoses, lines , and fittings. Parking Brake: Lever has a rod running back and the two pullies up on the frame that look pretty crusty. I'll need everything else. Looks like two brake cables, some pins, and felt seals where the cable bolts to the backing plate. Not sure what else but that's a start. Rear Axle: got some Thick oil/ grease seeping from what looks like the axle housing outboard of the leaf spring right at the U bolts. I'm hoping its a vent or something and not a cracked axle? It's not at the end of the housing where the backing plate attaches. To much old grease and gunk to really see what's going on yet. So Brake lines, I've used regular and the copper-Nickle. They both have there place, what about SS? I might give it a shot. I've got a great flare tool so that's not an issue. Any thoughts? Man! check out those sexy rear shackles! Time to start ordering parts for next weeks class.
Last edited by Windyhill; Thu Sep 22 2022 03:10 AM.
Well I'm pretty frustrated and baffled. Remember how I got a hold of a past owner a few weeks ago. Last time I talked he said he was happy I had found the old truck and glad I saved it but was sad he had sold it 25 years ago. He would be glad to help out if he could. I got a call from him this afternoon, his tone has changed. He said he had called the DMV, and gotten a duplicate title sent out to him. He said I sold it to a lady 25 years ago but I guess she never finished the paper work so he legally still own the truck. The conversation was weird and basically he wants the truck back now even though he admits to selling it.
I guess "no good deed goes unpunished"
I've been really excited about this project and the boys and I are having a great time. I just ordered a lot of new parts for it as well. I get wanting an old truck back that you let go, I guess I just would have thought the correct way to go about it would have been to say "Great news, I got a title for you, how do you want be to get it to you" and then talk about, "if you ever want to let the truck go, I'd really like to buy it back."
Last edited by Windyhill; Sat Sep 24 2022 01:56 AM.
Wow! That's a kick in the hinterland! Now it's time to get the kids and their parents involved to make this right. This guy admits to selling it and now wants it back. I think he needs to pony up some money to reimburse for your work done and parts. Might be time for a legal eagle.
Wayne
When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!
Just because he has a title does not mean he owns the truck. First go to the County Court and file a mechanics lien against the truck. That stops him from just picking it up. Next get a letter from the person you got the truck from stating they were the legal owner and have them notarize it. Then a letter transferring ownership to you also notarized. Then have your school’s attorney send him a notice that the truck is not owned by him and any attempts to get it will be met with action through the Courts. Document every conversation you have had about past ownership of the truck while it’s still fresh on your mind. Good luck.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Yep! Trucks not leaving my possession unless it's payed for and I'm happy with the amount. That's if it even goes that way. Hopefully we can get it sorted out without to much BS. It's just a big kick in the face.
Last edited by Windyhill; Sat Sep 24 2022 01:57 AM.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Windyhill, check your Private Messages by clicking on the red flashing envelope in the top menu bar.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
That really sucks! I can’t believe after hearing the story about educating the kids, he would take that path. There are just too many greedy people in this world.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
Yup, and last week he told me he was happy for me I had gotten the truck and even said "its yours now" let me know if I can help you out. I'm trying to keep everything as civil as possible.
I can’t believe this guy. He has shown his true colors.
As bad as this sounds, it seems being civil with most people doesn’t work any more. I am quite discouraged these days that manners and being polite doesn’t get things finished/completed/addressed properly. When dealing with workers, insurance, customer service etc, why do I have to become defensive, firm, and sometimes the “bad guy”? Do your job properly and there won’t be problems. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t be a snake in the grass.
Very discouraging.
If he’s sad it’s gone, then he shouldn’t have sold. Stupid.
1970 Chevrolet C10 - Grandpa’s- My first truck.—in progress to shiny 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10. 1950 Chevrolet 1300- in progress to shiny. 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife’s
Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 1951-GMC 9430 1951- Chevrolet 1300
We're moving along. We spend the last few classes learning about the some early automotive history. We made it up into the 1940s and yesterday I was able to bust the kids out of there regular classes for the day and we took a field trip to the Hersey swap meet and car show! What better way to learn about old Iron! We met up with a few Stove bolter's as well which was fun. We got a floor, door handle, and instrument cluster for the '40 class project, and the rain held off. The the kids learned a lot and we all had fun!
As for the truck project, the last few weeks we have been working on the brake system. New brake parts have arrived and the boys are working on replacing wheel cylinders and the joys of bending, flaring, and installing brake lines. We where able to clean up the old shoes, which look new and will be reusing them. That's all for now.
I think it would be easier if I was retired...I need more hours in the day!
Last edited by Windyhill; Thu Oct 06 2022 06:52 PM.
Brakes are all but done, they need a little adjusting, and and one more bleed. We are having a little trouble with the parking brake cables, We never had a complete setup so don't know how they attach to the rod going to the lever. Does anyone have a picture of how it's meant to go? Also we've developed a coolant leak while up on the lift, I slow drip coming from the two holes in the front crossmember under the crank / water pump area. Radiator doesn't seam to be leaking. We need to investigate more. the pump did leak so maybe it's seeping out of there.
Shop class wrapped up for the summer. Not a ton done on the truck because kids keep bringing in there own projects to work on! That's a good thing. We did manage to pull the fuel tank and went the route of trying to fix vs. replace mostly as an experiment. We cleaned it KBS epoxied and then coated it inside and out. With the hours we have in it a new $900 fuel tank is looking pretty cheap! It might actually work though. probably have $200 into it.
