1941 Chevrolet 1/2-ton Pick-up (mild street rod)
My current project is this 1941 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pick-up. It started as a spare bare frame and cab. The rest of the truck is made up of "spare" parts from my other project, mostly obtained from several parts trucks. I guess you could call this a "Frankentruck" as it has been pieced together.
My plans for this truck is to be a mild street rod (235 Chevrolet six, 4-speed manual transmission, open rear axle (55-56 Chevrolet), front disc brakes, and a few creature comforts). It will be a driver!
The front suspension will appear basically stock, but it has a set of softer "street rod" springs and a front sway bar that was a factory option! After much searching I was able to find a set-up! The rear suspension also uses the "street rod" springs. These springs bolt right in, as they are the same specifications as stock springs, except they have a softer spring rate. I am still trying to deter what rear shocks to be used.
One item that has got me puzzled is the shifter. I am using a Saginaw 4-speed and a Hurst shifter mechanism, but the lever is positioned too far back. I am thinking that I will need to design a bracket to move the shifter forward, but even then I may need a special lever. Does anyone have a suggestion?
The truck is currently under construction, and is now in the "mock-up" stage, there is still plenty of work to be done, and parts still to be designed and fabricated, so I better get to work!
Since I spent over 20 years as a technical writer (I wrote installation instructions and service manuals that few read), I plan to document my projects in the form as a service manual. This part may take longer than building the truck itself!
Randy Baumann
Slinger, WI
