The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk An introduction

Howdy folks,

Been reading, lurking & learning, as well as perusing older posts and the search function.

You folks have created a great collection of info and knowedge as is. And the amazing thing is it just keeps growing even larger.

Here's my story. I have a '46 Plymouth Special Deluxe, however I picked up an old (55) Airstream that I'm going to fix up. Sure I could eventually tow it with my modern car, but there is no way the Plymouth will cut the mustard.

So I've let it go, and picked up a 1940 Chevy Stakebed. It looks like hell, but It's all cosmetic and in pretty decent shape. It was used as a Studio Picture Car, it rented better as a background jalopy. So that's the way it stayed.

Runs and drives. Just got that patina of age all over it.

So here's my plan so far.

It does have the original 216, but it's tired. I'm gonna switch to a 261 (see the Engine and Driveline Shop).

At the same time go to 12 volt (a question later in the Electical bay about that).

While the engine work is being done, get the cab removed and media blasted (or or dipped), fix any sheet, and at least primerseal to arrest any damage.

Then as funds permit work on disc.

Sound like a plan? Or am I misguided? Any better suggestions?

Welcome to the active posting side of the 'bolt.

Plan sounds ambitious but definitely a good one. Keep the cards and letters (and questions) coming.

Welcome to the bolt!
It's always great to see another '40 sign up.
Sounds like a plan... get ready for speed bumps along the way... just don't let them bottom you out!

Well folks,
Things are progressing.

I procured a 261 to replace the 216. I had it rebuilt and ready to go, so now I'll have oil pressure and a bit more power. It had been rebuilt once before, so it already had an overbore. A hare more got came off making it .060, leaving enough for another go-round in another 30 years. Needed a new crankshaft too!

But now to the body. I have the cab, fenders, hood and doors apart, and off the frame.

To do it justice it should be blasted or stripped, and then the body-work.

Oh the dilemma. DIY, or farm it out. Of course it's all about time and effort (and money).

I'm looking for any good leads on Paint/Body shops in the North side of LA area (San Fernando Valley etc. . ).

Thanks,
Marc

Hi Marc,
I've got my '40 GMC stripped down right now as well. Do you have any connections, people you know who like to do sheetmetal work? What I'm doing is having a guy from where I work do all my fender repairs/body work. He is a perfectionist and doesn't charge an arm and a leg. No overhead costs for his home shop, I guess. So I get my work done for about $25-30/hr. That's the kind of person you need to hook up with. My painter also works with me, again a guy who has his own paint booth at home. I figure I'm saving at least 1/2 the cost of sending out to a local shop.

If you can find a good sandblaster locally and bring him the whole job at one time, rather than a piece here, a piece there, that will save you some money as well. You're wise to do all your disassembly yourself.

Can't wait to see the finished product. Post some pics and keep us posted. Most of all, have fun!

Marc,
MartinSR wrote a great tech tip about working with your body shop. I highly recommend you read it as you consider whether to farm it out or do the work yourself.

Sounds like you're making great progress. Have fun and keep us up to date with your progress!