I hope this is in the correct section. If not, please move to the correct section. I just acquired a pretty much bone stock 41 Chevy Master Deluxe Business Coupe, 216 straight 6 engine hooked up to a 3 on the tree manual*******, even the clock and radio works. It is still running 6 volt trim at this point, but will probably modernize it to a 12 volt system shortly. My intent is to eventually throw a small block Chevy V8 into it with an automatic transmission. From what I have been reading, I guess the best route to go is to put a 55-57 rear end in it, but not sure if that is still correct. I won't be building this to go fast, just something fairly modern and reliable. I hope to retain the stock front end, as the lever shocks have already been replaced with modern telescoping shocks, and the car handles fairly nicely at 70 mph with the radial tires on it. Is there a fairly step by step guide to doing this somewhere? I know that many 41's have had the V8 transplant and I don't want to reinvent the wheel. Any help and pointers will be appreciated. Thanks, RC
If, as you said, it handles nice at 70, and it looks as good as the pics, I'd just drive it 'til I blew the babbit out of the bottom end, and then put a V8 in it. But, I'm really lazy, you might want to take it apart now. Good looking car.
Thanks for the compliment. Yes, it is nice looking. I am learning how to double clutch because they******* is somewhat finicky, but driveable, as I drove it about 100 miles to get it home without any problems. I plan on running the 6 for a while, as I want to start collecting the necessary ingredients for the swap without having too much down time. I figure swapping it over to 12 volts will be the first thing that I do, as that will pull straight over into the swap, including the alternator. Other than that, the car is a hoot to drive as it is. Thanks again, RC
Thanks for the welcome and the compliment. I got this car to have fun with, a labor of love. I'm retired now, so no pressure on me to get it done. RC
Dice came with the car. Wife likes the dice. Happy wife, happy life. Do the math... Taking it for a spin tomorrow, it's a pretty good driving car, as longer as I double clutch it right.
Hot rods and customs- this is absolutely how it happened way back in the day. Find a nice car and improve it. Yes.
Nice looking car. I have a 37 with an SBC and 700R4. I don't know of a step by step guide. It'll be just the basics of each thing you change cascading to needing to change something else, too.
Very nice looking car, I wouldn't even bother changing it over to 12 volts if it starts good and the lights are good. Drive it! I can attest to the fact that these Chevys are the easiest cars to work on and improve. When I changed my 48 over to a V8 and overdrive, I never had to take any sheet metal off the car, not even the hood. I used a 70 ford truck rear which is the same width as the original rear so it looked good. It would be a little more work but I would use the original rear springs, better ride than Chassis Engineering rear springs. If you need to know anything, PM me. Have some fun now.
Nice car. (see my avatar). Welcome to the HAMB. remember that these cars have 6 lug wheels so if you change the rear end and keep the front then you will need 2 different spares. I used a late model rear with matching 6 lug pattern to retain the original wheels. When you decide to put the V8 in get the Chassis Engineering kit. They have bolt in or weld in as well as the right******* cross member. Good Luck. Paul
Chassis engineering is your best bet, they have everything you will need, bolt in front suspension, motor mounts, trans mount, rear springs. Get their catalog, or go online here. http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/1940-1948-chevrolet-car/ I've used their parts on my 47 Chevy sedan, 39 Chevy coupe and my friends 37 Chevy coupe. Nice car by the way.
Welcome to the HAMB. Good looking car and you have come to the right place with that car. Good luck and have fun.
Great car! Have you thought about a 235 or 261 six cylinder swap? Will drop right in. Lot's more power and rpm without worry over babbit and nice pressure oiling. You can put an s10 5 speed or 700R4 with an adspter. Lots of speed equipment. Check out Patrick's Antique Cars website and give Patrick a call if interested in six cylinder upgrade. Tim
Nice little car. I have a 48 Fleetline that was in that condition when I got it. The babbit pounder didnt live long, so I went the 250 (free)/th350(300$ new) and 57 Chevy rear end (100$) route. It's been a few years, but I probably put all new brake hoses in, new U-bolts, and obviously had a drive shaft cut to fit. I used 2 inch lowering blocks. I don't know how similar our cars are, (very, I bet), but the only issue is getting the rear end centered in the fender opening/wheel well. There was absolutely no fabrication work needed. All it took was a Saturday in the driveway.You will need to address shock absorber mounting and a new emergency brake (get the one that comes with your rear end), but none of this project is rocket science. Chevys of the 40s may have lowering blocks that will help re-locate the rear end with an off-set hole for the pin on the rear end to go in. Honestly, if it wasn't easy, I couldn't have done it by myself. Good luck. Hardest part may be finding a 55-57 Chevy rear end. 57s have a drain plug and bigger bearings than the 55-56. Good luck. Just saw Tim O'Kelly's post. Not a bad idea. My 55 has a 235 with duals, as does the 48 with a 250. Both sound better than a v-8, and the 48 really moves out well.
My girlfriend has a '51 with the 216/3 speed, she plans to run the 216 as long as it'll go, and if/when it does, she's going to swap in a later 235. Bolts up, a bit more power and has regular insert bearings. Why reinvent the wheel when you've got a setup that works. She's also looking for a rearend from a Powerglide car, gives a better rear gear ratio but retains the torque tube, bolts-in to the 49-52 cars but not sure if that would work in your era Chevy or not. Small block Chevy engine is a great one and would be a great choice if this car didn't run or have an engine but if it'll do 70 all day I'd stick with what you got, sounds nice.
Very nice looking car.. And my advise is.......it is your car..do what you want with it. !! Lots of possibilities indeed. Good luck,
great looking ride - you know what you have but, my '41 Chevy had 5 lug wheels. stock suspension is fine as long as it has been gone through like yours. once you start changing things might as well do it all about same time. converting to 12V have to change all bulbs; coil; generator; starter; battery; install voltage reducer for gauges, etc. of course, old wiring might need replacing any way if brittle, etc. then might as well put in new wiring kit. consider waiting until you do engine swap.
Hi RC41, welcome to the HAMB ! Your 1941 Chevy is a great looking car. I would add headers & dual exhaust, drop it down a little and drive it as long as I could. That is my thoughts. It's your car, enjoy it. Too Cool!!
Hahaha, I don't even have one spare tire at the moment. But I do have a great AAA roadside****istance and tow plan available! I will have to pull a hubcap, but I could swear the guy I bought it from said it had 5 lug wheels. I'll let you know what I find.
Good info, sounds like the 57 rear end is preferable. I am not totally dead set on a V8, as I hear that a split exhaust manifold dual exhaust setup sounds pretty good. Nothing like the looks of a multiple single carb setup on the intake either. The big thing for me is getting it set up with an automatic transmission.
Welcome to the HAMB. Have fun with your BIG Chebby. From the sound of your discussed future modifications, while all areas are as x38 said yours to discover the correct forum to post (for instance your progress or build) in would be the Hokey**** Message Board section or forum as the Traditional and Custom forums are period correct specific (what that means is done using parts pre 65 /reproduction parts accepted) while the Hokey**** Message Board is for traditional inspired (your car). You may be thinking vintage smallblock and******* (pre 65) and traditional mods so your call just enlightening. Again welcome and enjoy.
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