Inherited Car…What To Do?

Hello all…I’m looking for a little advice. My father passed away back in April, and in the sake of brevity, I will just say he was my best friend and confidant. Anyway, since he passed, I will be taking over possession of his ‘38 Chevy Sedan. I was in second grade when we got this car and my father restored it over two years and it has been a cherished family asset for the last 37 years. There are too many memories in this car to even begin to recant here. My conundrum is this…this car has been virtually unchanged since it was finished in 1990. It is still the same paint and interior. The engine has always been a 355 small block and has had a tunnel ram since about 1995. The wheels were changed around 1992 and have been on the car since. Hell, he finally got new tires for the first time about 3 years ago! That being said, there are some things I would like to do to the car to “update” it, so to say. Mostly the wheels. They are the only real street roddy, billet thing on the car. When I was a kid they were great, but I’ve been wanting to swap them for the last 10 years. There are some other things I would like to clean up as well, but I’m not sure I feel right changing them. This was his car, it was how he wanted it, and somehow, I’m not sure it will ever feel like my car. Anybody been here? Have any good advice to share? I’ll never sell this car, it means too much to me and my family. These pics are at least 15 years old, car still looks identical.

DSC01138 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:12 PM

DSC01127 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:12 PM

DSC01125 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:12 PM

DSC01124 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:12 PM

DSC01123 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:10 PM

DSC01122 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:10 PM

DSC01120 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:10 PM

DSC01119 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:10 PM

 

Quick Edit: Just noticed these pics are from when it had a turbo 400. It started life with a Muncie 4 speed, and thats what is in it now. We both decided we hated the automatic. Also, the tach and shift light are on the dash now.

 

Well, he was a hot rodder. Hot rodders can't leave anything alone. He sure didn't. I don't think it would be disrespectful if you didn't either. It's your car now. I don't think he intended for it to be a museum piece.

 

You are absolutely correct in that manner. I know some things he wanted to change but just never did. I know this is probably more in my head than anything else, but I feel like if I change it, I change a small part of my memories with him.

 

This might come off as crass but...
It's a car and should not be viewed as a shrine.
It's yours do what you want.

 

Not crass at all, I asked for advice, thank you

 

Nothing in life is static. If your father was like mine he wanted me to enjoy my hobbies. Do the changes you want, the memories of your time together all remain with you forever.

 

Cool that it still has the original headlights!

 

Everybody body panel on this car is original to it except for the running boards, they are fiberglass. I think the old man has the originals stashed somewhere in the garage attic though.

 

If you are changing bolt on items like wheels, you can always put it back. He did a great job on the car, I wouldn’t feel guilty about making changes that can be reversed.

 

There are some things that can be changed to "make it yours" but can be changed back to "His vision". Wheels and tires can be changed to look either "original" as it rolled off the assembly line or period correct for the 40's, 50's, or early 60's to rid it of the "Street Rod" look. Those can easily be changed back. The paint and interior look good but could be repainted at a cost and even changed back. It is "yours", do what you want and keep the installed parts in case.

 

Thank you Marty, and you and Warhorse are both correct, these are things that can be put back if need be.

 

Speaking from experience, from someone who has his father's car, make the changes you want to enjoy it.
You will still feel him riding shotgun every time you drive it, and he will have a huge smile on his face!
Had the top down driving the Corvette yesterday, and could feel him right there, sometimes I swear I catch him out of the corner of my eye. Do it drive it enjoy it.

 

First thing, Im truly sorry for your loss. Thats a tough one for sure. Please know weve got your back here.
My father had a quote: "When I give you something, its yours to do what you want with."
I think that was his way of having a level of detachment enough to actually give something he really liked away. While also giving a person the freedom to not feel guilty making it suit their needs or likes.
I think that could be applied to your situation. It was his car how he wanted, now its yours. Make it how you will enjoy it the most, & dont feel guilty about that.
I dont want to speak for your Dad, but Id bet he'd be happy to know you are enjoying the car & continuing the tradition of making memories & having fun with that old hot rod.
Thats what this thing we do is really all about right...
My father & I were really close also. In life & in this passion we have. When he passed away, I shut down for a few years & just let all of our & his cars sit. Now Im playing catch up. I do not recommend that approach to you. Our time is fleeting.
Make that car how you like it & get out to enjoy life in it.

 

Nothing wrong with making some changes to make it your own, your dad would have made some changes too. As is was your dads car I wouldn’t make major changes, small things like wheels and some other up dates, like dad might have. Car are never done.

 

Thanks guys…nice to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. You both made me tear up a bit. I’ll miss the old man, but you’re right, he would have wanted me to do with it as I pleased. It’s just me being in mine own head, like I said before.

 

Your dad built a nice car back in the day...and was not above changing it to meet his likes/dislikes (stick vs auto). Your desire to keep the car shows your respect for and memory of him. I don't think there is any harm in evolving the car to meet your desire while continuing the spirit of the car/and your dad's intent.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at changing the wheels and tires, lowering the stance (having the front axle dropped, lowering blocks for rear), re-detailing the engine (paint, era valve covers, black spark plug wires) and maybe some upholstery. This could be done incrementally while keeping it mostly on the road. I think your dad would understand...and appreciate the car continuing to be used and enjoyed.

 

My prayers go out to your dad and all your family members.

I am sure your dad would approve of whatever changes you would like to make. After all, he literally "left it" up to you. Be sure to carry a fire extinguisher as a safety precaution.

One thing you might want to do is a detailed write up of the history and evolution of the car (with photos) so the provenance of its heritage is recorded and not forgotten as just another old street rod. I did this for my 40 Ford for the 62 years I have owned it.
I am 82 so the time is near when a new owner will be it's custodian.
Here's a sample of what I mean. I wrote in the "third person".
“ 19FORDY” Classic Coupe Evolution - from dream to reality
Ever get the feeling that it’s taking forever to complete your car project and you’ll never get it done? Time is passing but your wheels still aren’t rolling? Well, don’t be discouraged. Jim Pullen, in Coral Springs, FL often felt that way, but the little voice “Don’t give up.” pushed him to finally finish his 1940 Ford DeLuxe coupe. It was a 37 year evolutionary process that transformed the coupe from wreck, to restored classic, to the hot rod Jim always wanted to build.
Let’s flip the calendar back to the early 1960’s, when as a teenager in Poughkeepsie, NY, Jim dreamed of some day owning the neat little old 1940 Ford coupe that was the daily driver of an old gentleman down the street. Each morning Jim wistfully eyed his dream car and listened for the motor boat rumble of its 85 HP engine as it slowly passed by the bus stop. This daily reminder kept the dream alive and many times motivated Jim to get up in time to go to school.

Then during his senior year in 1961, for several mornings in a row, the “dream coupe” failed to appear. And it wasn’t parked in its driveway as usual. Word spread that the coupe had been wrecked and was parked at the local Esso gas station. Sure enough, the insurance company had “totaled it” and one of Jim’s friends quickly bought it for $200, replaced the damaged sheet metal and front suspension with junk yard parts, and two years later sold it to Jim for $400, a hefty sum as,“I was only making $1.05/hr working at the local supermarket.”
After relishing the reality of finally owning his dream car, he drove the 40 for a while then stored it for six years while in college followed by three years in the Peace Corps. Finally in 1971 it was full steam ahead on the 40 coupe. Jim towed it to Fulton, NY where well known sprint car racer and engine builder Eddie Bellanger charged $50 to assemble the 1950 Mercury flathead engine block and parts Jim had been carrying around in the trunk of his 57 Pontiac. The build included a complete balanced 3 3/8 x 4 1/8 inch Crankshaft Company stroker kit with Jahn’s racing pistons plus a ¾ cam and other “goodies” from Almquist Engineering in Milford, PA. (Jim still has the receipts!) At that time, overhead valve engines were really popular but, “I remembered the motor boat rumble and wanted a strong flatty.”

Life was good until one day the 296 broke during a cold 1971 Wisconsin winter. Not having time to rebuild, he replaced it with a running seventy-five dollar 1951 8BA. Sadly, the “stroked flatty” was left behind as Jim piled all his belongings into the coupe and drove to Florida to begin his career as an industrial arts teacher. To this day he wonders whatever happened to that engine and wishes he had somehow stuffed it into the 40’s huge trunk. The 296 Stroker decal on the rear quarter window is his reminder.

Shortly after arriving in Ft. Lauderdale Jim joined the local AACA and in 1973 and decided it was time to restore the old Ford coupe to its original pristine look. This began an off-frame restoration that included a complete mechanical rebuild of the engine chassis, new wiring and a new LeBaron-Bonney interior. During the build several good friends came to the rescue and helped with their expertise. Jim’s wife sewed up new burlap spring pockets for the bench seat coil springs. All chrome was replated to show quality and since he couldn’t locate decent chrome whiskers that fit above and below the ashtrays, Jim made exact replacements out of mild steel and had them chrome plated. “That’s the part of the car I’m most proud of because they are so unique.” After finishing the bodywork he used a friend’s garage with a lift and sprayed on several coats of Martin Senour black 8800 acrylic enamel with hardener and buffed it out a few weeks later. New correctly dated 1939 Ford script glass plus four new Lester 6:00 x16 wide whitewall tires and hubcaps completed this part of 40’s evolution.
At this time, Jim also rebuilt the stock 8BA Ford $75 engine and updated the internals with Johnson adjustable tappets, new valves and valve guides plus rings and bearings.

It was 1988 and the “40” had been off the road for fifteen years. The old coupe, wrecked in 1961, now featured the original classic look of designer Bob Gregorie’s original 1940 Ford, except for the newly rebuilt 1951 Ford V-8 hiding under the hood. But more changes were to come.

Now, fast forward, from 1999 to the present. Although he liked the beauty of a stock 1940, Jim still yearned for the hot rod look of the hot rods featured in the “The Classic Coupes” article of the Sept. 1959 little pages edition of Rod & Custom Magazine left in the 40’s glove box by the previous owner many years before. A California rake to give the required look and stance was just the ticket. Installing a 4 inch Magnum dropped axle with dropped steering arms and a Posie spring lowered the car 3 inches. That wasn’t enough so 15 inch rims with a big and little tire combination were bolted on. This resulted in a total drop of 4 5/8 inches and provided “the look” that put the front chin pan down in the weeds.



It was also time to freshen up under the hood. The 8BA block was modified

to accept Motor City Flathead early style heads with centered water outlets. The original split- core radiator gave way to a new Walker. A Mallory electronic distributor and coil replaced the originals along with an Offenhauser intake and a Holley 390 fed by an electric pump. Machining a custom made fan carrier pulley with an adjustable bracket enabled Jim to center the 12 volt alternator and mount it down low between the polished aluminum radiator hoses for a less bulky appearance. New chrome plated lower radiator hoses fabricated from 1 ½ inch copper pipe and elbows replaced the old style rubber originals. The old Fenton cast iron headers were Jet Hot coated along with new dual exhaust exiting through Smithy mufflers. Registering the coupe with the distinctive

“19 FORDY” Florida license plate was the final step of this classic’s evolution.

As Jim reflects upon the long journey since first seeing his dream car rumble by the bus stop so many years ago, he concludes that it was well worth it. “If you hang in there and not give up, you can make your dream come true.”

 

First off my condolences to you and family.
Second Cool car.
Third it’s your car now, do what you want. If the car was mine I wouldn’t do something totally against his basic characteristics . For instance it’s a Chevy with a Chevy drivetrain I’m guessing he was a Chevy guy so installing a small block Ford and C4 would probably be something out of his character.
Fourth ENJOY

Dan

 

This is fantastic advice, thank you

 

I also want to extend condolences and am in the camp of he left it to you to use and enjoy.
If you want to remember it as he left it, video and still pictures can document it. But it's yours now. Continue the legacy. Are you going to leave the old gas in it because he put it in? I don't think so.

 

Your dad had a great talent in bringing that car back... And updating it as he chose.. but we are all different.. I don't believe he would be insulted, and probably would be proud of you to put your own signature on his work.

As a side note, I think those wheels look kind of nice...

If you haven't already, you may think about documenting to the best of your memory what all he did while restoring the car. Write a book. After all, in the next 50 or 60 years someone else will have it and they need to know what went into the restoration, and your thoughts and memories about your dad.. in your later years you will enjoy pulling that out of the bookcase and going through it. And/Or put it online in a document hosting website, such as SmugMug. That's where mine is.

 

Change the wheels and tyres, completely reversible if you want and it’ll go from Boyd to HAMB in a flash.

 

Sad to hear of your Dad's passing. Change the wheels to the ones you want, do a safety check on the car, fix what is necessary and then take a drive in Dad's memory. After a few trips you figure what you do or do not like. Once you have that done, share your findings on here if you need advice. Enjoy, Carp!

 

Throw some painted steel wheels and caps on it change the valve covers and drive it.

 

How does it run as a cruiser with the tunnel ram & 2 fours? How do you plan to use the car? I vote for steel rim & white walls. If you plan to cruise - you already in off topic cars - I like Holley injection.

 

Car needs some tuning, but overall it cruises well. I’ll never put injection on it, goal is to get it back on topic. My guess is they moved it to off topic because of the wheels and air breather.

 

The easiest and practical are 5 spoke style, Torque Thrusts, Cragers, Daisy’s, etc. Chrome steel with spiders or baby moons also have an old look.

I know what I’m going to suggest may not be your style but I would get a set of US Wheels that are a replacement with the 3 nub clip over poverty hub caps and 4 vents. 15x5 fronts and 15x6 or possibly 7 rears, paint them black or powder coated, buy a set of 2-1/2 Diamond Back wide whites and put replacements ‘55 or ‘61 hub caps. But that’s me!

 

I really want to thank everyone for their input. This was not something I was expecting to deal with this year or even in the next ten, but here we are. I’m taking the car back to my garage in two weeks and I’ll probably drive it and tune it up a bit before changing anything. I already know if I change the wheels it will probably be Cragar S/S. He always liked those wheels, but my mom did not. Obviously he did not win that fight! And while I change some things to my tastes, I’ll still do it with him and what he would like in mind. I’ll start a new thread when I start changing things so I can get this back out of off topic. When I do I’ll do a full right up of the history of the car with photos. He would have loved to hear all the kind words you all said about the car, it was his pride and joy.