I recently acquired a 1940 special deluxe business coupe. I would like an opinion on what modifying this car might due to the value if any. The car is in great shape. No rust, paint decent (not original but original color), all options, 100% original at this point and has 45K original miles. Original california car with black plates. Has not been started since 88 so there will be some engine work I am sure. Interior shows age but not abused. I guess my question is this. Will I destroy value in this car by modernizing its ch***is and power train? Thinking that maybe I should just clean it up, do some mild restoration work, and then sell it. Hard for me to figure out a value on this car in semi restored condition. With the cash I would buy a already modified version. If you do think that modernizing the car wouldn't reduce the value too much do you have any suggestions for modifications? I don't want to put HUGE buckets of cash in but would like it to crusie on the freeway, handle decent, and have a real radio. Thinking a mustang II and 350/350.
I think you have chosen the wrong hobby. This is not about value or return profit. Maybe the used car dealers forum would be a better place to start.
Totally wrong hobby. Are you planning on selling this car and hoping to make a profit? Or are you wanting to make yourself a cool ride to enjoy? I vote for a custom to enjoy, and then would say do whatever you want to it.
If it's that original it would be a sin to modernize it. Just get it running and sell it as is. You'll be surprised how many people will want it just the way it is. Good Luck!
x2. Tune up the motor and sell it as is, you'll make the most profit this way and you'll have many many MANY more people interested in buying it stock rather than modified. People want to modify something to their own specs, not buy a cookie cutter 350 combo.
OK. I'll just do what I want to do. Just didn't want to get blasted later for pulling apart a car that could have been restored easily. BTW I am not trying to make money. Just trying to do the right thing by this car. No pictures yet. I'll work on them if you really think that will make a difference in the decision process
Are you a used car salesman, a hot Rodder, a Kustom guy or a Street Rodder? Two of the above will find a lot of help here, the other two not so much. The question is can you figure out which two are the correct two and if so, do either of them apply to you? An introduction with a few details about your interests might help the good folks on here decide which direction you are likely to take and whether or not you can find help here. Welcome to the hamb. Paul
The best statement on that I have ever read. And I agree 100% If you see old cars as "investments" you are in the wrong house as most of us here seem them as something we can use and enjoy and often that includes modifications that may or may not maintain or increase their resale value. I parked my truck and quit going to car shows with it several years ago because I got tired of the constant "WHAT'S IT WORTH" from mouthbreathing spectators who's only interest in old cars was their resale value. The good thing is that a 40 coupe looks great with less mods and can be modified with changes that can easily be reversed. A dropped axle and set of lowering springs and the right wheel/tire combination with the right hubcaps is enough to give one a custom look. Maybe just the right wheels and tires to give it the "look".
OK, in no particular order: Why would you ask for help, and immediatly follow up with you'll do what you want to do? Do an intro as required by the rules of this board. The car has no idea what you are doing to it. It's a car. Putting a 350/350 and MII suspension under a car couldn't be further from making it a "mild custom". You will be universally blasted for doing the above to one of the prettiest stock cars Ford ever made. You do realize, you are on a traditional hot rod and custom site, and not a street rod site, yes?
Keep it as it is. Those old motors somehow got people around back then... right? With the right love and maintainence it will do you just fine. Pictures would help all of us help you with your decision.
Hurry up & s**** it while the prices are up. "AND THE BOWTIE ROLLS ON" if we got to explain , you would'nt understand
OK Guys. First let me say I am sorry for not being terribly clear. Secondly I apologize for being a bit snappy with my first reply. Here are a few details I think you should have. 1) Its a Chevrolet not a Ford. How i missed that I am not sure. 2) I am NOT a used car salesman. I just like nostalgia and don't want to ruin a potential "stock" car by pulling out the drive train and such. I thought you guys would appropriated that. 3) As much as I love older cars I have been spoiled by EFI and modern suspension. If I were to own this car long term I am afraid I would want these. This is why I suggested selling this car off. It was to preserve this car and then I could have my way with a car that has already been modified. This basically preserves this car. I am not going to make a "profit" but I do need it to make financial sense. I have pockets but they certainly are not deep. 4) I am NEW. I didnt spend a lot of time researching this before getting this car. I got it in a trade and am only now trying to decide what direction to go with it. Hope this helps get me out of trouble.
No pictures yet. I'll work on them if you really think that will make a difference in the decision process[/QUOTE] No, but we wanna see!
Build the car the way you want it and drive it, I've made a profit on a street rod if I count my labor at $.o5, but that wasn't the reason for the build.
I would sell it to a restorer or traditional hot rodder and buy something that's already been customized.That way you get the car of your dreams and you don't lose any sleep over it.
Bad Shifter Funny thing I saw special deluxe I imediately thought buick. Here is the deal its just a damned old car, if it isn't worthy of being built it isn't worthy of being restored either.
Kinda what I was thinking but wanted to know if a 40 "Chevy" in stock condition has any added value that was worth preserving (for nostalgia or financial). I mean a Pinto no matter how stock is still just a Pinto and cutting it into shreds wouldn't make anybody loose sleep. I guess I have PTSD from when I "cleaned" my coin collection as a kid.
Get her running. make sure it has some decent tires under it, lower it, then enjoy it. Dont cut up the suspension and Mustang II it!
Well...I love 40 chevy coupes every bit as much as 40 ford coupes...maybe more. They're not as valuable as Fords but have a lotta potential. I build my cars to drive..alot. I want my car to be capable of a 1700 mile "chingo" to Oregon to visit friends and relatives, cruise to the HAMB drags and a side trip to Bonneville....I drive the **** ouf of my cars. Having just sold my 40 chevy coupe to help finance my 34 ford build, I have some experience with 40 chevs....been messin with them since I was a junior in high school. When lowered they take on a sinister look I love. I would not hesitate to yank the 216 out and junk it. Also toss the peanut 3 speed and follow it up by trashing the old torque-tube rear..I consider them all junk.Rear springs can go in the junk too along with the entire front suspension. Ch***is Engineering in West Branch Iowa can be your best friend. They have everything you'll need to convert your chevy into a modern driver and all their stuff bolts on...you need to furnish the smallblock [or big block..or LS] engine, automatic or manual ****** and a rear axle...they have all the mounts. They also sell a good Mustang II style crossmember and a kit to install modern parallel leaf springs to handle the increased torque from your new engine. Chevs of the 40s has a lot of body part stuff...new rubbers and fuzzies for the windows and door weatherstrip etc etc. EMS has a quality rear pan to replace the old rusty one...quarter panels are gonna have to sourced from a junk 40... I needed to replace one on my coupe...took one from a sedan and trimmed to fit. These cars are just as easy to build as any 40 ford and I believe they're cheaper to build also..I like 'em better than the fords..nicer top line, slanted B pillars..just look better IMHO. Keep in mind a 40 chevy has a one-year frame only...39 is narrower and 41 is different too. Here's a couple photos of my old 40 during construction
There are valid arguments on either side of the issue. No matter what direction you go, someone is going to disagree.
The guy asked a legitimate question and within 10 minutes he is told twice he has chosen the wrong hobby? I have no problem with cutting on most stuff and modifying them but on the other hand Im not in the habit of building **** to lose money on purpose either and some cars definately should be left alone. What if he had found a super nice, all original '37 Zephyr then hacked it all up then posted look at my 37 hot rod lincoln I made into a roadster.
I will make your descision easier with less work on the coupe. I have a 1958 chevy small back window truck i will trade you for the 40.
Thanks for the trade offers. For now I think I'll get her running and on the road. I appreciate all the helpful replies.
Get it running first. Drive it for a while. Then decide what you want to do with it. If you do decide to sell it DO NOT alter it. Nostalgia is "in" and folks want cars that are original.
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