Projects 1931 Chevy 5 window coupe project

Hello, I just inherited a 31 Chevy 5 window sport coupe that is all original but in pieces. I've wanted a hot rod of that era, so I think this will be my 1st attempt. I've built many cars so I'm not scared of any mods. I would appreciate any info or advice, part choices anybody can give.

I have a 350/350 combo for it. Thinking of using an Explorer 8.8 rear. Should I upgrade the front brakes with a kit using my factory spindles or ? Thinking of keeping the leafs on all 4 corners but getting new ones with a lower stance from Detroit spring.
Thanks for any help

 

I’ve got a buddy with a really
Cool 32 chevy going together it’s all gm parts. I believe he used an AD chevy truck front axle that had been dropped and the stock truck brakes up front

can’t find a good pic at the moment but he’s got a 31 three window coupe in the shop as well with what I’m going to guess is the same front end

 

Very cool. I can't wait to get rolling on mine.

 

Cool, and yes you will need new brakes on the front. It may be a challenge finding something that will retrofit the OEM axle.

Perhaps rethink the leaves up front, its not a look for everyone, especially if you are replacing the axle due to brake upgrades.

Here`s a thread with good 8.8 info pertaining to use in hotrods.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/8-8-rear-end-for-a-hotrod-info.1203372/

My last advice is do it well, but do it frugally. You could soon be under water on it if you ever go to sell it.

 

I found a disc brake kit that uses the oem spindles on the 40s chevy website. Not bad $650. And I've used 8.8s out of explorers when I've built v8 s10s. Never cut them, just ran them offset and took them to the track. 10sec trucks and hard launches, no rear end issues. So I think I might go that route, 2000 era and you get disc brakes in the rears!!

 

Take a wood shop class at your local HS.

 

...which are highly over rated.

 

I did back in the 90s, gonna have to brush up my skills.

 

Agreed, I'm good with drums as well

 

Hey Balaban31, wishing you the best on your Chevy coupe build! How about some detailed pics of your '31 for starters? You'll see for yourself how valuable your membership here on the H.A.M.B. will be... Great advice if/when you need it, other members with their coupes like yours, Chevy or not, etc.

You can post ads in the Classifieds and Wanted sections - look for a thread called,
TERMITES AND BOWTIES- EARLY CHEVY GROUP
that mainly deals with Bowtie projects and the like.

 

I have a 31 Chevy project that's on hold as we are building a house. Check out Rodder's Journal issue 65 and 85 for real cool 31 Chevys. I suggest using all Chevy front and rear ends.

I have a early 50's truck axle up front. I changed the mounts for the spring bolt and shackle to use the newer (1950) type of shackle bolts. The rear end is a mid 60's 12 bolt truck axle. I wanted to keep the 6 lug pattern and am running 16" steel wheels. I'm running a 64 283 from a Malibu with a 3 speed overdrive transmission. The doors are temporarily tack welded onto the body. All of the wood is gone so it is all hanging over the frame as I was getting ready to build a steel structure to replace the wood. I will channel the body 2" and will be running fenders and running boards with no chop. I plan to jump back onto this after the house is finished up.

 

I will take some this weekend, as of right now everything is piled in the garage waiting to be sorted out!

 

Very cool project!!!
I'm planning a 350/350 combo, all the wood is still intact on mine, some is just on its last legs. So I'm thinking of replacing some of it. Im not chopping mine either but I also am planning on running fenderless and no running boards.

 

I have Rodder's Journal #65, displayed on a shelf proudly in my living room with other HOT ROD memorabilia! It's definitely the first time ANYONE has seen a '31 Chevy 5 window coupe on the cover of a hot rod magazine! Steve Centracchio Inline-6 Early Chevy Hot Rods, lives right here in Tucson, Arizona, also a H.A.M.B. member! Will try to ask him to help me out with certain tasks on my '31...

 

Hey Tim, it's no big deal, but I noticed when looking over your friend's coupe that the body bevels along the side are different on a '31 and '32 Chevy being the same design. The Chevy bodies are the same, except that there's no visor on a '32.

 

I love those two Chevy's, both cool cars

 

Indeed... Another HAMBER mentioned that Steve had sold the Chevy roadster, hoping one day I could have seen both of his hot rods if I had the chance to bring my coupe over to his shop for future tasks.

 

Lets see some pics of your Chevy @Balaban31

 

I have a nice '27 Chevy frame, ideal for a fenderless build: Just got another '27 T touring body, just an excellent fit.

Getting into the "too many irons" syndrome... A friend in High School drove his Dad's old roadster to school, never forgot it. '29 'A' 'highboy', on the '29 Chevy frame, Chev 4 springer, flathead Ford engine, trans, '40 Ford rear.
Some guys hated the Chevy running gear, but it was low, smooth, and easy to look at. "Traditions".

 

Here it is, in pieces, waiting for some progress. Soon I hope

 

In the same boat as you. Blown apart and waiting for me to get my home shop functional so I can actually work on it. I’m assuming you went and checked all the wood? Thought mine was fairly solid when I bought it but that was far from the case.
Looking forward to seeing yours move forward.

 

Subscribed!
Great looking project @Balaban31
I'm just getting started on my '31 project so I'll be learning as I go and keeping an eye on your build (and every other one I can find)

 

Frame pics?

 

I prefer the 5 window but you don't see a lot either way, seen this one at a cruise night



And this one belongs to a friend who's had it since high school

 

Making some headway and getting things organized so I can start getting into this project.....

 

First time I have seen a bone stock '31 Chevy rolling frame - everything is in great condition!

 

Yup, everything is in great shape. Awesome start for a street rod.

 

The entire bottom of the body on my coupe was rusted, fortunately, the patch panels were available and were installed in 1996. The complete oak floor was available, but the two steel pieces (under the seat and under the rumble seat) were NOT available, so I had mine duplicated with thicker sheet metal and protected from ever rusting again with glossy black POR-15. The two wood floorboards (toe and under your feet) were not available in '96, but were replaced in steel just recently.

 

just like you i'm working on a 31 pickup. you said something about disk brakes? i have a 52 front axle and can't get a disk brake kit or parts to fit right. tires are right out to the lip of the fender. i went to 5 hole wheels and an s10 rear that had the 4.10 gears should work good with the 5 spd. running an old Jimmy 270 cam, 3 -2 barrels headers. thinking about going with a straight axle, gasser style.
Jay D.

 

Ya I found a kit at Chevs of the 40s website. Changes to gm disc brakes that retains you factory spindles. I haven't installed it yet though.