HELP! Need info on 2-'40 Chevys Barn-Finds

I have found everything from a Dusenberg to original "Cammer" cars but don't know much about '40 Chevy Special Deluxe Coupes or a matching Pick Up truck. These 2 were purchased from the original owner in 1968 and driven weekly until 1995. I have tried to purchase them since 1999 but the owner would not sell them. Two years ago he lost his construction job and this last week was in a bad car-truck accident. Now he needs the money and I'm out of that also (might know!).
They are both rust-free with original paint(?) and interiors. Coupe has 67K miles, P/U has 87K miles, neither ran since '95. I have bought/sold hundreds of cars but mostly Fords and know they will need tires, brakes, gas ?, and TLC engine start-up.
What is the standard engine size? What is that big circle on the steering wheel? (has the glovebox clock). How did the Vacuum shift work? (heard about it before). What was the color name of the Gray on the coupe and Blue on the P/U? Were the inside moldings woodgrained like the dash (these are excellent-look redone). Why would only the underside of the trunk be repainted? He wants $27K for the pair and I plan to advertise them and make a little (included) brokerage fee. Any price comments?

 

wash them restore them to good operating condition and if your real lucky in this economy you will be up $1000.00 for both. Or 500.00 each after alls said and done.

 

27k for them as is? no thanks!

 

That price is too much.

 

chances are, there used to be a clock in that steering wheel...

 

I agree that the price is TOO MUCH.I suggested around the $20K range for both and he MAY go to $22K or $12K coupe/$10K Truck. ANYONE know what the big ring on the steering wheel is for?

 

Optional spinner steering wheel.
http://www.qualityrestorations.com/chevrolet.html
http://www.kochssteeringwheels.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=2&idproduct=71

 

http://www.lowridermagazine.com/tech/1009_lrmp_1930s_to_1970s_accessories_deluxe/photo_01.html

 

Even 22K for both sounds like too much to me. Nice find, but unless the price comes down quite a bit, I would p***. You will have quite a bit of time and perhaps $$ just getting them back in running condition and looking good.

 

I believe the ring is an aid to steering..if so it should rotate...price way too much in this economy...

 

Thanks, Looks like it is the optional Spinner Steering wheel (restored one listed at $1,500.00). Before the '50s "Neckers-Knobs" (or suicide-knob).

 

Running and driving...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1940...4444698?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item27b969d29a

 

yep..

 

the 216 motor and i would not go over $8000 or less for both.thanks

 

nice photos , take em out to barrett jackson , there will probably be a bidding war

 

If you get that out of them......I'VE GOT A '40 COUPE & PICKUP YOU CAN SELL FOR ME.
To much .
my $.02

 

If the mention of $27,000 for those didn't make you turn and run, you've been looking at too many "Duesenburgs and Cammers".

 

Steering wheel is an original Chevy type spinner. I have a 39 with one like it. And it will WILL bust your *** in the sand just as quick as a conventional type,lol. Both nice vehicles, but I don't think 27K is even in a range of reality. Ron

 

I agree, 3 years ago, maybe $20K for both, but not in todays market.

 

btt

 

The current owners asking price is wayyy out of line for what he has there, even at 20K. (which we pretty much all seem to know )
I'm no expert but i too would be thinking under the 10K mark for both, in that condition, and thats being very generous in my honest opinion.

 

x2!

 

As they sit, $4-6K each. Sorry but that's "facts", based on my gut, research into similar vehicles, and recent ebay pricing. Here's why:

Neither has run in 16 years, so they need at least a good going over, and probably seals, brakes, etc. Vacuum lines are probably shot, as are radiator/heater hoses, etc. Tires are probably bad. Even the motors /trans / rear end may or may not be still good. So probably a full week's work just working through stuff, getting them running and figuring out what is there. A driver grade unrestored vehicle- meaning as they sit but running/tuned up, not leaking, brakes gone over, rubber parts replaced etc - will go for $ 8-10K, if you are patient and find the right buyer.

Not very encouraging to your hopes, sorry. Maybe clean them up and get them running, and help sell them, for a commission? No cash outlay for you that way, less risk.

 

"I have found everything from a Dusenberg to original "Cammer" cars"


Just curious ... what "original Cammer" cars are you talking about?