Projects 31 Chevy Sedan build

Let's try this again.

So i've always wanted a pre WWII vehicle. I've had a few 60's trucks, i have a 52 plymouth and a 52 international but i've always loved the look of the 20's and 30's vehicles. After searching and searching i finally came upon this 31 down in Tennessee. I wanted something complete b/c i'm keeping the fenders, grille and hood and i didn't want to have to try and find that stuff and pay out the wazoo for it. Not to mention this came with the orig title. So after a 4.5hr drive i was the proud new owner of this 1931 Chevy Sedan!

Plans are to keep it looking "stock" but i'm going to raise the fenders and running boards to the bottom of the rockers so it'll be able to sit low yet still retain the "stock" look. I will prob have to put it on air just for clearance reasons but once it's laid out the running boards will lay flat on the ground.

Engine: Small block or big block w/ turbo. Shooting for around 450-500hp.
Frame: 2x4 3/16" wall
Rear: ?
Trans: TH350 or 700r4
Body: 3-4" chop, raise running boards and fenders, rebuild floor for tubbed rear and lots of other little bits here and there.
Front end: Custom...

 

Well got a bit done this weekend. I decided to build a frame table cause my garage floor is a bit on the way uneven side.

 

Gods gift to metal working!!!

 

Hello,Love the old Chevy's. Been where you are once. Alot of work but worth the effort in my opinion.I replaced all the wood in mine with steel tubing and put a metal floor in it. I also like the fendered look but didn't have much to work with. You can replace the steel with good fiberglass all the way around for about $1500 or so. Bowtie Reproductions is a good place to buy parts for that car. I bought all my sheet metal patch panels from them( cowl patch, lower door patch, quarters etc. Here's a pic for inspiration( not finished yet). Later and good luck.

 

Wow that thing is gorgeous. If my pockets were deep enough I'd love to go all out with paint and everything, but they aren't lol.

I've been looking at them for some parts but most of the stuff I can make myself. Yea buying new rockers is nice but I get more satisfaction out of making them from scratch.

 

you definitly have alot off work but like you said its allways better to do it yourself. i finnished my 32 chevy in june no fenders custom front end c notched the rear to get the car low then droped in a caddy 500 with a th400 trans. i got a complete car in pieces and made every costum piece on it. if you are looking for parts i have a pile left over front fenders rust free. some rear fenders and a shit load off small parts if you need something let me know and ill see if i got it love the old chevys

 

Sweet man thanks. My front fenders are workable but I def need rears. Pm on the way.

 

yeehaa welcome to the group of crazies that build old chevys....i think they have better lines than any ford...

good progress so far

 

This is my '32. Close enough to your '31. Fun project. The 194 is a complete rebuild with a worked over head.
Normbc9

 

I love that headlight bar. And damn that thing is clean and i like the fact that you kept the straight 6. It's amazing how much power you can get out of those little things.

 

I just picked up a 31 Chevrolet sedan last weekend... and I think yours may be in better shape than mine.

 

Just ordered my front end parts from Speedway. I'm going with 49-59 chevy car spindles that are machined for newer disc brakes, then i'll machine end tubes to work with the front end i'm building. Also found a 350 and 4spd trans for $50 about 20min down the road from me that i think i'll get just for mock up. ALSO, found a complete 9" that i'm going to shorten and convert to disc brakes.

 

Good luck with the build, I'm still under way on my 31 Chevy also.

Keep up the good work, its getting off to a good start.

 

Thanks. I just picked up a 9" rear yesterday for $125 bucks and i just got my parts from speedway so i can now at least mock up the front and rear suspension as i'm building the frame.

 

Got a little more done tonight now that the girlfriend has gone home.

 

Looking good, just about time to do some welding. Tack it up and take your time so that it doesn't twist.

 

Needed to move some stuff around in the garage to get a motor out that's buried in the back so figured I'd put some supports in the body. Also going from upside down on the ground, to where it sits now, was quite the adventure when doing it by yourself. Also here's a little preview of the front axle.

 

Good documentation. I replaced the wood with an alloy product I saw last year at a Restorers Conference. Regardless of what you use for a power plant dump that stock steering gearbox. They are really weak. In one I have a 194, another a full pressure 216 and the last is a 261 with a twelve port head. All are fun to work with. I do spend a lot of time with Ford Y block V-8's too. Another long story but fun for me.
Normbc9

 

Got the doors fitted up so I could put in the rest of the inner supports. Also started to make some inner supports for the cowl. Also kinda got the driver pillar where it needs to be so now I can cut the bad away and rebuild it.

 

Very Very nice. PLEASE keep posting those pictures and your work.

 

That's going to be an awesome resurrection. Here's a picture of my stock all stock '31. If you need any measurements shoot me a PM.



Brandon

 

I'm all about this thread. Subscribing to keep track of your progress.

 

Whats next? Lets see some weekend pictures. How is the chain link axle coming?

 

So, I'm not alone in the Crazy Bin! I have two 31 Chevies that are projects at motion. One is a Stocker and the other is destined to be a street rod. Both are four door sedans so excess parts from the street car go to the restored car. Your build is so interesting since I'm just starting on the Rod. I'm going to Box the rails and go with an 89 Vette front end. I have a 9" rear that will be put on the stock springs. I need to learn how to post pictures here and start a biuld thread. I'm on eastern Long Island not too far away. BTW, your car is known as a "Coach" in the old Chevy hobby. Four Doors are called "Sedan". Al W.

 

hi; i really like your 31...i have a 28...its a four dour ,but i think they are cool. it is in nice shape sheetmetal wise.. dont have pics, but have it where it rolls. got a stock 4 cyl. engine and all the running gear... your metal kinda thin ,aint it.. im experiencing the same thing... love welding with mig... adds metal ,not rip out like stick. keep up posted...thanks for the pics...kevin

 

I also think 4 doors are cool, especially with nine Grandkids! I'll be starting a build thread after the Christmas. Al W.

 

Great project! Looks like you're off to a good start. I love watching the progress of these early thirties Chevy's. Keep up the good work and keep the updates coming.

 

I've changed my mind on the use of a Corvette front suspension. Currently looking at a Heidt Mustang II unit. Decision will not take place for a month or so since I'm still breaking down the car. Pictures to come. Al W.

 

Haven't really messed with the car lately. Went away for a week to do some product training at Summit Racing and other performance shops, then finally got back and it's been bitter cold so i've been delaying going outside lol. Then next week I'm going back to Jersey for Christmas, so hopefully once I get back I can get cracking on it again.

I did however pick up my motor. 68' 472 Caddy engine. Working on my wish list with Summit right now