Hello hambers. I read a lot from the hamb post very little. I'm doing all my homework on converting a 41 Willys sedan into a 41 Coupe. I found lots of little bits on doing a 40 or earlier sedan because it's easier. Trying to locate or find information specifically on someone who has done a 41 has been difficult. It's obvious to me the rear section is going to be the most challenging part. My initial thought is to use my sedan rear fenders and then start fabricating what I need to fill in the spaces including the window openings. So my question is, does anyone know of anyone who's done the 41? I will definitely photo do***ent this conversion to share with the rest. I'm still several months away before I can even touch it which of course is driving me crazy. Thank you in advance for anyone who can help.
Hello, My brother and I rebuilt an old 1940 Willys Coupe we found in our old Long Beach neighborhood. It was under a tarp for a couple of years and not running. But, it was a start for us. we towed it home and started our project. Our first attempt was a 283 SBC with 6 Strombergs and a La Salle transmission and 4:56 Chevy Positraction rear axle. There was not much in the way of body work, except for the removal of the firewall, custom make a new one set back 10%, and a re-do of the interior floorboard section. You mentioned your 41 sedan that you want to turn into a coupe. But, wait, what you get will be a modified sedan. Not a pure 41 coupe. Besides, there are more 41 coupes that have turned into hot rods since the popularity of the 41 coupe of K.S. Pittman and his record setting red coupe back in the 59-60 time period. More than that, since a lot of the folks out there weren’t around then, the plastic model of the red 41 coupe was probably the one that got most started. I still have my original one I bought many years ago and I had plans on making it a 1940 Willys Coupe like our red primer version, with a few grill modifications. There are only a few resin grill options, so I am still waiting to see if I ever want to start/finish the model. Our second tear down and rebuild with a new 292 c.i. SBC blower spec motor and a new 671 supercharger on a new Isky-Gilmer belt drive set up. Jnaki The work you plan is optimistic and you might want to re-think your project. A stock 41 Willys Coupe purchase would be easier than converting a sedan to a coupe. Plus, if and when you are ready to sell it, it can honestly be sold as a real 41 coupe. Not a cut up sedan. The registration will always say sedan as it was registered as such. A nice option for a starter. If one buys a half way project and starts the rebuild to their own specs, then that is the fun in hot rod building. Yes, if you have the skills and plenty of time to work on the project, go ahead. But, remember, it is still a sedan, just a modified one. Work involved and the results may not match what you really want. Go out and find a nice 41 Willys Coupe and sell your sedan. Or, make a nice 4 door sedan as one will need the extra doors for friends and family. Here is a pits photo of one of the top 1941 Willys Sedans in So Cal back in 1959-60. A record setting street legal sedan in all of its 4 door glory. I did not get to see it run, but it sure looked good in the pits. But, while I was wandering around the whole Riverside Raceway for a different filming location spot, the starting line was good. As was a different angle and emphatic sound coming from the racers as they came roaring by. Note all of the spectators, including me, at the edge of the two cliff top locations, while the racers come zipping by… only in 1959…
I hear what your saying. My problem is that I've always wanted a coupe. I am usually optimistic about projects. The reason I posted is to get input on the technical aspects of doing the conversion. I have seen articles on pros doing it on 40 or earlier. I have read statements that the 41 is tougher. I can see that. My problem is that the 41 sedan has a pretty face and a ugly ****. I want it all. Rest ***ure I'm taking in your input. Thank you
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