Inherited Car…What To Do?

Sounds good, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll keep some current updates here and when it’s changed over, I’ll start a new thread on the main board and just link to this one. Is that ok?

 

Cool. Thanks @Moriarity, appreciate all you guys do here.

 

For what ever its worth, I know my dad would not have been happy if I didn't turn something he gave me into what I liked.
I feel the same way with things I give my kids. Change it into something you like. I've enjoyed it my way, now its yours to enjoy your way.

 

Hahahaha…son of a bitch didn’t leave any gas in it. I had to fuel it up before his celebration of life. The old man wins again!

 

You asked......
I'd change/modify the front bumper(maybe lose it)
I would paint those valve covers to match the body color since the sides are open (at least make 'em Chevy orange)
Chrome reverse rims OR painted body color with the chrome spyder lug nut covers.
Reminds me of my high school buddy's car. His was stock color (this was 64-66) "patina before patina was cool"
6sally6

 

eric my vote is for artillary wheels it a cool car but i dont like the rims .my 10 c

 

edia, 68240]DSC01119 by pila38 posted Apr 17, 2009 at 10:10 PM[/GALLERY][/QUOTE]

Having had a somewhat similar experience ( not Inherited) with my avatar car ( but not quite), take my word for it my friend., do what you want to do. Dad's will always be around in your thoughts and memories loving pictures, keep any of his parts you may remove, cherish them.
I bought a beloved 34 Ford from the mid 50's not knowing at the time what it had been, created something completely different purposely and never looked back. Yeah, Some people bitched, but most liked what I did. Choose your actions with love for dad, I feel you will, this post is proof of thst to be sure. most of all HAVE FUN.

 

First off, sorry for your loss .
About 2 years ago I was walking a similar path to yours; my dad passed away unexpectedly and I inherited our uncompleted 'father/son project car.' I have taken on the task of seeing this project through, that will result in the fitting tribute my dad deserves. While working on this, I instinctively know what dad would've wanted (like a bad assed drive train) and what he wouldn't (NO rat rod here!). I am proud to be working on this labor of love, and I feel it continues the connection I had with my dad in life. The part I wasn't ready for was when I find a great shop to work with, or finish a major milestone (like the 3" top chop) the guy I know would appreciate it the most isn't here to share the moment. That's when I take that deep breath, and say to myself "We did it, dad!" I hope your car keeps that bond between you and your dad strong, too. Target completion date for the Legacy '36 is 2026, stay tuned...

 

To begin, sorry for the loss of your Dad.

I'll say the same thing to you here that I've often said on this message board. I think of the history of the car as chapters in a book. The original owner buys it, sells it, on and on. Eventually, your dad acquired this car and wrote those chapters. Now it's your turn to write some chapters of that book, and that could be a happy chapter where perhaps you're able to make some improvements and give that car a glow up after many years of being well cared for by your pop.

I don't see anything wrong with you putting your stamp on the car. In fact, if I were gone, and my daughter were driving and working on my cars, I would be happy for her to be enjoying the hobby I loved so much and for carrying on that legacy.

 

@Dan Hay needs to chime in here since he recently went through the same thing with the 38 Chevy that he inherited from his dad.

And, sorry for the loss of your dad. It sounds like you had a great relationship and lots of great memories.

 

Hello,

We should all be so fortunate as to be given a car like the 38 Chevy sedan. The build that your dad did was right in the time period that folks could build with the latest tech or go old school. Some went full bore into the new stuff and now many years later, are getting called on it for being in the white belt, white shoes dress up days of real estate agents from the time period. The cars had similar looks. But, it was the times and up to the owner if they wanted the look or not.

If that 38 Chevy were given to us, we would instantly take off those funky wheels and replace them with 5 spoke American Racing Equipment wheels. That would make the overall appearance so much better and now, there is nothing externally you have to do while contemplating what other things need changing.

In looking at our own situation, if and when we are gone, our son and granddaughter can do whatever they wish to our possessions. It would be an honor for them to keep at least our house and enjoy what it can give back. But, as far as changing things that we did during our lifetime skills and writings, at least you are wondering how to keep the spirit of your dad alive.

Jnaki

The changes you make are going to have good results as you and your family will enjoy what your dad started. As a father and grandfather, one could only hope our son/granddaughter will enjoy our home, cars, photos, journals and the remnants of our lifestyle we enjoyed so much. They have experienced it as little kids growing up and hopefully, something will click to continue such an easy going life. We certainly would like them to enjoy life as we have to this day.

As far as changing the car, the obvious thing you don’t wish to have others look at and wonder… the yellow color motor. At least get some ribbed aluminum valve covers and get rid of the yellow wires. The steering wheel would also be a part of the style that needs replacing. As far as the interior, it looks as if it is in the old style somewhat fuzzy material that came from that old time period, so that is helpful. The last thing would be to install a new A/C system so your family can enjoy what your dad started.

With those items, your dad would be thinking that is your way to honor his skills and build from the time spent doing those fun things. Now, you can cruise anywhere. If you were my son, that is what we would be feeling with a big smile on our faces… looking down. Or up, which ever comes first… YRMV

 

First of all, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. It never gets any easier but we just learn to be better at coping. My dad died in 2006 and I got his 38 Chevy coupe. As someone posted, don’t treat your car like a shrine. I treated my car like a shrine and didn’t touch it for 17 or 18 of those 20 years, I hate to admit there was a lot of emotional sentiment built up in a material thing like a car, but that’s just the facts. But the car was not to my liking and it ended up getting buried in the corner of my garage while I messed around with other cars. Admittedly, I needed to bone up on my mechanicing before I touch my dad‘s car cause I didn’t want to screw it up. I finally tore into it a couple years ago and made a ton of changes as recorded in my thread link below. Like you I will never sell mine. I do however, wish mine was a sedan because I’ve got five kids!

I will be praying for healing and comfort.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-family-heirloom-38-chevy-coupe.1316177/

 

If your dad was anything like mine, he'd want you to make it yours. I'd make any change you want, it'll still keep the same flavor....

My dad wasn't a huge car guy, but was a wood boat guy, and I bought his woody from mom when he passed. Was like the forth woody I've owned I think? Made plenty of changes.... Dad would've enjoyed it. Really his favorite part of old boats was asking me to come over and help with them, so he could tell me "you're doing it wrong".... Lol

 

I guess I have input here too that is somewhat related. My dad is still alive but had a Harley that he hadn't ridden in years after he put it down on the highway once and realized he should probably stop riding. I talked him out of it a few years back when the price of gas was stupid so I could use it as a commuter. Anyway, he gave it to me as an early inheritance and I have already made some changes for it to better fit my style. He seems good with everything I have done and my mom even made the comment the other day that she thinks it looks cooler now... Not sure Dad liked that comment, but you get the idea.