I just picked up a new project. Let me know what you think…. good or bad I am having a tough time finding information on chassis work for these trucks. I'm just looking for ideas. It came with two frames. One original and one with a little work done on it. I know what I want the truck to look like when it's done but want to start off on the right track. Are there any other good sources for information on these? Thanks
I like em both, but more a fan of fendered trucks. Having recently looked after the cosmetic requirements of a Buddy's 37, I'm a fan of these trucks. His was original, but he tarted it up with dress up stuff from his era. (Lots of***** stuck all over it) and it has original patina. Fake patina is about as awful as you can get, but his was real, and he recently sold it to a lady, who's complaining her husband likes it more than her, and she isn't getting to use it. There's some great pics here for inspiration, good luck with your build.
Get ahold of Steve Merryman here on the HAMB. He built his '38 and it's beautiful, almost as nice as '41 chev.
Chassis. That's a half ton pickup chassis, basically the same 35 -40. And they are basically the same as the same year cars. Now, there is a TON of information out there for those as well as builds on here. Look up Chassis Engineering for a start, that'll give you something to chew over.
The chassis are bad about rotting at the kickup as evidenced by your pics. patch panels are available. Looks like the upper chassis is closer to stock, but rotted? I just picked up my chassis from A.S.S. and it took three to make one good one. whatever front suspension that is, chuck it. It has the factory stamped sheetmetal crossmember and that IS NOT sufficient for mounting, that's why we have so many M2 kits these days. As far as "work" these frames are pretty strong as-is. Unless you want to go crazy with horsepower, boxing is un-necessary IMHO. Chassis Engineering for trans mounts unless you keep the early style trans. The Fatman website has a pretty good summary of what it takes to set one up. most people use parallel leafs in the rear. Good Luck, congratulations on having a nice grill.
Speedway bolt in crossmember, IFS from Gearhead, 8" Ford on TCI parallel spring kit and Chassis Engineering trans mount. It drives and rides well. Straight down the road @ 70mph with no issues.
My opinion is to build it into a 1950s race car push truck , my dad and I always were Drooling over the push trucks at the local dirt track , they always made me nervous During the trophy dash that they might bump !
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