Seems like the early Chevies are about as scarce these days as the early Mopars. Didn't use to be, but I hardly ever see any Chevies any more. In fact, at some events Mopars outnumber the Chevies 5 to 1.
I dont think built better is correct. The chevys with the wood had a more quiet and softer ride than there ford counter parts, and actually sold more than ford in the late 20s and early 30s. But once the wood started to settle, and the creaking started to show up, the steel portion of the body and the frame which was stronger built than ford was the only thing that kept them from falling apart. The frame it was a lot stronger than ford or some of the other steel body cars. So in other words ford got cheap on the frame and chevy thought lets beef up the frame, and let our coach builders worry about strength. Pretty even trade between the two on quality for a new car. The chevys are still out there but in a lot of pieces cause them damn termites like to eat but once the wood is gone you have a clean slate to work with and that's the way I like them. The other problem was that in late 1936 when chevy got smart and steeled up there cars the public did not trust them and they lost a lot of customers for a while at least that's what I think...ghost
Interesting insight. I think I also read that either GM or Fisher owned a massive hardwood forest and supporting lumber mill business that supplied the wood for the Fisher bodies. To switch to all steel would cannibalize that business, so they utilized wood as long as they could. My coupe sat out in the pasture for over 40yrs, and some of the wood was in very good shape, I have a few pieces hanging up in the shop, it's cool history.
Here's mine b4 I took it apart Here are a few pic's of it now I Haven't done anything on the car in the last 6 months But I plan getting back to work soon Gary
Here's my '36 Chevy Suburban Carryall. It was put on the back burner since I purchased the '32 Ford 5 wdw coupe this past September and Junior & Roland (aka Bad Donkee Hot Rods) got the coupe to the Jalopyrama in just 23 days. So now it's saving back up for the Sub. All the suspension is done, '87 vetter TPI by Street & Performance, the body was in excellent shape along with 99.99% of the wood. Truck was built in my hometown of Baltimore and never left the state. Found it in the Timonium, Md. area about 10 years ago. Pissed off the 'tiquers since the restoration was started but I'm a hot rodder and that's that!
Hey 35chevy is that the ECI brake kit ? I got to save up for it. was it 600 ? Tell me about that "body jack system" you got
Here's a FNG's 33 Chevy I let the termites get fat before I replaced ALL the wood with steel I chop the top 2-5/8" channeled it over the 5" frame made and installed a ford type cross member.I fabricated a rear roll pan (need to finish the corners) installed 84 vette rear end .I need to get back on it before the rust takes the place of the termites bought it full fendered, sold them and got the car for free and put $1000 in my pocket
I have a 37 p/u that has no wood,if it did have wood it would probably have been junked years before I got it.
Yea late 36 and 37 cabs were with out wood except under the dash for mounting. got any extra cabs...ghost
He, he, he. A reason they sold a lot of cars! A better ride with more interior space, for a couple of bucks more than a Ford. But with built-in obselence. GM started it, then the rest had to follow! The tradition continues..................... I heard that Fisher sold bodies to their customers, included Chevrolet and many others, for less than Murray and Briggs sold theirs to Ford, heard that somewhere but can't back it up.
here is mine!!! '33 Coupe.... I've posted it on the H.A.M.B. before, but damn I like it!! It's all steel and wood with a 454 and a 4 speed! Fun to drive and it's Fast! Should get off my lazy ass and put the Factory '68 Vette Tri-Power I have for it on before spring!!!
If you have a place to store and work on the 29 there is a lot of info on here about structuring of old chevy bodys please save it and don't let it get away...ghost
Here is a picture of my 32 chevy 5 window that I built. Converted it to a 3 window and in the process stretched the doors 5 inches and slanted the b pillers. It was all steel, but not too hamb friendly. the suspension was 92 corvette front and rear and the motor and trans was out of the same vette. It was about 600 pounds lighter than a vette and could out corner and was faster than most vettes and mustangs on the road. and put a suprise in most of them. took all the wood out of this one also. Bought the body in 6 pieces for $200.00 and came with a frame and a 9 inch rear...ghost
A buddy of mine has a 32 5window chevy barn car find that runs. He bought it thinking he would do something with it but doesnt have the time. He is bugging me to buy it but Ive got too many projects already. Maybe just one more for the road.
Yes the brakes are from ECI - easy to install The body trolly was built from 2 x 2 steel deck railing posts Home depot was having a sale, It origionally had solid legs but one day I was in harbor freight and saw the trailer jacks with the wheels. Now I can move it all over the garage myself and put it on on the frame by my myself. Gary
You son of a Bitch!!!!! Your like an early Chevy vulture just waiting to swoop in for the feeding. Um.....yeah is there anymore info on the car?
Don't see many 33 coupes, especially all steel. Hope your interior wood framing was in good shape; hard to duplicate, otherwise...Nice stance.. Still miss my 37 coupe.... Robb
I need almost everything other than a body....so i'm huntin' plus sitting at home watching white shit fall outta the sky! yah...i'm a vulture!
Here is my 33 Coupe. Unlike most it still has all the wood, a lot of which I have replaced to change it over from a rumble seat to a trunk, hinges bolt on under the back window wood frame. Looking for 371 - 394 Olds motors and trannys in Pittsburgh Pa area.
This is my '37 chevy truck project. It's going to look stock outside with a better upgraded suspension and running gear. MII front end, 10bolt rear end, 700 r-4 tranny and a 355 motor. Still looking for some parts though.
The 33 chevy that's in the shop had a hard life as a hot rod then a drag car and then it was left to decay and rot,,, This is what was left in half the door,,,now on the floor I believe all the wood scares people but it all can be replaced with steel,,, This is what was left of the door after the rust was cut out,, The owner wanted power windows and after we put new metal in the doors they are rigid with no flex and made much the ford doors now,,, There IS a lot more work involved in building the ol chevys but it is rewarding,,,,come payday! HRP
Yea I've got a large trash can full of kindling that I took out of my 28, and I'll be damned if I would put wood back in it. I am not saying that it is not the right way to re wood them. It its just not my way. And I feel that they will last a lot longer in todays usage with steel, And with the price of the wood kits. I don't need a concourse finished car for judging. Just a really good driver that I don't mind scratching. If it happens ...ghost
Here's mine. I'm going for a period hot rod shop truck kind of thing. Built a 261 for it this fall and planning a T5, open drive and front bendix brakes conversion when things calm down a little around here.
That is a nice truck and now you have to give us some info on it. The condition looks like it came of an up scale used car lot. You just don't find them in that condition...ghost
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