[blucar]

From your original posting to start this topic you stated that the car was altered in the '50's and sat in a garage from 1961 until you purchased it..
If this is the case why are you trying to reinvent the wheel.. Why not bring it back to normal '50's configuration.. A column shift using a '40 column is generally a bolt in application... You could keep the stock wheels/hub caps. Since the '39's had hydraulic brakes you don't need to spend money on a brake conversion.. You could upgrade the backing plates, etc. to '42-48 for improved braking.. The 650x16 tires might possibly be to large for the '39 wheels.. Radial of the same/close size to the 600x16's would work well.
I put a column shift assembly in my car in 1953.. Works great, added seat room... I'll never take it out..