'40 Pickup full restoration project

[40larry]

Mike:
Looks good. I can see that heater switch is located incorrectly. Check the factory photo in Towne's book on page 40 and you see it located slightly left of the throttle rod on bottom of dash. Also your tailpipe should be a 91C part which ends several inches after the rear hanger. You can see this on the factory photo shown in the Mack Hils book. This will be easy to fix by cutting off the excess length...........Larry

[funrunr]

Originally Posted by Kube

Maybe my next project in line... a '40 convertible. I am part way through it already but have placed in it storage until the truck is completed. I have tons of photos of its (the convertible) process to date so could "go back" to the beginning.
If you think there'd truly be interest, I could do that I suppose...

I know I would follow along, and most likely plenty of others.

[Mart]

Love the truck, I'd always be interested in pics of a good quality job, Mike. I tend to work at the other end of the spectrum as far as finish goes, but love seeing the shiny stuff. Don't hold back on truck updates either.

Mart.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ken Crans

Another beautiful resto Mike, Did you paint all the sheet metal at one time? I love the color and the correct heater that you got from the other side of the world! Ken

Good morning Ken,
Thanks for the kind words.
Yes, the truck is painted in pieces. The doors are done but I won't install them until the interior is completed.
I did have the doors installed temporarily so I could get the body strip aligned exactly with the cab.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 40larry

Mike:
Looks good. I can see that heater switch is located incorrectly. Check the factory photo in Towne's book on page 40 and you see it located slightly left of the throttle rod on bottom of dash. Also your tailpipe should be a 91C part which ends several inches after the rear hanger. You can see this on the factory photo shown in the Mack Hils book. This will be easy to fix by cutting off the excess length...........Larry

Larry, this is a very early truck according to the serial number. The only hole for the heater switch was to the left of the steering column.
The tail pipe, as well as the rest of the exhaust system was NOS - purchased through Carpenters.
I will double check the length of the tail pipe once the bed, etc. is in place. As always, your advice is much appreciated. Much of what I have done was made easier because of your help.

[V8COOPMAN]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

A couple of earlier pics of the internal-workings of this little truck, for those that may have missed them. Gonna be NICE......for sure! DD





Plus, a couple BEFORE paint!

[V8COOPMAN]

Might that be the aforementioned '40 CONVERTIBLE cowl peeking-out from under the tarp in the background? As always, some interesting stuff layin'-around in your shop, Kube. DD

[VeryTangled]

Originally Posted by Kube

If you think there'd truly be interest, I could do that I suppose...

I would be very excited to know more about your process!

And Thanks for sharing about the 40 truck.

[RCS41PU]

Thanks from me as well. Collecting parts for a 41 driver that I hope to start on next year. Really enjoy seeing this!
Richard

[Kube]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Might that be the aforementioned '40 CONVERTIBLE cowl peeking-out from under the tarp in the background? As always, some interesting stuff layin'-around in your shop, Kube. DD

Yep, that's the one. It's come a long way. All of the metal work is done. Almost all of the parts & assemblies are done as well. As soon as I can finish the frame and the body, it'll be (for the most part) just one big assembly process. I even have the seats done.
Even the Mercury engine is ready! It took me years to locate a set of NOS high compression aluminum heads. The paperwork (original) that came with this car called out all of the "options". Those heads were the toughest thing I believe I have ever searched for.
I was excited to find this car. One of 111 built. I even have the body tag!

I am hoping to get back at this project soon - completing it sometime next year.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Kube

Yep, even the Mercury engine is ready! It took me years to locate a set of NOS high compression aluminum heads. The paperwork (original) that came with this car called out all of the "options". Those heads were the toughest thing I believe I have ever searched for.
I was excited to find this car. One of 111 built.

Seems like I remember you posting this picture of that Mercury engine some time ago. It's amazing that a very few folks still feel the compulsion to exhibit the amount of detail in their work that you do. DD

[Kube]

Getting close to "done" with the bed. perhaps two more weeks or so.
Here's a photo of the underside...

[Tinker]

Did 40's have the metal over the truck bed wood (top side)? or was that just the earlier yrs.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Did 40's have the metal over the truck bed wood (top side)? or was that just the earlier yrs.

The beds were metal as you suggest. I am currently working on that. In fact I am welding the bed in today.

[Tinker]

I believe the beds are similar 38-41 but wasn't completely sure. Were you able to get or savage a 40's metal cover, or is it retail. If retail, who would you recommend?

[done4]

Nice work Kube, not a slam but way too shiny for me. I'd be afraid to touch that beautiful work because I'd probably screw it up. Sure would of liked to see what you started with. Keep the pics a coming.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tinker

I believe the beds are similar 38-41 but wasn't completely sure. Were you able to get or savage a 40's metal cover, or is it retail. If retail, who would you recommend?

Salvaged an authentic bed. I got lucky...

[Binx]

As seen on my original '41 bed, the wood slats were random width hard maple making me think they were made from scrap pallet dunnage The underside of the bed metal was painted with a brown paint much like rustoleum rusty metal primer.

Lonnie

[Kube]

[QUOTE=Binx;1362473]As seen on my original '41 bed, the wood slats were random width hard maple making me think they were made from scrap pallet dunnage The underside of the bed metal was painted with a brown paint much like rustoleum rusty metal primer.
The authentic wood from this bed, which I'd replaced, was maple. However, unlike yours, all the tongue & groove planks were of the same width.
I have little doubt that the wood that is exposed (under the bed) was originally painted very haphazardly when the bed "framing" was painted. I chose not to paint over the wood as I prefer the definition of the detail between the wood and the painted metal.

[Binx]

You misread. Underside of the bed (floor) metal was brown primer color.

Lonnie