Hey guys, I've been reading your posts for the last year and have decided it's time to get your input on my project. I have a '61 40 soft top that was given to me last winter. It was a previous HS shop class project, and was then used at our deer least for about 15 years. It was parked about 7 years ago and sat until I moved it in January 09.
It's a mutt. None of the interior was original, and forget about a top or doors. The tranny and transfer case are original, but changed to floor shift, and the engine was a 1955 Chevrolet 235 straight 6, welded in place. The front axle was the original TLC, but the rear axle was from something else because the diff is centered and it only has 5 lug wheels. The best part is the body and frame, very little rust. None on the frame, and the body has a little under the tail gate, that's it. It needed a lot of work, but the price was right.
Since January we have taken it down to the bare frame and started over. The frame was sandblasted and coated with oilfield zinc paint, then painted black. We piled all of the original drive train and axles in a corner and started over. I found, rebuilt, and installed a 1977 TLC tranny/t-case and both axles, so I now have front disc brakes. I also built a mild 305 SBC V8, and bought a used Advance adapters bell housing. As you can see in the pics I have the engine and tranny in the frame, but not have not fully welded everything in place because I am waiting for the body to make sure everything will line up.
I am about to start the body work, replacing the rear sill, and then take to the body shop for final prep and paint. I am a little unsure about the rear wheel cutouts, I think they have been cut out larger, but don't know for sure. Does anyone make replacement quarters for the older tubs? What about doors for the rounded openings?
Thanks to all of you for your help with this. This is my first full resto, so any ideas or comments are welcome. I will post more as I get it done. But, it will be slow.
It's a mutt. None of the interior was original, and forget about a top or doors. The tranny and transfer case are original, but changed to floor shift, and the engine was a 1955 Chevrolet 235 straight 6, welded in place. The front axle was the original TLC, but the rear axle was from something else because the diff is centered and it only has 5 lug wheels. The best part is the body and frame, very little rust. None on the frame, and the body has a little under the tail gate, that's it. It needed a lot of work, but the price was right.
Since January we have taken it down to the bare frame and started over. The frame was sandblasted and coated with oilfield zinc paint, then painted black. We piled all of the original drive train and axles in a corner and started over. I found, rebuilt, and installed a 1977 TLC tranny/t-case and both axles, so I now have front disc brakes. I also built a mild 305 SBC V8, and bought a used Advance adapters bell housing. As you can see in the pics I have the engine and tranny in the frame, but not have not fully welded everything in place because I am waiting for the body to make sure everything will line up.
I am about to start the body work, replacing the rear sill, and then take to the body shop for final prep and paint. I am a little unsure about the rear wheel cutouts, I think they have been cut out larger, but don't know for sure. Does anyone make replacement quarters for the older tubs? What about doors for the rounded openings?
Thanks to all of you for your help with this. This is my first full resto, so any ideas or comments are welcome. I will post more as I get it done. But, it will be slow.
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looks like original taillight brackets may still be on both sides though. dash looks a little rough. any more pics? maybe of the gas cap
