'40 Business Coupe Conversion?

Fred A

Fred A

Well-known member
Most of the available coupes seem to be 5 window types with the package tray. I see the center body brace leaning forward that seems to be a major difference from the brace in Business coupes. Is the floor the same and any other differences that would make conversion a bad idea? Thanks, Fred A
 
Fred A said:
Most of the available coupes seem to be 5 window types with the package tray. I see the center body brace leaning forward that seems to be a major difference from the brace in Business coupes. Is the floor the same and any other differences that would make conversion a bad idea? Thanks, Fred A
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Other than the obvious differences in the interior, the floor pans are substantially different.
 
Economic conditions have brought out many failed '40 projects at prices unheard of in years. Fifty years ago I drove a business coupe with an Olds engine and many period rod mods. It was my signature car for years and went through a parade of changes, keeping up with the times and my wallet. I really liked the jump seats for pileing in my friends for outings. My trip to Viet Nam put an end of that era. Now that I can easily afford the project, to create the rod of that era would be great fun and I have been looking for a candidate. Recently a liking of the Flathead may have changed my preferred powerplant a bit. Certainly easier on the geartrain. The production numbers favor the package tray configuration and it still holds today. Not bad, but not correct. Looking at the Drake offerings shows that they chose to favor the more numerous model. Just checking on the differences. Thanks: Fred A
 
Fred, my guess is you are in your mid 60's. If you are leaning towards the flathead why not buy a car(with the jump seats) already finished and make changes as you see fit(dropped axle,15 inch wheels, radial www, etc). A cheaper project will eventually cost you more money than buying a fiished car now. The good thing is you can drive the car now, not 3-5 years from now. You can make the changes and still keep the car running. After doing several projects over the years I can tell you that you are money ahead buying a finished car. JMHO
 
I agree with TJ the older i get the more I want to drive my projects....one project took 11 years!! when i was out of work got it running--together in 6 months!!
 
TJ and Gumpy are right on with that buy it now advice. Echos the chorus of my friends. I keep my '47 sedan coupe because it is always ready to go even though it suffers from obvious patina. I'll put a pause on the bottom feeding and check the higher end of the market. Might be interesting. Thanks: Fred A
 
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