chadro
Member
Posts: 5
Loc: Vancouver, Wa
Reg: 09-18-04
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06-23-12 12:21 PM - Post#2240503
Hello, Everyone-
I am Chad and I though I would take a second to introduce myself. I frequented the board several years ago as a lurker and never really got in to ask questions.
Anyhow, I picked up a 48 coupe a few years ago from my great aunt who had had the car since 53'. It was in one of her barns. A complete car in reasonable condition. I love the car and will never sell it.
I had dreams of a shiny hot rod with a V8 and new everything. Kids, work, etc.... It is still sitting in my garage untouched with the exception of finding a new LF fender and fender extension I yet to be installed as I planned on tearing it down.
I have now come to grips with the fact I do not necessarily want a high horse power hot rod. I am going to stay with the ole' in liner but I'm not too good at leaving things stock. So I'm sure I wold like to do some tinkering with the 6cyl.
The current plan is to get it driving. I want to leave the natural patina, lower it, and add some nice white walls and hub caps, and just drive it for the time being.
The car has been sitting a little over 30 years. I know the wiring is probably shot, fuel tank/lines etc need to be gone through. No one seemed to know if the engine or trans were good. I know the front end needs some work and parts. Luckily Chevs of the 40s is literally 3 stop lights away from my houes. A full restore may happen some time in the distant future, but like I said, I just want to drive it.... Bad-
Now for the questions.
Where to start?
Engine/Trans?
Differntial?
Brakes?
Front end?
Fuel system?
I look forward to hearing some thoughts.
Many thanks-
Chad
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 Keith_Knox
Moderator and "10th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2729
Age: 71
Loc: Napa, Ca USA
Reg: 04-02-00
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06-23-12 09:13 PM - Post#2240646
In response to chadro
Welcome back. It is hard to say where to start. It is hard to check the brakes if it cannot move under its own power. I used a small mower tank to get gas to the carb to start my 47. If it runs then check out the brakes. You didn't mention the wiring. Check it out. I am changing out the wiring in my 48 right now. If I would have seen how bad it was under the dash I never would have driven it. Also get a service manuel it helps alot.
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe Purchased 6/2010.
1996 Chevy Monte Carlo
2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
2013 F150 Crew Cab |
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6084
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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06-24-12 03:56 AM - Post#2240672
In response to chadro
Hello, Everyone-
I am Chad and I though I would take a second to introduce myself. I frequented the board several years ago as a lurker and never really got in to ask questions.
Anyhow, I picked up a 48 coupe a few years ago from my great aunt who had had the car since 53'. It was in one of her barns. A complete car in reasonable condition. I love the car and will never sell it.
I had dreams of a shiny hot rod with a V8 and new everything. Kids, work, etc.... It is still sitting in my garage untouched with the exception of finding a new LF fender and fender extension I yet to be installed as I planned on tearing it down.
I have now come to grips with the fact I do not necessarily want a high horse power hot rod. I am going to stay with the ole' in liner but I'm not too good at leaving things stock. So I'm sure I wold like to do some tinkering with the 6cyl.
The current plan is to get it driving. I want to leave the natural patina, lower it, and add some nice white walls and hub caps, and just drive it for the time being.
The car has been sitting a little over 30 years. I know the wiring is probably shot, fuel tank/lines etc need to be gone through. No one seemed to know if the engine or trans were good. I know the front end needs some work and parts. Luckily Chevs of the 40s is literally 3 stop lights away from my houes. A full restore may happen some time in the distant future, but like I said, I just want to drive it.... Bad-
Now for the questions.
Where to start?
Engine/Trans?
Differntial?
Brakes?
Front end?
Fuel system?
I look forward to hearing some thoughts.
Many thanks-
Chad
i would not worry about the wires right now since the car was always in hands of older people /propable ok not all spliced to gether...just take masking tape put on plug wires just number them 1-2-3-4-5-6 front to back so you know where they go. don't worry because it's not the factory order..this is for you.pull plugs shot a little light oil in each cyl. .disconect the fuel tank side of pump /change the oil/ now turn motor over about 10 times / WITH PLUGS OUT !!.put in new plugs /put a boat or lawn mower tank under hood run to fuel pump/ prim the carb with fuel start it up/don't worry about the smoke from tail pipe thats oil burning out of cyld. it will stop.you can move it to check brakes make sure theres fluid first.
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
Edited by arnieg141 on 06-24-12 03:58 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13078
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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06-24-12 10:56 AM - Post#2240770
In response to arnieg141
I would add the following to what Arnie says. Having sat for a long time it is possible that you will have a stuck valve and attempting to start the car will result in bent push rods, So soak the valve stems in Marvel Mystery Oil do so for a couple of days in a row. Squirt some 10 weight oil in each cylinder and hand turn the engine several times. CHANGE THE OIL AND THE COOLANT. Regardless of comments the 216 can be brought to life. A bore to 0.40 over, change pistons from cast iron to aluminum, take about 15 pounds off the fly wheel and add dual exhaust and intake. Good luck with the car. 
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6084
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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06-24-12 11:55 AM - Post#2240784
In response to 2blu52
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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chadro
Member
Posts: 5
Loc: Vancouver, Wa
Reg: 09-18-04
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06-25-12 12:32 PM - Post#2241173
In response to 2blu52
Thanks for the idea guys-
I will start by seeing if I can get the engine hand turn. Lots to do, lots to do.
Cheers-
Chad
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blacky
Australian Regional Coordinator
Posts: 540
Age: 47
Loc: Perth , Australia
Reg: 10-24-05
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06-27-12 10:10 PM - Post#2242154
In response to chadro
Chadro , I wouldnt bother checking the brakes , I would just replace ém as a matter of course. If its sat for 30 years the master cylinder, slave cylinders and flexible hoses will all be suspect .
I am doing a bit of work on my '46 at the moment , I moved the rear brake line and it just snapped in half  so I replaced every line in the car - it cost me about $40 to buy the hard line and some flare nuts and $120 for the flexible lines made locally but you guys in the USA will get them cheaper than that.
Add a new master cylinder and new slaves, skim the drums and you will have good reliable brakes that wont cost you a fortune and could save your life.
For the small outlay it will give you peace of mind - especially if you like to take your kids cruising with you.
| "Jesus loves you " - which is GREAT if you are in church , but not so hot if you are in a Mexican prison ! |
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