Thread: 41` chevy special deluxe rat rod potential

Tweet

Good afternoon gentlemen!!
This is my first post on the hot rod side of my passion for classic and muscle cars. I currently own a 1930 Model A Roadster(which is for sale or trade, but that is another deal). What I am looking at is a 1941 Chevy special deluxe coupe to hot rod. I wanted to know if a 327ci v8, 350 turbo or powerglide would fit without major hacking of the frame or firewall if any at all? Not sure what suspension and rear end to use at this time. I will be asking more questions about this as time goes on. I am really excited about starting this project. I initially wanted to do a Model A frame and sedan body but could not find a decent body. Hope to make a lot of new friends here.
Thank you
Farmerdick
Readfield, Maine

Welcome Farmer - - - kick back and enjoy the knowledge and willingness to help that these members are so good at. Let's see some pics of the Deluxe when you get time.
meller

I was able to get a thumbnail photo as an avatar. I will try later to get full size pictures installed.
Richard

Any of those will physically fit no problem. To be honest you will most likely want to change out all the running gear as well if your leaning toward the rat rod look. Not a whole lot of options in lowering the stock vintage chevy stuff and keeping safe. I'd up grade to a good braking system most likely power of some type. But just an opinion, what ever its worth. Anxious to see what you have there.

That combo should work fine. And like M.T. said I also would update the braking system.

Farmerdick,

I'm new to this site but I'm also working on 1940 Chevy Coupe Special Deluxe. I've had it since Christmas of 2013. So far I have finished the chassis. I'm using a Heidt IFS with Chassis Engineering motor and trans mounts and radiator mount. I was also using their leaf spring rear suspension but they couldn't ship the springs on time and we went with a Possie rear spring setup. The chassis worked out well.
I bought a mock-up plastic motor from P-Ayr. This was about a $450 investment when you add the timing cover, balancer, oil pan and other minor items. It has saved a lot of back problems trying to locate engine mounts and trans cross members. I hope to be finished with it as soon as I get to the stage where I can mount the body back onto the chassis. I'll put in up for sale and try to get a little bit of my investment back. I'm using a 700R4 overdrive trans and I got a used case only from a local re-builder for $50 to use in the mock-up. I'll trade the case in when I buy the rebuilt 700R4.
Based on the mock-up and talking to several people that have built this car the 350 SBC will fit with the standard firewall. You can use a below the floor or a firewall mount brake master. Be careful with the front
acces. drive setup you use. There's enough room up front but not enough to be wasteful. I've seem several BBC installations and they do get rather tight in places.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll try and help.
PS: I used Yogi's for my primary supplier. Ask for Nate!

There ya go right there! Thats why forums are so valuable...

And hello to all the new guys! Good to see you all here and helping out already!