Project in Progress
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The Assignment
This car was badly deteriorated when obtained by the current owner. I became acquainted with him as it was being restored by another. When this restoration was “complete” I was called upon to sort out some wiring issues so that components would operate as intended, adjust the doors to fit properly, finish installation of the windows and adjust them to fit, and to tune the engine so it would operate properly.
At first glance, the car appeared nice with its fresh paint, new top, and interior. A closer inspection and developments as the initial work proceeded uncovered numerous instances of non-authentic details, substantial defects in the suspension, driveline, and body work ranging from incorrect fitting components to poor workmanship. Extra care and effort were expended to protect the owner’s investment in the original restoration work. A few photos from the more than 1000 documentation photos compiled illustrate some aspects of this project. |
Work Performed
The paint on the rear quarters and the exterior of the hood, the re-plated bumpers and grille and new upholstery in the interior were salvaged. The basic engine was found to be sound. However, all other components required a complete restoration. The following highlights the extensive work performed by AAE. |
Chasis Restoration
The frame was cleaned of rust and accumulated dirt and grease and painted. New springs were installed at all corners along with rebuilt shock absorbers and related components. The entire steering system was restored and properly adjusted. One of the A-frames was found to be bent as a result of a prior accident. Accordingly, all front suspension components were rebuilt and finished as manufactured. All but one brake were inoperative. The brake system was completely rebuilt with new lines, brass-lined cylinders, re-plated backing plates, and new or reground brake drums installed along with new shoes and hardware. [Click on photos to enlarge] |
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Rear brake and suspension |
Front suspension |
Steering linkage components |
Front brake |
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Underside after restoration |
Typical wheel after restoration |
Frame after cleaning |
Frame as restored |
Driveline
The transmission was restored cosmetically and the torque ball assembly restored. The rear axle assembly was cleaned and painted. All clutch ancillaries were restored. [Click on photos to enlarge] |
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Rear axle and torque tube |
Transmission |
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Engine
The engine had been painted red, an incorrect color because the car was manufactured prior to November 1940. All ancillary components – starter, generator, regulator, water pump, fuel pump, exhaust system and fuel lines were restored or replaced with new components. This included fabrication of correct exhaust system hangers. The radiator was found partially plugged and it was completely restored. The block cooling passages were substantially plugged; over 5 pounds of rust and sediment were removed. The engine was painted gray, the correct color for early 1941 engines, and all components and fasteners finished in authentically-correct plating or paint. [Click on photos to enlarge] |
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Engine as received |
Engine after restoration |
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Interior
All instruments were functionally and cosmetically restored as were the damascened dash panels. The heater and defroster were rebuilt and inoperative dash switches were replaced with NOS units. The steering column was repainted and a restored steering wheel obtained. The radio received a comprehensive restoration. A new interior wiring harness was installed and all wiring correctly routed and connected.
The trunk upholstery was partially correct. Incorrect pieces were replaced with authentically-correct components and upholstery. [Click on photos to enlarge] |
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Part of the interior wiring harness located behind
the front seat |
Instrument panel
and
gauges |
Glove compartment door
and clock |
Defroster unit |
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Restored trunk compartment |
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Body
The rear fenders were removed and restored to correct poor workmanship as was the trunk. The correct rear splash panels were restored and a replacement fabricated for a missing unit. The restored rear fenders were properly aligned and installed along with new gravel guards and stone shields. All doors were removed and restored to correct faulty metal work, paint, and weather stripping. Similarly, the front fenders and front splash panels also required a complete do over to correct damage from a prior accident. The beltline moldings, headlights, front parking lights, and taillights were restored to correct numerous flaws. The underside of the hood was thoroughly cleaned and painted semi-gloss black.
[Click on photos to enlarge] |
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Sagging body caused vent window to hit windshield frame |
Right rear fender after
stripping paint revealing
many flaws |
Right rear fender after
welding in patch metal
and smoothing dents |
Hidden front end damage |
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Straightening the cowl and aligning door openings |
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The windows and door components were particularly challenging as many components were missing, in poor condition, or “butchered” by the prior restorer. Because several of these components are unique to this style and not obtainable, it was necessary to specially fabricate several missing parts.
[Click on photos to enlarge]
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Missing inner door opening cover as fabricated |
Fabricated special pieces to trim top of window channels |
Window channel liners fabricated from stainless
steel and fabric lined
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Fabricated lock operating rod |
Top
Although a new top has been installed, the frame was not properly aligned nor is it properly finished. The rear curtain was not properly fabricated and other aspects of the new top are not authentic. Therefore, the top is being removed to permit rebuilding, aligning, and refinishing the frame. This will be followed by installation of a new top. |
