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Find out how you can get involved with the next 'Wheel of Dreams' project. Email Michael Clark today!
michaelclark@mts.net.
michaelclark@mts.net.
This is the story of the '40 Chev raffled off in '08. Reprinted with the kind permission of Michael Clark.
Previous portions of this story can be found here.
Part Seventeen: What's in a Name?
When it comes to anything automotive, most car builders wish that everything could be named Painless, as well as live up to that definition during installation. A Painless Performance Products 12-circuit wiring harness is our latest donation from our friends to the South, thanks to the efforts of Dennis Overholser. After a few calls and emails to the Home Office in Fort Worth, Texas, Overholser agreed to supply our Wheels of Dreams project car with the latest in E-Z Think wiring. It's just one of many donations required to complete the Wheels of Dreams project car, a 1940 Chevrolet Master 85 two-door sedan, which is receiving a volunteer street rod makeover by the Hillbilly Garage near Garson, Manitoba, and the members of the El Diablo's Car Club. When completed next year, the car will be raffled off, with all proceeds going to The Rainbow Society. The Society, which celebrates its 25th year in 2008, grants wishes to Manitoba children suffering from a life-threatening illness. You can check out the continuing coverage in the Winnipeg Sun every Tuesday, or online at www.therainbowsociety.com.
Utilizing even a strand of the Chevy's original wiring would be a recipe for disaster. "This car will be running a few more modern accessories than they had in 1940," said Don Park, Head Wrench at the Hillbilly Garage. "It needs the latest, and it's getting the latest from Painless." The 12-volt wiring harness uses a modern-style fuse block, turn signals with emergency flashers, and every wiring lead required to start the Chevy, as well as blink the rear taillights. Our electrical draw includes a custom digital instrument panel from FJO Racing Products, a revised 12-volt heater/defroster system from Customer Radiator, audio from Sony of Canada and JBL, and a spark for the former late-model Monte Carlo power driver's seat, part of the interior donation from Team Auto Parts. It will be a cinch to install the harness, especially with a written description on each wire lead, as to its ultimate destination. "Sure beats guessing," said Park.
Speaking of guesswork, there's no confusion as to where the rusty bits lie on the Chevy's body shell, thanks to the expert work of Winnipeg Sandblasting. At press time, the body had just received a protective epoxy primer coat, which will keep rust from forming during the repair stages. "We'll definitely be needing a tail pan," said Jamie Johnston, the Wizard of the Spray Gun at the Hillbilly Garage, and a founding member of the El Diablo's. "It's common rust area on cars from this era." Luckily, the part is available through the aftermarket, as are rocker panels, inner floor supports, and even door bottom repair kits.
Utilizing even a strand of the Chevy's original wiring would be a recipe for disaster. "This car will be running a few more modern accessories than they had in 1940," said Don Park, Head Wrench at the Hillbilly Garage. "It needs the latest, and it's getting the latest from Painless." The 12-volt wiring harness uses a modern-style fuse block, turn signals with emergency flashers, and every wiring lead required to start the Chevy, as well as blink the rear taillights. Our electrical draw includes a custom digital instrument panel from FJO Racing Products, a revised 12-volt heater/defroster system from Customer Radiator, audio from Sony of Canada and JBL, and a spark for the former late-model Monte Carlo power driver's seat, part of the interior donation from Team Auto Parts. It will be a cinch to install the harness, especially with a written description on each wire lead, as to its ultimate destination. "Sure beats guessing," said Park.
Speaking of guesswork, there's no confusion as to where the rusty bits lie on the Chevy's body shell, thanks to the expert work of Winnipeg Sandblasting. At press time, the body had just received a protective epoxy primer coat, which will keep rust from forming during the repair stages. "We'll definitely be needing a tail pan," said Jamie Johnston, the Wizard of the Spray Gun at the Hillbilly Garage, and a founding member of the El Diablo's. "It's common rust area on cars from this era." Luckily, the part is available through the aftermarket, as are rocker panels, inner floor supports, and even door bottom repair kits.
What we don't have will be fabricated, such as the floor pan repairs, which will be carried out by fellow El Diablo Jim Van Aert. Johnston, along with airbrush artist Kevin Wilson, is currently getting colourful, going through the available paint hues from Rondex. (www.rondex.ca) The body repair supply company, now in its 35th year, will be providing all of the necessary completion items for the Chevy from sanding discs to clearcoat. Don Park is busy assembling the rolling chassis components for the Chevy, which will be returned to the body shell once the rust repairs to the body shell once the rust repairs have been completed.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the giving just keeps getting better from local car fans. Even car clubs are getting into the act. The Manitoba Camaro Club passed the hat at their recent meeting, held at Vickar Community Chevrolet, another Wheels of Dreams charity partner. $248.00 has been added to the kitty, which now totals (Jerry Lewis Telethon-style drumroll please) $848.00! "Our membership came through in fine style," said Club President Mary Blonski. "It's great to see such an enthusiastic response from our members, especially in our first year as a car club." Blonski went one step further, challenging all Manitoba car clubs to match or beat the Camaro Club donation.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the giving just keeps getting better from local car fans. Even car clubs are getting into the act. The Manitoba Camaro Club passed the hat at their recent meeting, held at Vickar Community Chevrolet, another Wheels of Dreams charity partner. $248.00 has been added to the kitty, which now totals (Jerry Lewis Telethon-style drumroll please) $848.00! "Our membership came through in fine style," said Club President Mary Blonski. "It's great to see such an enthusiastic response from our members, especially in our first year as a car club." Blonski went one step further, challenging all Manitoba car clubs to match or beat the Camaro Club donation.
