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Part Four: Be A Part With One Of These Parts
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.
If you build it, they will come.
Who they are is an impressive list of sponsors for the parts and servicing needs for the Wheels of Dreams project car, in aid of The Rainbow Society. (www.therainbowsociety.com) For those of you who have been keeping track every Tuesday, it may appear that the majority of these parts and services have been taken care of. We've also had a steady string of emails from folks wanting to get involved in the build of the 1940 Chevy Master 85. The good news is that there is plenty of items that are still on the shopping list. This week, the Wheels of Dreams project pulls out that shopping list.
1. Upholstery
As one can expect, the once cozy confines of our Chevy have been reduced to tufts of padding, and the odd piece of material. Team Auto Parts is currently searching through their inventory for a set of grey leather seats, to carry through the 25th Silver Anniversary theme for The Rainbow Society. That's the easy part. The rest of the interior is in dire need of refreshment. The first step is obtaining the upholstery material, which needs to be automotive grade in nature. Flooring carpet, 4-way stretch vinyl, and overhead headliner swatches are what we need. The second step, and it's a biggie, is locating an individual or a group that can tackle the upholstery job. The original headliner is intact, which allows the piece to be used as a template. We're appealing to those in the trade, as well as those that are learning the trade from seasoned veterans. Custom embroidery, such as the logo for The Rainbow Society, would also be a valued contribution.
2. Wiring
What's that burning smell? Such an odor would be hard to miss is we even contemplated the use of any original wiring in the Chevy. A new wiring harness is required, with a minimum of 12 circuits to run the electrical basics. There are plenty to choose from on the aftermarket circuit, from such names as Painless, EZ Wiring, even GM Performance Parts.
3. Sheet metal
We're trying to keep any patchwork down to a bare minimum on the Chevy. To that end, we're looking to replace the front fenders with cleaner units, as well as the lower front valance. We'll even opt for Fiberglass reproductions. Running boards would also be appreciated.
4. Weather-stripping
This is an area that is commonly overlooked in a typical restoration. Since the Chevy will be receiving all-new glass from Ted's Auto Glass and Rad in Beausejour, we want to ensure that it keeps looking good, with no rattles or misalignments. Taking a bump with a loose window channel can leave you feeling shattered, in every sense of the word.
1. Upholstery
As one can expect, the once cozy confines of our Chevy have been reduced to tufts of padding, and the odd piece of material. Team Auto Parts is currently searching through their inventory for a set of grey leather seats, to carry through the 25th Silver Anniversary theme for The Rainbow Society. That's the easy part. The rest of the interior is in dire need of refreshment. The first step is obtaining the upholstery material, which needs to be automotive grade in nature. Flooring carpet, 4-way stretch vinyl, and overhead headliner swatches are what we need. The second step, and it's a biggie, is locating an individual or a group that can tackle the upholstery job. The original headliner is intact, which allows the piece to be used as a template. We're appealing to those in the trade, as well as those that are learning the trade from seasoned veterans. Custom embroidery, such as the logo for The Rainbow Society, would also be a valued contribution.
2. Wiring
What's that burning smell? Such an odor would be hard to miss is we even contemplated the use of any original wiring in the Chevy. A new wiring harness is required, with a minimum of 12 circuits to run the electrical basics. There are plenty to choose from on the aftermarket circuit, from such names as Painless, EZ Wiring, even GM Performance Parts.
3. Sheet metal
We're trying to keep any patchwork down to a bare minimum on the Chevy. To that end, we're looking to replace the front fenders with cleaner units, as well as the lower front valance. We'll even opt for Fiberglass reproductions. Running boards would also be appreciated.
4. Weather-stripping
This is an area that is commonly overlooked in a typical restoration. Since the Chevy will be receiving all-new glass from Ted's Auto Glass and Rad in Beausejour, we want to ensure that it keeps looking good, with no rattles or misalignments. Taking a bump with a loose window channel can leave you feeling shattered, in every sense of the word.
5. Windshield wipers
Those who have had the pleasure of driving with vacuum-assist windshield wipers can appreciate this much-needed upgrade to an electrically-driven system. There are numerous universal aftermarket wiper kits available.
6. Chrome
To set the public's eyes on 'Stun' at the 2008 World of Wheels car show, you can't beat the brightwork on a '40 Chevy. To bring these pieces in line with the coming paintwork will require rechroming. The work would touch on the smallest interior items, as well as larger bits like bumpers.
7. Wood
That's right; wood. Constructing many of the pieces that the upholstery will adhere to requires different types of panels, such as MDF board in varying thicknesses for the finishing of the trunk. Thinner materials can be used for the fabrication of the door panels.
8. Transmission cooler
Since the soon-to-be-fabricated radiator will sit in the same cavity as the original, that leaves minimal room for a transmission cooler inside the lower radiator tank. An after-market heavy-duty transmission cooler is the simple remedy. Since we're on the subject of radiators, effective cooling would be best served by electric cooling fans.
9. Mr. Dressup
You can never have enough engine bling, such as a chromed air cleaner, valve covers, and the like. Bright is right.
10. Steering column
To keep interior room to the max, (and to snuggle up with your honey), we're hoping to acquire a GM-spec tilt column with column shift. This allows for an easy plug-in with the aftermarket wiring harness. A steering wheel would also come in handy.
These ten categories should be plenty to get you started. As with all items, the Wheels of Dreams project car is seeking your generous donations of parts and services to make the ultimate difference in the life of a child facing a life-threatening illness.
Those who have had the pleasure of driving with vacuum-assist windshield wipers can appreciate this much-needed upgrade to an electrically-driven system. There are numerous universal aftermarket wiper kits available.
6. Chrome
To set the public's eyes on 'Stun' at the 2008 World of Wheels car show, you can't beat the brightwork on a '40 Chevy. To bring these pieces in line with the coming paintwork will require rechroming. The work would touch on the smallest interior items, as well as larger bits like bumpers.
7. Wood
That's right; wood. Constructing many of the pieces that the upholstery will adhere to requires different types of panels, such as MDF board in varying thicknesses for the finishing of the trunk. Thinner materials can be used for the fabrication of the door panels.
8. Transmission cooler
Since the soon-to-be-fabricated radiator will sit in the same cavity as the original, that leaves minimal room for a transmission cooler inside the lower radiator tank. An after-market heavy-duty transmission cooler is the simple remedy. Since we're on the subject of radiators, effective cooling would be best served by electric cooling fans.
9. Mr. Dressup
You can never have enough engine bling, such as a chromed air cleaner, valve covers, and the like. Bright is right.
10. Steering column
To keep interior room to the max, (and to snuggle up with your honey), we're hoping to acquire a GM-spec tilt column with column shift. This allows for an easy plug-in with the aftermarket wiring harness. A steering wheel would also come in handy.
These ten categories should be plenty to get you started. As with all items, the Wheels of Dreams project car is seeking your generous donations of parts and services to make the ultimate difference in the life of a child facing a life-threatening illness.
Previous portions of this story can be found here.
