Not softskin as such: a 1940 Chev sedan question

[lynx42]

Thanks for the compliments Mike. You helped there 22 years ago. I think we have done about 30.000 miles since 1995 including Darwin, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Alice Springs and many other places including "The Border Track" , the State boundary between Victoria and South Australia. That run is a 4 wheel drive one way (South) trip due to the desert and many sand dunes. Most of the trips include a No.3 Jeep trailer, (IHC No.7) hanging on the back.

I have seen 3 1940 Chev Staff cars with the ARN painted on the fire wall. Maybe it was a workshops idea prior to a repaint?

Regards Rick.

[Matt Austin]

Thanks very much, Mike. I'll see what I can find out. I'm in discussions with the owner, who is quite helpful and friendly. He has restored a similar vehicle, and picked up the Chev for parts. It's practically complete, though, and appears to be largely rust-free. I believe it spent a lot of time away from the coast.

It'd be interesting (but probably hard to establish) how much of Australian 1940 Chev production was for military use?

Thank you, gentlemen, for your input and assistance. I do enjoy the learning that I'm gaining at MLU.

Cheers,
Matt

[Mike Cecil]

That long ago?? Hell! Doesn't seem like it.

ARNs in the underbonnet nomenclature: I've make a note of that for future reference (cited as C**e, R, pers comm via MLU 6/2015, naturally!)

Matt: given the circumstances, I should think a significant proportion of the 1940 GMH 4-door car production went to military use. It is an interesting question I have not looked at specifically (but now will)

Mike

[Matt Austin]

Well, after much discussion, thought, and consideration, it looks like this vehicle may be coming my way.

After some wise words from a couple of experienced forum members about the importance of focus, I've decided that the Chev has a few advantages.

The vehicle in question is in pretty good condition for 75 years of age. It has a bit of rust in the usual places, but my aviation restoration contacts and past mean that this is not an insurmountable issue. The structure is straight and eminently restorable. Being a sedan, it's far more family-friendly, and my mechanic mate has experience with the Chev Stovebolt sixes. And it's something that is fairly practical to potter around town in!

If this sounds like I'm trying to justify it to myself, then that's probably right! I don't want to go too silly with this interest, but I think a car and a truck are still manageable.

Now, I'm wondering about the vehicle itself. The paint code is listed as 9NDRF, of which I have no reference. I was hoping for KHAKI, which would have suggested an Army contract, but no such luck. The current colour of the exterior and engine bay can be seen. I wonder if i'm imagining green paint under the blue exterior finish, or just dark grey primer?

Anyway, the constructor's number is 8964, but I don't know if that can be matched with a military number. I'd like to hope it's ex-military, but if it isn't I wonder if it's fair to do it up in a military scheme, like the one pictured in the AWM pic I've attached?

The Inter K5 is out of harm's way and I'm acquiring parts and materials for the rebuild. I have time and space, and am aiming for the Year of the Inter in 2017. I've been clearing the shed out, so undercover storage and rebuild space is available.

So, the fun continues. I have some decisions to make!

Cheers,
Matt

[Mike Cecil]

Matt,

Nice looking find, and as I think Lynx42 will tell you, lots of torque and a nice ride. For an ID, what we need is the chassis number, then there is a chance to narrow it down.

Regards

Mike

[Matt Austin]

Thanks Mike.

Once I get the chance, I'll examine the chassis for the number. It'll be interesting to see if anything can be found.

Cheers,
Matt

[Matt Austin]

Just out of curiosity, folks, how common are these cars today? I've seen Rick's example, another in all-over khaki, and a handful in civilian trim. I haven had a great deal of luck in finding out much about them generally, although I have managed to pick up a couples of manuals.

A couple of friends own '39 examples, so I imagine the same positives and negatives apply. Are engines and parts available? Do people have any advice that you may like to share? It's a learning experience for me. I have access to comprehensive vintage aviation restoration facilities, so the tin work is under control.

There are some great pics on the Australian War Memorial site, and these have given me a few ideas.

Cheers,
Matt