39 Chevy Looking for Info

[Russ65C10]

I have a couple of quick questions to start me out a little more informed.

My Dad has a 39 chevy we want to get up and running. He's got everything but the driveline (has the rear axle) and bed. He has the running boards and rear fenders just missing the rest of the bed. He's not looking to do a full resto of it he just wants something he can drive once in while. So here are my questions:

1. Is the cab the same as 40's trucks?

2. Are there any newer axles that are a direct swap or swap with minimal fab work?

3. What's the cheapest least expensive way to get rid of the strait axle on the front?

Thanks

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by Russ65C10

I have a couple of quick questions to start me out a little more informed.

My Dad has a 39 chevy we want to get up and running. He's got everything but the driveline (has the rear axle) and bed. He has the running boards and rear fenders just missing the rest of the bed. He's not looking to do a full resto of it he just wants something he can drive once in while. So here are my questions:

1. Is the cab the same as 40's trucks?

2. Are there any newer axles that are a direct swap or swap with minimal fab work?

3. What's the cheapest least expensive way to get rid of the strait axle on the front?

Thanks

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www.scottshotrods.com

[Todd68Chevy]

The dash is different but as far as I know everything else is the same in the cab between the 1939 and 1940. The 1941 thru 1946 cab are close but do have differences. I have a 40 and a 46. I mounted a 1939 dash in my 46 by changing the lower dash bolt brackets. Between the 39-40 and the 41-46, the firewall and lower section where the fenders mount to the cab are different because of the different front end (fenders, hood grille, ect.). The roof, windshield, doors, rear of the cab and floor are the same. As far as I know this is the only differences I have found by comparing the two truck I have. Good luck with your project and if you need some compared or have questions just ask, I will help if I can.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hey Todd,
Not to hijack...this question is related: Could either the '39 or '40 front clip be adapted to my '41 cab with only changes to the cab end of the front fender or the cab itself) and adding or trimming the hood to match the cab? I assume the firewall difference wouldn't interfere with anything?

[Todd68Chevy]

Dan,
I am not positive but when I was thinking about installing a 40 front end on my 46 so both trucks would match is when someone told me about the firewall. I do not know what all would have to be changed. The firewall sticks out appox. 3/4 inch more on the 46 and that is where the hood latch brackets are mounted so the hood side/ latch would need modified. I found the difference where the front fenders bolt up when installing patch panels in my 46. The 46 has the fenders bolt to the cab different than the 40. I am sure it has been done and can be done but modifications would also have to be made. I can get pictures of the differences that I am aware of.

[Todd68Chevy]

Here are some pictures of the differences in the cabs between the 40 and 46. I believe your 39 is the same as the 40. If anybody knows different please chime in. The read truck is a 40 and the grey is the 46.