Hot Rods Sleeper or Hot Rod ?

I keep going back and forth on this issue. My 40 as seen in my avatar, I have had for many years. It has now a 400 chevy v-8 with a 4-71 blower. This has been a dream since I was able to build model cars in the late 50s having a blower on my ride. Now the issue. I am enjoying driving the pickup which except the paint color- looks stock or should I go for the flames and louvers which spell out HOT ROD? I like both looks. I will keep this truck until I can't drive anymore, then it goes to a daughter. What is your opinon? Do you have a sleeper? Picture of it? Exterminator

 

That's a nice looking truck no matter which way you go. I personally like flames if they are done right, Just remember that you only have to satisfy one person in this world and that is yourself.

 

I like the color. If you want a different look, consider wheels and tires. Then you can change it back occasionally.

Phil

 

I like the paint on your truck just the way it is. Wish mine looked as good.

 

Don't change a thing.

 

No
Flames. Paint it black.

 

I Like This! Things to consider: add a little chrome ( bumpers, door handles, hood), old style Nerf bars/bumpers, extra hood punched full of louvers (maybe left in red oxide primer), different belt line color or pin striping along with a wheel color change, and '39 Ford headlights.

 

Great looking truck! As mentioned above, second hood louvered, an chrome in original places= Perfection imo

 

Sleeper all the way.

 

It’s perfect as is.

 

chrome bumper and door handles and mirror, aluminum (or black painted?) wheels, lose the cover on the bed, give it some rake....

and that windshield looks like it's a couple inches too tall

 

As is

 

I'm with pprather, get another set of wheels and tires, Torque Thrusts are my favorite, followed by 5 hole aluminum slots. I'd change to chrome bumpers. Other than that, I wouldn't change it.

 

Looks good to me, I also agree with the chrome where it needs to be. HRP

 

chrome bumpers, black wheels with no covers and ditch the bed cover.

 

If you want a sleeper, leave it. If you want a Hot Rod, wheels like Halibrand Sprints. I'd either go with chrome bumpers, or nerfs.

 

Hi. Lots of good ideas here. Can you use Photo Shop on the computer? You can try them all out starting with a photo of what you now have. Another thought to try with Photo Shop is with black fenders and running boards as that was a style of that time. Definitely a plus to add some chrome.
If you do try Photo Shop post the results that you get.
Jimmie

 

I like the sleeper hot rod that you have now.

 

I don't think flames would look right unless you change the whole color of the truck, but I like that color all solid so I'd leave it. Chrome bumpers, maybe black running boards instead of the body color treatment would really help, and maybe some smaller, round side mirror heads instead of those giant 70's looking ones.

I like the bed cover. I could even see matching pleated vinyl running board covers on that truck for a more custom look.

 

I'm on board with all of Squirrel's suggestions. I wouldn't paint flames in it, Id do the following:
1. Change out the door handles to chrome ones, (Repo stock ones are available cheaper than you could have those fixed).
2. Change out those mirrors to a more stock looking mirror (unless you need those to tow a trailer). Those look 80's-riffic. Since yours are mounted on the body instead of the original hinge mount, you could get by with just changing the mirror part to a 4" round mirror and keep your mirror arms (so you don't have to mess with the body work).
3. Change the painted bumpers to a repo-chrome bumper.
4. To change the look from stock to hot rod, Id change out the wheels to either the Torque Thrust IIs, or Salt Flat Specials, and keep the steel ones so you can change them to change them back and forth as you wish.

Personally, Id keep the bed cover though. I like the thought of protected cargo.

 

Kinda hard to be a sleeper when you hear that blower whine isn't it? Hahaha.

 

I agree with the common consensus here...keep the red and add the chrome. I like the "caps & rings" but on the rear, maybe wider, deeper rims and wider, taller meats.
Also, I think 40 PUs look better with black running boards...it will help get rid of that '90s monochromatic look.

 

With you on that.

 

OK, so much for conservative "correct" ideas - remove hood, and detail engine bay, dual quads if not on already, deep dropped axle, biggest 15" rear tires possible, short loud mufflers, etc. Be wild and crazy & be fairly easy to put back to how it looks now later

 

Not sure how you could improve it very much , I love it as is! As others have said a little factory chrome (handles , mirrors , bumpers) I would drive the snot out of it if it were mine.....that's just me!

 

I’ve lost sleep over smaller decisions than that...........good luck

 

I know the "look" I like..but have no idea what you like.
Find your "look" and go for it..many ideas on the thread on '40-'41 Ford pickups.
It has to be something that brings a smile on your face when you open the garage door, or take that second look when walking away from it.

 

I’ve not seen one comment/recommendation that I don’t agree with. Have fun changing it up.


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https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/40-41-ford-pickup-picture-thread.629950/page-13

 

here you go !