Projects 41 plymouth coupe 392 hemi build thread

Seems like several people are getting impatient waiting for this awesome one of a kind dream come true and hit the streets. Well, here is something to occupy every one till the day comes. Keep in mind the early 40's was over 70 years ago. Here is the story of another awesome Mopar that survived, to be enjoyed again.

Hidden for 70 years: The 1940 Barn Dodge!​

You have heard stories of barn finds before. Some sound incredible, some unbelievable. Here is one that might top 'em all. It is the true story of one 1940 Dodge Deluxe Sedan.


Back in 1940, life in the Country was running at a different pace.

You could leave your house unlocked and of course, your car. Television and graffiti were words without meaning. Life was hard but good.




At about this time VIN *30231403* was built by proud American workers in Detroit, Michigan, one of 84,976 Dodge D-14 DeLuxe four-door sedans manufactured in 1940.

A veterinarian from Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, purchased the blue Dodge new at the local Dodge dealer in Boise. He used it to respond to calls all through the war years; his 1944 permit is still affixed to the windshield.

Being a very valuable asset during war times, the car was always parked in a dedicated spot in the barn when not in use. In 1948, the good Doctor passed away. The car was put on blocks and covered with bed sheets. No, it was not going to be for sale. Who would have guessed at that time that the Dodge would be asleep for more than 50 years?




Children became adults, parents, then grandparents. The old Dodge was still slumbering in the barn. In the late 1980's an attempt was made to awaken and sell the car.

Finally, early in 2003, the time had come. The bed sheets were taken off, the car was lifted from the blocks, and the tires were filled up with air. A new owner was found. He took the Dodge to Southern California.



71 years old and with 42,342 miles showing on its odometer, this Dodge personifies the term "reference car."

More important, it represents a rare opportunity to experience how it felt driving a new car in the 1940's. Time to start our little journey around this amazing Dodge.



The body, amazingly, is straight and absolutely rust free, thanks to being stored in a dry, well ventilated barn, away from the elements.

The blue lacquer paint is original, factory applied. Sure, it's worn thin on the tops of the fenders. Shows a myriad of nicks, imperfections, and touch ups from the past. There are a few small dings here and there, but not an ounce of body filler nor a single rust bubble. It's all heavy metal!

Repainting this car -- ever -- would be an unforgivable sin. Its patina is irreplaceable and gives the Dodge its inherent value.



Another Dodge industry first for 1940: safety rims. The wheels still feature their factory triple pin-striping, the heavily chromed hubcaps are beautifully preserved. Even the painted red detailing is still intact. Bias ply tires of the dimension 6.00x16 look original as well. I don't think they make "Pennsylvania Rx Supertest Cord S-3" rubber anymore.



Open the doors and be invited into a cabin that's 100% factory original. Unmolested, unmodified, un-restored. It has the special 1940's aroma and charm that cannot be duplicated.. It should never be restored, instead be enjoyed just the way it is.




The dashboard is a masterpiece of Art Deco design. Fabulously painted metal creates the ambiance of lightly stained wood. Nickel plated accents duplicate the look of then-popular costume jewelry.

Every single part seems infused with the designer's idea to create a harmonious environment; details such as the retracting ash receiver lid are simultaneously good-looking and functional. There's simply no comparison to present-day throwaway products, sprouting black plastic appendages everywhere.

Nevertheless, the Dodge was built with entirely modern creature comforts.It features dual electric windshield wipers, sealed beam lamps, floating power, hydraulic brakes, telescopic shock absorbers, a column-shifted, synchronized transmission, tinted glass, a chromed horn ring, and a host of other innovations.



What was found in the felt-lined, locking glove box is nothing short of astonishing in its historical context: Owner's instruction book in its original envelope. "Sentinel" first aid kit, including a bottle of "Mercuro-Chrome" a small upholstery brush, promotional lead pencil "Compliments of DeRail Pool Hall, Glenn's Ferry ID."

Old bottle opener. Parking stub dated 8/16/1941, from the "Glen Valley

Rodeo." Small metal box containing "Buss Auto Fuses." "Ideal Split Shot"

box containing a tire valve and a fishing hook. Pair of celluloid sunglasses.

"Travel Idaho with CONOCO" road map.



Ample space for three on the comfy front bench, featuring "air foam" seat cushions. Original mohair still looks good, with the unavoidable stains and moth attacks kept to a minimum.



Through large, rear-hinged suicide doors, entry to the spacious passenger compartment is easy, even when wearing a top hat.

Luxuriously equipped with arm and foot rests, woven grab handles, beveled-glass interior light and (unused) ash tray, passengers will invariably exclaim: "This feels like Driving Miss Daisy!"



Roomy trunk sports original jute mats. Original spare wheel and jacking equipment are present, as well as a spare and a small tool tray. Also included is a set of new GOODYEAR tires of the proper size and a set of new inner tubes.

We did not feel the need to mount the new tires, however, it might be advisable before embarking on an extended journey.



A beautiful classic car, ready to be of service.




"Let us MARFAK your car!" proclaims TEXACO's old service sticker on the door jamb. The Dodge was just lubed and serviced 2,000 miles ago, in 1948.

Note the carmine-colored, bakelite "necker knob", Dodge's early version of power assisted steering. If you have to ask why it's called a 'necker knob', you're probably too young to buy this car.

 

tanktank49, it is best that instead of putting the entire story in that is at 50 pt font, bold and with broken links for pictures to just put the link to the story you found.

Eric, how is everything coming along? I really like Eli's idea on the table.

 

this one ?


http://www.statesborocruisers.org/barn_dodge/barn_dodge01.html

 

Thanks guys, I'm learning as I go. I'm on another site that everyone refuses to click on a link. Go figure.

 

no worries dude, I enjoyed reading it

 

Lemme see if I can find the old pic of my Ford Y block tri power setup that was in my living room for a coupla years. lol

 

Haha that would be great

 

The only update I have for now is a little pic sent to me by my painter. Finally some colour!

 

It's looking fantastic Eric, can't wait to see the body on and painted.

 

Yes,finally!
Looks great so far,Eric!

 

kinda strange about that 40 dodge there is a 40 dodge in maryland some one sent me from the AACA forum guy has a 40 car toms of nos parts as well as other nos mopar stuff looing every thing from the home he grew up in now his father left him,, looks like the state is taking it,,,

 

Get glasses or a dog please.

 

Agreed!!!

 

Sorry you didn't like my post. I am also a pilot and my vision is 20/20.
http://www.ccmauto.com/Stress_Test.html
Here is my dog.
http://www.ccmauto.com/-Ace__the_shopdog.html

 

hahaha


Nice to see it Eric!!! hopefully they can get that car out of their for you soon! Great to see the glossy black paint!

 

Just found your build thread, very interesting project you have, very impressive quality of work. It will take me a few days to go thur your whole build , but I am sure it will an enjoyable read , thanks for sharing ! 66Tintop

 

Haha!

Mildly entertaining thread diversion while we wait for the paint shop to finish. See what happens Eric? The natives get restless.

Tantank49 admits that he is learning, sounds like a good sport.

 

Can't wait to see the final color on the rest of the body. Should make for one beautiful piece of automobile art.

 

Me neither Steve. I like the way your shop truck is coming along!

Thank you Antti!

Thanks Scott!

"Mildly entertaining thread diversion while we wait for the paint shop to finish. See what happens Eric? The natives get restless."

I know the kids are getting restless....... Count me in too.

Thanks for the kind words 48plysled.

 

I'm glad you've found the build thread and are enjoying it so far 66tintop. I realize it has become quite a lengthy thread but that's what you get when everyone leaves comments.

 

I wonder if there is a HAMB award for most comments... maybe there should be! Jeez how long have some us been following this cars' progress? I think I've been here two or three years...

 

Minor update. Body is finally up in the air to get the paint treatment underneath. Finally.

 

Great to see some progression again Eric. The guys at the body shop appear to be busy....with everything except your project. Isn't that the way it always goes? Love the black color!

 

Nothing worst than dropping your car off at the body shop graveyard ! Thou it doesn't seem the case here ! Them dutchies will get er' done !

 

Looking good Eric!

 

Unless it is the interior shop jail!

 

What many people don`t understand is that the painting is maybe 15-30% of
the time that you put down on the entire paintjob,most of the time is trying to get the car staight,bondo or lead then blocksanding,blocksanding,blocksanding,
did I say blocksanding?
Don`t worry Eric I`m sure you have your car back home in a few weeks.

 

A good body shop that has a great history will get it done, they will usually tell u upfront when it will be done within a week or so, it's a tough bussiness to start with, I think the part most guys or ladies are good with that , it's the bad shops that give all of them a bad rap !

 

Yesterday was another small milestone in the build. Got up early and loaded the chassis on to my best friend's (Bart) trailer in the pouring rain. We drove to the body shop and mated the body to the chassis for the very last time. The body has been coated underneath and the front of the firewall has got some colour now. Loading it onto the trailer and pushing it into my garage was a little challenging as the air rides are deflated. But with a few pieces of wood we managed.

In the next two weeks I'll be installing the clutch plate/hydraulic clutch/etc and install the engine and gearbox for the last time. The progress is continuing.

 

wow ,how about that, finally time to install the goodies.not to forget the go faster goodies
time to pay you a visit Eric,

Art