I recently bought the 1940 Chevy coupe My dad finished building into a street rod in 1976. He sold it in August or September of the same year, and was killed in an automobile accident on October 1st, 1976. After searching for it for 22 years, it is now back in the family.

There were three owners after my dad sold it. The last two owners did change some things around. But, it still has the same paint/interior my dad had sprayed/installed.

The coupe originally had knee action suspension. Dad changed that to a straight axle. Second owner changed it to a Corvair suspension and some type of rack and pinion steering. After an extended drive, I have decided to replace the suspension and also the complete steering system including the steering column. The present set up has too many things wrong with it. Even if I would spend the time, money, and aggregation to try and fix it, I know that I would not like it. I have decided to go with a new Mustang II type IFS. I know there are several companies that make them. I would like to hear opinions on which ones would be best for my coupe. Also, are these bolt in or welded in? Do all new suspensions come with a rack and pinion? What type of springs should I order?

From the end of the steering column to the rack and pinion, it is connected by some type of flex cable. Personally, U don't trust this and want solid shafts and universal joints. The 350 motor does not have headers, just stock manifold connected to a new duel exhaust the previous owner had installed. My thinking is my first step is to replace the entire suspension. Then, buy a new steering column that tickles my fancy. But, before I install steering column and links it to the new rack and pinion, I should first have new headers installed. I also want to install power steering. Would this be the correct way to go?

After the front suspension and steering are finished, then come the brake system. It has a single bowl master cylinder, want to change that out and add duel bowl and power brakes. Also want to replace drum brakes with discs.

Do I have the above listed in the proper order they should be done?

As for the drive train, I got lucky. The gentlemen I bought it from replaced the 327 motor with a fresh crate (stock) 350. At the same time he replaced the 350TH transmission with a new 700R transmission. The second owner had replaced whatever rear end my dad had installed with a rear end out of a Nova. So the drive train is good as gold.

The last owner had also installed the following new items; starter, duel exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers, plastic 20 gallon gas tank, all aluminum radiator, 14" Craiger SS wheels, and Cooper Cobra tires.

The underside looks like a new car, very clean with no rust. The body, well, after 38 years, time has taken a small toll on the old girl. Doors, hood, trunk deck lid, and hood do not align properly. Lacquer paint is spider webbed. A few minor rust spots. Each from fender has a stress crack on top. Chrome will need redone. A few very little dings. But, for a 74 year old car and for being rebuilt 38 years ago, it is in great shape. The crushed green velvet interior has to go. It is faded and ripped in a few places. Plus, has an old smell to it.

I have a few body modifications Im thinking about. Plus a lot of ideas about the interior and updating things. But I'll save that for another post. Right now I would like to hear the members thoughts and advice on my present plans.

I have never done a build before. My experience is this, I was a mechanic in the Army and I have 1,800hrs. From a welding vo-tech school from back in the mid 80's. So although I have no experience with any of the above, I do understand the general concept, am handy with tools, and know my way around a shop.

Thanks in advance for all comments pro or con. This noob builder needs all the help he can get!!!


Bill