Hello all, This is my first post on this forum, and it looks like a wonderful resource with many great people. As you can tell from my username I have a 1940 Super 56S that I just purchased. I got a pretty good deal so I was not surprised that it needs quite a few things. BTW, I want to use it as a driver for fun, maybe a few car shows as a do not judge, but no time or money to take it to a 98 point car (although you could, all the pieces are there). Here is where I am: Paint and body "OK" (10 footer), colors not original but idc Several Naugas died to cover the seats, doors, and headliner, but it looks good (if not original) Carpet rotten, I got it out, original rubber/fiber still extant, will likely get that ripped out next Spring and put in new carpet Plastic bits in door and window handles missing or broken, other plastic trim bits on doors are there and OK Needs new gasket on windshields and new vent wings and front door windows, gaskets, sweepers Tires good Brakes good, no scraping or pulling Engine overhauled right before I bought it (upper only) Steering very loose, appears to be in the box, hope I can delash All rubber weatherstrip on body shot but trunk, I have replaced cowl gaskets and am waiting on door strips Starts hard, will overhaul carb this coming weekend, will also check out ignition parts Needs a battery Gen looks OK All gauges function as well as speedo, lights/turn sigs also work Dash looks good but someone painted over the nice woodgrain :mad:, but engine turned panels look real good Clock is not working but I can fix (I also do clock repair) Wipers are OK but v e r y s l o w No radio, I want one (I can fix/overhaul, I specialize in working old tube gear, I am an EE) Engine overheats, looks like I have to pull radiator - yuck Grinding noise in first gear when moving :eek:, second and third are quiet Clutch engages at very top of travel, will see if any adjustment left Shocks and ride seem good for car of this vintage, but don't corner too hard!! I have worked on old cars before - did engine/clutch/tranny work on a 1953 41D when I was in college (40 yrs ago!) as well as doing all of my own repairs and maintenance until the late 80s and I miss being able to actually work on cars rather than just take them to dealers. So we will see if I still fell this way in a few months! So my first of what will likely be a quite few questions (will keep to 1 per thread) is: I have a few inst panel lights out. Is it easier to pull the dash/panel rather than try to snake your fingers back there? And what is the procedure for pulling the dash/inst panel? The shop manual is most unclear on this. Cheers and thanks, Dave Stovall Rockville, MD
Thanks Grant! And I have spoken with a couple of people later today who essentially said what you did - do not pull the panel unless no other recourse. So I may have to find someone with thin fingers.... Cheers, Dave