TexRiv_63 Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 After swearing off prewar cars a number of years ago this one has brought me back. It is a 1934 Chevrolet DC Standard 3-window coupe and I received it this past Tuesday. It is an 85 year old, 95% original car. The story is that the previous owner bought it in 1992 to chop up for a hotrod but it was in such good shape he decided to leave it stock appearing. What he did do is interesting - he rebuilt all the mechanical systems, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, using stock parts but he went out of his way to leave everything visible in original worn condition. He also used some hidden hotrod tricks to update the car, just yesterday I discovered that the headlamps and taillight were converted to full LEDs which are surprisingly bright. I am still looking and inspecting and think I will find more updates. I have replaced the 6 year old battery and replacing the ancient Montgomery Ward Riverside tires will be my first priority. The engine starts easily and runs quietly and in the very little driving I've done the only issue is a very grabby clutch but I am getting used to that. I was pleasantly surprised to see the trunk filled to the brim with spare parts plus a full steering wheel, column and gearbox sitting on the seat! My 63 Olds Starfire is up for sale and in storage and the 34 is sharing the garage with my daily and my 66 Monaco Wagon. 15 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 I also like it's 'bigger friend'; that '65 Dodge wagon in front of it. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Patina is in for now but tastes change daily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRHaelig Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Congrats! That is very nice and just the way I like them. Have fun! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 40 minutes ago, padgett said: Patina is in for now but tastes change daily. True. I've owned lots of shiny cars but my 34 Packard got me intrigued with original cars and now I am selling the last shiny car. I do plan to clean and shine the green paint, I will need to do something with all the surface rust but not sure what yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 1 hour ago, 8E45E said: I also like it's 'bigger friend'; that '65 Dodge wagon in front of it. Craig 1966 Dodge Monaco, also an original car. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 That Chevy looks familiar. Looks like a fun car and lack of shine does not hurt it one bit! Enjoy! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 1 hour ago, TexRiv_63 said: True. I've owned lots of shiny cars but my 34 Packard got me intrigued with original cars and now I am selling the last shiny car. I do plan to clean and shine the green paint, I will need to do something with all the surface rust but not sure what yet. Nice Chev. I prefer them shiny but there's something to be said for keeping them original. Save those Monkey Ward Riversides - they may have collectible value. 🤣 1 hour ago, TexRiv_63 said: 1966 Dodge Monaco, also an original car. Also a nice car. My folks had a 66 Polara 4-door hardtop that color - basically the same as Monaco but not as fancy trim and standard equipment. It was pretty well optioned though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted October 14, 2019 Author Share Posted October 14, 2019 18 hours ago, CHuDWah said: Save those Monkey Ward Riversides - they may have collectible value. 🤣 Really? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted October 14, 2019 Share Posted October 14, 2019 Glad you're enjoying it, Don. If you ever grow tired of it, there's a list of about a half-dozen guys with broken hearts that you got to it first. Really a fun little car to zip around in and the previous owner was a talented guy but also a man of few words who is very modest about his talent. I'll put you in touch with him. He also rebuilt all the gauges. He did try to buff the green paint a bit but he did it by hand since a machine might grab on the bare spots and make a mess. I think a good paintless dent removal guy might be able to fix that dent in the front fender. Or not, it goes with the car. You'll just have to figure out a story for the bullet holes! Have fun! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted October 14, 2019 Author Share Posted October 14, 2019 1 hour ago, Matt Harwood said: Glad you're enjoying it, Don. If you ever grow tired of it, there's a list of about a half-dozen guys with broken hearts that you got to it first. Really a fun little car to zip around in and the previous owner was a talented guy but also a man of few words who is very modest about his talent. I'll put you in touch with him. He also rebuilt all the gauges. He did try to buff the green paint a bit but he did it by hand since a machine might grab on the bare spots and make a mess. I think a good paintless dent removal guy might be able to fix that dent in the front fender. Or not, it goes with the car. You'll just have to figure out a story for the bullet holes! Have fun! Thanks Matt. At some point I will shine the green paint with a wax only buff like I did with the Packard, probably a one-time-only shot. For now the bullet marks and dents will remain as part of the car's history. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted October 14, 2019 Share Posted October 14, 2019 1 hour ago, TexRiv_63 said: Really? No, that was... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted October 14, 2019 Share Posted October 14, 2019 22 hours ago, TexRiv_63 said: 1966 Dodge Monaco, also an original car. Thanks! I couldn't see the tailgate stamping or the woodgrain trim clear enough in your photo to tell the year. Craig 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted October 30, 2019 Author Share Posted October 30, 2019 Thanks to those who responded to this thread. I'm settling in to evaluate this car and I will be starting a new preservation thread in the "Our Cars and Restorations" forum - stay tuned. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert G. Smits Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 I love the lines on the 33-34 GM coupes. Years ago when I purchased my 41 Cad series 63 to keep my friend from restoring it people thought I was crazy. No regrets!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now