37 Business Coupe Restoration

[37coupe]

I am learning quickly that this will be a long project. I initially guessed 2 years. While I still believe the car will be on the road in 2 years, I am quite sure it will not be done. The plan is a body off full restoration. I got the car in September 08, and started in October 08. As you might guess, the body is not off yet. While I am very close (I think) to removing the body, several small details seem to take forever. Small panel screws that refuse to come out. I started by applying Break Free bolt loostener to all known bolts and screws. Well, I kept finding more as I progressed. The simple parts seem to take more time than the big ones. Body bolts were pretty easy, while access panels in the floorboard refuse to move. Plus working in an unheated garage, even in Oklahoma City, has days that are just to cold for an old man. Add working full time, and the time flys by, and I have missed progress goals. I get calls from family (This was my Dad's car) on progress and they seem to think it should be almost done by now. This project will not be rushed as the result would be obvious. I will try to post more as the project progresses. Stay tuned for more pictures.

[RHB785]

, G'day 37coupe,
Looks like a good project you have there. At the moment I'm considering buying a 1939 example of the Aussie eqvialent to your car. Here they were called the Fully Enclosed Coupe by GM-H and Slopers by everyone else because of their fastback sloping rear deck lid. Slopers are now very rare and becoming more valuable because of this. They were built from 1935 to 1941 in 2 different body styles (1935-37 and 37-41) across the Vauxhall, Chev, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick ranges. What ever the car was in the US or Britain it was also that forward of the firewall in Australia but aft of the firewall they were different, even in the 4 door sedans. I hope your project goes well and you soon get that body off. I know what it's like working full time and trying to get other things done as well especially when you work shift work and mostly night shift at that.

Regards,
Ross.

[Larry]

A 1939 Pontiac is a great early Pontiac. We have posted photos of the "Slopers" in various places at PontiacRegistry.com. They are an amazing body style that you are lucky to have down yonder. Let us know if you purchase it.

[RHB785]

, Thanks again Larry. I'll be going up next week to where this one is to meet the current owner and have a good look at it. It's a 6 cylinder, apparently in good condition and the engine even runs and everything works. A couple of years ago I drove down to Melbourne to look at another one. What a wasted trip. It was a rust bucket, seized engine, no gearbox or driveline and the interior was trashed, what there was of it. I felt it was beyond my skill level so it stayed where it was. He sold it about a month later on ebay for less than a quarter of what he wanted for it. I'm glad my head overruled my heart in that case.

Regards,
Ross.