Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2011/5/3 9:32:50

TO DO LIST
Those nagging issues that were set aside, now need attention to complete the Duchess. Current situation is everything that can come off the body, except for doors and trunk lid is at the paint shop. All the upholstery pieces were pulled down to get estimates. And Sunday I backed her out so I could get in the attic and bring down the spare rims and tires. I ordered door sils from Door Sills, but will not have them for a few months, so will use old ones, polished up. Wiper mounts, male dovetail for doors, and seat adjuster collar are in for chrome.

I ordered the side mount center stainless steel trim pieces from Northfield Forming, about $200. EDIT $220 with shipping. On their way.

I found the pattern for a 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan at E-Z ON, something most authorities did not think was available. EDIT: On one estimate this saved about $1,000 in labor and materials.

1. Drill one more door handle shaft as we broke off the bit, both ways. Take to a machine shop.
EDIT: A very kind and generous machine shop owner near my office took a look and said it probably can't be drilled. Drill bits are 60 Rockwell hard. Fortunately I brought the escutcheon and retainer with me. He pinged the shaft instead of drilling and inserting a pin, as it was done originally...in exchange for a ride in the Duchess when it's done. One item down.

2. Follow up on the door pins being machined.

3. Get an estimate on the feasibility of putting striations in my solid aluminum running board moldings. If over $300, buy new.

4. Work the grill until it open and closes easily.

5. Secure the exhaust pipe so it doesn't hit the frame if the engine rocks.
EDIT: SEcured but bending to clear the frame will have to be done at the Midas muffler shop.

6. Install floor insulation.

7. Paint and woodgrain dash (my big job).

8. Find someone to install the new running board rubber.

9. Follow up on David Moe list. EDIT: Done but no response.

10. Take rear window frame and horn ring in for chrome. These items looked perfectly good...until the other chrome items were finished.

That's all for now.
EDIT: Today I saw my first actual sprayed on sample of Blackhawk Gray Metallic for approval. It is gorgeous, rich like French roast, with a mixture of extra fine and medium metallic which highlights beautifully. Before I say it has hints of cherry and walnut, I'll back off of that. BUT this is the official PPG conversion from the original Ditzler (then a PPG division) 1940 color prepared by the PPG color library. I'm thrilled.