1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Town Sedan Gets A Hot Rod Refresh

Here at Power Automedia, we’re obviously obsessed with hot rods and cars from the ’30s, and we found a real dandy 1939 Chevy for you. It’s an older build that sadly changed hands via an estate settlement. We spotted the car at Chevy’s Of The 40s (COTF), and were  instantly smitten. Regardless of the company name, COTF has a wide array of parts for Chevrolet cars and trucks ranging from 1937 to 1954, so don’t let the name fool you.

1939 Chevrolet

This ’39 Town Sedan caught our eye and we dug the overall look and feel of the rod. We also like that it’s an older rebuild. We think these older builds are a great buy, as the obligatory grey tweed upholstery and older wheels might turn off many potential suitors. We’d would love nothing more than to cosmetically liberate an older restoration and bring it into the 21st century. Think of this rod with an old school, era appropriate interior rethink and rollin’ on some steelies and dog dish caps.

1939 Chevrolet

Having said all that, driving and enjoying an older build is a another viable option. Dana Park recently purchased this old Chevy and is doing just that, although with a thorough mechanical update.

According to Dana, “This is a 1939 Master Deluxe Town Sedan, Model 39-1011. I purchased this car in May 2018, from a friend who acquired the car from an estate dissolution. This is an older build, and although it was originally a black car, there is evidence that this car was even orange at one time.”

Modifications And Equipment

  • Paint: OEM Chrysler: Dark Garnet Red Pearlcoat
  • Engine: 350 with iron Vortec heads, Hugger headers with stainless exhaust
  • Transmission: Turbo 400 from 1968 Chevelle 396
  • Differential: 8.5-inch, 10-bolt from a Nova
  • Power steering
  • Power brakes
  • Vintage Air
  • Cruise Control
  • VDO gauges
  • Tilt wheel
  • Cloth interior and headliner
  • Reupholstered stock seats
  • One piece curved windshield
  • Front suspension: Mustang II
  • GM 11″ rotors with metric calipers
  • Power steering rack: 1976 TRW, 3-bolt mount

Dana continues, “Since I purchased it, I’ve been performing a mechanical refresh on the car to bring all the maintenance up to date. Everything on the front suspension has been replaced, with the exception of the front crossmember and spindles. The forward frame has been stripped and repainted, and I replaced control arms, springs, shocks, bushings, ball joints and strut rods.

All nuts and bolts have been replaced with with new grade-8 hardware. New calipers, brake hoses, and resurfaced rotors with new bearings and seals all the way around have been added.

New power steering hoses and power rack bushings were installed. The car has new 7-inch headlight conversion assemblies, buckets and pans, as well as new LED taillights and LED third stop light on license plate frame. I serviced the transmission with a  B&M shift kit and adjustable vacuum modulator as well. As with any street rod, work will continue to improve the car and bring it to the best level possible.”

Dana’s strategy is a sound one, and a good blueprint to follow when acquiring an older hot rod build. Stay tuned to Rod Authority as we are continually on the hunt for interesting hot rods and we’ll  report back with a new find soon.

About the author

Dave Cruikshank

Dave Cruikshank is a lifelong car enthusiast and an editor at Power Automedia. He digs all flavors of automobiles, from classic cars to modern EVs. Dave loves music, design, tech, current events, and fitness.
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