VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Spare tire T handles 31

There is a pair of T handles on ebay-- they are completely smooth on top. Is that correct for the original? All the ones I have ever seen do have a ring or a grove around the edge. 1931 Chevrolet is what I found them under. Thanks

I think this is the link for ebay 151229050405

Another question on the handles. Are locking handles standard or an option? I looked at the Ebay listing and also found another listed by the same seller. One pair of handles made for locks while the other set is not. Both listed as original.

I checked the eBay items mentioned, for '31, the standard sidemount T-Handles have a fine recessed line around outer edge of top, as well as a hole fully through center. As a result, when in place, the top of the sidemount post may protrude slightly through the T. Many of these which are re-chromed have the fine perimeter line ground off as part of the process of smoothing out pitting (ain't that the pits!). The Hole in the T's top is not meant for a lock.

I believe '32 and forward years the T-Handle post mounting hole has the extra protrusion on top so end of mounting post is not seen. The eBay ads show both types If I recall, the '32 handles may not have the perimeter groove.

A Sidemount Tire Lock was available as an accessory ($5.00 a pair in '32) and is the U-shaped clamp type with a built in lock and key, often seen on eBay as well. I have not personally ever seen one of these in place so don't know just how they get attached and locked down.

I think the closed top is for 1929--1932 and the open top t handles are for 1933---1935 ???

The correct info has been posted in this section before, I just cannot remember what is correct.

Found my I & I repo catalogue the flat topped T handles is listed as 1929--1936 open car

the other type with the long post on top of the t handle is listed as CLOSED CAR STYLE 1929--1936 and trucks 1929--1936 .

there is one of each style listed on ebay under 1931. The one from jdaniel appears to be closed car 29-36 with the top of the post shortened.


mike

Not sure about the "u-shaped" tire lock for 32 fitting the sidemount. I have a rear mount spare with the lock on my 32 and I would consider that the U-shaped style. I have a copy of the accessory literature for 32 that shows the "fender well tire lock" . Looks to be more of a barrel style but I have no idea how it mounts. Searching again on Ebay found three different styles of hold down handles and of course they are listed for years 31-33. One is flat across the top w/open center, another has a lightly raised top w/open center, and the third an extended top that is closed. I have a couple coming from an Ebay buy and will see what I get. Actually purchased to get the hold down clamps for a friend who already has the hold down handles and would like to install the correct ones for 1932. They will need to be plated so don't want to waste $$$ plating the incorrect ones. If anyone has a good photo and could post that would be great or send to my email which is "chvy32@concast.net".

The sidemount "T" handles for 1932 are closed and the "T" handles prior to that had an open top. The application listed by I&I is incorrect. Both the open cars and the closed cars used the same "T" handle for their respective year.

The "T" handle shown on eBay (#151229050405) is for 1931 and earlier.


The 1932 sidemount tire locks are of the barrel type. The barrel of the lock slides down over the vertical sidemount rod. The end of the barrel lock has a special stud that protrudes through a lug nut hole in the hub of the wire wheel. The lock device goes over the stud inside inside of the wire wheel and then locks in place. The sidemount hub cap hides the lock from view.

Thanks JYD for the explanation. Looks like I have the correct handles and clamps coming.

I agree with JYD!

To add to the lock which was used in '32. It was a 3 part construction, where you have a stud and cover. Once the cover is installed over the post coming out of the fender, a sleeve is installed and once the special bolt is installed you can't take the 3 parts apart. If anyone would like to see a picture I have some of these which I can take pictures of.

Bruce

The sidemount clamps changed as well between '31 and '32, due to the slightly wider tire size for '32. The '31 clamp is easily identified as it has a washer/sleeve welded to lower part of the clamp which passes over the post. The '32 and later does not have this feature. Having said all this, for the person who is not particualrly fussy about being perfect, most of the clamps will fit a '31, and the T-handles of later year will fit as well(just not correct!).

On my 31, I have the rim locks that slide down the vertical rod and then sits up against the rim making it impossible to lift the tire out of the well. Each rim lock has a key lock as part of the assembly.

Sal, can you post a picture of these showing how they attach etc. I was wondering just what they lock onto? Do they clamp to the mounting post somehow?

A picture would be nice, but have you seen JYD's post earlier describing how they mount and function?

Yes, I read JYD's description of one type of lock and Sal's decription of a second type, I'd like to see a picture of both types. A picture is always worth 1000 words eh! You never know when you may come across one of these accessories and it would be good to know just what fits what.

If you can post a picture that would be great.

Newbie Here!
This shows all three styles of T handles in the 31 Accessories booklet.
[img:left]http://1931chevrolet.com/images/accessories/booklet/accessories%20page%204-727.jpg[/img]

Welcome to Chevy Chatter. We are glad that you could join us.

In viewing the photo in question, I see that both styles (open top and closed top) of the "T" handle are featured, but I don't see three different styles of "T" handles.

In the photo on the left, showing the tire lock, isn't that the third type? it has a short top on the T or is it just the angle of the photo, or could it be the rod end? It just looks different than the two on the right showing the tire covers.

paul

In the photo on the left, it looks to me like the top of the brace rod is protruding above the open top "T" handle slightly.

According to the Chevrolet parts books, there were only two types of "T" handles used.

The "U" type lock I referred to is shown on Bill's '31 Chevrolet site under sidemount accessories section. It appear to be intended to clamp against rim of sidemounted wheel, or perhaps hub of wheel? I would still like a better understanding of how this one "locks' in place. it appears it would slide up or down on post, perhaps the internals of the locking mechanism prevents this?

Yes.




Yes.