VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 41 Accessories

Here are accessories I don't like like on a 41:

1. Fender Skirts: Because they hide the rear wheels. Without the spacer chrome they leave a gap between the rocker moldings and the skirt chrome. With the spacer the bottom of the fender rock guard must be cut to accommodate them, but even then they don't seem to line up well. I have a set of skirts but will not restore them to go on the car.

2. Town and Country horn switch. Messes up the dash.

3. Hat holder. Messes up your hat.

4. Wheel trim rims (the big ones). Shark teeth rims look much better. (I'll get a set of the right ones but as soon as judging is over they come off to be replaced buy the 40 ones.

4. Wash boards. They look like something you'd bet at Western Auto or Firestone. Have a set but don't think I mount them.

5. Glad Cheygene pointed out that they were not an accessory in 41. The only ones I've ever seen that look okay are the ones on a 50 Bel Air.

6. Spinner steering wheel. Not too bad but the regular Special Deluxe one looks just as good if not better. I have a spinner also.


All the other accessories are okay including the foot scrapers.

Any of you that don't like my opinions, and I doubt there will be any, can just wait 'til you see me and we can square off. (I be a-packin') Best wishes, Charlie

Not a correct 41 accessory.

Ray, I didn't know that. Let me substitute passing lights instead. Thanks, Charlie

I would have to agree as I have the washboard and am not going to use them as they just do not fit the car.

Go to our club web site on the bottom of this post. You will see club member cars moving across the screen. Take a good look at the 1941 Coupe and tell me my car isn't sharp looking.

Your car isn't sharp looking. The castle in the background sure is, though. Back to your car, it looks like a Master Deluxe. No woodgrain, no belt chrome around the body. no clock, three spoke steering wheel, no hood louvers. no stripe in the upholstery, sad, sad. sad. And, you threw on those washboards to compensate for the lack of chrome elsewhere. Not only that but there appears to be blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe. No babe machine. Instead of throwing all your money in a paint job you should have held back enough to have given it a ring job. Back in 41 City folk who owned Special Deluxes rarely recognize their hillbilly cousins who could only afford the cheaper model. Real sad.

I'm just kidding you. You do have a sharp looking car. To me the 41 coupe had/has the best looking lines of any car ever produced by Chevrolet. Your car is a testament to that. Best Wishes, Charlie

I think the 1941 looks good in any body style with the Spec. Dx and Master DX 4 door being at the bottom of the list because they have too many little side windows.
Can't hink of any accessory I don't like with the exception of the foot scrapers. They are just ugly.
Just about one half of all the accessories are enough as too many spoil a good thing.
The first thing they need would be the white wall tires. This goes for almost all the mid '30's and up cars. The 1941 was the first year that whites were getting to be common on a low priced car.

41 Special Deluxe, Clarification please, which accessory was NOT an option for the 41 ? I trust chevgene 110% just curious.

For me, I like most options. Haven't seen all of them installed so I'd reserve judgement. Might buy an Umbrella holder, not sure yet.

But I would be happy to find:
GM Auto Compass. {especially @ $2.95, the org price}.
OEM, Exhaust Pipe extension
Rear Window Blinds

Here's the OEM accessories on or near my 41 Spec. Deluxe:
Fog Lights {2}
Passing Light
Front Grill Guard & End-wrap arounds
Rear Fender Guard Ends {Warp arounds}
Trunk Guard {fold down}
Glare Proof Mirror {day/night}
Windshield Washers
Locking Gas Cap {repro}
Back-Up Light
Fender trim [wash boards}
Fender Skirts
Fender Skirt Streamliners
Wheel Moldings {beauty rings}
Deluxe Radiator Ornament {Flying Lady}
Cigarette Lighter {cats eye, option or standard ?}
Electric Visor Vanity Mirror
Short-Wave Radio
Deluxe Front & Rear Heater {under seat}
Heater Shut Off Valve {Still leaks-Arrrrg}
Front Window Defroster
Overflow Tank
Radiator Cover

Other OLD accessory's on my car but not from GM/Chev:
Outside Sun Visor
Turn Signals
Fender Markers
6 inch. Interior GM Fan
Split Manifold. Fenton
Flashlight Holder
Flashlight

So I have lots of stuff to clean & polish...
Michael41

Oops, forgot, have White Wall Tires...does that count as an "accessory/option" ?

enjoy the ride,
michael41

All the things you list down through the radiator cover (actually grille cover) were offered by Chevrolet.
The lighter was standard equipment on a Special Deluxe and all 1937-1942 lighters had the cats eye.

In the lower assortment chevrolet offered directional signals, fender markers, fan, flash light and holder.
The white walls could have been ordered as an option from the factory or the dealer could have switch the tires if the customer bought a car out of stock (as most 1941's were) and installed white walls.

The heater shut-off valve leak can easily be repaired with some Teflon string used for faucet repair (facuet packing)

Thanks for the info Gene. Always fun to learn...about my car.

Were there 2 Grill/Radiator covers ? One for bugs {Screen like mine} and one for cold weather ???

Happy Thanksgiving,
Michael

There was the outside grille cover for cold weather. Was silver material with an emblem sewn on.
There were two bug screens. On that went in front of the grille an one that went in front of the radiator.

Happy Thanksgiving day to you and all the Chatter folks also. :vcca:

Were finder markers sold in a sets of two or, more practically, just one to mark the whereabouts of the right fender as you drove into the home garage or other tight places. As in fog lights and passing lights, outside rearview mirrors, and spotlights, et al, two help balance the look for those undisciplined, unknowing, or with the low-grade attitude "I don't give a darn, I have the title and I'll engineer, change, paint, screw it up all I want to" and their supporters." As for me I support the intent of the original designers. If that intent called for one then its one. Take that Ron Wade. He and I go back a long ways. And I mean no offense to any particular person. Just some to get you-all stirred up about. Best, Charlie.

IF I'm interpreting the "Genuine Chevrolet Accessories catalog for 1941" correctly. Fender Marker [s] were sold as each. Meaning you could buy one for $1.09. Not sure if people bought 1 or 2 {?}

Catalog suggest that the items "saves fender bumps and repair bills" because of the "low drivers seats."

Enjoy the ride,
Michael41

Price in the accessories pamphlet was $1.25 each.

Hey Ray..........that $1.09 price that Mike is referring to must have been the "Black Friday" sale price...

Here is, in my opinion, the order of importance (not directly listed of 41 accessories in terms of desirability and function, but not owning to necessarily to rarity, for the looks (dressing up and making for driving pleasure) of the car (Special Deluxe only, there ain't much you can do for a Master):

1. Any radio except the cheap, all through the one hole, ones. First place would be standard push button, owing to looks and function, second is the 8-tube for best sound, last the 5-band, there's no "Tokyo Rose" or "Axis Sally" to listen to any more and the rest of the radio was about the quality of the cheap one. And there is nothing worse to ruin the looks of the dash than the radio blank. Alas, Gabrial Heeter (sp) is gone also.

2. A top of the line heater for coupes and cabriolets and an under-seat heater for the sedans. Both with defrosters, of course.

3. Grille and trunk guard assemblies.

4. Center trunk guard assembly

5. Deluxe hood ornament (Flying Lady).

6. Fog lights. A unique to 41 really nice looking pair of fog lights.

7. Inner trim rings if they're "shark teeth." Otherwise skip this item. )If there was ever one thing that Chevrolet should have carried over from 40 to 41, it was the "shark teeth" rims.) With outer trim rings for sure.

8. Auxiliary spare tire pressure port. Great idea and saved time and aggravation and wear and tear on the carpets.

9. Back-up light (just one). They're cute.

10. Compass. Merely because we down south were/are in the hopes that yankees will notice they are heading south and will remember how good they think it is back home and then turn around and stay put.

11. Spot light. Necessary to light the way for "Lil Suzie," as she made her way from her home through the mud to your dazzling 41, after you have laid on the horn a couple of times.

12. Foot Scrapers. So "Lil Suzie" can scrap the mud off her size 9EEE saddle shoes before placing them on your nice carpet insert and jeopardize what could be a swell evening with a cool 41 Chevy driver.

13. Fender marker. They just looked really cool. You just had to remind "Lil Suzie" that if she sliped on the mud as she rounded the fender, to not grab ahold of it. She must simply go down and risk getting her dress all muddy. After all, it was already pretty wrinkled from all the wrestling in the back seat anyway. Being the thoughtful gentleman you were, you'd then turn on the spot light to help her get up and make her way unassisted to her front door. You didn't have to worry about her feelings. Driving a 41, she'd soon get over it and come a-running the next time you opted to give her a thrill by stopping by and tapping your horn.

All the rest of the accessories are optional. The thermometer was a helpful to
let you know it it was too cold to park in the drive-in/woods or not. Of course, you'd be thinking of the effect of the cold air on the engine more than "Lil Suzie's" comfort. We love our Chevys.

Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving Day. Charlie

Charlie I've only seen 1 Foot Scraper installed. I was surprised how simple and unassuming it looked. I had imagined that it would "bigger" or bulkier, but it looked very nice.

And Ray my pal, what wood-I do-wit-ouch-ya.

Heck, I'd a shown up at the Chevy dealer with a buck-ten and not been able to buy a fender marker. Then ida had to call ya for a .16 cent loan. Or redeem 8 Coke bottles. Got .02 cents each in my day, and a Hershey was only a nickel. Life worked.

Enjoy Thanksgiving & give Thanks
Michael41

Oops. I forgot about the Spinner Steering Wheel. The standard SD wheel looks better but the spinner comes in handy when you are out with "Lil Suzie." With just your left hand, it would allow you to sling nasties down a dirt road and negotiate street corners with such impressive, tire squalling finesse that it would make old ladies catch their breath and children just marvel at your skills. Going down a straight road, it would allow your right arm to do some _____(fill in the blank). It would allow you to do all this whilst freeing your right arm to cradle and keep "Lil Suzie" pulled up tight against you. The Ford guys couldn't do that. Your Plymouth buddies, driving their mom's car, couldn't do that either. Three reasons: They didn't have enough engine power, no spinner wheel and ever since you got the 41 their girl. Yep, thats the way it was. Best, Charlie

Hey Charlie!!

Did you forget - no spinner wheel on my 49, but could buy a palm spinner and than have girl friend shift for you whilst your right hand did it's thing?? Loved those palm spinners!!

Jim.

Like it or not' Its my car and I will dress it like I see it'

My conv with Footscapers

Beautiful

That's why we live the land of the free

Great looking Chevys

Great looking 1941 Chevy. I have a 1940 business coupe with alot of accessories. I would imagine that most 40 business coupes only had a couple of accessories on them when new. As you say, it's my car therefore I get to build it the way I want it. With more accessories, it is more fun to drive.

dtm

that is one beautiful looking 41

I've had the pleasure of nosing around the 41's shown, the Coupe & Convertible they are both are beautiful cars....

Look-in good dude !
Michael41

The fact is Chevrolet sold the accessorie so the owners could personalize their cars. In 1941 most were lucky to have a heater AND a radio and these cars were more or less just considered transportation by the owners. The owners that thought of a car as more than just an appliance would spend the money for accessories. From my memory at least 80% of 1941 Chevrolets had none of the mentioned accessories other than the radio and heater. I would say the wing tips/grille and trunk guards were the most popular. Today we still personalize our collector cars with OUR favorite items and all tastes are differnt. Adding accessories during the time of ownership is something I always did as it more or less refreshes the looks of the car.

'Tis indeed a beautiful car! Now, for this ignorant soul, what is a "footscraper"? :vcca:

Thanks to all for the kind words. The footscraper is a stamped steel box -like grate covered with stainless and two cast end pieces.They are mounted on the rocker area between the front and rear fenders over where the rocker moulding would be.GM provided all the nessary holes and or body anchors on all 41 model year cars regardless of model.It was intended to be used as a way of cleaning your footwear of mud, snow ect. before entering the car. I also was not a fan of these not so many years ago even passing up a few sets over the years.It was not until I purchased the convertible that I decided to make it my own by adding a set. So enjoy life and have it your way'''
Happy Holidays to all.
Mike.........

Foot scrapers were probably one of the most seldom seen acessories for 1941. I had never seen nor heard of them until getting into the hobby in 1970. I more or less was very aware of 1941 Chevrolets from the time they were new. The wide low body and good looks caused quite a stir in 1941.
1941 was the first year for Chevrolet not to have running boards.

a number of makes eleminated running boards on some of their models in 1939. It was considers very radicl and many buyers were not ready to accept a running boardless car in 1941. So wisely GM retained what they called a concealed runing board on the A and B bodies. I suspect Chevrolet didn't want to take any chances and offered the foot scraper as a (added) running board substitute. In 1942-48 Chevrolet has the built-in foot scraper (which many owners today don't know they have) - its the area under the front fenser extension that can be seen whenthe door is opened. The farmer could scrape the manure of his shoes and it would fall thru the opening to the ground.

A couple of more views'
[img] [img]http://[/img] http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp51/1941SPLDLX/DSCN0235.jpg[/IMG]

1941 Special DLX, By looking at the pictures you posted is it apparent that you have a couple of very nice cars. Wow! But I can't fathom why you didn't stick the scrapers on the coupe instead of the Cabriolet. My thinking is that it would be more at home there with the passing light. But, as you so forcefully stated, it's "the way I see it" I think I understand. Defiance maybe. Fine. Actually, you may want to put another passing light on the right side. That way the center of gravity of that critter would be moved toward the front and help lift the rear end up some. Or, are the springs wore slap out or are you a-hauling too much corn squeezings (CS) back there in the trunk. Oops, I forgot you don't know what CS is out there in LA. Then never mind. Owing to your location, merely substitute some plentiful form of illegal items you folks may have out there. By the way, owing to your failure to see things my way, as evidenced by the "way I see it," what do you have against a set of nice of mud flaps (ones with the stars and reflectors). They have the potential of keeping the bottom of the rear fenders as manure free as the scrapers do the insides of the car. (I'm just messin with ya.) Best wishes, Charlie

Hi Charlie,
The reason I installed the scrapers on the rag is that I am only 3ft.tall and I need them so that I can hop into the car' The coupe is lowered so I can just jump into it'Plus I carry my stilts along with all my other junk in there spare 216, trans, tools, wheels ect.you know the usual stuff'.Also the reason the passing lamp is only on the drivers side is that it keeps the car from leaning to the right, my 89lbs.is not enough'.
Thanks
Mike....

That was the best reply yet....

I would love to have either of the 1941's and if the price was right would leave them just as they are.

Beautiful cars!!! LOVE all the accessories! There quite addicting!!!

1941 SD, Now I think I may understand. But I still think you have capitulated to the dark side. Anyway, so the scrappers are owing to a vertically challenged condition and, therefore, needing to help you scramble aboard. As to such low-rider mentality, why don't you install a set of huge (take out the back seat) boom boxes on it as well. That way when you demonstrate from your "orange-crate" position just how high that thing will jump to the sound of some loud and awful rap (actually all rap is awful). You then can have little kiddies and other less mature folks looking on and a-clapping and marveling at your "ride." As to the passing light, I guess there's no bigger kick than lighting up the world when giving notice that you intend to pass. Question: For those on our coasts, did they make you black-out the upper half of them as well as the head lights. Or, more practically, did the military's coastal defense borrow them for back-up search lights. I hope you'll consider painting a Chevy bow tie (actually a propeller) on the lens, bring it to Flint, tilt if up another 30 degrees or so and put on a Batman style show for independent thinking folk who tend to walk on the side on the bright side (more enlightened).
Best wishes, Charlie

I see that Ron's 41 is making the cover of G & D. Two passing lights et al. If I was the editor I'd make him take the right one off. To have two on there and have the unmitigated gall to think that two of them suckers look better than the correct just one, makes us purist think of tar and feathers. Yes, arrogance has no bounds. (Am I ever envious or not?) Anyway, when I get my copy I'm a-going to crop out the right passing light. I figure a hole in the picture will be better than constantly testing my gag reflex every time I see it. Have you noticed that it has (as far as I know) every accessory but fog lights? Even foot scrapers? I know Ron and he ain't no member of the lollypop guild. Best, Charlie

How are accessories judged?
a. Not judged?
b. Judged?
c. If judged and its an accessory such as a passing light, does it have to work?
d. If the above is true then does a five band radio have to pick up short-wave signals. Do they wait until an optimal time, about midnight, to test for short-wave stations?
e. For passing lights, back-up lights and fog-lights, how does the switch figure in?
f. Does the town and country horn have to switch from one in town to two in the country setting?
h. Does an eight-hour clock on a Master have to work. Do they have to work for a full eight hours on full wind? (yeah, I'm reaching here.)
I. Does an umbrella have to be opened up and tested for holes?
j. Or is one who is going to enter his car in a contest better off to take off all the accessories so they can fairly compete with a plain-Jane Master sans accessories? Richard (Dick) Shirieber (sp) use have one and it won every time.
k. How about a red-head flashlight, does it have to have the flat end with the BM (I think) embossment?

I know the above may seem silly but I sure don't know the answers. Best, Charlie

Charlie
Great question'' Judge-to form a opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.
I for one don't ever have my cars judged' Its not important to me to have some individual or group of unqualified people to tell me what is right or wrong about my cars in there opinion."
Some people like, love the plaques, trophies ect.And thats great for some. I don't care if a car is a plane jane or loaded with a bunch of goodies.If the car looks good, it looks good.I prefer to like my cars the way I have them and enjoy them that way.Not everyone has the same taste, so be yourself and don't be the judge'

Ditto!
Ditto!

ED, well, I can't argue with you on that. I do think though that if you're going to have a car judged, it would behoove you to have it as close to original as you can without too much trouble. Saves deductions and a more pleasing result.
Best, Charlie

Charlie. I go to several local car shows. I have quite a few trophies and plaques from shows and parades. I go to shows to visit with friends and look at cars and trucks. I don't have to win something to have a good time. My car is very very close to original inside and out. Everything works and I now have it running very good. Seems like it runs better every time I drive it. The average person (and most critics) are not able to detect the few things that are not "right". I'm not big on accessories but respect those that like them.
I enjoy the Chatter II and the Chat Chapter especially the discussions on repairs and just chatter. I don't write many threads but keep it up. I check our site everyday. JIM