VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 49 and 50 differences ?

Hi I am new here, and have started looking around because I am looking for a 49 or 50 coupe. But I am not fully aware of what differences exists between the two. I am aware that the are small differences such as the grill, rear trunk handle etc.. But I am wondering differences that exists that are in any way significant to know weather I should be leaning towards one more so than the other. Also I understand automatic came in in 1950 correct ? Other things to think about ?

You're correct that auto came in 1950, as well as the Belair Hardtop. 1949's had red painted centres on the hubcaps and hood emblem, where 1950's had gold. The '49 had a really nice licence plate surround on the front bumper, which was eliminated in 1950. Also the red tail light lens was flatter, but in the same chrome housing as the '50.The 1950 had larger exhaust valves and a switch to Rochester carburetors. With the powerglide in 1950 came the 235 motor as standard equipment. All '49's are 216's. Check with some of the experts, but I believe that some of the rubber on the inner fender linings was eliminated in 1950 to combat a rust problem where the rubber held moisture against the front fender. That may be for Canadian cars only, I would have to dig a little deeper.

The early 1949'd had a poor body. They leaked water. When you closed the door the rear quarter panel would shake. This is just the tip of the ice berg. The late 1949 was much better but all in all the 1950 car was better in other ways also. The good 1949's did not have the hood lock knob under the dash. It was under the top grille bar as the 1950's were.
Either year could have serious rust problems.

thanks for the help guys

Another thing, the 1950 had one of the best looking accessory hood ornaments Chevrolet ever came out with. Those in the early thirties were pretty neat also. I don't know the year(s) but the eagle with the raised wings was really neat.

I was wondering. Were the 50 type wrap-around bumper tips available for the 49 or were they just adopted after the 50 came out. I know I didn't ask the question right but I think most of you know what I mean. Also, how about that piece behind the front wheel opening?

Thanks,
Charlie