VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans what books/resources are out there??

Hello,

This is my first posting to the forum. I know almost nothing about old Chevrolets but I'd like to learn. Are there any good books that you'd recommend?

Sadly, my grandfather just passed away leaving us with a couple project cars. One of which is a 1930 Universal Truck that I would like to restore. Below is a link to a pic...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7150111@N05/4741637174/sizes/l/

The windshield wiper has a handle that hangs down directly behind the wiper inside the cab, which I'm sure is somebodies idea of a joke...
How did the windshield wiper originally work???

Why are the data plates screwed to the firewall when they ought to be riveted??? I've seen another example done similar to mine on the internet where they also used two screws in opposing corners to fasten each plate... why is this?

This truck is a dually. The wheels are slightly convex with rounded triangular holes. I've been told this truck could be a 1 1/2 ton... does this sound right??

Thank you,
Nathan Clay

Nathan,

Your truck looks about the way mine did when I got it in 1996. It's finally coming home from the paint shop this Thursday. Can't rush these things.
The windshield wiper is really what was factory installed in 1930. No joke. I'll bet the truck drivers were busy during a rain storm in 1930!
The ID plates were nailed to the floor on the passenger cars and the same plate was used on the trucks, so I guess the decided to drill holes and bolt it on instead of riviting. Someone else may have a better explanation for this.
I notice a couple of hood louvers have been cut out of your hood. Mine was the same way when I got it. I wonder if that was somebody of the 30's idea to keep them cool.
I would look at The Filling Station for books. The 1930 engines were all basicly the same so any information about the car engines would apply to the truck also.
Suggest you join the VCCA as this also opens up a vast amount of knowledge and help

Good Luck
ArtM

I agree with Art about the books. The top three to get, in priority order, are:

(1) Owner's Manual
(2) Service Manual
(3) Master Parts Price List

The Filling Station has all three at a fair price.

Good luck with your truck, and be sure to join the VCCA -- you'll get your money's worth over and over.

All the Best, Chip

PS -- The manual wiper was also supplied on the open cars in 1930. Driving in the rain gets pretty busy but is funnier than should be allowed.

Thank you both! I'll see about joining the VCCA as soon as I can.

Oh, and one more thing... where would you all recommend buying tires at???

Thanks again,
Nathan

Coker Tire seems to be a good place. Here is the link to their web site: http://www.cokertire.com/

Thanks for the link!

I looked at their website and it would seem like they should have the tire I'm looking for but I couldn't find it... The tires I have already on the truck are Seiberling 32 x 6 heavy ply. If I remember correctly the tire also had 30 x 5 Rim Only printed on it... ?? if that makes any sense??

All of this is above my head... can anyone please explain?

Thanks again Chip, ArtM and Junkyard Dog!

Nathan

According to the Chevrolet parts book the front tires are 30x5 and rhe rear are 32x6. That can be confusing.

ArtM

That explains it :)

I can't wait till those books arrive in the mail... I feel like I'm in the dark right now without them :)

Say Art, um where did you buy those tires for your truck at?
I couldn't find any that I thought would work on the Coker Tire Co website...

I doubt Discount Tire would carry them, but I haven't looked..

Thanks again!!!

There are no modern replacements for the 30x5. Actually the 30x5 are 30" overall height and 5" tire height or 20" inside diameter. That gives a 94.25" circumference. The 32x6 is 32" overall height and equivalent to 6.00x20 truck tires. I use 6.00x20 on the front and 7.00x20 on the rear of the "Boss's" '31 fire truck.

Nathan,

My truck is a 1/2 ton model AD. It uses passenger tires, 19"x4.75". Coker Tire has that size.

ArtM