VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Key to Chevrolet Performance

Does anyone have information on the "The Key To Chevrolet Performance" made by Kent Moore Company? Were they promotional items? What years were they used for? How were the electrolock wrenches used?

The Kent-Moore "Key To Chevrolet Performance" was introduced in a Chevrolet service filmstrip called "Check and Double Check" in 1931. The "Key" was actually available by special order through the Chevrolet Zone Office and was a popular item among the Chevrolet mechanics.

Several different types of "Keys" were used over the years. The first issue of the "Key" was used from 1931 thru 1932 and it contained 9 tools. The second issue of the "Key" was released in 1933 and it was used from 1933 and up and it contained 11 tools.

The tool for the eletrolock was used to remove the special rectangular shaped 10-32 nut on the electrolock terminal stud. This special nut was used so that only the Chevrolet mechanic could change the points in the distributor and/or remove the electrolock from the distributor. It was a "Mickey Mouse" tool and in frustration by the Chevrolet mechanics (and others) this special electrolock terminal stud "nut" was usually replaced by a standard 10-32 hex nut so that the points could be serviced easily.

For more detailed information on the "Key To Chevrolet Performance" refer to the May, 1988 issue of the Generator & Distributor.

Thanks for that bit of information on the Kent-Moore "Key to Chevrolet Performance". I think that it is an interesting bit of Chevrolet history. How is the float gauge used? :confused: I will see if I have that issue in my collection of G&D. Thanks

The float gauge was used to check the distance of the float from a machined surface on the carburetor. Depends on the year which gauge is used.

Chipper, The Key I have I got from Truman Taylor a short time before he died. He said he got it from the salesman when he purchased his 1929 Chevrolet Roadster. It has seven tools. Carburetor Float,Spark Plug .024, Breaker Points.018,a 2" scale, Screw Driver, A Narrou Electro Retainer Nut, Electrolock Nut. The Electrolock Retainer Nut Wrench is about 3/8" and the Electrolock Nut Wrench is 1/2". Just one more version.

The first version of the "Key" (1931) had 9 tools and the 1933 version of the "Key" had 11 tools.

The 9 tools were: Spark plug .024", breaker points .018", motor hot intake valve .006", motor hot exhaust valve .008", carburetor float, screwdriver, electrolock nut, electrolock retainer nut, and a two-inch ruler.

The 11 tools contained in the later version were: Breaker points .018", spark plug .024", motor hot intake valve .006", motor hot exhaust valve .008", motor hot exhaust valve .013", carburetor float, screwdriver, electrolock nut, electrolock retainer nut, carburetor float 3/8" (with the spark plug gap .032"), and finally the two-inch ruler.

In 1937/38 the screwdriver was dropped and it was replaced by a .040" spark plug gap tool. Therefore, the "Key" still contained 11 tools.

Back Roads: Since you appear to have the early version (1931) it looks like you are missing the intake and exhaust tools.

Makes sense JYD. Thanks

You bet!

How can I obtain a copy of the article the "Key To Chevrolet Performance" May, 1988 issue of the Generator & Distributor? I do not have a copy.

Purchase a back issue from the G&D editor. Look in your last issue of the G&D for the address and price. The ad box is on the lower left corner of page 47 in the June 06 issue.