VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 "parts we wish were made"

I would like to start a thread for parts that are not available. I am thinking about finding some part that Chevy restorers are desperately needing but is not available any more. I am not to fussy about what it is, I am just looking for a part that I can start with that is needed, could be a gear for a cam or a piece of rubber for a rear fender. All I need is a part that is needed to justify the start up costs. Just so you all know this is not my business but a hobby only I just use this as fill in for the designers at work. Any suggestions.
Thanks Todd If you want to call me during the day my office number is 319 396 8101

Todd... I'll start it off with the stainless pieces of trim that go on the interior door panels of a '49-50 Convertible or Belair Hardtop. I've been looking for years with no luck... and I don't really want to buy a whole car to get a set!

It would help to let us know the ballpark setup costs. I understand that the cost depends on how complicated the part is but, a range or a couple of examples would let us know what to propose.

One set of parts that are not available and are needed is the two cylinders that make up the lock mechanism for electrolocks. They are delicate parts and relatively complicated. They could be made from one of several metals or even possibly epoxy or other engineered material. They were originally die-cast.

At this point I am exploring possibilities so I don't have set up costs. This particular project is new to me but I have the resources to make it happen. My big thing for now is what is a big need so I can find something to get my feet wet as they say. The eletro lock is a neat idea and the stainless trim is something that I see a big need for in general. Please keep posting I like the synergy.

Hello,

Just my two thoughts, please feel free to shoot them down, but perhaps a replacement gear (fiber or some other material) for the fiber camshaft gear for the 29-31 194 Stovebolt (I am not sure if it is used in later years), I believe (could be wrong) that the only stock of these is NORS. Also perhaps a cast replacement for the stamped brake drums for the 30-32 (or later?) cars.

Feel free to comment or question my thoughts,

Respectfully submitted,

Rusty Berg

I have "toyed" with the making of the 1931 radiator apron, but alas, there are not enough 31's on the road to make that a worthwhile venture, in my opinion.
The cost of making these patterns is often prohibitive.
One more, a few years back I and I made repro cowl lights for the 31's. No more. I would take 10 sets at 100. a pair-what they were going for, but they won't make them anymore. They just state-temporarily out of stock.
Newer parts for the 40's or 50's chevys may make more sense.

Here's a few parts you could make

33/34 master gas tank aprons
33 master rear fenders
34/35 standard gas tank aprons

That will get you started....Joe

How about floormats for 1929-32 roadsters??

And how about the brightwork running board trim for 1931-32?

I think that L&L Antique Auto Trim might still be making that.

The roof moulding for the 32 closed cars. Don't know what the demand would be, but haven't found any one reproducing it.

I still say that an external sun visor for a '32 would look great. Never has one been in existance but i think you could make a '32 chevy look like a caddy with the tilted down visor simular to the Ford (chevy being more sytlish with a swept look fallowing body contour) and with the addition of a pair of already available headlight visors or what ever you call'em.

Fiber glass would be a cheap enough material but steel would be the best to choose. an external visor wasnt a option for '32 but i firmly beleive you'd have a sure hit. Maybee make both materials available. Fiberglass @ 150 a peice and a good quality thick steel one about 200 to $250. I'd buy one.

I have 7 out of the 8 parts needed for the bright work for 32 running boards. These need a lot of TLC. call me if interested. Paul

I found this from 2007: L&L Antique Auto Trim
403 North Spruce Street
Pierce City, MO 65723
(417) 476-2871
Brad Landoll (blandoll@hotmail.com)

Anything prior to 1931 is extremely hard to find as remanufactured in metal or glass. Things like front fenders, lower readitor apron, radiator shell. etc.

The problem with sheet metal on most pre 1936 general motors cars is there just isn't enough of them around to justify the cost of the dies that it would take. I personally would like to see the running board trim for 31 32 and front apron apron I might start there and see if there is some new technology for producing them.