VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1928 Chevy Tool Kits

I am doing research on the 1928 Chevrolet tool kit supplied by GM with these cars. I want to obtain a description of what the original tool kits looked like, and the parts in them. I know some of this already, but have never seen a complete description of the kit; e.g. Container (canvas bag?), contents (alemite grease gun, oil can, wrenches, etc.). I am looking to buy one for my ORIGINAL 1928 Chevrolet with 162 miles in perfect running condition. Go to www.theforgottenchevy.com to see this vehicle. I do not have the tool kit and want to acquire one that is completely original. Any help would be appreciated. Thanx much from a new member.

I can tell you flat out that is NOT an original car. There are too many errors from known conditions.

Ray,
I agree there are just too many departures from documented original features.

The 1928 coach is described as having a full restoration in the other pages of the link, as the paint was falling off, interior was rotted remnants and tires were completely rotted.

As to the tool Kit , there is a Chevrolet tool manual put together by "the toolman", a member on this site , detailing the the tools in the tool kit.

After reading further in the original post is is stated that the car received a "frame-off" restoration, at which point it is no longer ORIGINAL, but restored. It would appear that the restoration was as technically correct as possible, however a car is ORIGINAL only once.

The only know compete list of tools for the 1928 is contained in the 1928 Series Specifications dated June 8, 1928. Unfortunately it does not provide pictures of each item, however all items are listed. The most interesting item is: Can #7 Duco Polish (Passenger Cars Only). Listed is a: Canvas Tool Roll, bad news, no list of the contents as they are listed in the main list of tools.

This list, in combination with Dave Minors information, could allow the assembly of a nearly 100% list of 1928 tools.

28ChevyNut,

I see that it has been a bit remiss of us to not have welcomed you as a new member to Chevy Chatter , so a big welcome from all of us here, we hope you enjoy your 1928 Coach, it is the lowest milage early chevy that i have heard of.

I looked at the online 1828 specifications, and it only lists "a complete tool kit, including Pump and Jack" , and i have included a link for you to the Kieth Hardy website with the 1298 specifications contained there.
Good luck and much enjoyment with your 28 CoacH.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/28index.htm

Unfortunately that list is outdated. The current, list as I indicated, is dated June 8.

Gidday 28chevynut and btw Art, I must thank you once again for the lovely email that you sent through to me, it was very much appreciated so much so that I have put it and your chevy web link on my own blog minus a few sentences that I will keep to myself.. so thanks mate.

Well fella, hang your heads in shame, talk about going straight for the jugular...
We have a newbie to the site who asks a simple question about a tool kit for his "ORIGINAL CHEVROLET" and straight away ya ripping strips off him about what he can and cannot call his car. %$%$ ME!! - slightly jealous are we? come-on you can admit it? well I am, I'd love that car.........

He can call, list or label it what ever he dam well pleases but just don't call it "Monty" Art, thats taken OK :)
Original, Restored, who gives a crap!, it is a lovely nice car, a beautful piece of motoring history with full paperwork, photos and extremely low miles, so that make it pretty god dam "Original" to me...
And at the end of the day, all I know is that it will bring top dollar when it comes time for Art or his family to pass it on because it will have low original miles, and in this game from what I have learnt is that low miles with matching numbers is a big winner either "Original" or "Restored".

Grant, you beat me to it, and I agree 100%.

This guy, Art, asks for help, and the wise old owls of this site put the boots into him, and then as a follow up, they welcome him.

If people took the time to read his web site they would see that Art is trying to preserve this old 28 for future generations, to the point of not driving it. His choice, would not be mine, but I respect his wishes.

The double standards of the VCCA are never more than in this case. We have Forums for rodders that squeeze big blocks into old classics, we have guys that chop em and do all sorts of what is clearly non original modifications. There was even a posting a while back from a Rat Rodder, whoose car was only Chev because of the radiator grille and cabin. Everything else was non standard.

So back to the point. How can we have such double standards that we get our knickers in a twist over the definition of "original" and "restored".

So lets put our cards on the table, does the VCCA support driving unrestored or "original" cars to the point where they are dangerous, as opposed to a frame off restoration.

The moderators pick faults with owners of Chev 4's for such crimes as improving a water pump so it does not leak, installing an overflow system on the cooling system, and other despicable crimes against society such as a non standard engine paint job. Sometimes I wonder if judge Judy is a VCCA moderator.

As Grant said, hang your heads in shame fellas, this is one time I am not proud to be a member of the VCCA.

Now come on, rip into me!!!!!!

Ray

Amen Ray,We have just seen an example why the VCCA has problems recruiting new members.

Ray,

Is standing, Is applauding you....... Well said mate

There is a tool kit on ebay at the moment but I dont think it is correct because the tin has mazda printed on it!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Too...olet&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f1227862c

btw nice car

To those who say it is a RESTORED ORIGINAL they are correct. However, to those who say it is not even an (restored) original I beg to differ. I have talked to the folks who restored this car, and family members going back to the original owner in Indiana, and they certify that all the parts are original 28 Chevy parts, and the colors are the same as the original car since it still had paint on it. Also, the upholstery, some of the original which is in my possession, was about the same color, but only a slightly different material. The original material is not available to the best of my knowledge. If you want to discuss what the "deviations" are then please let me know. I know my 28 Coupe has many deviations but not my Coach. I talked to one of the prior owners (a big car collector in Canada who sold us the Chevy) who has a original restored 1928 Pontiac, which is almost identical to the Chevy in terms of color and features (minor differences only) and they compare on all fronts. I have also checked with other cars restored to original condition and so far can't find any differences. So if you have specifics spell them out.

I will admit to being new to collecting cars having obtained this car about 3 years ago when my wife's father died. I really hesitated to join the VCCA or ANY car club for just the reasons cited. There is always some old timer "expert" that is going to give you grief. I also do not enter my car in any judged competitions since I am not interested in competing, just enjoying what I have, preserving it for the future when I pass it on to my son, and I really don't care what the so called "experts" have to say. I spend a lot of my time reading and researching 28 Chevies just to improve my knowledge. My hesitancy to join a club seems to be well founded unfortunately, and I will have to seriously consider whether I want to renew my membership when it expires.

So if you have some positive comments to add I am open to them as I always try to improve my knowledge and my car. I am also open to changing the wording on the web site to say RESTORED ORIGINAL if that would keep all of you happy since it never occured to me that most folks, after reading the site, would know it was restored. I only wanted to share my car with others so they could enjoy it too.

To those who welcomed me and helped answer the question I asked, I thank you very much. I asked it because I was looking at tool kit presently on EBay and was wondering whether I should bid on it, knowing it will be very costly.

Thanx to all who replied, regardless of your position and the tone of your response. I am a 70 year old Viet Nam vet, and I have learned to enjoy my cars and my life, and not get upset with others regardless of what they might say or do. Life is too short to be mad at others for what they believe in, and I know that everyone who responded believed in what they said regardless of the tone of their response. But the one response was correct: How do you expect to recruit and retain members who merely asked for help and got negative destructive comments?

It is still the lowest mileage Chevy Coach (original, restored, or otherwise) that I have been able to find after 3 years of searching, and my goal is to preserve it for future generations.

Regards,

Thanx for your support. I didn't know I was going to run into a buzz saw of negative comments from some purists. I never intended to mislead anyone, and I know few Chevies or any car ever survive 11 owners and 83 years with the original title, drivers license or other documents I have. Hope you are making progress on Old Monty.

Dave Minor and Ray Lemaster have done a bunch of research on tools. They checked numerous pieces of Chevrolet, supplier and aftermarket literature in the process. Unfortunately tools was not one of the items that was a focus of much attention and documentation is spotty at best. In some cases more than one supplier provided tools under the same part number. Then changes were made in the tools without changing the number. Then there is the fact that tools were often purchased by the dealers (who actually put the tools in the cars for most years) in bulk and a person grabbed items from boxes to put the tools in the car. It all makes documentation and understanding what tools were put into the cars difficult.

There is still some question about some of the '28 tools that were supplied. During that time period changes were made in the length of the jack handle (we think because people were ringing off rim bolts/nuts). I should have all the tools but will need to do a bit more research to be more confident that they were put into the '28 Chevys.

Thanx. I saw it on Ebay and that is why I asked the question. I was thinking of bidding on it, but having never seen one I was not certain it was "original" or correct. Some tools may be original and correct, such as the case. I have seen people selling individual tools listed as 28 Chevy tools but how do you know? It is the only thing missing from my "Restored Original".

Appreciate your response.

Maybe not all the "documented features" are correct. I have purchased a lot of the ORIGINAL Chevy documents, including many old ORIGINAL advertisements to compare against my Coach, and I can't find any/many differences from original. Maybe it would help if you are more specific rather than throw out general comments; then I would be able to respond appropriately and address those differences. The only deviation I know of for certain is the wood wheel since they were all originally painted brown (per my research). I'm not trying to represent the car as anything but what my research and discussions with prior owners tells me it is, and they all certify it is a 100% restored original. You do have to admit it is the lowest mileage around, probably not many have all the ORIGINAL documentation that I have; or documented provenance from family members. How many others have a complete geneaology on any car from the day it was purchased to the current day? To me that makes it a truly unique original, whether restored or not (I don't split that hair because I am not a collector, just an ethusiast who has liked cars all my life). I don't think I will ever let VCCA members know about my wife's ORIGINAL 1961 Corvette (yes, a prior owner repainted it) drivers car. We will just enjoy it and keep it to ourselves.

But thanx for the comments anyway.

Your '28 is much like the '19 FB Touring that I sold a couple of years ago. It did not have the original documentation that yours did but I became confident that it was indeed a low mileage (553 when I got it) car. It also suffered less than perfect storage during the 60 plus years that it sat. From photos prior to starting a restoration and talking to several VCCA members who saw the vehicle in its unrestored condition it was complete but deteriorated.

I purchased the car not knowing of much of its history nor that it might be a low mileage car. It was ~1/2 restored with painted body on restored chassis. We completed the restoration after ~ 5 years research, searching and work.

I also didn't feel comfortable driving the car as I put some 70 miles on it which increased the total mileage by 15%. It now rests comfortably in a private collection next to over 100 Chevrolet buddies. It was indeed a pleasure to have been part of the restoration and preservation of this "original appearing" restoration with its original ignition system (minus spark plug wires). I can tell that you are also proud of your '28.

When I have a bit more time I will send you a PM. Will also do more checking on tools so your car can be displayed with as correct a set of tools and possible.

For a free look at tools for a Chevy, including a 1928, go to:

www.1940chevrolet.com

Then just click on the various drawings of tools for your 1928. The website is FREE. It contains virtually all of the various tools which came with a Chevy when brand new.
If there are mistakes in my website, feel free to email me and I will correct it. I do not have many jacks on the site yet.

dtm

Thanx. Very helpful. Anyone know what the original tool case was. I have seen one believed to be original that is made of canvas with a leather flap sewn in.

Well I bought a tool kit on ebay that looks to be fairly original/authentic from the information I have received. I won't know until I get it and reasearch it from the available info. I see there is a wide gap in information on 25-28 tools for Chevies out there.

I guess all I have to do now is wait for AntiqueMechanic and Chipper to give me their wealth of knowledge and tell me the tool kit is also not original, but not provide any information to back up their "opinions". Oh, I also have an original jack and handles. If I send you pictures can you tell me they are not original too since I value your unsubstantiated opinions so much?

Thanx to all the rest of you who provided great information, links and feedback. You really helped me on this issue. If I stay with VCCA (presently doubtful) it will be because of people like you who try to help others whenever you can.

Art

I do think you have gotten your point across. If the tool kit Is what you needed, please share It here.
Richard

Thank you for your response. I will get a picture of the tool kit posted. If you can access this link on ebay it will show it to you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270887519788?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I also went back and checked my website, and nowhere, to my knowledge, is the vehicle ever referred to as Original. It does refer to Original Miles, and those are accurate and beyond dispute by anybody.

Sorry to get carried away on this issue, but I guess I get upset at people who make unsubstantiated criticisms of something they know little about (my vehicle) when I only asked for some information on tool kits and tried to share my vehicle with other VCCA members. Your point is well taken and I will not respond or post any more on this issue even if other decide to question it further.

Thank you again.

Gidday Art,

Problem solved mate and it's great to see that you brought yourself a tool kit in the end, it will look might fine in the lovely Chevy of yours.

Well done and best of luck to you and your family with the resto on the other car that you and your son are playing around with in the garage.

Send me some more photos of the progress when you get a chance, they would be great to see.

.

“I am looking to buy one for my ORIGINAL 1928 Chevrolet with 162 miles in perfect running condition.”

28ChevyNut, not an indicated member of the VCCA, first posted on this thread with a request for information about a tool kit for a 1928 Chevrolet. Near the middle of his posting he states “I am looking to buy one for my ORIGINAL 1928 Chevrolet with 162 miles in perfect running condition.” This is a bombshell statement as an ORIGINAL 1928 Chevrolet with 162 miles would be super rare. This statement is followed immediately by a link to a web page. One click and you are faced with pictures of a car that is obviously NOT an ORIGINAL. This is frustrating and upsetting as I was keyed up to spend some time viewing a true ORIGINAL with the hopes of increasing my knowledge of the 1928 Chevrolet.

In haste I made the following entry on the thread. “I can tell you flat out that is NOT an original car. There are too many errors from known conditions.” This statement was formulated as a result of my disappointment in what was promised in the above posting. My statement is not incorrect; however it is too forward and shows my frustration.

That entry did not address 28ChevyNuts question about 1928 tools, however this issue was covered in a subsequent posting.

In posting #230970, 28ChevyNut has challenged me as to the authenticity of his car. Before we do that we need to understand the definition of ORIGINAL.

1orig…i…nal /əˈrɪʤənl̟/ adjective
1 always used before a noun : happening or existing first or at the beginning
▪ Their original idea was to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead. ▪ The word's original meaning was very different from its current meaning. ▪ That piece of furniture is still in its original condition. [=the furniture is in the same condition it was in when we first bought it] ▪ We were the original [=first] owners of that van.


With that definition in mind here are just a few of the obvious errors in the car.
By admission, the correct brown color has been removed from the rim. The spider should be black and the arms are missing the rubber sleeves.


It is dangerous to make comments about colors on the computer, but this is definitely not the correct engine color.
The air filter is to be engine color. There should not be a clamp at the manifold joint with the header pipe. The decals on both the oil filter and air cleaner are round. The water pump is to be engine color. The fan is the wrong color. Both water hoses should have a large Chevrolet emblem on them.


The color on this side shows up better as closer to the correct engine color. Due to the crankcase breather tube up to the carburetor, the oil fill tube is covered with a cap that is closed and has a “T” across the top. Everything else looks neat and correct.

So what is the authority for these comments? I have been working with Chevrolet cars for over 61 years that has to count for something. Most information is taken from the Owner’s Manual, Repair Manual, and the complete set of Chevrolet Service News, the Sales Data Book, and many other pieces of literature in my collection. Also of value is following the Chevy Chat from almost the very first day. My number is #14. I have also served as Judge, Field Judge, and Head Judge from the lowest level up to and including Anniversary Meets.

It is obvious your car has been restored, and from the few pictures that show detail, the quality of the work appears good, but the correctness is in question. As I pointed out in an earlier post a car is ORIGINAL once. The definition of restored:

res…to…ra…tion /ˌrɛstəˈreɪʃən/ noun
plural res…to…ra…tions
1 : the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc. [noncount] ▪ The building is undergoing restoration. [count] … often + of ▪ They have undertaken a careful restoration of the building.

Indicated mileage on a speedometer in a Chevrolet 4-cylinder must be taken with a grain of salt. Most of the speedometers had a pot metal bridge and broke early in life rendering any shown mileage questionable. It is also the custom for restoration shops to restore speedometers and reset them back to 0. Even though your car shows a low mileage it does not really mean anything after restoration.

You indicated in one of your last posts that you would not respond to any more comments on this thread. Sounds like a plan. We should burry this one and leave it alone.

And for the record I served in Korea and Vietnam, I have paid my dues.