VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 Is this a typical '34?

Hi guys,
I am on the lookout for a car but don't want to buy anything until the summer at the earliest. That being said, I keep going back to looking at this ad: '34
Is this something that will come up fairly regularly at this price point? I'm after a car like this that has been restored in the past because I want a respectable driver. Exterior appearance is more important to me, I could just throw a blanket over the front seat like the previous owner should have done 70 years ago.
Any input or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Steve

Not the worst looking car and the engine is very pretty. Has some rare accessories too.
More important is the mechanical condition.
The knee-action units give it a good ride and steering but can cost $1000 to replace. Does it have a lot of free play in the steering? Steering gears are alwas worn out.....Then there is the engine. Knocks and noises are expensive to repair.
Worth looking into I would say and no price is firm.
Oh, body wood solid?

If you think this is a good buy, then buy it and enjoy it.

It has the clock accessory option in the glove box door.....neat
it has the cigar lighter in middle of dash, its worth $200--300
It has an under dash accessory switch for ???
Has all four bumper guards
Has the rear spare trunk, nice with metal spare cover
Has the L & R rear tail lights right is optional
Has 2 wiper assemblies, right is optional

Missing the radiator ornament eagle, always one for sale on ebay.
It looks like this car is missing its original running boards ?? with rubber mats and metal backing plates, common to 34 master only.
Its also missing its stainless steel running board edge moldings

So buy this and find the items.........masters outsold the cheaper standard series in 1934 by 6 to one

I think its a good possible purchase. Sometimes doing too much searching you will let the car you should have bought get away.

mike

I agree. Go check it out. Make them run and drive it. If the items mentioned by Gene are OK, go for it. Nice car.

Steve, you've been given some good advice here.

If you like this '34, check it out carefully. Pat is right!

Good luck - - -

Mikey likes it... and I agree, to much beating the bushes for "THE" car can lead to a missed opportunity!

They never seem to look as good in person so go check it out and if you dig it buy it. I really like the color.

My '36 was the only one I looked at and I don't regret it... the price was right and it had lots of accessories.

Looks like a pretty nice car....I would have to paint over that ugly orange paint in the engine compartment though.

I actually like the Orange Paint but would have to agree, I would paint over it also. Who would use that color? Also there are some other noticeable things under the Hood that would need to be changed.

In addition to the above good suggestions I would add the following: Check engine numbers to be sure it's correct, check body work for bondo, ask seller if he has any history on the car, previous owner? major mechanical work? etc. I agree it's a fairly good looking car, though there are some things that are not restored as original if it checks out mechanically I think it would make a fine acquisition. Lastly I would suggest having someone who is familiar with old cars to inspect it with you as being as presentable as it is I'm sure you will want it as soon as you see it. I would think the seller would not mind holding it until the summer provided an agreement is signed and a few $$$ change hands.

Thank you for all of the replies. I will have to contact the people to get more details on its history and how close it is from passing a safety as that is mandatory in Ontario. It will have to have atleast 1 mirror and wipers along with having a tight steering and suspension to make it legal. I am also curious about what the undercarriage looks like because surface rust will lead to holes fairly quickly where I live.

Do the possibly aftermarket fenders really affect the perceived value of the car or is it more of an issue from a purist's perspective?

I think the vendor has enough interesting vehicles that I will visit them this spring whether the car is still around or not. It would be nice to go ahead and buy it now but I am trying to find a new job in another location so it will have to wait for a few months. In the meantime I will sell my ski-doo to deflect possible issues with the wife.

Cheers, Steve

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I do not see where the seller says it has "aftermarket fenders", they say its an all metal ***OLDER*** restoration car. There is no such thing as aftermarket steel fenders for this car, there is only fiberglass fenders made for it.

I mentioned it looks like the running boards are not original. Even copying and zooming on the pictures doesn't let me see whats there, original or a home made pair.????

Before you think about bringing any car from USA to here there is a whole pile of paperwork for customs you have to have including a bill of sale, receipt for the money paid, and a title / ownership. The customs people only operate at very specific hours and they must be notified at least 3 days in advance before bringing the car to a Canada customs office. There you will pay 13% HST on the paid price. Or they may value the car at a higher value.???

Also the seller in Maine is going to want USA $$$ and at current exchange rates that's about 10 cents on the dollar difference. The customs also guys factor that 10 cents per $ onto the value.

If you can find a car here that you can test drive and drive to see it in a day, it will be cheaper when you take in all those other cross border costs.

If you like this body styling 1934 Chevrolet master series, be aware that the Standard series Chevrolet for 1934 appears to look the same, but it is not. You have to know what your looking at.

LAST WORD OF ADVICE..........before you purchase anything get wifes approval.....otherwise get your JOCK & Helmet on !

happy shopping

mike