VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 31 Cabriolet Standard Equipment

I visited Bill Barkers' 31 website to determine the difference in standard equipment from the factory between the DeLux and what I think is the "Standard" cabriolet convertible? Are the wheel fender wells the only difference from the factory? Was the spare tire bracket mounted behind the rumble seat a dealer accessory/option?
Also, are there any separate production numbers for each model??
As always I appreciate any help and support.

Thanks,

23,077 cabriolets were produced in 1931.

Does 23,077 represent the De Luxe and Standard production numbers combined?

The 23,077 is the total production.

My understanding on feature differences between Standard models and Deluxe models from the factory, there were typically 4 changes at factory,
1. the twin sidemounts,
2. cowl lights as parking lights,
3. as a result of #2, the headlights had single bulb reflectors, and
4. some came from factory with Radiator Stoneguard.

Now at the dealer, he would be responsible for adding bumpers, and since the car had sidemounts, a full rear bumper would most likely be put on. As you may know, other accessories were also available at dealer, so it would not be unusual for a deluxe model to feature a trunk rack, a second horn, mirrors on sidemounts, etc. These items were never installed in factory.

Thank you for the information. I recently purchased an unrestored 31 cabriolet that has one fender well on the drivers side only. My first thought was the original passenger side was probably replaced years ago. Although everything appears to be there, I see no evidence of a luggage rack or spare tire carrier. Is it possible some cars were assembled at the factory with one fender well?? or more likely to be changed by the dealer??

I also didn't expect to see the fisher cowl tag. Is this considered a closed car because of the roll up windows? are parts more like a closed body coupe?

Congratulations on your "new' purchase. Sounds like you will be able to keep plenty busy. I am not an expert on your questions , but I believe you are correct about the roll up windows/closed car question.

The cabriolet was made by Fisher Body therefore it would have a Fisher Body cowl tag.

The cabriolet is considered a closed car because it has roll up windows and it was made by Fisher Body. The roadster and phaeton are open cars and they were made by Chevrolet.

If the car has a sidemount fender then there would be no rear mount spare. Most likely the dealer added the sidemount fender since all accessories that were not standard equipment were added by the dealer upon request by the customer.

Was the rear mount spare factory standard equipment or an accessory added by the dealer?

The rear mounted spare was standard except for some Deluxe or Special models, for instance Special Sedan. If a dealer only installed one fender mount then the rear mounted spare could have been retained. Not the usual way to have done things but it would have added a second spare at a lower cost than dual side mounts. Generally a single side mount would have been installed on the passenger side as that was the safer side to remove the tire when you had a flat.

As always your knowledge and thoughtful responses are appreciated. VCCA chat is the best!

thank you Steve....stumbled on this car in my own back yard and couldn't resist....and yes I will be busy for a very long time ....always appreciate your support. Thanks

One way of confirming if there were originally 2 sidemounts is to look for evidence of sidemount hardware/clamp on inside. If car does not have cowl lights, then likely a standard model with a single sidemount added later. For your info, the sidemounts required an additional support bracket bolted from frame to spare wheel well, you should check to see it is there otherwise, quite a strain on fender. Good luck with restoring a somewhat rare car.

I've heard lots of stories about dealers that added only ONE side-mount after a customer decided that they needed an extra spare. I've even seen a couple of cars with a single side-mount AND a rear spare... Often times this may have been on a commercial vehicle.

But since this practice was very ad-hoc, there is little to no evidence, or documentation, that this was a common practice. I read a book once, where they talked about a weekend trip that they made in the late 20's from New York to Boston. Along the way, they had over a DOZEN flat tires!!! But they didn't think that it was anything out of the ordinary. Ha!!!

My, how times have changed.

I am not sure about using cowl lights as a deciding factor between standard and deluxe. My brochure for the 31 Cab states they are standard equipment.

Of course you are correct Dave, cowl lights were factory installed on all Convertible Cabriolets.

While we often refer to non-deluxe models ( generally cars without sidemounts) as "standard", Chevrolet only referred to 4 of their 20 models for 1931 with the prefix "Standard", those being the base model Roadster, Coupe(3W), 5W Coupe and Sedan.

The base model of the others were known by their name, i.e. Coach, Convertible Cabriolet, Phaeton, and 5 Passenger Coupe( Vicky like?).

First level of factory upgrade was the 2 Sport versions (rumble seat and cowl lights added) i.e. the Sport Roadster and Sport Coupe (5W but not the 3W).

Next level of factory upgrade was the Deluxe versions (typically twin sidemounts, perhaps cowl lights if not on base model), which applied to each model except the Phaeton. Ironically the Phaeton which is these days seen by many as the most desireable model of all, was not available in other than a base model (no cowl lights or S/M's).

Finally the upgraded Sedan was known as the Special Sedan, and not by the term Deluxe.

Bills site provided a good table of accessories installed in Factory for each model. I have a 2 page spread from the Sat Even Post of September 1931 showing all 20 models, and with a footnote saying "special equipment extra" without any explanation. This illustration shows stoneguards on all models except the 6 lowest versions, although from Bill's site it appears only 4 or five models actually came from factory with stoneguards.

Oops, I left the Convertible Landau Phaeton off the above list, will Bill B ever foregive me! It was available as a base model and in Deluxe trim as well.

Thank You Gunsmoke. Your suggestion to look for evidence of the sidemount hardware and especially the added support to the frame sounds like an excellent place to start. It never occurred to me that sidemount fenders have additional support. I have an unrestored special sedan with sidemounts to compare. Will the sidemount attachment be the same because both models are fisher closed bodies?

I can't wait to get the cabriolet home and park it along side the sedan. It will be a couple of weeks before I can actually get started.

Bill's site has been a wonderful resource for 31 owners and has been my source for production numbers and the Standard equip listing. I'm new at this and understand the information we seek is often just not available. With all due respect your reference to the Sat Eve Post sounds interesting.......

The support of the VCCA and its' members is simply priceless and fun..... you Guys are the Best!

Yes.

I agree with Dave, all 31/32 Cabriolet's and Landau's came with cowl lights. The main difference in Standard(rear spare) and Deluxe (side mounts) from my understanding.

I & I reproductions makes those frame to fender well supports. I see them show up on ebay USA occasionally. The filling station may also have some.

mike

Last weekend I was able to confirm this car to be a std. Initially there were many parts and things stuffed into the garage covering the left front side. The seller insisted the left side had a wheel well and that I should find a new RS fender to match the left as were his intentions. I have not picked up the car but I have picked up and sorted through most of the parts. I was able to locate the spare tire holder, two new fenders w/wells and confirm both original fenders are standard.

I am trying to find as much information about the cabriolet that may be available. I saw on ebay what appears to be a 31 featured on the cover of the G & D August 2000 issue. Is the issue or the related article available via member resources? If this requires the start of a new thread, please inform.
As always I appreciate the support!

Hi Willow,

Is it the all Black with Red wheels 31 Cabriolet that your talking about? Send me a PM, I have a lot of pictures of that car and can help you.

Thank you 32Confederate....sent you a PM