VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Friction Tape

When I disassembled my 41 I discovered that GM used a lot of friction tape. Local auto parts suppliers typically look like a deer caught in the headlights when inquire about it. I found many online suppliers advertising for everything from space to marine to auto usage. I would appreciate some guidance on the best type and name brands to buy. A friend (and masterful restorer) suggested Gorilla tape. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks
Don 41

I can't think of any place the factory used friction tape.....where did you find it in your '41?

Yeah, Gene, I'd like to know that also.

We must debunk this here notion quickly. Pretty soon the enemy camp will be calling the 41 names. Like:

a. Out of a group of so-called friends as you show up, "Hey, I hear your old 41 is held together by tar tape. Is that true?" Followed by a chorus of laughter.

b. "Do you have a case of emergency tar tape in the trunk of that there 41?" Followed by snickering.

c. "You'd better not park that there 41 in the sun. It be a known fact that tar tape will loosen its grip when it gets hot. If so, it will soon become an attractive nuesense."

d. From mean ol' 37 & 38 owners: "Hey Bro, better not lean on that there 41 right there because it'll swag and may never swig back to normal. Only if you take some big cuts of "Jack" will it ever look right again. Hee, Hee."

e. Smiling Show Field Director, "Sorry, sir, but we're plum outta shade trees." Followed by an even bigger, about to bust, smile. You get the picture.

Such notions that 41s are tar-taped together is downright embarrassing, humiliating and astonishing. It just can't be. Heaven's to Betsy!

And this thread was started by a 41 owner. Amazing and surprising. If someone will bring the hot tar, I'll bring the feathers and we'll find a rail somewhere. Yep.

Charlie

Hi Don,

It could be you are confusing the anti squeak, fender gasket material, and calling it friction tape. GM did use what we commonly refer to as tar paper to make up gaskets for the front fenders. It was used between the radiator supports and all the inner fenders. I made my own up with tar paper (the thickest I could find). You can purchase a whole kit of it from Chevs of the 40's for around $80.00. It is referred to by them as Gaskets-Front End Assembly and is on page 153 of their 2013 catalog. It also comes with U-Channel sponge seals. I have my front end apart so much that I don't worry about using the seals. I will use them once I have decided that I will not be tinkering with everything.

You may think the price is very high, but it does save a lot of time and aggravation and getting the welting, sponge seal and correctly cut gaskets is worth it. I used small drops of super glue to hold the gaskets in place while I was installing them. I would not install them if I knew I would be taking the front end apart again.

Good luck, Mike

P.S. Installing the gaskets requires a lot of patience. I could see a lot of guys not using them. You maybe frustrated by just aligning the fenders, inner fenders, radiator support, hood, firewall, cowls, and decide you can not deal with the tar paper gaskets???

P.S. #2 How many guys are still using the tar paper gaskets? Do VCCA judges look for them?

Friction tape was used occasionally when there was a need to wrap something or add a little thickness to keep a part from moving too much. It is mentioned in Fisher Body Manuals. I can't remember any specific locations but I have found some in pre-mid 50s Chevys. Can't say if it was factory installed or later. Think that after the mid-50s vinyl tape began to be used, about the same time as vinyl coated wire.

There are mant references in the Fisher Body manual where they say to place friction tape between wood pars and wood joines...I would suspect it was used to keep wood parts from touching and squeeking. Like eleminating friction.

Gene...thanks for your response.

I found friction tape all over the car, but especially on the interior. Any place where a squeek could occur, I found it. I know your next thought will be...maybe it was added in a prior restoration. This, however, is not the case. I have owned the car since 1963, and I knew the previous owners. It had not been touched until I dismantled it two years ago.

This is my first question...EVER...I just picked up my first 1941 Master Deluxe of my lifetime. She is so great. Squadron Gray Metallic, all original, barn find. What is tar tape and what does it look like. Is friction tape, fender welt? What I used to call it when I collected antique fire engine, fender welt? To go between the fenders and the cowl, or rear fenders and fuselage? Gustave..here goes nothing

That is or was fender welt.

What carb model number or style is on a 1941 Master Deluxe, 216?

A Carter W1 483S, or a 492S or a 518S or possibly a 574S. Your car might even have a 684S as well.

Thanks lots. Second question. I have a gas leak after I shut car off at the throttle rod linkage.. When I excercise the accelerator, it leaks.

When I pulled the interior panels off my 37 1/2 ton, I found friction tape between all the metal to metal panels. When I put it back together I installed new. I think of it as anti-squeak tape.

geneo