VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Lubrication reminder

Can someone tell me what years this device was offered? I think that it was early 30s but I don't know for sure. It may be mid to late 30s and if it is then I am asking in the wrong forum.

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv12/dfarns1/Lube%20reminder_zpsvno5sq1y.jpg

1933-34 is what I remember. Could be wrong so don't go to the bank just yet. I'll try to check my memory later today.

Here is the picture.

The Chevrolet "Lubrometer" first appeared in late 1932.

Damn, something else I have that I can't use in my 31'! And I have the allusive key with mine too!

You have the key?? Cool! Make me one for my Lubrometer!

I also need a key. I'm not sure what the correct key looks like. I have seen some on Ebay with an incorrect key that works but isn't the original type.

Well Ted....it looks like you have another project to do!

Thanks for the info Dog. Chistech, a picture of the key would be appreciated. I also have one of these for a Buick. Chistech, I wonder if Oldsmobile used them also.

The Lubrometer is not shown in the 1934 accessory book.

I am not sure that the lube reminder was listed as an accessory. They were installed by dealers trying to get customers to come back in for regular oil changes and chassis lubrication.

Not sure if my key is correct though, but it works and looks good. Probably too good to be original but my whole meter looks like new. I'll get some pictures and post. JYD, I just made a new piece on the Stromberg automatic choke I was able to get for my Olds. Just a small part milled and turned out of aluminum but with some adjustment, a heat gun, and a thermometer, I got the damn thing working like the manual says it's supposed to. To make the keys is a whole other project I would think. LOL

Now that I look at the picture I have, the key can't be too hard to make. Brass would be easiest but to chrome it would bring the cost right up. Just some brass tube with some brass plate silver soldered together will make the key easy. I believe the end just has another slot. I'll look into it and let you all know.

The Lubrometer was not an accessory. It was installed by the dealer as a promotional item to get the customers to bring their cars into the dealership at regular intervals for lubrication.

Can you make the key out of aluminum instead?

It sounds like the dealer would have had the key so it could be reset when the car was brought in for service.
I was looking at an old skeleton key today. If I grind off the outside part that will leave a plain round tube. With my Dremel and a thin cutoff wheel I can grind a slot in the tube and make a key that will work.

I believe that you are correct. I remember reading somewhere that on the Lubrometers the dealer kept the key and then changed the mileage for the next lubrication when the car was in the dealership getting a lube job.

If one is made, put me on the list to buy. Jim

I bought several Chevrolet lubrometers from a G&D ad more than 20 years ago, they were N.O.S. and in the original boxes. The larger boxes had a lubrometer a key and a bracket and the smaller boxes only had the lubrometer several service agreements were included and the artwork indicates either a 1929 or 1930 steering wheel and early 6 cylinder Chevrolets. I am not sure if the 29 on one side of the agreement indicates a 1929 printing date or not and suspect the key in the photos is the original type, it is aluminium. I have seen one lubrometer here in Au for an Oldsmobile.
[img][IMG]http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii494/chevyvintage/Service%20agreement%202%20001.jpg[/img][/img] [img][IMG]http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii494/chevyvintage/Service%20agreement%20001.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii494/chevyvintage/IMG_2343.jpg[/img][/img]

I should have mentioned that the service agreement included a lubrometer.

To make up an original looking key out of aluminum round looking at the photo, should be easy. I suppose a hole drilled through the back would allow for a key ring or small bead chain. Of course, if it's on a key chain it's a PITA to try and turn the meter with it. Let me know guys what type you'd want. Straight aluminum or the more traditional key type out of brass. Like the upcoming election, the most votes win! LOL Honestly, I'll probably make both types.

I'd opt for the original aluminum. Have a couple in my display cabinet without a key.

Thank you Chevrolet6 for sharing the information on your lubrometers. This really adds to what we know about this item.

I saw an original key once and it looked exactly like the key shown in the photo posted by chevrolet6. However, I think that I like the key that Ted has with his Lubrometer better.

Ted: If you do make both keys I would take at least one of each.

My first choice would be the original type round aluminum to put in my display cabinet. If both types are offered, I would go for one of each