VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1932 Chevy Canadan built expert.

I know there are several differences between US and Canadan built cars. I am just starting to restore a 1932 Chevy Coach that was built in Canada and would like to know who I should consult with. It's much easer to do it right the first time.
Thanks
John

Skip "JYD" Geear is the 32 technical advisor for ALL of the VCCA. I'm sure if he doesn't have an answer then he will get one for you. If in doubt about something you can always post it here and I am sure you will get responses with a consensus of what is correct for Canadian built cars.

I am just finishing restoration of a '31 Canadian made Special Coach (referred to as a Deluxe in USA). While there is not much of significance in difference between my Can-made and USA models, there were some things most people would not notice. Most noticeable is the paint scheme, it is Canadian only, mine being Oshawa Blue (with red stripes and wheels) over full body as opposed to American cars being two tone blue/black etc. Their blue cars were not available with red wheels

The fenders were different, with a double bead on outer edges versus a single bead on US cars, and as well the Canadian cars had an extra front fender brace.

'31 hoods used '30 model latches in some cases ( using up US parts inventory), and this also applied for some cars to exterior door handles. '31 Rad shells were often chromed steel versus chromed brass in US, and the cowl tag is different mu8ch more informative, having paint code, trim code and engine #.

Finally, the mechanical parts were often cast in Canada as well and in many cases used unique but similar parts numbers. This makes finding proper parts sometimes problematic.

When all is said and done, other than exterior paint scheme, most people, including many VCCA authorities do not know all the subtle differences you may find. I am only familiar with '31's, you may find fewer/different variations for '32. Took me 4-5 years to realize all the variations and get the right components if any were missing.

Trunk racks are different as well. Someone to talk to about Canadian '32's would be former member Bob Crocker. I'm not sure where he's at right now, but I could find that info out if you are interested.

Yes, Please find out how to contact him. I'm sure I'm going to have lots of questions as I go along. Right now I need to know about the wood graining on the dash.
Thanks
John

My '31 Special (twin sidemountsF, cowl lightsF, full rear bumperD, trunk rackD, Stone GuardF, Ash TraysD, etc)had and still has factory(F) applied wood graining on the instrument panel area of the dash. I think I was told it was factory applied for Special models only, perhaps some sport models. Dealers(D)also installed some accessories on cars before they were sold or even after, so although there were 20 factory supplied models in '31,( incl 2 Coach Models), almost any combination you can imagine was possibly sold at least once somewhere in Canada.

Does anyone have any literature on Canadian built 1932 cars? I would like to get a copy of it, or if they are willing to loan it I will scan it and return the original.
Thanks

1932 Canadian literature is very scarce. I have only viewed a couple of pieces in the past four decades and that was in Canada.

Chip has a Canadian 32 coupe which is done very nice....I know some of the differences. Not all, but there are a lot in 32.

I Have a Sedan and a roadster both Canadian. Not sure of all of the differences but if I can help I will .On the sedan I don't have the body by fisher tag on the lower p/s cowl and no screw holes for them .Ive looked for literature for over 35years haven't found any yet. If you find some let us know .

I have a copy of an ad from Macleans Magazine dated Jan.15, 1932. It shows all the models and prices at the time in a one page black and white layout.

would be cool if you could post it in the picture section would love to see it.

It's framed and hanging on the wall so may take a little doing to get a copy. I'll see if that is possible.

I would love to get a copy of your add. I would like to document everything I can. Would you be willing to send a copy to my e-mail at jelwpotter@hotmail.com
Thanks John

Hi Jack, Would you be willing to send me photos of your cars. I'm interested in seeing photos of the wood gaining on the dash, garnish moldings. I've also been told that the pumpers and bumper bolts are different. e-mail jelwpotter@hotmail.com
Thanks
John

Will do . Ive been told that the ends of the bumpers are more rounded on us cars. Wasn't sure if that was another difference or just a supply thing when they built the cars. Ill send you some picks of the luggage rack as well they are different.

As Bruce mentioned, I do have a Canadian-built '32 Coupe. I will email you some photos of the areas you mentioned, and I'd be happy to help out in any way I can.

All the Best, Chip

Thanks to everyone. I had no idea that Canadian literature was so scares. How does anyone know how to judge a Canadian Car?

Pottejo
I have a 32 cdn 4 dr sedan (standard). It was built in oshawa, Ont.
In the automotive museum in oshawa there is a cdn owners manual on loan. The person I talked to about the manual didn't know who loaned it and didn't seem to want to help find out who might have. Im still persuing it. Will let you know how that goes.
If u need any pics or info I will try and help. I would be willing to send u email pics etc.
Cliff

They don't for the most part. The secret is having documentation and factory photos with you. A lot of parts were built up here by different casting companies, glass companies, and finished with paint from different paint companies. At times our cars were run off production lines with Pontiacs, and share some optional equipment with them from the dealerships.

Hi guys!Newby here,first post.Just buying a 32 BA Confederate,2door sedan.I havent seen cowl tag yet,but owner says it has BA Confederate&Otowa on it.When he digs it out will join vcca club&send pics,does anyone know how rare car is?Cannot find another in Australia.I don't really know what I have.Only owned 40s/60sChevs.CHEERS Barry

Welcome to the early 30s Chevy ownership. I have owned several '32 over the years. Currently own 4 '32 trucks. The '32 Coach (two door) is one of the higher production models. I don't know how many were imported into Australia. They are very well built and reliable. Can run 55 mph all day long if in good condition. Parts are not plentiful but available mostly from VCCA members.

Thanks Chipper, sorry nervous bad explain.Was bought into Australia. No rear door,so I think 2dr sedan.Only learning from Club pics.Can't post pics,only chat member4 now.I don't have clue about value or what 30/33 parts fit etc.CHEERS Barry

Just ask us a few questions at a time. The more specific the easier to answer.

Hello gmjack (Barry),

There are some of us that have knowledge of Canadian built Chevrolet from the 1930s era (GM Canada has been a less than reliable source for information). However, the knowledge pool is dwindling unfortunately as time serves no master (no pun intended). I have a 1932 Chevrolet built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and my knowledge is limited to my direct experience in the restoration of that car.

The Canadian early Chevrolet production expert that I relied on has since pasted on (RIP - David Hayward, UK). There are others.

The links below may help you expand your research in the short term. However, nothing short of additional diligence of hands-on research may yield the information you seek.



http://www.autogallery.org.ru/pchevuk.htm

https://www.lovereading.co.uk/author/David-Hayward/gd/David-Hayward.html

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php/topics/277270/Canadian_serial_and_production

Regards,