VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 47/48 Differences

Just wondering here but I don't know what are the differences are between a 1947 and 1948 Chevrolets. I know there is a difference in the 48 grille with the addition of the veriical bar in the center of the grille and the accessory hood ornament but that is about it.

What are the other difference in either producton models or the accessories between those two years? Please inform me (and others, I'm sure) of any and all differences in mechanical. body, accessories end so on?

I think this would be interesting to know. Do too.

Thanks,

Charlie

BTW: Sorry to wake you guys up. Am too!

Lets began with the body belt moulding. The 1948 is wide and smooth compared to the 1947. On Fleetmaster models the side window reveal moulding excircles each window in 1947 and in 1948 it encircles all the windows as a group. Front hood emblem in 1947 and red and blue paint, 1948 less detail and no red paint. Chevrolet letters on top grille bar red instead of black in 1948. Chevrolet badge on trunk of Fleetline eleminated.
New accessories for 1948 )commom one) were accessory tall front bumper guards wit rail between them, and an ugly out side visor that no one bought. Redesigned heaters.
Interior upholstery colors more of a gray tone rather than the 1947 rich browns.
The engine had many improvements icluding O ring seals on the valve stems replace the tin "rattle caps" used since 1941 and usually removed and discaded. Precision main bearing inserts so line boring of the mains was no long necessary and just one insert could be replaced if dsired. Thinner rod and main babbitt - would compress less and bearings would remain "tight" longer and narrower rod bearings due to the babbitt change/improvment. Engine valve timing changed (crankshaft steel gear) to give better engine power in higher engine speeds. Still had 90 HP but peaked at 3400 RPM rather 3300 RPM. A 1948 always felt peppier in the higer engine speed ranges. Radiator neck changed so a pressure cap could be used.
15 inch weels and low pressure 6.70X15 tires an option.

I think the 48 has a fuse on the headlight switch, and the ignition switch has the valet position.

Thanks, Gene, for the quick response. I knew some of that from your earlier posts here on Chat but not all of it.

Seems the 48 was a big improvement over the lowly 47. I actually liked the 47 grill better without that "T" that looked like a snaggle tooth. But, well, that's about it.

Now, if I had a 47, I would be looking for a 48. They are so much better and faster!

If one doesn't have a 48 but just a 47, I think one has simple option. Get a 48 or leave the planet. Oh the shame!

1948

1947:

Charlie

BTW: You 47ers don't get upset at me, after all, Gene posted the superior differences found in the 48, not me.

BTW2: Now you 47/48ers can go back to sleep. Nightie, night.

The 1947 lighting system was fused and the 1948 had a circuit breaker. And yes, the 1947 had a conventional ignition switch and the 1948 had the three way switch and only one key was needed for all locking functions.
The 1947 shared more mechacanical parts with a 1941 where as the 1948 (engine) was more like the 1949 and up.
That being said the 1947 and 1948s were both good cars.

Just how good were 1941-1948 Chevrolets?
The average one lasted about 10 years (except pre-war ones that had to go through the war years) and had say 85,000 miles on it by that time.
During that time most common major repairs were a valve job at 30,000 miles usually due to the leaded gas build-up on valve seat not allowing valves to close good. 1941-1947 rod bearing adjustment by 40,000 miles....all engine overhaul -from 40,000 to 60,000 miles mainly due to oil consumption due to oil rings clogged with carbon and either the wrist pins or rods were making nosie. If highway driven and oil changed would go 75,000 miles.
Front shocks replaced by 50,000 due to fluid not being topped of. Clutch by 70,000 depending and driver and type of driving. Front pinion bearing by that time possibel also.
Required a chassis grease job every 1000 miles and that would prolong the life of the front suspension. A tune-up once a year or every 5000 miles. Front wheel bearings repacked every 10,000 miles and brakes every 30,000 miles with adjustement every several thousnand miles.
These normal services and parts were were cheaper than any other make and most went to the junk yards with the original engine where as many cars required a rebuilt or new engine in this span of time.

Gene,

Thanks again. I guess with today's unleaded gasolines (helped by ethanol) and superior lubricants the engines and other greasable stuff would last a bit longer.

Back to the differences: did both years have available the cascades under the taillights?

Best,

Charlie

BTW: Are you northerners snowed in again up there? Can't believe you have three to four months more of winter. Mercy! Despite my nonsense, I want everyone to know that I think about you when the news shows harsh conditions up there. I hope this year is not too bad. Do too.

My first car in 1957 was a 47 Chevy coupe that I paid $75.00 for it. Has several more over the years, but they were projects. Then I found my current 48 coupe (Mary K) that cost quite a bit more than my first one. I do enjoy it tho along with my 46 Pickup I just got.

Charlie - yes, the medalions under the tail lights were on both the 47s and 48s.

Thanks Dale,

Were they an accessory or just for certain models?

I think they looked real nice when installed.

Best,
Charlie

Charlie: They did not come on the Stylemaster series.

dick

Thanks Dick,

I assume, then, that they were standard on all Fleetmasters.

Best,
Charlie

Fleetmasters and your favorite model "the Fleetlines"

Yeah, Charlie. When they were on a Fleetline and a Fulton was mounted as well, you had an unbelievably good-looking ride!! Did too!!

Oh yeah! Well, to me, installing a Fulton on a nice, streamlined, fleetline aerosedan is tantamount to a tuxedoed dad presenting his daughter at a debutante ball whilst he's wearing a baseball cap with the words "John Deere" on it. Is too!

Charlie