VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Accessories from Co40s for my 41

I’m interested in the flying lady and the whale tale exhaust tip - both for my 41 SD. Has anyone bought either of those? How do they look in person?

Scott,

I bought the whale tail. Seems well done. A little pricey but ...

I would recommend the shark tooth rims. There is nothing better for the price that sets off a 41 than a set of those. With decent hubcaps and trim rings, of course.

Some other things that I think add to the looks:

a. Bumper ends (front and back) and cross bars for the front bumper

b. Trunk guard.

c. Washboards.

d. Radio. Any except the one that goes through the dash without using the outer knob holes.

e. Deluxe heater.

Things that that are often desirable but don't do all that much for the car's looks and are mostly wanted by those of us who want to get as many proper accessories as we can. Me included, of course.

a. Fender skirts. Especially without the trim on the lower fender. I have taken mine off the grey car and may not put them back on except for show. And, I do have the proper spacers for the lower fender.

b. Foot scrapers.

c. Gas tank whistle. Ethanol will eat it up in no time anyway.

d. Air hose for the spare.

e. Reel antenna,

f. 41 wheel discs. Get the 40 shark teeth instead.

g. Flashlight.

h. Unberralla and carrier.

I. Hat holder

j. Center Arm rest.

k. Rear windshield blinds.

l. Whale tail.

Please don't smear red paint where none was intended by the factory.

Keep the wheels the same color as the body or as called for on two-tone paint.

Paint the car an original 41 color.

The reproduction flying ladies may be bargain for the price. Just inquire about the cost of having one re-chromed

If you can't find a close original cloth interior then go with a high quality plain tan mohair like was used on a Buick or Cadillac.

Does anyone else have any advice for Scott. I've met him and he is a swell guy. Is too.

Best,

Charlie

Thanks Charlie. I've got some homework. I know what most of those are, but will have to figure out a few.
I've got a radio off with Mike @ RetroRadio. Hopefully he'll get it to me soon. The buttons from Co40s don't fit right, so he's having to do some fabrication.

I think my short list is Flying lady hood ornament and a whale tail. I've got concerns on both of those.
Will a brand new repro look weird with my not perfect trim. Maybe a not perfect original might be a better match, even though it's a little more expensive. Need to get my car out of her garage and evaluate the trim in that area.
My exhaust exits straight back and not at an angle, which I'm presuming (the angle) is period correct. That explains the asymmetry of the whale tails in the catalog.

The whale tail was doing a left whip of its tail. Accordingly, the tail pipe was also in that same direction.

The chrome of the reproduction flying lady (FL) and the whale tail are both excellent.

There is a FL on eBay right now but the asking price is well above reproduction.

Most of the shinny stuff on the car can be buffed out and be shinny.

I would recommend the bumper tips and cross guards in front and the bumper tips and trunk guard in the rear over the FL and whale tail. Much more bang for the bucks.

Best,

Charlie

three more:
GM Locking gas cap
compass
radiator overflow tank
these are all currently reproduce and reasonable priced.

while your in the engine compartment, add one of those windshield washer bottles, they are always on ebay and the decal is reproduced too.

You're right.

All four items are worth considering.

Thanks,

Charlie

Scott,

Other than 41 Special Deluxe I don't know what body style you have.

Just for the sake of me wanting to know, please let me what kind of critter you have.

You can PM me if you have mechanical parts you need for it. Then, I'll scratch through and see what I may have.

Best,

Charlie

BTW: You should have enough transmissions!

Charlie, here is my car.
https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php/galleries/427725/my-41-special-deluxe-history.html#Post427725
I'll start adding to that post and add what I've learned, what's wrong, what's right, etc.

Scott,

I would encourage you to at least get some 16" trim rings for the wheels.

Car looks good. Keep at it,

Best,

Charlie

BTW: Does it have the vacuum shift and, is so, how is it working?

Modiol I think the 41-42 took the early style washer pump with the later jar but I could be wrong just going off my 42 accessory manual.

Yes...vacuum shift. No experience, working or not. I presume it's working. Shifting takes very little effort. Anyone nearby (Delaware) is welcome to come up and take a spin with me.