VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Radiator Fancy Caps

I have a 31 Cabriotet and want to buy one of the fancy radiator caps. I've seen the Eagle and the Viking. Are either or both orininal?
Any suggestions where to find them?
Thanks, Paul Zucker, paul@zuckersystems.com

In early 1931 the Viking was the accessory radiator cap. In mid-year of 1931 the accessory Eagle cap replaced the Viking, and the Eagle was also used in 1932 as well. You can purchase a beautiful reproduction Eagle radiator cap from the Filling Station in Lebanon, Oregon for $129. A stainless steel Viking cap is also being reproduced by a company in Michigan, however, the price for that cap is somewhere around $425!

WOW, that is good service. Since my car is a late 31 I guess I'll go with the Eagle and save sum bucks. Thanks much, Paul Zucker

jyd,

then, was the viking original for '30?..

epi

The Viking was a genuine Chevrolet accessory for 1929 thru 1931. However, the 1929 and 1930 Viking caps were screw on, and the 1931 Viking cap was a twist on since the radiator filler neck in 1931 was of the bayonet type. The company in Michigan makes both types of Vikings as I recall.

JYD, I'm just picking your brain here, for FUN. IF this car was being judged where the numbers on the car counted, what would be the absolute correct mascot/s he could have on his car?

JYD, Did some of the 32 models come from the factory with the plain radiator cap? :) :)

All of the 1932 Chevys came from the factory with the plain radiator cap. The Eagle was an accessory and it was added by the dealer when the customer purchased it separately.

were the boyce motometers aftermarket accessories...... Is there a type of car that used this type of radiator stopper more than others?

Boyce Motometers were aftermarket accessories and in 1929 and up they really were no longer needed because the temperature gauge was on the instrument panel. :cool2:

JYD, That means I should have my 32 judged with the plain radiator cap, because that Is what come on the car, Or does It matter. :) :) :) :)

Donald, I think that the rules will allow any genuine Chevrolet Accessory that was added to your car by the original selling dealer or one that was available for sale by the dealer at the year your car was sold it will be OK!


I made a stupid remark so I deleted it, sorry....

Might want a plain cap when you aren't with your car. Hate to 'lose' a $400+ cap or even the $129 one. :( :(

I hear the original plain ones are harder to find then the accessory ones. :eek:

I think someone said not to use the original plain cap when driving. :confused:

Gator: The plain caps are very hard to find, so that's why most dudes use the accessory Eagle cap.

Donald: You can use either cap for judging since a radiator cap is required, and the accessory Eagle fills the bill for the judging requirements.

Guy's
What did the plain cap look like? I use a gas cap off the 65 chev PU it fits fine and is chromed. I know it's not right but I have broken an original Eagle and don't want the repo to walk away while on a ferry or parked.

I have the plain cap that took me three years to find, and yes I think It looks great on the car, As does the eagle radiator cap. I put the plain cap on at night when the car Is parked over night at the car meets, But maybe I should leave the eagle cap on as the plain cap Is so hard to find and I paid alot for It. I bought the eagle cap from the filling station and the chrome work and detail Is really good. The original eagle caps seemed to get their beaks broken off on a great many of them, As the reproduction ones are done alot better In that respect. :) :) :) :)

Maybe all of us should buy a '65 Chevy PU cap and use it whenever we have the need.

I guess I went to extremes to protect my old Moto-meter Cap on the 28 with the winged wheel emblem in the front glass. I bought an enclosed trailer to park in at night, but I sleep well at night even when the rig is in the parking lot. I hope that the GM burgular alarm will awake me if someone decides to abscond with the whole "kit and kabootle", You know us Texicans and our reputations with The products marketed by Colt, Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Winchester!

MACK, Maybe you should sleep In the trailer and tie a string around the moto- meter and your big toe. I guarantee you will know when someone Is trying to steal It.

I didn't know radiator caps could be so much fun. Thanks to everyone for the advice. Now you have encouraged me. I have many more questions that will be asked in due time. Paul Zucker - akg - radiator cap happy

Donald, I didn't buy that long a trailer, but , I think a lot of the members do that, Chip has a bed set up in his trailer and saves lots of bucks that way. My wife insists that when and if she is "roughing it" she must have indoor plumbing and cable color TV along with a Continental breakfast! I can't seem to change her mind, I found changeing her mind isn't worth the fuss and hassle, never mind the hostility and harrasment.

Hey Mackie Wacky, Yes my wife thinks just like yours. If she goes with me on trips and car related things that I like, Well, It has to be first class all the way. Anyway, We sure have fun that way. I guess thats what Its all about, Keeping the boss happy. :love: :love: :love: :love:

Donald, as the old Pooch says
"It works for me!"
and It has for the last 38 years, through thin and thinner! it has been a H@@T so far! She thinks that when one of the old cars rolls she needs to be covering the right front seat, giving directions, packing the cooler, pointing out the wrong turns etc., No! you turn here! and other little tidbits as we chug along!

What type of metal did they use to make 31 radiator caps ? I have one made of some type pot metal ,it looks good but am not sure if it is Cheverolet issue or an after market item.I have a new bird, but if plain caps are that rare I may show the car with it. Thanks

The original standard radiator cap for '31-'32, '33 truck is chrome plated die cast. It has a milled edge like a coin.