VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Master Deluxe or Std? Coupe

I purchased about 3 yrs ago what's listed on the title as a master coupe, it does have knee action front end, but no passenger side windshield wiper. It does have two taillights (but have been added), also no clock or radio (which I know we're options) but figured usually they might have a clock.
It is a very nice car with documented 50k total miles, with me being the 3rd owner 2nd owner only had her for about a year.
Anyway I'm not to familiar with these cars, thought I would ask the experts. The fact that it has a knee action front end makes it a Master Deluxe, right even though she's plain Jane version?
Also someday I would like to add a 2nd wiper and a clock, everything else original and in stock condition, and want to keep her this way! Thanks

We are going to need to know what year.

Those model names sound 1935-36-ish, and at that time the Standard is a whole different car mechanically and in 1935 looks completely different too. A quick way to tell is that a Standard has a weird 5 lug wheel lug pattern that fits nothing else, and a Master has 6 lugs and the more well known Chevrolet mechanical chassis parts. Standards always have straight axles, Master usually did not through 1936 anyway. "Master" implied a fancier car at that time, and almost always had knee action, but it didn't imply the car decked out with options. Many features we would consider normal equipment on a fancier model today (clocks, radios, second taillight or RH sunvisor, etc.) were separate options in the 30s, and not just on Chevrolets.

Anything with knee action is probably the fancier model for the year.

It is interesting to note that while the "Master Deluxe" was the fanciest model around 1935-36, only a couple years later the "Master 85" was the cheapest.

So what year is the car? There should be a Tag on the Firewall on Passenger side. If it has Knee Action it's a Master, not necessarily a Master Deluxe. All the options mentioned above are very, very hard to find. People could not afford those in the 30's. And collectors have gathered them up.

Oh I'm sorry it is a 37, (somehow I need to update my profile or?) So there was a Master and a Master Deluxe?

If it has kne-action it is a MasterDeluxe.There were two Master Deluxe coupes. One was a two passenger with a rear trunk lid. Quite common. The other M.D was a 4 passenger rumble seat coupe and an external spare tire on the rear, almost rare.
The M.D did not come with a clock. right wiper or tail light although the last two were very common.
The M.D. did come with a lighter, ash tray,rubber clutch and brake pedal pads, stainless running board mouldings and four bumper guards and rear spring covers and gas pedal mounted starter.....and a 4.22 rear axle ratio where as the Master had a 3.73 ratio.

Well thank you for clarifying Chevrolet Nut! I definitely have a MD what I will call a business coupe (2 pass). It has everything that you stated. Maybe I will find a clock just to dress up the interior someday. Thank you all.
I will be joining the club shortly!

I need to drive the car more this year, just curious what's the max speed you guys might drive on the open road (without much traffic)?

A safe crusing speed depends on the condition of the engine. If the rods are loose or the oil [ump screen plugged up high speed driving is not recommended,
When I had my '39 (same engine and 4.22 gears)I drove the titnterstates at 60+ MPH. After installing 3.73 gears 65+ plus an increase in gas milage.....\

With the 4.22 gears the engine is turning over more than 3200 RPM at 60 MPH.

My 38 Master business coupe has the 3:73 rearend and while I can drive 60+ without damaging anything it's more comfortable at 55 because of the engine and road noise/vibration I get at higher speeds. Most people I've talked to with a MD drive 45-55.

My Canadian 38 Master Special has the 4:22 gears. I don’t have a lot of noise at 60 mph but the pitch of the engine hum reminds me that it is turning pretty fast. I don’t have any vibration problems or braking problems at speed.

That's about what I figured, I don't think I've gone much above 50, (can't remember didn't drive it at all last year). I'm planning on taking her out more come Spring!
Supposedly it has a rebuilt engine, (we all know what that can mean) time will tell.
I guess I'm not use to an engine with solid lifters as I recall they "rattle" more? Thanks

I am very comfortable driving my '37 Master Coupe (3.73. rear gear) at 60 mph. It gets pretty noisy over 65.

A key point to remember is that the brakes, steering, and suspension on these cars were not designed for the high speeds we drive today. Nor were they designed for a life with all the miles that we drive today. There were few paved roads. People did not travel as far. and frequently. Top speeds were typically about 45 mph.

Even though my vehicle had less than 50,000 mile when I got it I have spent a lot of time and effort making sure that the steering and brakes are in top-notch condition.

You will find that the Masters that came wth the 3.73 gears will have more engine noise at higher speeds due to the larger fan blades. Also depends on how "loose" te drive shaftt/torque tube busings are.

Actually checked my car I see I have the ash tray but no lighter, just the chrome plug! Kind of strange. Kind of gave up on the clock, (saw a nice working one on eBay for probably around $175) but this would require cutting out glove box door or sourcing one then try to repaint and match the color. To much hassle I think.

There is a emovable dummy plate in the glovebox door for the clock.
My error, the lighter was a dealer innstalled accessory.
Most clocks stopped running in the first year.

If the serial number has a GA prefix it's a Master Deluxe. If it's GB, it's a Master

Following

Did you mean ( JA PREFIX ) ?

37 would be GA & GB: http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/3702.htm

Tiny. I try to learn something new everyday, And today I learned something new.

I learn a lot on this site.

JA is the prefix for a 1939 Master Deluxe.