VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 28 Radiator Shell

Hi All,
I understand that Chevrolet made some 28s with steel radiator shells. Is there a reason for using aluminum vs steel? Thanks!



-R

Hi from Australia
There are a few '28 steel radiator surrounds turned up here, I have a couple myself.
They were not available new on '28's however as the aluminium surrouds suffered from damage very early in the life of the car, aftermarket steel ones soon appeared. I have seen at least 3 different brands. The most common is an exact replica of the aluminium surround, I'm not sure of brand or origin, however another brand that has appeared in reasonable numbers (and I have had one) was "Bebo" brand. This was a radiator firm in Sydney (Aust) and I have seen their brand of 27 style as well
The '28 Bebo shell was welded on the bends, which is quite obvious from the inside, the were flat (approx.1/4 inch) on the raised outside edge where the genuine one was curved. They also were flat where the badge goes. ie there was no raised edge around the badge
As far as I know Chevrolet or General Motors Australia (GMA) did not supply a steel surround

It is my understanding that passenger cars built for the US market had Aluminum radiator shells (surrounds) while Commercial vehicles used a steel shell. The steel shell was used on the Light Delivery Chassis vehicles as well. Steel shells were used on Canadian built vehicles, cars and trucks. I have no knowledge of what was used on export vehicles. Many steel shells are finding their way to restored passenger cars here in the States because a good useable aluminum unit is difficult to find. Folks are plating the steel units and in most cases the VCCA judges let it pass. I think the same Steel vs Aluminum scenario holds true starting with the 1925 year models.

Until recently I owned a 1927, St Louis built, Coupe that made it way to Senior status with a Chrome Plated Steel Shell. Not once did it receive a point deduction while I owned it. However, the previous owner had it judged at an AACA event and experienced point deductions. Go Figure!

Thanks for the info!



-R

Hi again
I noted the comments re commercials using steel radiator surrounds, which is true, however the 28 commercials used '27 steel surrounds.
There was NOT a '28 steel surround produced by Chevrolet
In Australia it is common for a high percentage of Chev 4's to have a chromed radiator surround when restored, for the years preceding '28 it was easy as there were a lot of commercials out here and very few have been restored
You can count the restored 28's with steel surrounds on one hand

Chevguroo is correct about the '27 steel commercial radiator shell (surround) being used on the '28 commercial vehicles. In my collection, I have one unique 1928 steel shell that incorporates a somewhat different medallion. The oval section shape and size is identical to the aluminum units, only the Bowtie insert is larger than the standard medallion Bowtie and the background is made up of vertical score lines where the standard medallion has the winged wheel background. Maybe someone can shed some light on what this shell (surround) was used on.

oldie!

I have seen this medallion on aluminum shells too. One of our region members has a 28 touring with this one. I wonder why the differing styles?

Rusty Fender, Your right, this item becomes more intriquing. I am wondering if it might be Canadian. Maybe one of our Canadian '28 owners can shed some light on this medallion.

Oldie