VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1926 Wheels

Is it true that the '26 open cars had wood spoke wheels and the closed cars had disc wheels?
See you down the back roads. Jim

It is true. Additionally, open cars came standard with one size (30 x 3.5, same as a Model T) or had optional larger "Balloon Tires." I won't name the size, because what they called it then, and what they call it now, are different. But it was a bit 'fatter.'

Hi Back Roads,

Yes and NO. How do you like that answer?

EXPLANATION: The open cars (and the coach) came standard with spoke wheels, 4 tires on the ground and an extra rim mounted on the spare RIM carrier. These tires were 30 X 3 1/2 clinchers.

The closed cars (- the coach) came with disc wheels. The tire size for the balloon tires were 29 X 4.40. (Tire size today is referred to as 440-450 X 21). They were also equipped with 4 on the ground and a spare rim on the back.

For an extra $25.00 you could have 4 of the balloon tires on your roadster, touring and coach.

I understand that up here in Canada the 27 & 28's came with wooden spoke wheels as standard and disk wheels were optional. I have a 27 touring with 21" wood spoke wheels and a 28 roaster pickup with 20" disk wheels. :)

I must commend you fellows on the great participation you give in this column - met most of you over the years and can't say enough.

your good neighbour from the north.
Don C

Hi Hozz,

Whoa...Not going to let you waltz in here and tease us without further explanation. Don't think we are going to overlook a 1928 Roadster pickup. Was this a factory configuration, dealer modified, or a 1928 roadster with the deck lid removed and an aftermarket box installed? There were at least 5 manufacturers that made a slide-in box and perhaps more.

Could you bless us with a picture? If you can't post it, just email it to me and I will do the honors.

Ray and others,
Yes it is true that Canada had a Roadster Pickup in 1928. It is a factory built vehicle. Have only seen sales literature, never one in the flesh (or metal). A few pics would be real nice.

Hi guys we here in Australia also had a Factory roadster ute (pickup) I will try to send Ray some photos to post

I understand that this pickup was factory made for the Dept. of Forestery. I know of at least 3 of them here and a couple more in the east. It is like a regular pickup except it has a roadster top, doors like touring and the body from the front door to the tailgate is sheet metal with all the markings etc like a car. It has cast iron fittings which hold the top rails of the box which are "L" shaped. Fittings on drivers side which mount the spare rim and hinges etc. of cast iron for the tail gate.
I am in the middle of restoring it so I don't have a finished picture to send.
Ray if you are ever up north I am in Richmond BC about 20 minutes from the border. I have met you a few times at meets in Washington & Oregon in my white 27 touring.

DonC

As usual, Jim came through with several pictures of UTE from down under for me to post. The picture I selected gives a good view of one of these UTE.

Don, I am looking forward to dropping in for a visit and to view the 1928 Roadster Pickup you are in the process of restoring.

As a matter of interest three unique vehicles have been discussed and pictured on this site. All of them are 1928s. The first one was the midyear National AB convertible Sport Cabriolet, next was the Panel delivery, and now the Roadster Pickup (UTE).

What else will we discover as we dust off the books.

Also, what are the correct nomenclature of each and will it be different, mainland, Canada, and down under? My guess is that the terms will be different.

The pickup I have is different than the one shown.
The body is all metal and continues to the back and has the design in it the same as the car. The inside of the box is wood. The spare is mounted on the driver's side (LH) and fits into an indention in the front of the rear fender. The gas tank is under the driver's seat. The engine serial number starts with a "T".

If it has a 'T' prefix then it is from a 1928 LO or LP truck.

Hi Gang,

We have been blessed by Chris from down under with this picture of a 1926 Chevrolet UTE. The fun just never stops.



Thanks Chris