VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 '31 Accessories List

I have gotten a wealth of knowledge from Bill Barker's web site but does anyone have a complete listing of all the correct accessories available for a 1931 Special Sedan? For instance, I didn't know until the JYD instructed me that chrome hub protectors were available for the '31.

Wouldn't the Chevy Service News bulletins for 1931 have this information? :eek: :confused:

Any items that were developed later and ok for '31 wouldn't be in CSN '31, you might need some CSN for '32 too. :cool2:

That's a really good idea. I have the '31 Chevy service news. I know it includes things like the heater and clock but not sure if all the items that were avaiable are in there.

I believe you will find that the Hub Protectors were stainless. At least the ones I had were stainless.
SEE YOU DOWN THE BACK ROADS. Jim

Some of the accessories are listed in one or both of the accessory booklets for 1931. Other accessories are not listed in either but in the parts books. Others are listed in other Chevrolet documents which include Service News, Service Bulletins and other loose leaf pieces.

I published a listing in the G&D in '83 but have since then found a few others to add to the list. Give me a few days and I will attempt to update the list.

I have a problem actually defining what is an accessory. It is understood that additional parts like mirrors, lights, bumpers, covers, locks etc. are considered accessories. But what about a tool intended to service the vehicle that was not included in the tools supplied? The lamp kits are an example. What about repair tools? Chemicals? Lubricants? Some are definately intended only for Chevrolet mechanics and other repair shops but others were sold by the Chevrolet dealer parts department or marketed by Chevrolet authorized suppliers to owners as well. Several mediums were used such as magazines, newspapers, flyers, posters, etc. Some by direct mail to Chevrolet owners by Chevrolet dealers or Chevrolet suppliers. Kent Moore is an example of one of the authorized tool suppliers. United Motors, Delco are GM owned that did the same.

What about items sold or supplied to dealers as promotional give aways? The lube meters are an example. It sure gets complicated! Huh? And we have not even touched literature!!!

"I published a listing in the G&D in '83 but have since then found a few others to add to the list. Give me a few days and I will attempt to update the list." Now that was and is a true work of love, you're a good man Charlie Brown and Chevy Chip.

Is there a list somewhere for the '32? :confused:

Hey Gator: That's like asking what's for lunch before you're finished eating breakfast. :p Thanks so much Chip for the efforts. jp

I don't believe a comprehensive list has ever been published for 1932. It would contain vertially all those for '31 plus several additions (such as the Breeze Filter). Several '32 accessories were listed in an article by the JYD in the Sept. 91 G&D. Just overlook the mention of the Model 364441 radio that was actually a '33 accessory but sold by dealers and promoted by GM as a retrofit in '32.

Right on Chipper Dipper! Right on!

Hey, 31Chevy I gave Chip his props before asking if there was a list for '32. Note I asked if there was a list not if he would make a list. Its' all in how you word things.

Hey Gator! Chipper Dipper has got it right. The radio is a "retro fit", which means it wasn't available in the 1932 "model" year. Since we have already been there and done that one before, hopefully this will clear things up.

You mean you don't want to "beat a dead horse" again?

Ha ha! Ya, he has already died four times!

JYD, What exactly does the term "retro-fit" mean? :confused:

Please define it the way you think VCCA judges would define it. :)

Serious question now, not stirring, I know it means different things to different groups.

"Retro" means "backwards". Therefore, a later model year part or accessory that is installed on car of an earlier model year is a "retro-fit". For example: An accessory that came out in the 1933, 1934 or a later model year that is installed on an earlier model year car, like 1932, would be considered a "retro-fit".

...and the car would lose points when judged at a VCCA meet with retro-fit items. Right? :eek:

I think what had me was the "model year", I keep think the Jan.-Dec. thing. :(

Yep, the car would lose points. And, don't confuse the "model year" with the "calendar year". That is two different things.

I'm working on my major upgrade of my 1931 site... so don't be surprised if some of the stuff that you're talking about here... ends up there!!!

Good info guys... and caution, the Service News doesn't really tell much of the story for accessories. It's what they don't mention that you want to know about!

Retro must have been ok with Chevrolet Motor Company, so why isn't it ok for us? Check out the drawing in CSN with the '30 Chevrolet fitted with a '31 horn. Retro was a way for dealers to sell more accessories. And check out the display of accessories in John Robertson's book A Pictorial History of Chevrolet 1929 - 1939.

Cool! Okay then.......I think that I will "retro" a 350 into my '30 coupe.............but don't take off any points though if the car is judged at a meet. :eek: :eek:

Boy Howdy, I am glad that little item got cleared up, I am looking forward to putting one of those new inline sixes in my 1928, do you think a six volt system will work on the new electronic stuff? DUUUUHH!and where would I need to go to find out how to do the swap?????

Raymond probably already has done one and has a article ready for publication! Right Ray?

JYD and MrMack, your retros would not have been ok with Chevrolet Motor Co.

Since there is some confussion on this, it would be helpful for people who show their cars/trucks to have a list of VCCA "approved accessories" for each year and model. :cool2:

I know this would be a major task for the club, but in order to fulfill the stated mission of the club it would seem that this is necessary, even more-so for the future generations of owners & showers.

Hey d2d2. Sure, our "retro's" would be fine with Chevrolet. Since it was okay to put Chevy engines in a Samson truck, in tractors and in other cool stuff, a 350 in a '30 Chevy would be just fine with them. Trust me.........they wouldn't care as long as the 350 was purchased from GM! ha ha!

Hey Gator man: sounds like you're volunteering to help put the lists together ...that's so nice

And Bill, I'm really looking forward to the updates on your site. It's already been a great help to me.

Hey JYD, I'm still practicing up on downing the 64 ounces of root beer in order to be a junk yard puppy :eek: :eek: