VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1932 Cabriolet Rear Window ??

What was the type of wood the original frame was constructed from ? Was it wood on inside and out, or metal ? Appreciate your help

The wood frame appears to be poplar on some other woods on others. The wood goes inside and is covered by top fabric. A chrome plated die-cast metal outside frame is used.

And that frame is very hard to find,

The reproduction 1932 rear window frames that I have seen did have the "curve" in them...top and bottom. :cool2:

Where did you see them JYD? :eek: Don't keep secrets from us.

I have looked in the limited places I knew about and gave up.

Hamption Coach had them w/o a curve when I checked with them last year. :(

The Hampton Coach frames were for an earlier Chevy, not 1932. There was a fellow advertising in the G&D that had the correct reproduction frame with the curve and I know of a VCCA member that purchased one. It is correct and beautiful! Also, there was a fellow in Minnesota that used to make the correct frame with the curve also, but he quit making them a few years ago. He still might have some in stock though.

Got any names or phone numbers? :confused: Or about when the ad appeared? :confused:

Use person to person if you don't want to post it. :eek:

Thanks,

Gator

I have no idea when the ad appeared, but it was in Hemmings Motor News also. I think that I have the name and address of the fellow who used to make the correct rear window frame floating around here somewhere. If I find his name I will post it. :cool2:

I need one of those frames for my cabriolet. I have an original glass with a decal that says Mystic River Bridge Authority.

Maybe we can get him to make some more.

Found it! The fellow that used to make the 1932 rear window frame is: Dick Morgan, 6739 Chicago AS, Minneapolis, MN 55423. It was a rough casting of the frame only. No studs and no wood retainer. You finish and plate.

Thanks, JYD. You are THE man in the know. :eek:

Have a .

Hi Guys:

Dick Morgan made them out of brass - rough casting, as noted. I have one on my 33 Cabriolet. I had to file & sand for hours to finish it, but it did come out beautiful. But the brass makes it heavier than the original diecast, and it could cause the curtain to sag unless you install it just right. I seem to recall that Glen Rarick from LaFargeville NY was making a repro out of aluminum a while back - if he still makes them, and you could find a way to plate it, this would be an ideal solution.

Dave from CT

Thanks, Dave from CT.

I will need the original when this top goes 'south'; since I couldn't find the right top several years ago I used the Hamption frame :( along with the new top.

Think anyone will notice?? :eek:

In a heartbeat! ha ha!

Hey Dave! Do you still have your FBCG coach model? :confused: :confused:

Guys:
Dick Morgan's latest window frames are Aluminum and also include the wood frame. His first ones were rough cast brass unfinished. Pinky Randall had some made of brass in the last year. The holes were tapped. Hope this helps.

It does.......thanks!

"Hey Dave! Do you still have your FBCG coach model?"

Yep I do. I've decided not to sell it. Found a really nice antique glass cabinet to display it in, and will set it up in the "museum" along with my other "junk".

I hope to get out to see your museum some time!

Dave from CT

Cool! Glad to hear that you decided to keep your coach model. That is one of the nicest ones around. Got 23 of the little critters in my collection now. Good luck with your museum and I hope to see ya one of these days. Arf, arf!

Hey Skip - I used the word "museum" very lightly! It's not really a real museum - it's just my garage. But it has some neat old Chevies,and other interesting car junk. :) :) :) Best part about it is admission is Free!

Dave from CT

I have purchased two frames from Dick: the brass ones he made, and now, the aluminum. They both had a fairly correct curve and he supplied wood with them. They both require finishing. If you accept the fact there is work to be done to get the end result, then go for it. If you are expecting to purchase and bolt in place, don't get them.

I have the brass one on my 32 roadster. It took a lot of work, but it looks fine. There was an original one on E bay several months back but I was not around to bid. I would have tried hard to buy it because you just can't find them. I have not tried to finish the aluminum one for my 32 phaeton yet so I can't really say how good it is.

Roadster

Hey Dave! Admission is free? Cool. Same on this end also! Since this is a hobby, no need to charge old car dudes just to see your stuff. Looking at old Chevy junk is what it's all about! Ya!

Thanks to all for your help. I guess I'm not alone doing a 32 Cabriolet restoration- down to the frame at this time! Planning ahead appears to have been a good thing ! I have an original outside window frame, but it is warped and broken. Probably to brittle to correct. I do have a loan of a pattern for the wood and glass. Thanks again to everyone for all your advice.
from Newington N.H.

Hi "car" Just sent an e-mail to John K. trying to set-up a visit to view your project.Perhaps first or second weekend in Dec.Sorry I don't have a window frame but from the responses above perhaps one can be located.

"Looking at old Chevy junk is what it's all about! Ya! "

Know what they call it when a guy gets all excited about looking at "old chevy junk"????

Answer - CARGASMS!!!!!! :cool2:


Dave from CT