Posted by: @tiny

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I have a book that lists the colors but don't have it in front of me at the moment.

Oooh, when you next dig that out, would you mind popping a post in here matching the trim colors to the main colors please? I think I've settled on making my character's chevy black with red trim like yours, Tiny, but maybe there's another combination I can consider too.

Also, that information about the electrolock is gold! Thank you so much - there's a little rewrite to do now based on that. You and/or this forum definitely get a place in my book's acknowledgements page - if you approve, of course.

By the way, are the original front seats a single long seat, or two separate seats? And, oh yes seatbelts and turn signals! I suppose they weren't standard way back when. They will have to be included given this car is being driven around on modern roads in my story.

Which brings me to another question! More a general one this time - over here in the UK cars have to pass a regular MOT, (it just stands for Ministry of Transport) but it's the road fitness test cars have to pass so they're legally deemed safe to drive on the roads. I'm assuming there's something similar you guys have in the USA, but what do you call it, and how often to do you have to do it? Any and all details would be welcome! Especially as pertaining to old cars like the 38.

Posted by: @rustoholic

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a very interesting conversation! I'm learning a lot

Hey Dean, yeah, me too! I have a lot to learn, as you can see. But I'm happy it's helping others. You guys are all so generous and helpful with your knowledge and experience, I really appreciate it.

Posted by: @rose

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Oooh, when you next dig that out, would you mind popping a post in here matching the trim colors to the main colors please? I think I've settled on making my character's chevy black with red trim like yours, Tiny, but maybe there's another combination I can consider too.

Also, that information about the electrolock is gold! Thank you so much - there's a little rewrite to do now based on that. You and/or this forum definitely get a place in my book's acknowledgements page - if you approve, of course.

By the way, are the original front seats a single long seat, or two separate seats? And, oh yes seatbelts and turn signals! I suppose they weren't standard way back when. They will have to be included given this car is being driven around on modern roads in my story.

Which brings me to another question! More a general one this time - over here in the UK cars have to pass a regular MOT, (it just stands for Ministry of Transport) but it's the road fitness test cars have to pass so they're legally deemed safe to drive on the roads. I'm assuming there's something similar you guys have in the USA, but what do you call it, and how often to do you have to do it? Any and all details would be welcome! Especially as pertaining to old cars like the 38.

Here is that page in the book. When I restored my 38 I didn't have the book and made the assumption that the orange tint was faded red but as you can see the stripes were indeed Vermilion, a bright orange so technically my 38's stripes are incorrect. As you can see there were different color combinations for the same body color. Mine is code 231 if I remember right, Mayland Black and Vermilion striping with Mayland Black wheels.

I can only speak for myself but, if you feel I helped your book, recognition is welcome. (Does it pay more? 😀 )

I'm not an expert on seats so if I'm wrong someone will correct me but my understanding is cars had bench seats. Two door models had seat backs that swung forward to allow access to the back seat.

Any vehicle manufactured prior to 1968 does not require seat belts although many of our member add them for safety. Turn signals became standard on passenger cars in the 50's but weren't legally required until later (the exact year escapes me).

Safety inspections vary by state. Kansas, my state, does not have a periodic safety inspection of non commercial passenger cars. I believe commercial passenger vehicles like busses must pass periodic inspections but I could be wrong on that.

I'm adding a couple of pictures of the electrolock used on the 1938. The first image shows it connected to the top of the coil, above the distributor. This picture was taken prior to the engine rebuild and repaint and has the wrong color on the engine. The second picture shows the engine during it's reinstall following the rebuild and repaint. The electrolock is hanging beside the engine. Finally, a picture showing the full electrolock. It was taken as I was checking it for continuity after I rebuilt it.

It's nice to see your picture young lady.  I didn't know that you were in the UK.   I take it that you guys drive on the wrong side of the road.  I am interested if your book is about bodies by "Fisher" or "Holden".   Since the "Holden" bodies were designed to be driven on opposite side of the road than the Bodies by Fisher

Hello Rose, I can see you’ve gotten a lot of good information from the members. If you need any further information I would suggest reaching out to Gene Schneider. You can find him in the member roster. He is a walking encyclopedia on Chevys. He has fielded questions from me that no one else could answer. Good luck.