B-I-L's '49 Champion conv. parts car

[Bill Pressler]

My B-I-L recently bought what was presented as a '49 Champion convertible parts car, to use in maintaining his very nice '49 Champion convertible. He knows that '47-49 cars are almost identical. The parts car doesn't have a grille. He says the serial no. is 423966 (from the door jamb plate). Does anybody who knows '49's know that this is a '49 serial no.? He's curious that that's what he really bought, that's all. Or, does anybody know which TW was about '49 cars? I have 30 years of them at home but am out-of-town with business now. Thanks.

[TWChamp]

My 1947-50 Chassis Parts Catalog show that to be a 1949 Champion number, about a third of the way into the years numbers.

[Bill Pressler]

Thanks much!

[studegary]

My 1947-50 Chassis Parts Catalog show that to be a 1949 Champion number, about a third of the way into the years numbers.

I agree with this and will add that it was from South Bend, not Vernon (LA) or Hamilton.

- - - Updated - - -

My 1947-50 Chassis Parts Catalog show that to be a 1949 Champion number, about a third of the way into the years numbers.

I agree with this and will add that it was from South Bend, not Vernon (LA) or Hamilton.

[BobPalma]

Bill: The published Turning Wheels Index through 2015 shows that no feature article was written by Fred Fox for 1949 models exclusively.

However, Fred's December 1981 Turning Wheels Feature Article is devoted to 1947-1949 models inclusive, so that's the one Harley wants to see. There were follow-up items to that feature article ("recaps") in the February, April, and June 1982 issues of Turning Wheels. BP

[kurtruk]

There are differences in the dashes and bumpers to differentiate between the three years, as well as the grille. Plus the rear frame portion and trunk floor got the stand-up spare on '49s.

[Bill Pressler]

Thanks all. Bob, special thanks for the TW leads too. Sounds that the car is definitely a South Bend-built-'49.

[Bill Pressler]

Just occurred to me--I only joined SDC in time to first get the Dec. '86 TW. I have bought an occasional older one after that. I'll look and see.

[Bill Pressler]

My B-I-L sent me pic showing the body tag to be 8G-S2 3867. He said the manual he has shows that to be a Regal DeLuxe. Does anybody know if there was more than one trim level on a '49 Champion convertible? I don't have the TW's that would indicate this. He says it has a different steering wheel and center than his other '49 convert and that "the chrome taillight covers" are different on both cars".

His other car was restored and has a non-'49 grille, so it's possible, I guess, that the wheel and taillights have been changed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[TWChamp]

My parts book only shows the one S-2 trim level. I don't know anything about possible mid year changes to parts however.

[Dwain G.]

The chassis parts books does show two steering wheels and horn buttons for '49 models, but only the type 'C' used on Regal Deluxe. Also shows only one tail light housing, so probably parts from different years. A photo might identify them. There is a TW article on the '49 models in June 1990 issue.

[studegary]

My B-I-L sent me pic showing the body tag to be 8G-S2 3867. He said the manual he has shows that to be a Regal DeLuxe. Does anybody know if there was more than one trim level on a '49 Champion convertible? I don't have the TW's that would indicate this. He says it has a different steering wheel and center than his other '49 convert and that "the chrome taillight covers" are different on both cars".

His other car was restored and has a non-'49 grille, so it's possible, I guess, that the wheel and taillights have been changed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

There is only one Champion model convertible for the 1949 model year. It is 8G-S2 a Regal Deluxe. (Also, only one '49 Commander convertible, a 16A-S2.)