"I don't have a definite answer to the question posed in this post's title. That would have to come from Chrysler archives, an automobile restoration expert or perhaps a knowledgeable member of a club devoted to one of the Chrysler Corporation brands active in the 1930s.
"My strong suspicion, however, is that the answer is 'no,' even though various publications in my automobile library state otherwise."
Now I have such evidence from one of my books that was hidden away in the basement. Prolific automobile writer Jan Norbye on page 95 of this book states that the 1939 Chrysler line was comprised of greatly facelifted 1938 models.
Now that my suspicion is confirmed, let's take a further look at some '39s compared with early models based on the same body.
As mentioned in the earlier post, Plymouths only received restyle front ends from the cowling forward, including a new windshield. The same was true for Dodge D-12s sold or assembled outside the USA.
The previous post dealt only with 4-door sedans, so I thought I'd include some other body types: here are 2-door sedans. 1937 and 1938 2-door models had three door hinges. 1939 two-doors only had one exterior hinge, as the leading edge of the door was slightly reshaped as part of the change in the windshield from one-piece to V'd. Otherwise the door frame is the same, as is the shape of its window. It's hard to tell from these photos, but the aft side window outlines are either the same or very close to being so, even with a reshaped roof profile.
Now for coupes. Facelifting again is extensive, but the expensive-to-change cowling and body framing parts are essentially the same as those in previous years. Like the 2-door sedans, earlier coupes had three exterior door hinges that were replaced at the leading cut-line for the facelift. Side windows are clearly unchanged here, though the trunk lid is more rounded off.
Front door treatments are basically the same as discussed above, though 4-door sedans for 1937 and 1938 only had two exposed hinges. The lower hinge was retained in the facelift, the upper one moved inside. Otherwise, the front door and window are the same aside from the front cut line. The rear door is partly reshaped, especially the C-pillar, and hinges are relocated.
The same applies to Chrysler's line-topping Imperials. This view illustrates how dramatically different the post-facelift cars were. A lengthened wheelbase placing the front axle line farther forward of the cowling helps this distinction.
Unless otherwise noted, images are of cars for sale.
1 comment:
Does anyone know how interchangeable the parts are on the 1939 Royal for the 1939 new Yorker. Just looking at the 2 cars they appeared to be identical with some options being the only difference but after doing some research there may be a will base difference as well which could totally throw off all the panels. Does anyone know if the interior's hand front fenders are and are changeable on these 2 cars. I am restoring on right now and have the opportunity to buy a really nice Royal and use those parts to finish my new Yorker. Thanks in advance this has been sitting in my grandpa's garage for over 40 years and I It's my goal to see him drive it this year
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