Details on Crosley PreWar Models 1939

Details on Pre-War Models 1939 - 1942

Pre-War Models
1939 - C1A 1940 - C2A 1941 - CB41 1942 - CB42	The CA/CB designation fits with the postwar CC and CD model codes.

Some detail photos and information that may be useful in your restoration. If you have details that should be added or corrections send them to me.

The Pre-War years had 8 body styles by the end of production. Liberty Sedan (hardtop), Pickup, Panel Delivery, Parkway Delivery, Covered Wagon, Station Wagon, Victory Sedan (Convertible Sedan) and Master Cabriolet (Convertible Coupe).
The models rolled out over the years:
1939 -	Convertible Sedan and Convertible Coupe
1940 -	Station Wagon and Parkway Delivery were added
1941 -	Covered Wagon, Pickup and Panel Delivery added
1942 -	Liberty Sedan was added

The sketches and prices (FOB Richmond, IN) to the right are primarily from 1941 ads with the exception of the Liberty Sedan from 1942.

Click on the images to look at large version.

19 Differences on 1939 Models

Contributor: Paul Gorrell

The engine vibration shook the rear lower edge of the fenders till they cracked, so little running board fender braces were added later.
The transmission broke from being twisted by one rear wheel dropping in a chuck hole, so a universal Joint was added.
The exhaust system was moved from the drive shaft to the frame when U-Joint was added in 1939.
The hood prop was a specially marked 24” yard stick that doubled as a fuel gauge.
The windshield wiper was hand operated.
The starter gear was centrifugally engaged.
The Parking Brake lever was a vertical lever on the right side of the transmission shifter.
The crankshaft is slotted on the front end to drive the Generator.
The one piece brake lining floated freely between shoe and drum and between guides, and worked good.
Some 39’s were rated at 13 Horse Power.
The first 39’s had no door lining, etc.
The seats were shaped different, rolling back at the top and framed with flat strap iron.
The engine pan is almost cube shaped with two fins on each side.
The Serial Number is located above the starter.
The Generator mounts with 2 bolts through ears on the rear plate.
The engine cooling shrouds are open on the front.
The casting on the front of the engine has two mounting posts for the Generator to screw into.
The engine does not have the casting between the block and the pan that the Generator sets on.
The starter is a foot operated switch instead of the later hand pull, right of center on the dash.

1939 Convertible Coupe

Note:
Red Wheels
Rounded door tops denotes Coupe

1941-42 Convertible Sedan

Note:
Square top doors on Sedan
Fender brace

Close up of Fender Brace added during 1940, you can also see the Chinese Red wheels.

Here is an example of the Pre-War script, it shows the round "O" described to the right on the hubcaps.

1939 Floating Brakes - Uses both sides of lining

Specifications
Wheelbase	80 in
Tread	40 in
Tire Size	4.25 x 12
Weight	975 Pounds (Approx)
Gasoline Tank
Sedan	6 Gallons (Rear Underneath)
Coupe	4 Gallons (Under Hood)
Engine Crankcase
1939-1940	2 Qts
1941-1942	3 Qts
Differential	5.14 to 1 Std - 5.57 to 1 Optional
1939-1940	1 Pint
1941-1942	1 1/2 Pints
Transmission	1 Pint
Cooling System	Air Cooled
Tire Pressure
1939-1940	24 Lbs
1941-1942	25 Lbs
Serial Numbers by Model Year
Serial Numbers by Model Year - Some variation in the prefix to the serial numbers have been reported. The last 5 digits are the significant numbers in determining year. The body serial number is located on the front flange of the right cowl side panel.
1939	390-10000 and up
1940	390-20000 and up
1941	390-30000 and up
1942	CB42-32000 and up
Misc
Engine Color	Light Green like Avocado
Hubcaps 1939-41	Black lettering with a lightning bolt through it. Referred to as the round “O” cap as the “O” in Crosley is round instead of oval.
Hubcaps 1942	Painted because of the war restrictions on Chrome use.
Generator/Starter	Black
Distributor	Black
Brakes 1939	Unique 6" floating lining mechanical brakes
Brakes 1940-42	Conventional 6" mechanical brakes

Coupe did not have fuel pump, so had a tank under the hood for gravity feed. Disregard the modern point to point wiring, modern fuel filter and after market air cleaner.

Here we have the engine compartment of a model with fuel pump and rear mounted tank.
Note:
    Correct wiring
    Air cleaner
    Engine color

Top/Seat/Body - Colors
1939-42 Convertible Coupe (rear seat optional)
	Top	Black/Red Trim
	Seats	Grey
1939 Convertible Sedan
	Top	Black/Red Trim
	Seats	Grey
1940-42 Standard Convertible Sedan
	Top	Tan/Red Trim
	Seats	Brown
1940-42 Deluxe Convertible Sedan
	Top	Tan/Red Trim
	Seats	Red/Grey (optional)
1940-42 Wagon
	Top	Black (hardtop)
	Seats	Brown
1940-42 Parkway Delivery
	Top	Tan/Red Trim (front area over driver)
	Seat	Brown (one seat)
1941-42 Covered Wagon (2 & 4 passenger) and Pickup
	Top	Olive Drab/Khaki(optional)
	Seats	Brown
1941-42 Panel Delivery
	Top	Black (hardtop)
	Seats	Brown
1942 Liberty Sedan
	Seats	Brown
Body Paint
	1939-40 -	Crosley Gray (Paddock Gray)
	1939-42 -	Sequoia Cream (optional in 1939-40)
	1939-42 -	Crosley Blue
	1941-42 -	Williamsburg Tan
	1941-42 -	Washington Blue
	1942 -	Nassau Gray

Restored Chassis, slightly different green from above, probably closer.

Original factory photo of Chassis.

Here was an attempt at identifying all the firewall holes, from the engine compartment side.

Wiring diagram from 1942 but should be close for other years.

1939 Dash

On the deluxe models with fuel pump they used the space where the under hood tank is for a tool box and optional radio. Disregard point to point modern wiring.

The rear seat was optional on the Coupe so an oak slatted floor could be bought to improve cargo area. An optional tonneau was also offered to cover the rear area.

Back to CAC