By Greg McKinney Mineola Texas
The Chevy trucks started as something made in response to a rival’s product. What started as humble beginnings, proved to be a hit among the masses. Pre-1930 Chevrolet trucks were not that refined. They were first sold as chassis cowls. However, Chevrolet bought the Martin-Parry body company in 1930 and quickly began selling steel-body pickups complete with factory-installed beds. In May of 1925 the Chevrolet Export Boxing plant at Bloomfield, New Jersey was also repurposed to build and supply truck parts for all Chevrolet brands. Usage of these trucks transformed from being just farm trucks, to also cab vans and buses. These factors contributed to the refinement of Chevy trucks of the 1930s, which are listed under.
Chevrolet Series AD Universal
The Chevrolet Series AD Universal or Chevrolet Universal AD began sales in 1930 and was launched as a replacement for the 1929 Series AC models.
The “ stove bolt” engine now came with bigger intake valves and smaller exhaust valves, along with a new manifold with power increased up to fifty hp (37 kW). New features included hydraulic shock absorbers in suspension, dash panel fuel gauge, angled and non-glared windshield, circular and black-faced instrument gauges, and nineteen-inch wheels with wire spokes making hickory spokes optional.
Chevrolet Series AE Independence
The Chevrolet Series AE Independence was launched in 1931 to replace the Series AD.
Yearly standard updates from 1931 onwards included the “quail” hood ornament, a curved tie-bar connecting the headlights, wire-spoked wheels that became standard equipment along with a two-inch longer wheelbase and a later added rubber engine mount. While optional equipment listed bumpers, covers for side-mounted spare tires, spotlights, heater, and guide lamps facing the turn direction. It retained the ” stove bolt” engine. The GM Art and Color studio began to make all products similar. They were also produced in the United Kingdom under the name Bedford W-Series.
Chevrolet Series BA Confederate
The Chevrolet Series BA Confederate was launched in 1932 to replace the 1931 Series AE Independence.
The main external changes were the sloping of the windshield and the removal of the external visor above. The body choices were now broken into “Standard” and “Deluxe.” Hood louvers on the sides were replaced by chrome-finished vents on Deluxe.
The “Stove bolt” six-cylinder engine was now upgraded with a downdraft carburetor and a higher compression ratio to produce sixty hp (45 kW). A three-speed synchro-mesh transmission was fitted, and a “Free Wheeling” mode called Wizard Control came as standard, which permitted the truck to coast. The electrical system was 6 Volt Negative ground. Parking and Brake lights were optional. The generator used a cut-out relay.
Chevrolet Master and Master Deluxe
The Chevrolet Series CA Eagle and Master were introduced in 1933 to replace the 1932 Series BA Confederate. Series CA had a new optional 206 cu in (3,380 ccs) version of the “Stove bolt Six”, producing sixty-five hp (48 kW). The 1935 Series DA had an optional 112-inch wheelbase, an eighty-hp upgraded “stove bolt six “ and independent trailing arms front suspension called “Knee Action”. 1935 EA and ED series introduced full steel construction. 1936 FA and FD series featured a modern streamlined shape called “Art Deco” in a bid to take back market leadership. In the coming years series GA and GB (1937), HA and HB (1938), JA and JB (1939 ), and KA and KB (1940) were introduced. Until then Master 85, Master Deluxe, and Special Deluxe trims had also been introduced.
Classic Chevrolet Trucks 