Research for 1947 Frazer

[Frankie]

Hello.

My husband and I recently bought a 1947 Graham Paige Frazer to restore with our boys.  We have made some progress but since we are now in the middle of Texas summer we have had to scale back the physical restoration and turn to research.

Part of that research involves finding out a little more about our car.  Specifically, we would like to know what all of the numbers mean on the identification plate (we have already submitted the information to the on-line registry).  The plate reads as follows:

Model = 47
Body = 5
Paint = 307
Trim = 105
TR = 1
RA = 1
DR = 1
CR = 4
Sched = 43
Item No = 224
Body Number = 5429

The serial number is F47-005407.

We don't know what RA and CR stand for.  I think I remember seeing somewhere that Sched and Item No have something to do with the actual day of production but if anyone can explain it I would greatly appreciate it.

[Jeri Conklin]

Hi Frankie, Congrats on the new purchase, I'm a newbie myself with my first purchase two weeks ago, a 1949-50 Frazer. I read on one of the website ssomewhere and I think it was through kaiserbill.com (someone correct me please) in one of his links and it may have been to Hemmingway magazine an article about the history of the Kaiser-Frazers and I remember the name of Graham Paige Frazer being mentioned in connection with a car. I'll see if I can refind the article and cut and paste that portion. Otherwise, just searching the internet and these great people have helped me immensely. Good luck on your restore and have fun!

[Fid]

Here's the scoop on the numbers:

Model = 47 - A 1947 Frazer
Body = 5 - Four Door sedan (1947/48 only)
Paint = 307 - Paint is Buckeye Maroon
Trim = 105 - Maroon and beige broadcloth
TR = 1 - Transmission, overdrive.
RA = 1 - Rear Axle, geared for overdrive transmission
DR = 1  - Delivery Region 1 indicates US delivery
CR = 4  - ?
Sched = 43 - the schedule day of the production year is 43
Item No = 224 - the 224th car on the schedule
Body Number = 5429 - the body number.

The serial number is F47-005407

Hope this helps.

[ben-tex]

Jack Mueller says in his book that CR was used only on early cars and was for chrome trim rings (either 4 for 4 wheels or 5 for 4 plus spare.

[FrazerWill]

Jack Mueller has a book?

[ben-tex]

It looks like it is out of print now based on this link:

http://www.amazon.ca/Built-Better-Best-Kaiser-Frazer-Corporation/dp/1932439331

A few months ago it was still available for under $30. There was considerable disscussion back and forth at that time and quite a few must have bought the book then.

[ben-tex]

I see my link was to Canadian site for some reason. I just checked the main site and as of 2 pm they still had the book new for $39.95 plus shipping but there were some used priced up over $300! I might sell mine for that

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1932439331/ref=sr_1_olp_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248116798&sr=8-16

[Jeri Conklin]

Also try www.halfpricebooks.com or www.powells.com for copies.

[ben-tex]

halfprice uses amazon search and Powells does not have the book.

I remember when it was a real adventure to go to halfprice way back when one could buy old magazines for less than a dollar with similar bargains on car books.

[Frankie]

Thank you so much for the information!  I'm sure as the restoration progresses I'll have more research questions.