Although most of us don't have perfectly restored cars and have our Kaiser Frazer, or Willys product vehicle because we like them for one reason or another (and there are plenty of good reasons!) the majority of us try to maintain our cars as best as possible and with parts that are available. If you are seriously into judging than this message is for you. Here are some little known facts that pertain to all makes of American cars of the 1946 -1955 era. There were no white wall tires on any cars sold in 1946 and they were generally not available until late in 1947. The tire industry went all out trying to produce tires by the millions but did not catch its' breath long enough to start making white walls again until much later. Kaiser and Frazer used 6:50 x 15 tires for the cars made in 1946 and 1947 but since that size has not been available by any tire maker for 50 years, 6:70 x 15 blackwall is an acceptable substitute. 7:10 x 15 tires were announced as a new improvement for the 1948 KF products and were used thru 1950 on Kaisers and 1951 on Frazers. If you are going to use whitewall tires be sure to specify 4.25 inch sidewalls as any less width are aftermarket tires and are not correct. Be sure that all five tires are matching and that they have tubes and metal not plastic valve caps. Tubeless tires did not appear until 1957 and they as well as radial tires are incorrect for our cars. The tire industry changed to a narrower whitewall in 1954 so a whitewall width of approximately 2.5 inches is correct thru 1955. Kaiser went to 6:70 x 15 tires with the announcement of the new 1951 cars and maintained that size thru 1955. These whitewall sizes do not pertain to Henry J or Willys vehicles. Chrome gas filler guards were never an authorized accessory on any Kaiser Frazer vehicle nor were the aftermarket hood ornaments made for the 1947-48 cars. Fender skirts on 47-48 cars too will get you in trouble with the judges. Sealed beam headlights with the three aiming tips did not appear until about 1957 so only the plain ones are correct. Windshield wiper blades used on flat windshields should not be the flex type as they were made for the curved windshields. Use the straight non flexible types. If your car has accessories like radio, heater, fog lights, spot lights, underhood or trunk lights be prepared to show that they are in operable working condition. Accessories that were released for a car that was made later than your car are incorrect even though made by Kaiser Frazer. A couple of examples are 1952 continental kits installed on a 1951 car or wire wheels used on a car that was not made when the wire wheels were announced. Nit Picky? You bet but that is what judging is all about. I only hit on a few items and if you have others to share or any comments I would be pleased to hear them. Gordie
