1949 Kaiser SPECIAL not deluxe (after everyone's help)

[RSB3]

I see in post #6 it states it is a Special.

[Fid]

I'm confused too unless joefrazer mis-typed.  The model number is the tell all, a K491 is a Special, and as mentioned a Deluxe would be a K492...
In either case, it will be a nice driving/riding car.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Kaiser-Frazer operated an assembly plant in Long Beach CA during September 1949 and re-started operations in early 1950 there.  Cars assembled at Long Beach have the "A" I mentioned in an earlier post here, and the cars went to dealers in the Western U.S.  Cars without an A were assembled at the main plant in Willow Run, Michigan.  The post stating serial numbers (door post and body on the firewall tag) starting at 1001 was correct, so it would seem your car is the 3,742nd Special 4-door sedan produced (your earlier post with info off the firewall tag) and could have been the first 1949 Kaiser Special shipped to the original selling dealer (wherever that was) and was probably produced between August 28 and October 10, 1948 (check the SCHED number...that can translate into the date the body started down the line, but not the date of final assembly).   

Jack Mueller
Club Historian

[RSB3]

Thanks Jack.  It definitely doesn't have an 'A', I am traveling for work this week but will take pictures of the tags and post and also of the car.  It is completely original and needs work, I bought it from someone who bought it from the original owner in Idaho.  He bought it and then stored it for 2 years and now it is mine. 

Is there a source for glass? the driver's window and the rear right vent glass (smaller piece) needs replacement. 
What is the best source for interior seats and door panels, i would like to restore close to original.
Also the plastic push buttons (door openers) and arm rests are shot, deteoriated from 60 years of use.

Thanks for everyone's input,

Bob

[Logan]

Where in Idaho are you?  My wife's in-laws live in Rexburg, and if you're anywhere near I'd love to see the car sometime when I visit.

[RSB3]

I am located in Boise but soon may be relocating to Seattle due to work. (mid March)

[Kenn Evans II]

Congrats on your classic buy.

[RSB3]

After some more research, I thought i was missing the turn signal lever but found out it was an option for the Special.  Also the rear view mirror is an option, I don't have that either.
Is this correct?

I have a bone stock Special!

Thanks,
Bob

[joefrazer]

All KFs came with an inside rear view mirror, although on some models the day/nite version was extra. An outside rear view mirror was always an option and was added by the dealer. KF had a factory authorized mirror available but many dealers used local parts sources for them. My 54K sports a Ford branded mirror and was added by the dealer at new, according to the invoice.

[RSB3]

Thanks! I will need to check if there are mounting holes for it for my 49.  I thought I read it was an option.

[RSB3]

Well I am back into the car again.  I am going to replace all the wiring since the fabric wrapped wiring is all frayed.  Going to upgrade it with new and connectors.  I also got the glass I needed from Larry (thanks Larry) and a shifter and brackets are on there way.  This car is definitely a Special.  Interior needs to be completely gone through since it is only springs for the most part.  Is there a way to tell the color of the interior?  The back of the rear seat had some type of plaid fabric with solid at the top, this original? reddish in color.

Thanks,
Bob

[Fid]

According to the book, "Last Onslaught On Detroit", Trim 111 on a K4911 would be "Sahara Tan Corundle Cord."  Don't know if this helps much but that's what it says.

[RSB3]

  you are right!  unless someone has a picture of the fabric to match...

Thanks for the info!

[Fid]

Have you joined the Kaiser-Frazer Owner's Club?  If so, put an ad in the monthly bulletin. I was at a meet recently and there was a member there that had a KF fabric sample book which I believe was from 1949. Someone likely has one and can help you with photos etc. so place an ad. 
Also  http://www.smsautofabrics.com/ may have it too.

[pnw_oldmags]

Fid ... I have three 1949 Fabric sample books but no trim numbers attached.  So sad so bad.