Question for all you "49" experts out there

I`ve been looking around the net and a number of print media`s and every picture of a 49 trunk I`ve seen shows the spare wheel mounted vertically and partially recessed into the trunk floor. My convertible has the wheel mounted flat laying on the trunk floor which is flat. It has definatly had no repairs in this area and the mount to bolt the wheel onto looks original.It also has spring assisted trunk lid hinges which I didn`t think it was supposed to have as one of my manuals states it should have telescopic stay arrangement on the L.H.side of the trunk. Any idea`s folks? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I remember seeing some literature on the 49 Convertibles, and the factory foolin' around with the spare, and they actually changed the shape of the trunk. The early convertibles had a "fastback" type trunk with the tire laying flat. Somewhere along the line they rounded off the trunk and put the spare semi upright. You might try contacting Mike Carmody in the West Michigan Grand Rapids Chapter, as he kinda specializes in the 49 model. You may contact me at alglen@ismi.net. [color:"blue"] <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Some of the very early 1949 Buicks had trunk contours that were similar to those of 1946-1948 styling, i.e., with a more pronounced slope, requiring the spare tires to be mounted horizontally. It wasn't long before the trunk lid contour was changed to be more "squared off", allowing vertical spares. If you look at the yellow convertible shown in the sales brochure, you can see the early trunk contour.

If possible, could you please send me a picture of your car showing the trunk, and a picture of the opened trunk showing the spare tire? I have prepared a slide talk on 1949 Buicks showing many of the changes that occurred during the model year. I do not have a picture of a trunk such as yours, although I mention the redesign in my talk using the sales brochure rendering. You can reach me at buickron@frontiernet.net

I held schools around the Midwest anouncing the"New 49 Buicks" The 49 Super I used had a low-profile deck-lid. A short time later they came out with the newer deck-lid. The very first 48's had a rubber grommet around the steering column just below the speedometer,but shortly they put a chrome moulding there to replace it.A few early 49 248 engines (in synchro-mesh cars) were actually left-over 48 engines,even having black decals on the rocker-cover.When these engines were used up,the 248 engines had the red lettering on the rocker cover and wege equipped with insert rod-bearings and hydraulic valve lifters.I can qualify being an "Expert?" at least partially. The total definition of expert,-- An Ex is a "Has-been",and a Spurt is a "Drip under pressure" I am no longer under pressure.

I have heard that the early 49,s used up the last of the deck lids from 1948 before going to the later style.The first Roadmasters also had straight mouldings on the side & later ones had the sweepspear .My 49 was a special which was made only a short time. Norb

Hi.

I own a '49 Super two door and the spare tire is lays flat in the trunk and to the right side of the trunk. I am the third owner but is sure looks like it is as it came from the factory! Hope this helps you/

ART the other Reatta Tec Advisor <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />