Guest Drache Posted December 9, 2010 Share Posted December 9, 2010 Was asked by a family friend to value something. Upon looking it over it was something I'd never seen before.Pines Manufacturing Co. ChicagoThe WinterfrontAutomatic Radiator ShutterOldsmobile 43AHe's had this thing since he was a kid and he's in his 70's now. It's also appears to be in good shape! Figured you car guys here might be able to tell me as I can't really find any original ones for sale.I believe its from a 1921-23 Oldsmobile 43A and know what it does but thats as far as I can go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted December 9, 2010 Share Posted December 9, 2010 Wow ! That is in really good shape; doesn't look like it was ever mounted on a car, except you can see the "imprint" of the cellular radiator core on the zinc-plated face of the thermostat cover ! These were after-market accessories for cars that were driven in cold climates, back before automotive cooling systems were outfitted with thermostats by the manufacturer.Another common "winterfront" was the Allen Shutterfront.Other verions were simply a fitted canvas cover that could be snapped over the radiator; these could be buttoned-up or opened as needed, but the driver had to go around front to do this. I can remember seeing this version on International School busses into the 1980's...Some makers, such as Hudson and Essex, built their cars with manual version as part of the factory radiator shell.You rarely see them on restored cars as most folks don't find them attractive.Thanks for sharing the pics ! Can't suggest a value... someone else here probably has an idea... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted December 9, 2010 Share Posted December 9, 2010 Most interesting. I cannot suggest a value either BUT I would suggest posting in Oldsmobile section as well as with HCCA.org - while not specifically geared towards these years the HCCA group may well have insight on this.I would think the "other" Steve M. may be able to offer an opinion as he is an Olds expert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruffsup Posted December 9, 2010 Share Posted December 9, 2010 I have a New Old Stock one for a Willys Knight and was going to Ebay it before I sold the car but came to the conclusion there is a glut of them in existence precisely for the reason Desoto Frank says, consequently not going for much. plus who drives their collector car in the northern winters? It might be of interest as a conversation piece to someone who owns the car it fits. They are on Ep[ay for $100-$300 most unsold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Actually, I'd kind of like to find one for my '28 Ford... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Block Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 $25 to $75 is more of the correct swap meet price. Your is NOS so at most double. but be prepared to negotiate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cben09 Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Some of these had a button on the drivers side. By pushing in, it would close the shutters and latch,,,for when you were leaving the car. There was a SMALL hole in the shaft,,so if the thermostat got stickey,,you pulled the button and put in a cotterpin,,,and held the shutters open,,, Most were black as shewn,,But the quality model sold for Pierce Arrow,was German Silver,unplated.. Using the canvas affair,,at appox O'deg f Silver Ghost,only needs about 1-2"of exposed radiator,, On the McCormack tractor it will stay cold unless you slip off the fanbelt !! The whizzing of the fan behind a totally coverd radiator still cools too much!! Then the drain pipe freezez,so ya cant drain it,,, Oh the hot nail trick in the kitchen stove,,haha,,Later,,Ben //I'll let you guys figgure how I got these things started,,,Coldest nite in the Ghost was --20f Cambridge to Marlborough/floorboards up,Starter never worked/5years,,not a problem ,:-] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Actually, I'd kind of like to find one for my '28 Ford... I have a leather one for a 30-31 Ford. It has a trap door like a union suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 The High-End car builders like Pierce Arrow & Packard offered a German Silver or Chrome Plated version of this Pines Winterfront as a factory option. They were very common at the time !The higher quality units looked much better than the unt pictured above. There are several period photos of Pierce-Arrows with the factory units installed on this website. A photo was posted just a month ago under What Is It" ... My USA built Springfield Rolls~Royce Silver Ghost and my early Phantom I have Rolls~Royce's version of this thermostatic shutter unit factory installed as part of the radiator shell-case itself. I have also seen window shade roll-up aftermarket units installed on other 20-30s autos. There was a rope cord you could pull to regulate the engine's running temp. Today these Winterfronts have very little collector value as they are considered ugly when installed on the car radiator~ .They are more of a collector oddity today~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Comments are right on about value, neat items, but how many have you ever seen mounted on a car? I have a like-new Winterfront for a 20's Pierce Arrow, has the Pierce Arrow name on it, and I think I paid $60 for it a few years ago........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 It sure is in good shape..looks like it would fit the Olds 4-cyl model. If the price is reasonable I think I could find you a buyer. I agree that the price likely is only going to fall in the $75 range plus or minus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I'd like one for a 1932 Ford if someone has one thay wish to part with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Didn't the 32 Ford have thermostats, one for each upper rad hose? Was the Winterfront even made for them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marlenco Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Actually, I'd kind of like to find one for my '28 Ford... Are you still interested in finding one of these shutters? I have one for sale, just like the one pictured in this thread...only dustier! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lichtfel Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I bought one just like it at Iola a couple of years ago for $5.00. It had the Peerless emblem on it. I have a couple of other ones that were given to me but they don't have an emblem on them. I figured the Peerless emblem was well worth the $5.00.They make a good wall ornament. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prs519 Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I would certainly "take one off your hands". If must be for a 32 Ford, I will leave in your hands $400!! Send pics ot prs518@live.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now