The Clear Plastic 1939 and 1952 Showcars

[mechanician]

I found another cool photo at The Old Motor of a plexiglass display chassis with two models. Just below it is a 1939 show car with a clear plastic roof....check them it out both are really neat and they have enlarged photos of everything.

[keiser31]

It states on "The Old Motor" that they don't know who the 1939 Plymouth with the plastic top was built for. Here is some information on it.

[mechanician]

Keiser, Thanks for posting that as it documents the car.

[Trulyvintage]

Very cool Thread .... :cool:

Wonder if they ever made any plastic engine blocks or structural parts ... :confused:

Jim

[Guest bkazmer]

Structural parts yes - the first Lotus Elite (late 50's) had a structural monocoque of fiberglass-reinforced plastic.

[mechanician]

Are there and plastics experts that can tell us how they made some of the neat things like the tires on the 1952 car? Check them out they are a work of art!!

[Guest bkazmer]

SBR rubber used in tires looks white. Tires are black because carbon black is added as a cheap reinforcing filler. Tires have been made in colors in the 50's, and of course very early ones are white.

In the same way, the difference between red and black heater hose is the filler (clay in the red)