McPherson College 1930 Model B chassis/frame verifcation

Hello Pierce Arrow Society.

I am Craig S. Nelson, retired U.S. Navy, and McPherson College Senior.

As many know from our prior posts, we have commenced the disassembly and documentation of our 1930 Model B roadster and 1930 Model C sedan.

We intend on building the Model B roadster to 100% authentic and period correct condition, without original parts to our car. The goal is to showcase the car to meet the highest judging standards possible for this Model B roadster. We do have the 1930 parts book for A/B/C models.

Our cars were not in original condition. Here’s the inventory of what we have right now:

– 1930 Model B Roadster body R-134-59, C chassis serial number 1003500 with 132″ wheelbase, A engine 300523, 4 speed transmission, 4.583 rear axle

– 1930 Model C sedan, unknown chassis serial number xxxxxxx with 134″ wheelbase, C engine 102558, 4 speed transmission, 4.583 rear axle.

We have finished disassembly and measurements of both frames. Attached in this message and below replies are detail drawings of both our C chassis and unknown chassis. The detail drawings originated from scanning the frame diagrams in the Pierce-Arrow parts book. We then edited the images on the computer to produce what is seen below. Every rivet and bolt hole has been reproduced and plotted in the exact location on our drawings. We then performed a basic set of measurements to begin documentation of both our frames.

1) Our C frame, serial number 1003500, 132” wheelbase, has been authenticated and those drawings are posted below. It has rod brakes and 5 lug wheels. It originally was donated to the school by Ray Rylander about 30 years ago.

2) The drawings for our other frame are posted below. It was previously listed as a C chassis according to a 1972 State of Minnesota registration document with serial number 1003853. McPherson College purchased this chassis in 1990 from Ed Fallon in E. Bethel, Minnesota.

As of right now, we have confirmed that it is NOT a C chassis. It is very similar to our other C chassis. However it has cable brakes, 6 lug wheels, many frame and body mount bolt holes are positioned differently, and has no passenger side data plate. The wheelbase is 134”.

We would like assistance from those in the Pierce Arrow community to help us identify and authenticate our mystery chassis. Please download and carefully review all of our drawings below.

I can be contacted anytime by e-mail or phone.

Thanks for your support.

Craig S. Nelson

(619) 944-8971 – Cell

[email protected]