1931 Pierce-Arrow information needed

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  • January 27, 2025 at 1:17 pm #480559
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    I am looking at a 1931 Pierce-Arrow with a purchase possibility. Here is my question. What is the total length from bumper to bumper? If this current search ends in a purchase, I need to see how much floor space is needed to park it. I know that the Model 42 has a wheelbase of 142″ but I don’t know the front and back overhang. If you own one of these, and are willing, please put a tape to it. I also need to know for transporting how much trailer is required.

    Al

    January 27, 2025 at 2:19 pm #480561
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    Good luck with your search. I have a 1931 model 42 sport phaeton. Just measured it bumper to bumper and it is 216”. My car has the spare in the rear and that measurement will accommodate the spare. As for a trailer, I have a 26’ trailer but you don’t need that much. If I remember correctly I rented a 20’ trailer to go pick it up. You might want to go for a 22’ just so you have a bit more room.

    January 27, 2025 at 6:52 pm #480562
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    Another important thing to consider is the curb weight is something north of the 4800 pounds shipping weight from the factory for a 5-passenger sedan. It limited my choices when I bought my 31 model 43 sedan.

    January 28, 2025 at 2:10 pm #480565
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    Alan,

    Here is weight and length information from the 1931 Dealer Data Book:

     

    February 2, 2025 at 8:45 pm #480631
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    Thanks for the posted information regarding the 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 I requested. I now have a couple of questions about this same model 42. On a running car, what is the likelihood of the block removable water distribution manifold needing to be replaced? What are the signs that this water manifold is failing short of leaking to atmosphere and running down the outside of the block? Next, does a Model 42 have an externally lubricated clutch throw-out bearing?  Next, are the wire wheels from a 1928 Model 133 Pierce-Arrow the same and have the same hubs as a 1931 Model 42? What is needed in order to convert a wood wheel car to wire wheels? Next, was 1932 the first year for Pierce-Arrow to offer a power assist for the brakes or was it 1931? If a good block flush is done on a 1929-31 Pierce-Arrow , what is the methodology to keep the rust sludge from migrating and plugging the radiator? What is a good flush compound to help clear the sludge out of the water galleys of the block? Maybe the best program would be to pull the water distribution manifold and mechanically clean the sludge out. Does anyone have experience to share?

    Al

    February 3, 2025 at 5:59 pm #480647
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    Ed Minnie has written volumes on getting rust and sludge out of engines and radiators.

    Hopefully he has some of those detailed guides copied so he can post what you need with little effort.

    As for swapping the wheels, you will need to change the hubs to go from wooden wheels to wires.

    Good luck with your new purchase, and post some pictures when you can.

    February 3, 2025 at 7:23 pm #480650
    Author nameAuthor names are only available to PAS members.

    For information on the cooling system download PASB 2019-6 (Water Jackets) and 2018-6 (Rust Removal) from the website.

    A common way to prevent loosened rust flakes from moving to the radiator is to use the foot section of a woman’s nylon stocking. Remove the upper radiator hose, insert the stocking, fold the  stocking edge over the outside of the hose and the hose clamp over that to hold it in place.

    Actually, 1927 was the first year Pierce-Arrow offered a brake booster. ’27 and ’28 were a vacuum booster. No booster ’29-32. A mechanically driven booster from 1933-35.  1936-38 again had a vacuum booster.

    February 17, 2025 at 11:43 am #480707
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    Alan, call me my number is in the directory. 1931 cars used six lug wheels……a one year only setup. Also, hubs and drums are different on wire, artillery, or detachable. So wheels on any 31 or 32 Pierce are always difficult at best……and nightmare at worst.

    March 14, 2025 at 7:53 pm #480773
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    an update is on the way……

    Al

    March 17, 2025 at 7:49 pm #480784
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    More information needed regarding the 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42. Are all distributors the same on all Pierce-Arrows from the model years 1929, 1930 and 1931? If not the same, please help me learn the differences.

    Al

    March 25, 2025 at 6:05 am #480811
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    Alan, you should consider buying the wiring and tuneup guide from the club as it gives you the best information in one place. It lists 3 distributor numbers between 29 and 31 dependent on the model number and serial numbers of the specific model. Those numbers are Delco 668-E, 652-E, and 660-P. The only one I have worked on is the 660-P which is on my 31 model 43.

    March 25, 2025 at 7:59 am #480812
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    The Wiring and Tune up Guide is available for viewing or download on the PAS website under Publications > Owners and Service Manuals. There also are a few unbound printed copies available from the Company Store.

    https://pierce-arrow.org/members/owners-manuals/

    April 23, 2025 at 8:50 pm #480907
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    Here is my current Pierce-Arrow update, and a few questions. A transaction was completed and I now have, at home, a very nice Black 1931 Model 42 Club Sedan. This Pierce-Arrow is known in the past, to the Pierce-Arrow Society, but has been out of circulation and unused for four or five years. This automobile is currently be serviced and prepped for this summer driving and touring season. Here are a few questions. Would someone contact me that has experience with the hood hold down catches? None of the catches, on this Pierce-Arrow, are functioning and I want to remedy that issue. It looks like a bit of a magic mouse trap for the catch to work as designed! does someone have a nice sketch of the fuel delivery system for a Model 42. I have studied the Society on line owners manual, it doesn’t give me the information I desire. I already know that fuel delivery is going to be an issue for reliable operation during the heat of summer. Also, the fuel gauge does not work.  I am guessing that the tank sending unit is rebuildable? I am also guessing that the problem involves a bad float, what are my options? As the Model 42 has an electric gas gauge, the remedy should not be a challenge. What is the best approach to dropping out the tank to facilitate repair of the sending unit? I also plan to do a radiator flush as a preventative measure to assure the best cooling possible for driving in the hot summer months. Short of a fueling issue this Model 42 looks, runs and starts nicely, and is very comfortable to ride in. The brakes are GREAT for an automobile of this size and weight.  If anyone has other first hand experience, hints or suggestions, as I prep for driving, I have a mind ready to learn. Lastly, I finally figured out how to post pictures on this forum. Please check out the following picture of the black Model 42 Pierce-Arrow, now living at my home in Utah.

    Al

    April 24, 2025 at 6:51 am #480909
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    1931 Model 42 Pierce-Arrow Club Sedan

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