Starting in 1934 an add-on fan shroud was offered for larger trucks used as delivery and freight haulers. The 1937-38 trucks had a new part number for the shroud. It was available for delivery vehicles involved in stop and go driving, heavy hauling, and school bus applications. The shroud was cataloged for ¾ ton, 1 ton, 1 ½ ton, and school bus vehicles for 1937-38.
Several part numbers are shown in the parts book from 1934-1942. The radiators were apparently the same width, however the larger trucks had a thicker core measuring three inches. The shrouds measure 18 inches wide by 7 inches vertical, and fit at the top of the radiator core.
I purchased a shroud that was an NOS item and installed it onto my 1938 ½ ton pickup. I was changing the hoses and coolant at the time so it made the installation of the shroud a bit easier. The top radiator hose should be off before installation, or risk damage to the radiator core or the paint on the shroud (I covered the radiator core with a piece of cardboard first). I brought the shroud in from the right side of the engine bay, working it into place. There is a mounting tab on each side of the radiator surround framework with pre-drilled holes in place. The mounting holes are right at 18 inches center to center; two screws with washers and nuts were used to hold the shroud in place. Once again, the shroud extends downward approximately 7 inches from the top of the radiator core. It is an add-on accessory that helps the fan to better pull air through the radiator thus keeping the engine cool.
Radiator Hose Specifications, (1938):
Top hose, Thermostat housing to radiator: 1 1/4” ID X 6 3/4” length
Bottom hose assembly, Water pump to metal elbow: 1 1/2” ID X 2 3/4” length
Metal elbow to lower radiator fitting: 1/2” ID X 5” length
Use all new clamps
Fan to radiator clearance: 9/16” minimum
Sources:
Chevrolet Master Parts Price List 1929-1942
GM Heritage Website
Personal experience
Article written by Glen Andrews, North Carolina
