US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
(OP)
According to a "Chrysler engineer" US cars of the 30s had rear weight bias of ~ 60%. With a beam front axle pusing the engine and passengers back I can sort of believe it.
h ttp://www. chryslerhe ritage.com /sec500_pd f/1934%20A irflow.pdf
Does anybody know for sure?
Dan T
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Does anybody know for sure?
Dan T





RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
I did not weigh the 37 Buick Roadmaster, but just looking at it, I can certainly believe at least 60%. The front of the straight eight engine is aft of the front wheel centerline and the rear passenger seat is directly above the rear axle.
Rod
RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
I think in the interview the "Chrysler engineer" said that too.
RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
Luck is a difficult thing to verify and therefore should be tested often. - Me
RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
I drove my 37 Roadmaster (Ex Al Jolson) up the coast route to San Francisco a few years back (I've since sold the car) and I can attest to the superior handling characteristics of a school bus v Buick!!! By the time I got to Monterey my shoulders and arms were so sore I had to stop!!! That thing had something like a 180" wheelbase and steering was like 6 turns lock to lock.--- Came back south on the I-5. She cruised at 70 and 12mpg, no problem other than stopping for fuel every 200 miles.
Rod
RE: US auto F/R weight distribution in the 30s
Those early cars may have been primitive in many ways, but they had pretty good weight distribution.