An interesting side-bar to soundproofing a vehicle is the evaluation of vehicles. By the mid thirties open cars were quickly becoming a thing of the past, very few roadsters, if any, having been replaced by enclosed coupes, sedans. About the last roadster pickup built in the States was in '32.
By the late '30's noise and comfort was quickly becoming a big issue. I read an article many years ago that pertained to the gear shift lever. The lever protruding through the floor was very difficult to restrict air flow, however, the big issue was noise. The gear shift stick transmitted the majority of the power-train noise into the passenger compartment.
A second problem with a floor shift was, it was a common believe by men that women could not use their feet and hands at the same time, therefore, it was very difficult for a woman/female to drive., Ya know, pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time.
1939 saw the majority of cars with column shift available and/or standard on Deluxe vehicles.
I have several auto brochures from 1939 that show a woman in the drivers seat with her gloved right hand on the column gear shift.
Last edited by Wm L; 04/17/2020 3:29 PM. Reason: spelling
