Common Henry J Myths -
Myth #1: Glove Compartments Were Optional on the Henry J -
Yes, you read it right, that IS a myth. The story regarding which Henry Js were originally equipped with glove compartments is very simple: The 1951 Henry Js, and those 1951s that were re-serialed as 1952 Vagabonds, did not have a glove compartment. All others did regardless of whether or not they were deluxe (six cylinder) models.
When the Henry J went on sale, September 28, 1950, it lacked many features that were standard on most cars. Among them were a trunk lid, dome light, glove compartment, opening vent windows, passenger side sun visor and door arm rests.
Most of these items eventually became available as part of an "Accessory Group" (abbreviated "AG") on the body tag. One that did not become part of an accessory group was the glove compartment. The glove compartment became a new feature on 1952 Corsair models (Corsair for the 4 cyl and Corsair Deluxe for the 6 cyl).
Yes, I have seen those two '51 Henry Js on ebay recently that had glove boxes in them but they were added by restorers. One was so obviously "hacked in" and the other was on a very nicely restored car but that car also featured several other items that were introduced on the later models. A couple of things to keep in mind - the Henry J used the same body for all 4 model years so just about all parts interchange on all models. Also, as mentioned, many of the items lacking on the early cars are desirable. These cars are now over half a century old and none of them survived without someone performing some type of maintenance or restoration on them and in many cases, that included adding items that were not on the car originally. This is certainly understandable, who would not want a glove compartment in their car? Another bit of confusion is that when Revell introduced their "'51 Henry J Drag Coupe" model kit in 1969 (and they're still using the same dies for today's version) they erroneously included a glove compartment on the dash.
Now here is some proof -
Page 207 of the factory Henry J shop manual, issued by Kaiser-Frazer in 1954 (well after the 1953 models were introduced), explains the features of the 1953 Henry J dashboard as compared to the 1952 Henry J dashboard. Then it states "The 1951 dashboard is the same as the 1952 dashboard with the exception of the glove compartment which was not used. Instead a pouch to store small items is located on the passenger side kick panel."
Myth #2: Only deluxe model Henry Js had trunk lids -
Yes, this too is a myth. The first Henry Js did not have a trunk lid but when a deal was negotiated to ship cars to the Netherlands in December of 1950, part of the agreement was that these cars would have a trunk lid. This was done in strict secrecy as KF did not want US dealers to find out. Realizing that it was a desirable feature, KF introduced trunk lids on the US cars as part of an accessory group. The K513 (four cylinder standard model) could be ordered with AG 10 or AG 17, both of which included a trunk lid and a folding rear seat. The K514 deluxe model could be ordered with AG 18, AG 21, AG 24 (these 3 also included a folding rear seat), AG 19, AG 22 or AG 25 (these 3 have a fixed rear seat) all of which included a deck lid. It may surprise some to learn that of the 9 accessory groups available on the 1951 models, only one, accessory group 8, did not include a trunk lid and most of them included both a trunk lid and a folding rear seat. Some K513 standard models were not equipped with an accessory group. Those cars originally shipped without a deck lid, cigar lighter, horn ring, opening vent windows, full wheel covers, bumper guards or vacuum boosted fuel pump.
Myth #3: Dome lights were optional on the Henry J -
Another common myth with a very simple explanation: The dome light was a new standard feature introduced on the 1953 Henry J and was included on both standard and deluxe models. As mentioned, when the 1951 cars were introduced, they were promoted as cost-cutters and omitting a dome light saved a few cents on each car. The 1951 and 1952 models did not have them. KF did have an optional courtesy light kit, part number 100210, which could be added to the earlier Henry Js. It included two bulbs that were mounted under each corner of the dash and a switch mounted along the bottom lip of the dash on the passenger side. The kit did not include door jam switches or associated wiring.
When the 1953 Henry J was introduced, KF's advertising literature claimed that the new 1953 Henry J was "39 Ways Better" and the addition of a dome light is one of those 39 ways. Very simple, 1953 Henry Js (and those reserialed as 1954s) were equipped with a dome light - all others were not. Yes, I have seen ads on ebay which state "1951-54 Henry J dome light..." but those sellers do not know the cars. Here's an example - CLICK
While the above ebay listing is a Henry J dome light, what the ad states is not true. The ad says "1952-54" which is wrong. The 1952 Henry J did not have a dome light, only 1953 and 54s did. The ad also states "...original accessory courtesy light for a 1952-54 Henry J Kaiser..." Not true at all, as mentioned, the dome light is a standard feature on the '53-'54 Henry Js. As far as ebay sellers go, do not believe everything you see in an ebay ad.
Also, you cannot blame them for promoting them as such because people have been known to install them in the earlier cars which is not easy to do since the mirror mounts differently on the 1953 Henry J. The 1953 Henry J (and I have seen some late 1952s) have the mirror mounted on the center windshield trim bar whereas on the earlier cars, the mirror mounts into the roof through the headliner. That method leaves little room to squeeze a dome light in, however, one person told he me had done it.
Myth #4: Continental engines were used in the Henry J -
This myth is stated so often many folks do not even know it is a myth any more. The most recent stating is an article in Hemming's Classic Car magazine; the November 2004 issue features an article on the Henry J. That article states that "Continental engines were used in the Henry J..." but the author did not do a complete job of researching. It is true that Kaiser-Frazer bought out Continental, who had been supplying engines for Graham Paige, and began producing the engines for their own cars. These engines, however, were used in the Kaiser and Frazer automobiles, all of which used the same 226 CID Continental flathead six. When the Henry J was introduced, it was announced that the engines would be supplied by Willys motors. Willys had just developed their F-head engine and began using both the four cylinder and six cylinder versions in their Jeeps and some passenger cars. They sold their flathead versions to Kaiser-Frazer for use in the Henry J. If you look in the back of the 1953 and 1954 Henry J owner's manual, it states that "Over 600 years of automotive experience..." makes up the Henry J. It then lists "Transmission by Warner gear, 60 years in the business..." included on that list is "Engine by Willys, over 39 years in business..."