side panel difference on VA VAC

[calcubman]

can anyone tell me what the year or model difference is on these side panels are for a VA VAC?

 

[kenbob]

The bottom one is the same as my 51 vac except I have the door for the tool box. I think the top one may be a vai. I am sure someone smarter than me on the matter will weigh in.

 

[DKase]

Door switched from left to right on 52 I think. Only the very early ones have the radius pieces like your first ones, pre war most likely only 42.

 

[NickatKY]

The upper one with the wing tip or radius corners was used in 1942,43 and most or all of '44. There also were side panels just like the top one without the 2 ribs that I have seen on '42s.
The bottom side panel was used from sometime in late '44/early '45 until mid '51.
In mid '51 the new style VAC came out at serial number 5570001 and has larger side panels with the door on the right side due to the u-joint steering shaft running through the LH door area.
Nick