researching old chevy dealers

[Keith B.]

this really has nothing to do with Corvettes but I know there are a lot of people who do research on where our cars came from and alike. on my dads side of the family he has a great uncle who owned a Chevy dealer called Brodbeck Chevrolet in a little town of Glen Rock PA. I know it was around in the 50's through the mid 70's. unfortunately my dad lost touch with any of his relatives. and his older uncles and relatives are aging and there health and memory is not like it was. and they really wont give us too many details on relation and alike. Does GM have any type of service were they can give you any details on older dealerships. I am looking for anything at all. I am thinking my next steep is going to the local libraries and just search for anything. thanks for any help

[William G.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Keith, Contact the historical society of the town where the dealer was located. They should be able to find some historical info.If it is a small town you might ask if there are any old timers in the area who worked for the dealership. You can also search old newspapers to find ads that the dealer might have placed. Also, search the NCRS Dealer Codes link at the top of this page where you might find the dealer listed. Good luck. Bill Gould

[Ridge K.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Bill's lead is a good one.
I have found when researching delaerships, that quite often the local historical society can be helpful.
As you mentioned, many libraries offer a free look-up service in their old cross reference directories, or old newspapers.

I wish so much that some enterprising person would do intensive research, and write a reference book about old dealerships. Another few decades and all the old leads will have died off. I would be happy to buy a good reference book on the subject.
Ridge.

[Terry M.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Keith, Contact the historical society of the town where the dealer was located. They should be able to find some historical info.If it is a small town you might ask if there are any old timers in the area who worked for the dealership. You can also search old newspapers to find ads that the dealer might have placed. Also, search the NCRS Dealer Codes link at the top of this page where you might find the dealer listed. Good luck. Bill Gould

If there is no local historical society, see if there is a local library. Libraries often perform the same functions in communities that are too small or lack the interest to form a historical society.

[Patrick T.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

I went on eBay and found this guy who sold old telephone books. He sold me this 1967 yellow pages book for $12. Ideal Chevrolet in Hamlin, WVA was the original dealer that sold my car and it's listed in the book below. Not a bad deal for $12 bucks! PT

[Tom A.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Keith.....Go to any clubs such as VFW, American Legion, Moose and talk to the oldtimers. I did in Concord, NC several years ago and got a ton of information on my 65. Got real lucky and talked to the sales manager and the gentleman that sold the car new.
Good Luck...JT

[Keith B.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

thanks. but I guess GM does not have any record of any old dealers like when they got there franchise or lost it. or any other type of thing like that. that is what I really would like to have

[Tom H.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Hi Keith:

I think you are on your own on this one. I'm sure GM won't be of any assistance in a matter like this.

If the store was open in the 70's, you'll be able to find info from the sources suggested above. I always have good luck with the library.

[Alan S.]

Re: researching old chevy dealers

Hi Keith,
I believe there's a pretty well know shop in Glen Rock that builds 'circle track' engines (the name escapes me at the moment). I'd think someone there might remember some things about Broadbeck Chevrolet and some of the people who worked there. Also, there's a VFW or American Legion post right next to the food store in town; there might be some old knowledge there. And lastly there's Al Prueitt & Sons who do restorations; someone there might be able to get you pointed in the right direction too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan