Recent posts

#21

Technical / Authenticity / 1949 Series 62 Front Springs

Last post by loburkhart - Today at 04:28:30 PM

I have set of installed front springs on a 49 Cadillac Series 62 that are not seated properly in the control arm base. I'm not certain that the installed springs are in fact the correct part....the car was a restoration prior to my purchase.
The coils of the springs....both left and right sides, are not uniformly spaced.  In one area on each of the springs there is a wider gap in the coil spacing on one side and on the opposite side of the gap, the coils are completely compressed.  SEE PHOTOS . I have not seen this configuration in any of my online searches.
Has anyone seen this spring configuration.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to correct my problem but just wanted to first ensure I'm dealing with the correct springs.  It appears that having the gap/compressed area in the springs actually helps to align the spring to the top and bottom seating areas. EG: Provides a slight bend in the springs.

You can see from the photos the coils are not seated in the base and appear to be way out of alignment.
I saw another post here that suggested using a floor jack under the control arms to compress the springs enough to remove the control arm retaining hardware and then lowering the arms with the jack to release the spring tension.  I think that may be the best approach (in theory).  Any suggestions on getting the springs aligned top and bottom. It appears the spring retaining bases are offset vertically... requiring that the springs be somewhat bent to fit properly.

I appreciate any ideas and help.
Thank you , Larry

#22

For Sale - Cars / Re: Cadillac Powered Stuart Ta...

Last post by Cadillac Jack 82 - Today at 04:04:07 PM

There's one of these near DC by a place called Aiden, VA.  They also have an M41 which is also made by Cadillac.

#23

For Sale - Cars / Re: Cadillac Powered Stuart Ta...

Last post by J. Skelly - Today at 03:51:09 PM

perfect for driving on the lousy Detroit-area roads and doing battle with idiot drivers

#24

General Discussion / Re: 1982 Eldorado Advice

Last post by James Landi - Today at 03:40:09 PM

Use the recommended 10-30 winter  30 single weight summer...BUT get oil with zinc additive as modern oils don't have sufficient quantity for old engines.  One other thing to watch:  Check the oil filler cap regularly--- if you detect a brown "milkshake" coating on the cap, and after you stick your finger in the opening and you come out with more of that "solution," then you have a leaking intake manifold that's dumping coolant into the engine oil... THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, the gaskets must be replaced... coolant in engine oil destroys engines.  Change transmission oil and filter--Dexon is spec for these... have the differential oil changed.  Shoot WD 30 spray at the idle speed actuator rod and hope some of it gets down into the tiny drive motor and gears  ( the 40 year old grease no longer lubricates the worm drive in my experience).   And have the radiator and engine block serviced by a specialist NO STOP LEAK EVER (only the GM pellets)--- Keep us in the loop regarding your observations and questions... we're here to help you avoid our mistakes!  James

#25

Technical / Authenticity / Re: 1956 dealer installed AC s...

Last post by "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 - Today at 03:35:43 PM

Just a note on the evap cooling units. They were intended to be used in dry climates only, hence the brand "desert aire", and meant to be used with all windows down allowing free flow of the cooler but moisture saturated air. The would work great at highway speeds anytime the outside dew point was 50 degrees or less
Greg surfas

#26

For Sale - Parts / Re: 1948 Cadillac grille

Last post by Bob Hoffmann CLC#96 - Today at 02:40:55 PM

OK... please PM me & I'll give the information.
 Bob

#27

Technical / Authenticity / Re: 1956 dealer installed AC s...

Last post by Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 - Today at 02:37:23 PM

Well once air conditioning was perfected why have a car without it? 

It was common for commercial chassis based professional cars to be ordered without air conditioning since they weren't typically owner driven. What they did in 1974 was more or less a "last chance" concession to the funeral industry/municipalities to take advantage of the savings.

#28

Technical / Authenticity / Re: 1956 dealer installed AC s...

Last post by Cadman-iac - Today at 02:33:09 PM

 I think one day I will clean up the 77 a bit and put that swamp cooler in the window and take a picture just for laughs. Gotta wait for a cooler day though. Already working under a tarp for shade.

 Rick

#29

General Discussion / Re: 1982 Eldorado Advice

Last post by BigOldGroundBoat - Today at 02:31:18 PM

Thank yall for the advice! I must ask, however, what kind of oil and other fluids should I use?

#30

Technical / Authenticity / Re: 1956 dealer installed AC s...

Last post by Cadman-iac - Today at 02:29:25 PM

Technically, air was moved to the standard equipment list (along with a number of other accessories) beginning with cars produced in January 1974 however it could still be deleted through the end of the 1974 model year.

Beginning with the 1975 model year, the factory would no longer accept orders for deleted air.

 Well once air conditioning was perfected why have a car without it? Sitting in the lap of luxury who would want to be sweating their proverbial butt off?
 You might say that air conditioning was a really cool idea. Unlike the swamp cooler, that's just a soggy idea.

 Rick