Author seeking info on 1953 Cadillac

[rikard454]

Hello all!

Am bit of a different post today, nothing to do with my 1973 Eldorado Pace Car replica but I have a few questions regarding 1953 Cadillacs.

Short background: I am trying to call myself an author and have written a few books & short stories and is currently working on a new piece where the main person stumbles upon an old homebuilt motorhome based upon a 1953 Cadillac Superior hearse.

I have a few questions that I hope I could get help with here in order to get the story more accurate:

1) Is there a bolt on the crank case of the 331 V8 where you could attach a socket to try to turn the engine over?

2) Checking the transmission fluid, is that really done inside the car - under the floor mat in front of the front seat passenger? Do you add the fluid there as well?

3) I guess there should be some sort of plaque stating that it originally was built/converted by Superior - where should such a plaque be found? On the firewall maybe?

Many thanks in advance and greetings from the Arctic Circle
/Rikard

[Roger Zimmermann]

To your question about the crankshaft's bolt: yes, there is a rather large bolt which is not easy to reach from above (when the hood is open) because the fan is in the way; the access may be more easy from under the car, even if the bracket for the radiator is right under the pulley.
From 1952 onwards, the fluid for the transmission was checked/filled from the engine compartment. The method you described was used till 1951, rather cumbersome.

[rikard454]

To your question about the crankshaft's bolt: yes, there is a rather large bolt which is not easy to reach from above (when the hood is open) because the fan is in the way; the access may be more easy from under the car, even if the bracket for the radiator is right under the pulley.
From 1952 onwards, the fluid for the transmission was checked/filled from the engine compartment. The method you described was used till 1951, rather cumbersome.

Thank you very much, highly appreciated!
/Rikard

[billyoung]

The aluminum firewall plate would state that the Chassis was built by Cadillac Motor Car Division General Motors Corporation it would also state that it is a Series 86 Commercial Chassis. To find out about The plate from Superior coach works I would consult a Facebook site called Funetorium and ask questions there.

[rikard454]

The aluminum firewall plate would state that the Chassis was built by Cadillac Motor Car Division General Motors Corporation it would also state that it is a Series 86 Commercial Chassis. To find out about The plate from Superior coach works I would consult a Facebook site called Funetorium and ask questions there.

Thank you very much! I will try to post a question on their Facebook page!
/Rikard