I bought the car a year ago, nice body but the engine was locked up. OK, I've rebuilt engines before. The 322 was not to happen. A crack between the valves and cylinder was badly repaired and failed, overheating the engine. It "could" be repaired but with only a 40% chance of success.
I bought a 1942 346 engine and had it redone. To get the cylinders cleaned out they had to be bored .030 over, now a 352. The engine is in and I'm stumbling on the wiring. One site suggest there are not enough ground straps, so I added two. I'd appreciate it if you could point me toward a good wiring schematic for a LaSalle.
Thanks.
(https://i.imgur.com/J089iNm.jpeg)
Hello 914, there is a wiring diagram in the 1940 Cad/Las shop manual. Reproduction copies can be bought online at Faxon Auto Literature. Or maybe ebay or other auto literature places in Hemmings.
Just ordered, thank you. 8)
Update: The starter was rebuilt and there is power to it, but nowhere else in the system. No solenoid action, headlights, nothing. All the fuses I could find are good. I did add two ground straps from the block to the frame after reading other threads here. This is quite frustrating.
I'm not rich, but I reached out to a few local shops I trust, knowing that it could be a lot of poking around for lots of money with no resolution.
I am at a dead end and welcome suggestions. I'd like to have this beautiful car running and happy by spring.
Thanks, Dan
The Cadillac and Lasalle Club has experienced volunteer "club technicians" to help members with restoration questions. There is one for the 1937-1948 flathead V8 engines. There is another one for 1939-1940 Cad/Lasalles. I have contacted these guys before by phone. I think their contact info is on the CLC website in the members only section. If not, I can PM you the contact info as I just got a new directory. These guys do not participate on this forum.
Does your car have the original old wiring harness? What state are you in?
Thank you Tom, I am a member and will poke around when I get home (visiting family).
The car was restored and the harness appears OEM, but not 83 years old. A member spoke of a red wire, I have a red tracer, but typing by phone is not my preference. I can research more at home when under the hood.😁
There is a CLClub more local to me than most of you folks may be, I will look into them this week.
Dan
Quick update: 02.27.25
Morning all, I sent my LaSalle to a friend's shop where a laundry list of 10 minute jobs were checked off. I mostly wanted someone with more experience to do the first start up, with all the time and money invested I thought it was best.
Car runs and drives beautifully! Can't wait for Spring. I have to say it does have interesting paint. In the sun it looks silver, in the shade it looks almost black.
(I now have the hub caps on).
(https://i.imgur.com/gs3uGXL.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/NnToaEF.jpg)