Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Want To Buy - Parts => Topic started by: DKelly on February 19, 2025, 11:20:37 AM

Title: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: DKelly on February 19, 2025, 11:20:37 AM
Does anyone have a spare hood spring they would like to sell me for mt 39 series 61?
Thanks
DK
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: DKelly on February 19, 2025, 11:22:00 AM
here is a pic
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: Oliver Betker on February 20, 2025, 05:23:31 AM
Because of the high price of original ones, which are also 80 years old, I bought for my 1946 61 fastback coupe new springs in the dimension i need via internet from a standard parts deliverer.
unfortunatly the new springs were a little to week. Maybe I choose the wrong diameter of spring wire.
Normally the 1946 models have had 2springs on each side.
I only added one of the new springs on each side, so that I have 3 left and 3 right.
I know, its not original, but it works fine. The hood stays tight in the upright position and to close the bonnet, it`s not too heavy.
Regards Oliver
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: Oliver Betker on February 20, 2025, 05:46:20 AM
Before I tried to change the springs, which didn't work so well because, as I said, comparable springs in the original dimensions were a bit weak, I helped myself with a simple hook that I had bent to hold the hood open.
This hook was always near the radiator and never fell onto the road while driving.
And when I wanted to open the hood, I pushed it a little higher, hooked the hook as in the picture and let the hood down a little until the hook held the remaining weight.
I know it's a bit silly, but it works without a broomstick or hood on your neck!  ;)
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: DKelly on February 20, 2025, 09:34:55 AM
Thanks for the reply Oliver very helpful. I'm going to try and use 309 stainless filler to weld it and hope it holds, I would think it would. Thanks again.
I'll let you know how I make out. Where did you find your springs?
DK
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: Oliver Betker on February 21, 2025, 04:39:57 AM
Since I'm from Germany (as you can see from my poor translations), I searched the internet for spring suppliers here in our area. I found one that specializes in making springs to your specifications. I've attached pictures of two internet sites as an example. It's in German and I'm sure you can find comparable companies in the US as well.
On one site you can enter all the dimensions of the springs you need and the program will show you comparable springs that are available.
This is the site I used for my replacement parts. The spring material from back then seems to be stronger/better, so if you find similar sites, try using a slightly larger spring wire dimension, maybe you'll have more spring force then.
Regards Oliver
Title: Re: Looking for a hood spring - 39 series 61
Post by: DKelly on February 21, 2025, 08:44:34 AM
Thanks