coil spring rubber gaskets for '37 LaS

[fatelle]

Looking for rubber gaskets that seat the upper and lower portion of the coil springs on front suspension.  Should be the same for '37-'48 cadillacs. Steele Rubber Products, Kanter Auto, and Restoration Specialists do not carry them.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Herman clc19416]

Did you check out Steele products # 70-0801-32.?  Unless I am wrong they should be what you are looking for.

Herman

[fatelle]

Spoke with Steele regarding the part number you specified and it may work. Will need to verify dimension on my '37 though, since Steele claims it is for '39 or later years.  Thanks for the help.

[Classic]

According to my parts catalog, the Cadillac part number you are looking for is 1281615 (4 required).  It was used on all models except V16 from 1935-1938.  However, as of 1942 or earlier it was discontinued by Cadillac.  But I did find a Ford part that fit perfectly on my 37-75.  It is part number C9AZ-5415-A.  Try your local FoMoCo dealer or your local NAPA store.  It's also available online for $9.95 ea. at http://www.dearbornclassics.com/catalog/part/CSI10.  Hope this helps.

[Classic]

Further research shows that Steele has them, even cheaper !!

Insulator, front coil spring. Replaces factory #8A-5415-A.

1949-66: Full size Fords;
1955-60: Thunderbirds;
1958-60: Edsels;
1965-72: All Customs & Galaxies;
1967-72: LTD's & Full size Station Wagons;
1968-70: XL's.
   
20-0203-32.....$ 6.60/ea.

[fatelle]

Thank you for the information.  Will call Steele back to verify dimensions on Ford insulator below.

Further research shows that Steele has them, even cheaper !!

Insulator, front coil spring. Replaces factory #8A-5415-A.

1949-66: Full size Fords;
1955-60: Thunderbirds;
1958-60: Edsels;
1965-72: All Customs & Galaxies;
1967-72: LTD's & Full size Station Wagons;
1968-70: XL's.
   
20-0203-32.....$ 6.60/ea.

[Mark Lowery]

Lee,
Since you are replacing the rubber gaskets (insulators), I'm wondering if you are also replacing your front springs?  From the Shop Manual, it appears that both the LaSalle and the Cadillac 60 series w/o sidemount spares used the same front springs; factory P/N 1422058.  Don't know which model LaSalle you are working on, but assuming it is the 4-door sedan w/o sidemounts, I would like to know if you've found a modern spring that is a direct replacement.

Mark Lowery, CLC#25216

[fatelle]

Mark,

You are correct, my LaS is a 4 dr. sdn w/o sidemounts.  Along with new insulators, I'm replacing the front springs as well.  I purchased these springs about 10 years ago from Kanter, however I'm just getting around to replacing them.   Dimension-wise they appear correct in all aspects to the original springs.   However, until I receive the new insulators and re-install everything (including rebuilt shock absorbers), I won't be able to speak to whether the ride height and control is improved.

Hope this helps.

Lee Fatell
CLC # 1391

Lee,
Since you are replacing the rubber gaskets (insulators), I'm wondering if you are also replacing your front springs?  From the Shop Manual, it appears that both the LaSalle and the Cadillac 60 series w/o sidemount spares used the same front springs; factory P/N 1422058.  Don't know which model LaSalle you are working on, but assuming it is the 4-door sedan w/o sidemounts, I would like to know if you've found a modern spring that is a direct replacement.

Mark Lowery, CLC#25216

[Mark Lowery]

Lee,
Thanks for getting back to me on the spring issue.  Since your car is identical to mine as far as spring loading, I think I'll wait until you've put things back together before I make my choice of spring supplier.  I noticed that Eaton lists these springs for about $580/pair so this is not a trivial purchase these days!

  Last coil springs I purchased (about 10 years ago) were for my Chevy PU and as I recall, they were only about $200.  Not sure why springs for a 37 LaSalle should command such a premium, but perhaps they fit nothing else and are therefore limited production runs.

Mark Lowery, CLC #25216