41 HOOD WITHOUT LOUVERS ? IS IT A 42 ?

[BILL HONIOTES]

I recently purchased a 41 6109 sedan that had a long museum stay in Maine.  The hood has plain sides - no louvers. I started researching and learned from 2 sources that the 42 hood was not interchangeable with the 41.  Does anyone know the answer? Do I have a 42 hood or an odd 41 production car?
Bill Honiotes
Elburn IL

[Steve Passmore]

I knew a man several years ago Bill who had bought a 41 without a hood, he purchased a 42 hood without louvers and used the car with it for a few years until he found me, I had a 41 hood which he then purchased and fitted, so I have always believed they do interchange.
Steve

[Jeff Hansen]

Bill, I think I have an answer for you.  What you have is a factory replacement hood for your '41 6109.

The following excerpt is from the March/April 1942 issue of The Cadillac Serviceman, page 12:

1942 Type Hood Panels To Be Used On 1941 Cars

The hoods now being supplied by the factory for service replacements on 41-61, 63 and 67 models have the '42 type panel (without ventilators) with the 1941 hinge and attachments.

No more of the '41 type panels with the ventilators can be obtained for the above models.  The '42 type panels are not formed  for satisfactory installation of the '41 ventilators and owners, therefore, should accept these hoods without ventilators.  The ventilators are not necessary for cooling purposes.

Hope this answers your question!

Jeff