1942 Cadillac Series 6269 A New Beginning

[James Gray]

Here are a few more pictures. I have skipped ahead on the Authenticity Manual to the truck area to help a fellow CLC member doing research. Hope this helps

The first picture is the trunk emblem. It appears to have faded most of it's color but it is intact and original. Ignore the dirt. I am documenting before I clean.

The second is a wider angle. You can see the last registration/plate appears to be a permanent Vintage Vehicle plate but I am uncertain of the vehicle laws in Montana. She has 2 license plate lights (both working) but no back light option.

The 3rd picture is a close up of the key hole to the trunk. Not sure why I took this picture but her ya' go.

[James Gray]

Here is the trunk as it were when we loaded it. A few things may have been sifted through but it is all there.

The second picture is all of the stuff spread out on the driveway. It consists of:
1.   Heavy Duty Belt (not sure which yet).
2.   Fan Belt still in the packaging.
3.   Old fan belt
4.   Valvoline oil
5.   Some seriously old brake fluid
6.   A tail light bracket and bezel.
7.   Some form of bracket. Look like an exhaust bracket.
8.   Hub Cap
9.   Old Tube
10.   Exhaust tip
11.   Cut pipe
12.   Insulation stripping. (Not sure what it is for yet).
13.   Black Part. Does anyone recognize this part?
14.   Couple lug wrenches/
15.   An old jack. (This isn’t OEM is it?)
16.   Fender Skirts.
17.   License Plate from ’59.
18.   Rubber mat. I assume he intended to use this somewhere. Not sure it is for the car.
19.   Fender trim seal.
20.   Couple pipe wrenches.
21.   Some screen. Looks the same as what is in front of the radiator.
22.   Brake cylinder rebuild parts.
23.   Big bolt.
24.   Small tube.
25.   A set of tail lenses for 1 side.
26.   2 metal bars/brackets of some sort.
27.   4 way lug wrench.
28.   The little brown box is some form of switch for  a windshield washer system. The one in the car works fine.
29.   Little brown tool bag type satchel.

And the 3rd picture is the trunk with all of the stuff taken out. Though filthy, it seams pretty much intact. It will take some serious elbow grease to clean it up, but I think it can be salvaged.

[James Gray]

In this set of photos, the first it of the top of the support arm. There are 2 on this car.

The second photo is of the support arm and the side of the trunk. The trim is finished the same as the floor.

And the third is of the trunk light. It works, but I burnt the bulb out opening it as much as I have.

[James Gray]

Last three for today.
The first photo is of the mounting system for the spare. It appears to be correct with the Authenticity Manual.

The second photo is of the spare itself. The simple metal hub cap appears to be factory correct. Is that hole suppose to be there? Maybe to reach the bolt holding the tire?

The 3rd photo shows the floor materials folded back revealing the cardboard material supporting it.

Notice the wires protruding from the side? Is this correct or has there been some semi-professional or not-so-professional work taking place here? The wires are the older braided insulation type.

[52Cadillac]

Hi James
I think the last set of pics didn't take. They're not here.
I really wish folks wouldn't load the trunk up with parts when the vehicle is sold. Mine was also, and it def leaves evidence of stains, and such.
Mike

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Hi James: What a great original 42 Cadillac to find. From what I see by the pictures it looks very authentic and I hope you keep this originality as you bring the car back as a preservation car. In the picture showing the trunk handle, I pass on this caution. When the 42-47 trunk handles were made, the steel locking shaft was inserted into the handle as the handle was cast. Over the years with the handle being opened and closed hundreds of times, it is possible that the steel shaft could start to break loose from the handle casting and then the locking shaft turns inside the handle. There is a way to fix this but to be on the safe side, treat the handle with respect when opening or closing the trunk. Don`t try the force the handle closed. Enjoy your car, you found a winner.   Bill

[James Gray]

Darn! I thought I had the picture issue worked out and it caught me off guard. Here are the 3 missing pictures.

The first photo is of the mounting system for the spare. It appears to be correct with the Authenticity Manual.

The second photo is of the spare itself. The simple metal hub cap appears to be factory correct. Is that hole suppose to be there? Maybe to reach the bolt holding the tire?

The 3rd photo shows the floor materials folded back revealing the cardboard material supporting it.

Notice the wires protruding from the side? Is this correct or has there been some semi-professional or not-so-professional work taking place here? The wires are the older braided insulation type.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

The hole is correct in the spare tire cap. The cap snaps on so put a hook or your finger in the hole and pull the cap off the spare tire wheel.   Bill

[srk1941]

I'm pretty sure that exposed wiring is correct too, you could access the fuses by lifting up the floor mat.

[Gene Beaird]

At the rest stop in Idaho en-route to Sunny Southern California.

Nice!  It's funny how small an older Cadillac can make a full-sized car trailer look!!  We trailered our 68 Calais to our new home, and it was hanging over just about every side.  I stopped to fill it up.  The gas station driveway had a bit of an elevation change.  I was genuinely-concerned I would drag some bumper part on the tarmac entering and leaving the station. 

Your car looks to be a very nice survivor.  Nice find.

[James Gray]

Thanks Gene. Yes this thing was bigger than I had remembered.. I actually had the car sitting back about 6" from the front of the trailer so as to counter balance the load. My truck is only an F150. Power wasn't a concern because of the 6.2 liter V8 which I have supercharged so it's putting down 535 hp to the pavement with 505 lb ft of torque. I was worried about the weight on the receiver. She trailered like a champ though. The truck has trailer sway control so even on the older bi-directional highways, we barely noticed when a big truck passed going the other way. We took the older roads because they are just more fun.

She seem to be 99.999% original. So far I have only discovered the radiator and heater hoses have been changed. I have a switch under the dash that I have to figure out. I don't think it is OEM but I can't imagine what it is doing there.

Keep checking back as after each weekend session, I will load up more info. Doing research at the moment.

[James Gray]

Carburetor rebuild arrived today.

I also ordered tires today. I received great advise from many well educated and experienced people through this forum. However, I rebuked and purchase what appeared to be more accurate to the original. I ordered Firestone bias ply tires with tubes. These look more like the original tires on the car. 4.125" wide white walls. I understand the 42 was the only year for this size whitewall. They have the raised beauty ring in the white wall, scallops and are the exact size as the original.

Now something more important. The gentleman that owns the place at which i ordered the tires is a CLC member. He is the only business I found in the San Diego CA area that carries virtually all brands, knows his products, has physical experience with them and has a passion and knowledge for all things Cadilac.  My nearest vendor whom i even considered is in Long Beach. 2 hours north of here. He advertises in The Self Starter as well as other media.
My question...how much and what is appropriate to share regarding this vendor? You are all buying them. He sells what you are looking for. And he is a long time CLC member.

[52Cadillac]

James, I don't believe its inappropriate to describe what each has to offer. Describing ones personal experience with each isn't a problem in my mind. However, the powers to be may have a diff opine.
Mike

[James Gray]

And here they are. Are they not just stellar?

[James Gray]

I would like to take a moment to tell you about a great business owned by a fellow CLC member. MotorSpot Inc. They do tires and wheels and custom wheel applications. And they do it well. Check out their website. http://widewhitetires.com/

I understand they were previously an internet based business which performed wheel enough to reach an international customer database and substantial repeat business. I cannot recall how long ago it was that he opened the retail store in Fallbrook but I believe it was within the last few years. He does advertise in The Self Starter as well as other media publications.

Here was my experience:
I spoke to Luiz at the counter and asked about a specific tire and for recommendations of similar tires and pricing for each with installation. He really did like the Firestone tire I had selected and explained why he liked it. His reasoning was spot on with the research I had done. The only year of the 4.125” white wall, the scallops and raised lettering in the whitewall, the beauty ring raised and in the white wall. But they were pricey with tubes and bands and proper stems. He showed me several option bias ply and radial. Even some bias ply tires not requiring a tube. I took the estimate and went home to ponder it awhile. I went back on Monday with the wheels as requested when ordering to make sure I was ordering the correct tire. It was requested because I was not 100% certain my measurements were correct. They were and I learned something I did no know. The wheels on the 42’ are riveted. I had 2 wheels with me. One was riveted and one was welded. Now I know which wheels need to be on the car for originality.
These guys are knowledgeable, experienced and very professional. They can provide what you seek. I asked about wheels not listed on their website and they assured me they could get them. American Classic, B.F.Goodrich, B.F.Goodrich Bias Ply Tires, Coker Tire, Coker Classic Tires, Firestone, US Royal Tires, Good Year Radiaal, Good Year Antique & Classic Tires and Diamond Back Tires. There were a few others manufacturer/retailers mentioned but they didn’t stick. My brain is so full of information now, it purges whatever it wants.

Anyway, help a fellow CLC members business thrive and contact them for your tire and wheel needs. It’s likely you are ordering them online and having your local service provider install and balance them or you are uber talented and doing it yourself. And for those in the San Diego region. He’s right here in Fallbrook. No need to drive to LA County anymore.

MotorSPOT Inc
www.widewhitetires.com
760-731-8303
Owner: Dave Adler CLC Member

[James Gray]

If you were to say I have lived an event-full life, you would be exactly correct.

I took to the task of placing the Caddy on Jack Stands so I can get busy with the wheels, brakes bearings and suspension clean up. I asked my wife to just check on me from time to time as I was working by myself. Because I am reluctant to get myself into a situation I cannot get myself out of, I made sure to do this in such a way that if the vehicle were to drop, I would not be in a position so as to get trapped under the car.

Once I go the front end onto the stands, I called my wife to monitor the front end to the car while I lifted the back end to place them on the stands. Right in the middle of this process, Gerhard starts cussing and carrying on. He does this from time to time, but since he is 90, we always go to check on him. I could not go so Kristie did. I told her the car was level and all I had to do was place the stands and lower the car. No sooner did she enter the courtyard when this huge whirling and rumbling sound followed by a big crash. I mean BIG when I say big. I recognize the sound as I am a former UH60 (Blackhawk) Commander. But this was not of the norm. This was a bird in trouble likely a ceased Swashplate. (A swashplate is used to transmit a pilot's commands from the non-rotating fuselage to the rotating rotor hub and main blades of a helicopter.)

Kristie runs out of the house thinking the car dropped on me. Poor thing. The helicopter landed in the field near our house. The pilot was ok.

[James Gray]

Now for the important stuff.

I was asked a few question regarding the truck area for the importance of research. I understand there is some incomplete data as to its fit and finish. Since this car is so original I am sharing these in the hopes it will aid in that research.

The first is of the spare tire well. It is not of the same material as the rest of the trunk. It has some form of rubber/cardboard lining with the sides cut/shaped to the well.
The second is of the bracket which the spare tire rests against when stowed. One question I was asked is how many supports are holding the truck lid up. There are 2 and one is mounted with this bracket.
The third is of the finish materials showing how it was tended to the at the edge of the wheel well. The corners were cut back to accommodate the turn and the materials was folded under along the straight edges.
And finally the liner pulled up so you can see the shape and maybe get a better sense of what the material is. Also, if you look at the right side of the well, you can see how the edge of the material is when folder under properly.

[James Gray]

And the hubs and such...

The first is the front passenger side hub. All looks good, Not a lot of wetness, but I think I will crack her open just the same to do a good inspection and service.
Second verse same as the first. A little more wetness but insignificant.
The third is the only 2 original 42 Caddy hub caps but they are damaged. I don't know enough about the metal to determine if they are salvageable or not. One has a good curb scar in a couple spot and the other has some rippling in the metal as if someone hit it a little too hard putting it back on after a tire change.
The forth are the other 2 hub caps that were on the car. Not sure which year but I know they don't belong here thanks to my awesome Authenticity Manual I got through CLC.
Picture # 5. Which of these are not like the other. Obviously the wheel in the front on the right is not for this car. Which would explain the Buick hub cap. The on to the left of that is the same but a different color. The paint itself appears to be the same type as that of the other 5 which I am sure are the original wheels from the factory.
And photo 6 is a close-up of some damage to the tire that was in the spare tire well. Someone who knows what they are doing might be able to save it. Funny thing is, it holds air the best of all the wheels.

I'll take more photos when I get the drums off and bearings out. And again, when I get it all cleaned up and reassembled.

Now if I can just avoid those pesky inexperienced Robinson 22 pilots from getting caught by the giant fly swatter I installed in the back yard.

[joeceretti]

Very eventful! Not sure I would say it landed. Glad the pilot is ok and that it wasn't the car falling on you!

[James Gray]

After a ton of digging, researching, reading the "inter-web", harassing CLC members, buying service manuals and carburetor doctrines receiving ridiculous price quotes, I have started the carburetor rebuild.

Now, use your discretion if you decide to refer to my experience with this rebuild as I have not done this in over 30 years and my first one was under the guidance of my father who was a sought after driver in the mid-early days of NASCAR. He knew his way around a car like no other. I have exceptional mechanical aptitude. Wonder where I got that from? I have brass cajones (meaning I am not afraid to do anything. Hence, my last drop into Afghanistan was from 16,000 feet with the chute open and using radar to monitor air traffic).

Rule #1: If you cannot remove the carburetor from the engine, STOP! Hire someone to do this rebuild.
Clean the engine bay, clearing any potential debris that could drop into the open manifold before you remove the carburetor. Once the carburetor is remove, stuff a clean rag or 2 into the holes in the manifold to prevent debris from falling in. Just enough so as to cover them.

I used this video and a visual guide to tear down the carburetor. My 486s is not the exact same carburetor, but they are similar. Again, this is just a visual aid video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTaT0O8sUD0

The 1st 4 pictures are of all sides of the carburetor. Take a lot of pictures as reference materials to use while reassembling the carburetor.

Remove the little cotter pins on throttle and choke control arms running from bottom to top of carb. Be careful as they are tiny. Disconnect the arms and left them drop out of the way.
Remove the 2 screw holding the metering rod housing cover. This seats into the 'crown' housing so gently pry it up with a screw driver, being careful not to force it or mar the surface of the carburetor.
Remove the 4 screw from the 'crown' section of the carburetor (where the breather contacts the top of the carb).
If necessary, use a rubber/plastic mallet to gently tap the crown to release the throttle body, bowl and base assemblies.
Carefully remove the gasket. It is best if you can remove this as a single unit for comparison to the replacement gasket.
Remove the 4 screws from the top of the throttle body. If necessary, holding the carburetor level in the upright position, just slightly above the work surface, gently tap the bowl assembly with your rubber/plastic mallet. Lift the throttle body straight up off the float bowl assembly. I say this because there are tiny pieces and possibly fragile pieces. If they drop, you'll have half a chance to see where the go.
Be extra careful not to loose the piston return spring. I understand they are very hard to find. The piston itself must be rotated to the side and pushed back to release it.
Remove the 2 screws holding the little fuel delivery journals.
Carefully remove the gasket. Again keeping it as intact as possible for comparison to the new gasket.
Slide the retainer pin out of the float and remove it.

Now I've got to get back at it. I want to get as much done as possible because I have a show to play in Hollywood tomorrow morning. Weeeeeeee... driving to LA in the morning.