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new member new project 1936 LaSalle sedan

Started by Frank Swanson, September 30, 2014, 11:32:11 AM

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Frank Swanson

Greetings to all,
I just purchased a 1936 LaSalle 4 door sedan 36-50 series and am starting a full restoration. I've included some photos. Of course I will have lots of questions as I move along. My most immediate concerns are a good shop manual that shows torque values and sequences for the straight 8. I've already purchased the Dave Graham edition 34-36 Cadillac LaSalle shop manual which is great but lacking in many details. What would any body suggest as a better source book?
My next big concern is the spare wheel covers for the fender mounted spares. has anybody out there tried a metal spinner for recreating these seemingly hard to find pieces or know of a possible source for finding this goody?
I am really excited about this project and have enjoyed seeing every ones projects in this space especially of course the 36 LaSalles.

Frank Swanson member 29030

Smedly

Congratulations on you purchase. Looks like a good find. Keep the photos coming. As for the wheel covers, if you have access to the spinner, give it a try, if it works the feeling of reward will far out way that of the one you will feel when you just buy them. If they don't turn out perfect maybe they will work for now and you can replace them down the road.
Sheldon Hay
When a Doctor "saves a Life" it does not necessarily mean that that life will ever be the same as it was, but he still saved it. My 46 may not be as it was but it is still alive.
Sheldon Hay

Frank Swanson

Thanks for the reply Sheldon, I talked to my metal spinner friend yesterday and he said no problem with the wheel covers as long as I can get a profile, diameter etc. So If any one of you out there has a 36 laSalle with the fender spare covers and would be willing to supply that info I would certainly be most grateful. As Sheldon says I'm saving a life.
Frank

Frank Swanson

Sorry about that Smedly I got your name wrong. I know a Sheldon and my mind automatically went to that name.

ebuliavac

Hi,

That is a nice-looking and interesting car.  Is the paint a Cadillac and/or LaSalle color for that year?  It looks like a color available from around 1947.  Anyway, the reason I am asking is that I have a 1940 Series 62 painted in the same color, and would like to add a name to it if possible for matching purposes.  Thanks, Ed Buliavac
1940 6227C
1996 Fleetwood Brougham

Frank Swanson

Hi Ed,
  Well that color was put on by the previous owner who did not give a rip about what was right or not. I'm presently tearing it down for a total restoration. There was a color that year called dusty gray, I have no idea if that was what he was trying to match or not. My original color was nahkoda blue. If you search the internet you can find info on original color and trim details as per your tag which is probably on your fire wall which gives you the codes for specific colors etc. which can be matched up on option lists for that year. I ran across that stuff early on in my research, so I think it should be easy to find. Good luck and high scoring. Frank

Frank Swanson

So, if anyone is interested this is what I got done this week on my 36 LaSalle. The engine and tranny are ready to come out on Monday. The engine was running but very smokey and the tranny was jumping out of second. Anyone venture a guess to most likely cause for tranny problem? The gears are slightly chewed on leading faces but do not seem bad enough to cause this problem.
Frank Swanson
Member# 29030

Steve Passmore

Thats probably the indent springs on the selectors.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Frank Swanson

Thanks Steve,
When I took the top off the tranny yesterday I noticed that the 2nd and 3rd gear side detent spring was much shorter, I assume it has a small bearing ball inside which may be missing or the spring has some how been compromised. Didn't think the detent could make that much difference. Thanks a heap.
Frank

Steve Passmore

Careful Frank as often the springs are different lengths because of the different depth of each hole they fill.   I have seen several time people have fitted wrong size ones though.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Frank Swanson

Thanks Steve, I will do more research on those springs. Probably will dismantle tranny anyway and make sure every thing is cool inside.

Steve Passmore

Just to confirm what you already thought Frank there will be ball bearings in there or bullet shaped items.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe