37 LaSalle V8 connecting Rod removal?

[rdreher1]

Hi,

I am posting this question for my father-in-law...

He is rebuilding his 1937 V8 LaSalle engine. His questions is:
The connecting rod bolts have slotted head instead of a traditional hex head, is there a special tool
and/or technique to get these bolts out? His attempts so far have failed.

Thanks,
-Rich

[Steve Passmore]

I used a socket fitting with a slotted head, got it from "snap on" as I recall but it was years ago.  You can then use a 24" breaker bar.

[rdreher1]

I'm having trouble finding the tool - can you provide any more specific information on it? The slotted bolt has a 9/16" round head and 5/32" wide slot.

[Steve Passmore]

Go to "Snap on" on line catalog and look up "1/2" Socket, Drag Link"

[sjocad]

WOW.I have the same problem,and IF I get them out,I will change them with hexed heads.
Anybody know where to get hexed bolts,as will fit,???

svein in Norway.
sveinthecadman@hotmail.com

[pauldridge]

As far as I know, those conrod bolts are quite hard to come by.  I doubt you can source them new.  Also, take note that they are both different lengths and different thread diameter for each side, making them goof proof (at least on my '40 346 engine and later)

Phil

WOW.I have the same problem,and IF I get them out,I will change them with hexed heads.
Anybody know where to get hexed bolts,as will fit,???

svein in Norway.
sveinthecadman@hotmail.com

[sjocad]

Hi again.
Thanks for answer on conrod bolts.I looked in Google,and Ebay,and they ARE there,but I gotta get my buddy,to help me,as I dont know INCES.-Didnt learn at scool.
I have a hard time getting the old bolts out...

[sjocad]

Hi Folks.
I had a big problem,getten them out,but at last I did.
NOW,I need new ones.Any lead from you,??
I need "NORMAL" heads now....Gotta be somewhere on the Planet,??

Photo of our Club-patch,here in Norway.
Wanne join on Facebook,???   Cadillacfriends of Norway

[tozerco]

Contact this guy at Egge:

jim.ketchum@egge.com

[sjocad]

Thanks Buddy.
Will do,,,
Here is photo
Regards,,svein

[MoonDog]

you might try http://arp-bolts.com/

[sjocad]

Moondog,and all of You.
Today I found out somethin about the con-rod-bolts to my 37 322.cu.inc.
On Ebay its rods to a 1939 Lasalle 322,with NORMAL,(hexed,??) bolts.Now I can look for 39 Bolts,
Anybody know where to get them,.??
I have tried all of the companys you wrote here,but they dont answer me.
Thanks,,svein sjøblom in Norway
Photo from 37 Rods

[Steve Passmore]

Svein, You should be able to use any rod bolts from 37 through 48 from either Cadillac or La Salle.

[sjocad]

Will do Steve.
THANKS,,,svein
Anyone have a Jack to my car,???

[Steve Passmore]

Svein,  You have taken that picture from the 41 book,  that is NOT the 37 jack. In 37 there was just a single jack that fitted under the jacking plate. No picture of it in my workshop though.

[Edward Hurst]

A little secret... if you go looking for bolts particularly for a 37 (or 39) Cadillac you could possibly wind up paying twice as much as if you got the measurements for the bolt and contacted ARP and the ARP would be stronger.

[Edward Hurst]

Steve,

I recently went through a rebuilding process for a 37 Cadillac 7019 and I removed a jack very similar the the one in the illustration.  I was told that it was not the original jack but there were cut-outs and notches that were stamped in the floor of the trunk that the jack fit perfectly in.  I replaced the trunk floor and discarded the retainers for the jack because there were no plans to re-use it.