1939 Cadillac LaSalle Parts

[39LaSalleCaddad]

I recently purchased a 1939 Cadillac Lasalle.  Major issues with the starting circuit.  NOS is either non existent or out of my price range.  Can anyone assist with finding replacement part equivalents, etc. so I can keep this car on the road? 

Thanks

[Steve Passmore]

You don't say what parts you require??

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

If your problem is with the solenoid, you can carefully take it apart and reverse the round copper disc to get an un-pitted surface. (You may have to buff it with wet'n'dry paper to brighten it up.) Be careful not to break the Bakelite pieces that hold the connecting bolts to the "outside." Clean everything up and get a kit with new bushings and brushes as well.

When you remove the starter, either find a curved 5/8"-3/4" starter wrench or do what I did, simply cut that sized boxed end wrench in half so you are not fighting the extra length that you don't need to remove the 5/8" bolts. (When you go to put it back in, find two shorter bolts :Maybe 1 1/8" in long and clean them so you can insert them with a socket and extension finger tight.) You also need to find some braided double end starter cable and bolt one end to the lower starter bolt and the other to the rear transmission support where it bolts to the "X" of the frame. You need a lot of ground for this engine.

Others will probably chime in with additional suggestions or corrections as I am working from memory. Good luck.

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

Give us some more info.

If you want to change to a new, corvette, solenoid that is do able but there are consequences.

jw

[39LaSalleCaddad]

Thanks fellas for the assistance.  Starter circuit is solid now.  Yes a lot of ground indeed!

Radiator pulled for leaks; Needs new core - local shop quote $1,000.  Unless there is an aftermarket radiator you can recommend I may be into the wrong car

It's 100% original.  I'm really hesitating to start swapping pieces out.  However, it may be the only way I can drive it.  Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket radiator?  If not, I have an all original 4 door 39 la salle I might be willing to sell in really good original condition minus a couple problems to someone with the checkbook to handle it.

I'd rather keep it though!

[tturley]

Where r u located

[39LaSalleCaddad]

Minneapolis

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

You should be able to take it to a good radiator shop and they can re-core the old girl. If they can do that for my 37 LaSalle I have to believe they can do it for your 39.

Also look in Hemmings they have listing for vendors who deal in nothing but radiators. Don't give up hope yet and remember this is just a hobby.

The Johnny

[39LaSalleCaddad]

Thanks John. Quote to recore was 1k. Have one more shop to try.
Thanks for the feedback. It's a great hobby for sure!

[tturley]

Does a 40 use the same radiator as a 39 ?

[Glen]

Does this help? 

[39LaSalleCaddad]

Can't hurt thanks!

[tturley]

I asked because I have a good one for a 1940

[39LaSalleCaddad]

For sale?

Does that fit a '39?

[tturley]

I think that the parts list that Glen posted shows that they are different.