Monthly Archives: March 2011

IF YOUR DOME LIGHT DOESN’T WORK

don’t lose your cool, but do open your ’49 shop manual to page 201, which shows the “Circuit Diagram” of the electrical system. The dome light is powered by a “hot” (always has current in it) wire, labeled 14RXT, going to it from Terminal 5 of the headlight switch. The wire passes through a large multi-pronged male/female connection under the dash that connects to most wires going to the back of the car. In a ’49, this large plug is held to the inner firewall (under the dash) by a clip at the upper left of the inner firewall (directly in back of the hand brake mechanism). From the connecting plug, the dome light wire runs up the driver’s door post and under the headliner to the light, which is not grounded, and then to the dome light switch. When you turn on the dome light switch it grounds itself, completing the circuit and the dome light goes on.

The dome light circuit can be checked by removing the 2 screws holding on the dome light switch and its chrome bezel. Then, pull the switch with its male connection off the wire behind it which has a female connection plug. Then, attach a test light’s alligator connection to any metal ground point and poke the needle end of the test light into the female connection on the wire. The test light should illuminate; if not, that means current isn’t getting to that point and the dome light won’t work. This could be due to a problem with the large connecting plug under the dash, or the wire is broken somewhere along its length or it has become disconnected from the headlight switch.

Note that the front door opening switches do NOT operated the dome light switch on any 2 or 4-door ’49 Cadillac. An exception is that the front door switches will operate the “corner lamps” at the corner of the rear of the roof and the body on a Coupe De Ville. On the other hand, the rear doors on a 4-door sedan will operate the dome light switch

dome mar 11

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1949 CADILLAC DEALER INSTALLED ACCESSORIES

If you bought your new ’49 without many options and decided later that you just had to have one or more of these goodies, all was not lost. On December 2, 1948, in the “Parts and Accessories Bulletin” below, the Cadillac factory informed distributors and dealers that many of these were available for sale. The “net” price in the bulletin is what the dealer paid for the item, while the car owner paid the “list” price.

CADILLAC MOTOR CAR DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
DETROIT 32, MICHIGAN

PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BULLETIN, No. 494, December 2, 1948
TO ALL DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS:
Subject: 1949 Accessories Prices

Accessory Name Part # Net List Installation
Radio, Front Compartment 49-60S,61 ,62,75
7258155
62.80
81.00
4.50

Antenna; Fender Mtg. 49-60s,61,62
1455342
8.65
12.00
1.60

Antenna, Fender Mtg. 49-75
1455343
8.65
12.00
1.60

Radio, Rear Compartment 49-75
7241938
93.50
115.00

Installation Kit, Rear Radio (Without E1ec. Div. Lift)
1453217
16.50
20.00

Installation Kit, Rear Radio (With E1ec. Div. Lift)
1453218
16.50
20.00

Radio & Kit, Rear Compt. 49-75
—
110.00
135.00
12.00

Antenna, Trunk Mtg. 49-75
1444172
10.00
13.50
3.50

Auxiliary Radio Speaker
7258495
12.35
18.85
6.00

Automatic Heating System 49-605.61,62
3122353
79.00
98.50
8.50

Automatic Heating System 49-75
3122354
110.00
132.00
8.50

Standard Heating System 49-60s,61.62
3122931
40.00
50.00
5.00

Fog Lamps (Pair) 49-605,61,62
929089
32.00
40.00
0

Fog Lamps (Pair) 49-75
929122
32.00
40.00
0

Back-Up Lights (Dual) 49-60S, 61, 62
929151
11.50
15.00
3.50

Back-Up Lights (Single) 49-75
929150
7.20
9.50
2.50

Spotlight with Mirror (Left) 49-60S, 61, 62
929117
18.25
25.95
3.25

Spotlight with Mirror (Right) 49-60S, 61, 62
929106
18.25
25.95
3.25

Glareproof Mirror
145416
5.20
6.50
0

Outside Rear View Mirror 1454905-6 3.85 6.00 0.50
Special Steering Wheel 3630079 18.00 22.50 0
Sun Visor 1455598-99 7.50 12.50 2.50
Chrome Wheel Disc (Sombrero Hub Cap) 3508244-821 6.80 8.00 0
Chrome Trim Ring (With Small Hub Cap) 1097728 1.52 1.90 0
Windshield Washer 1455132 5.75 8.25 2.75

There seems to be a 35% mark-up between the two prices. Of even more interest is the relative difference between what these items cost when our cars were new and what you might pay for them today, either NOS or second-hand. For example, a front compartment radio listed for $81 in December 1948, while its vacuum antenna cost only $12. A working ’49 Cadillac radio usually can be bought today for between $50 and $200 depending on your luck or bargaining skills, but a vacuum antenna with a good mast and which works well is at least that much, if not hundreds of dollars more. Also, while a non-working radio can probably be repaired for no more than a couple of hundred bucks, to have your antenna restored is equally expensive.

Similarly, a windshield washer set up is $8.25 on the list. While a windshield washer pump is inexpensive today, an authentic square bottle is hard to find and can cost hundreds of dollars.

Another item of interest is the Automatic Heating System, which lists for $132 on a Series 75 limo and $98.50 on lesser cars. Installation of either was only $8.50 back then, but it is very telling that this is the second most expensive installation job on the list; the first being the $12 cost of installing the rear radio on a Series 75. Though I’ve never worked on a Series 75 rear radio, as anyone who has worked on the complicated Automatic Heating System can tell you, 8½ bucks to install it is probably the biggest bargain on the list.
Another item that seems relatively expensive is the Auxiliary Radio Speaker which mounts on the rear package shelf. At $18.85 it cost more than a vacuum antenna back then, yet today these can be purchased relatively cheaply; for example, I bought one for $10 several years ago. However, the installation of a rear speaker is the third most expensive installation job on the list at $6. This is understandable, since it is time consuming to cut a hole for the speaker in the rear package shelf, then run a wire from its dash switch up inside the windshield post and then between the headliner and the roof of the car into the trunk area, somehow without harming the headliner.

The same is true of back up lights, a pair of which for Series 60, 61 and 62 listed for $11.50, also more than an antenna. Yet today a pair of back up lights are not expensive to buy. At $3.50 their installation in 1948 cost less than installing a speaker, since their wire simply runs out in the open from the coil, then down the firewall to a fuse, then under the car to the transmission switch and back to the trunk.

An item that seems about right in relative terms is sombrero hub caps. At 8 bucks each, a set of them would set you back $32, which was lots of money back then. A set of new sombreros today costs hundreds of dollars, making it about the same cost in terms of 2011 dollars.

Conspicuous by their absence on this Dec. ’48 list are fuel filters and oil filters. However, later in the model year they were both offered as a dealer option. As an option, , the list price of the fuel filter was $3.20, but from about VIN number 49xx33500, which would be cars built in May 1949 and later, fuel filters became standard factory equipment. Oil filters, on the other hand, only became standard factory equipment in 1954, though research by ‘49er Fred Hammerle has shown that a few ’49 Cads did have factory installed oil filters.

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IF YOU HAVE 6 VOLT STARTING PROBLEMS

When I first got my ’49, after running for a while on hot days, if I turned off the engine for 15-30 minutes it would frequently refuse to re-start. The starter would turn ever so slowly and the only way I could get the car going again would be to jump start it or let it to cool off. This is a common problem with 6 volt cars and, of course, always happens when admiring onlookers are standing around. I took the advice of the proprietor of an auto electric and improved my 6 volt system. This involved:

1. Installing a 6 volt battery with at least 600 cold cranking amps, which are readily available. 6 volt lead-acid batteries are sold by several manufacturers for less than $100, though authentic looking Delco batteries are more expensive. Mine is an “Optima”, which are now available at www.amazon.com for about $125. Optimas use a different technology than lead-acid batteries and have more than 800 cold cranking amps. An Optima’s downside is that it is much smaller in size than an ordinary 6 volt battery, so I had to fabricate a rectangular piece of plywood to go over its top and hold it down in the car’s battery box;

2. Having my starter re-built by an auto electric shop with heavy duty field coils and, to assure a good ground, removing all paint from the areas where the starter, its bolts and the flywheel housing meet;

3. Installing a custom-made extra-thick positive battery cable made up from 600 volt welding cable. Similar thick cables can be bought ready-made from McVey’s, The Brillman Company and Cole’s Ignition and Electric, Rochester NY;

4. Installing a brand new negative battery cable, after scraping clean the negative battery post, as well as the place on the frame and the starter bolt it is attached to. These can be bought from McVey’s and, I think, from Cole’s;

5. Making sure that the small ground straps from the back of the cylinder heads to bolts on the nearby firewall are in good shape. If not, new ones can be bought from McVey’s in Kansas and, I think, from Cole’s. As with the starter, scrape any paint off the cylinder head and firewall where these small straps mount.

After doing the above, when I press its button the starter jumps to attention and says “yes sir”, while onlookers, if any, applaud

6 volt mar 11

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JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

The day dawned bright and clear, the sweet smell of old (and new) money wafting in the gentle breeze, and a forecast of plentiful sunshine and temps in the ‘80s. As I left the hotel lobby I was greeted by a row of stately Rolls Royce and Bentley automobiles parked just outside the entrance. As you may have surmised by now, I wasn’t in New England, nor was I attending a local show. This event was the prestigious 5th annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance held on the beautiful grounds of the Boca Raton Club and Resort in the Florida city of that name on February 27th. As luck would have it, the date coincided perfectly with my annual February vacation and week-long stay with my sister, Cheryl, who resides in St. Cloud, Florida. I invited her and her fiancé to go with me, and we proceeded to book a night at the magnificent Waldorf Astoria, built in 1926, and adjacent to the plush golf course where the show is held.

This year’s show had special significance for me, as I learned that a 1949 Cadillac convertible, named The Contessa, which I finished a ground-up restoration on in 2008, had been invited by the Concours Selection Committee to participate. (See photo next page.) This car is owned by ‘49ers Randy and Susan Denchfield from Chevy Chase, Maryland. Though the car didn’t win and award, it was an honor simply to be invited to a show of this caliber, and The Contessa certainly garnered her fair share of admirers and compliments!

Also in attendance was Jay Leno, comedian and host of the Tonight Show. Jay happens to be an aficionado of old cars and motorcycles, and possesses an impressive collection of Duesenbergs and Stanley Steamers, amongst other things. He was spotted throughout the day traversing the grounds in his own golf cart complete with chauffeur, followed by his entourage, viewing the 200+ vehicles on display. At the awards ceremony that afternoon, Jay presented his own award, “The Big Dog Garage Award” to the vehicle he most liked personally. Fittingly, the award went to a stunning 1957 Eldorado Brougham, the nut-and-bolt restoration of which was completely done by the owner.

There was something for everyone at this show, including a separate display of over 40 vintage motorcycles. The European makes were well represented by several Rolls Royce, Bentleys, MGs, Triumphs, Maseratis, Aston Martins an extremely rare and unusual 1930 Minerva with custom coachwork, made in Belgium and one of only seven known to exist. In addition, there were classes for Muscle Cars, Model Ts and As, classics such as Auburn, Cord Duesenberg, Packard and, of course, Cadillac.

We all had an absolutely wonderful time, and I highly recommend this event to anyone who can attend it. As we reluctantly left the premises and boarded our Honda Pilot for the 3-hour drive back to St. Cloud, we were abruptly and harshly jolted back to reality, but appreciative of our opportunity to hob-nob with the “rich and famous”.

contessa mar 11

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INSTALLING UNIVERSAL JOINTS ON YOUR 49

by Art Gardner

If you start getting a “clanking” noise under your car, particularly when you step on or release the gas pedal, your universal joints may be worn and in need of replacement. I recently installed a set of U-joints on my car’s driveshaft. It took about 30 minutes to drive out the old ones and install the new ones. All you need to replace them is a screwdriver, a hammer, a large socket to support the end of the driveshaft and receive the “cups” and a 17 mm impact socket (I think 11/16) to use with the hammer to drive out the cups.

You remove the clips and drive one cup in (part at top left in the illustration below), which forces the opposite cup out. Then grab the cup that is jutting out with a pair of pliers and twist it until it is removed. Then tap the cross piece (part at lower left) back in to drive the other cup out the other way, then grab and remove the second cup with pair of pliers. Now just position the new cross in the yoke (part at lower right) and tap in the new cups, being careful to make sure that the needle bearings all stay in place. Once you have the cups tapped into position, lock them in place by installing the new C-clips (2.1440).

ujoin mar 11

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GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS MY FELLOW 49ERS

As my dear friend, founder, and past-Prez Jay Friedman takes a well-deserved respite from his sundry duties, I’d like to thank him, on behalf of the Chapter, for his tireless work and dedication to our “cause”. Jay’s journalistic expertise and contributions over the past 10 years have produced an outstanding newsletter, the ’49 Times. I sure have some big shoes to fill and hope that I can live up to the task! From its humble beginnings in 2001 with a mere 10 members, our Chapter has blossomed into an organization with over 240 members from across the US and abroad, all due to Jay’s tireless efforts. Kudos also go out to Frank Lindauer and Art Gardner for their hard work and contributions over the years!

When Jay divulged his intent to retire, and proposed I take over as Prez, I found it impossible to decline. I couldn’t, in good conscience, face the prospect of all his hard work withering on the vine and the possibility of our Chapter fading into oblivion. When I accepted, Jay suggested an Inauguration. However, upon my insisting that Harley Earl be procured as guest speaker, he quickly abandoned the plan! I guess that I eat, breathe and sleep 1949 Cadillacs, and that 1949 was the year of my birth also helped clinch the deal.

A bit about myself. I’ve been addicted to old cars since I was a 17-year old high school Senior in 1967, and since then have owned and restored numerous makes and models, ranging from a Model T Speedster to a 1952 Crosley Roadster. In 1987, while searching for a 1949 Cadillac Club Coupe like my late Dad owned when I was a kid, I acquired a nice, solid, original ’48 Coupe instead, and became hooked on ’48-’49 Cadillacs forever. In the interim I’ve restored a ’48 and ’49 convertible, two ’49 Club Coupes and, most recently, finished a ’49 sedan. In the process, I’ve become quite familiar with the beasts. Though I don’t consider myself an expert, I currently serve as a ’48-’49 Technician, along with Jay, and always enjoy meeting, talking with, and fielding questions from other owners of these magnificent automobiles.

With that said, I welcome, and urge all of you to submit tech tips, stories and photos of your Pride and Joy, and anything else relevant to ’48 and ’49 Cadillacs (and ‘50s, too. –Ed.) Don’t let concerns over lack of literary ability, punctuation, spelling, etc. prevent you from submitting material. Art, Jay and I will be happy to “polish” your contributions prior to publication. You may submit items for consideration to me at: 102 Monroe Street, Douglas, Massachusetts 01516 USA or email me at: 49caddyman@gmail.com. I may also be reached by phone at 508-476-3490. If you submit photos, please indicate if you wish them to be returned to you.

I look forward to serving you as the new Prez, and meeting you in person at the CLC Grand National this August in Ohio. I plan to conduct a Chapter meeting late in the afternoon on the day of the show. If you would like to volunteer to give a brief presentation, “show and tell”, tech session, etc. at the meeting, please contact me. Details will be forthcoming in the June issue of the ’49 Times. “Keep ‘Em Rolling”.

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