First off, a big THANK YOU for all of the kind words on the Cadillac LaSalle forum on the revival of the 49s chapter and this Web Page. I started out this site as an experiment. I am in the process of getting three start-up companies off of the ground and I needed some content to learn WordPress for my other companies. Now I am chapter president. Hmmmmm fate can be truly strange. Anyhow, going forward we have an opportunity with the Internet to bring valuable information to everyone across the globe. We are averaging 90 unique visitors per day so it looks like we are fulfilling a need. We also have the old newsletters stored as an electronic magazine with a link on each page. So now you can take your tablet or other mobile device with you to your car and search this page or look at an old newsletter while you are working on your car. It is up to you to figure out how to keep your greasy fingers off of the display.

Going forward, I would like us to use more of the technology that we now have available such as videos. Think back to the time you did your first brake job and how nice it would have been to have a video showing instructions that you can watch as you are working rather than a shop manual or through brute force. Most of us have cell phones with video cameras. Even a short video of some stills of assembly and reassembly would be helpful to someone else. If you don’t know how to post a video to YouTube or some other video sharing site, do some Internet searching or go find a teenager to teach you. Once you get it posted, send me the link and a short description in the contact form and I will post it here.

Knowledge sharing is what is going to keep this hobby alive long after we have hung up our keys. So as we work on our projects this winter, try to come up with a video or even a few sentences of lessons learned the hard way that you can pass along to others.

Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers! As another summer rapidly wanes, and we continue waxing, it’s an ideal time to look back on the shows, cruise nights and tours that we attended with our Cadillacs and “evaluate” just how well our “babies” looked and performed. With Old Man Winter on the horizon, it’s an excellent time to decide which parts we would like to upgrade or replace, whether they be cosmetic or mechanical in nature.
With Hershey only a month or so away, I always find it helpful to make up a “shopping list” of parts that need replacing/upgrading. When making such a list, it’s useful to include part numbers, if available. Sketches, with measurements, and even photos, will prove invaluable when searching for these parts. You will be amazed at how many parts can look similar, but not be correct, especially considering the thousands of parts available at such a huge venue!
Here are a couple of tips, based on many years buying and selling ’48,’49 and ’50 parts. Many chrome trim parts were made from “pot metal”, typically a “mix” of several metals that have a low melting point and therefore were easy to cast. The problem is pot metal parts tend to deteriorate badly, especially when exposed to the elements. When deciding whether to buy or not a particular part, keep in mind the difficulty and expense of having the part re-plated. If badly pitted, it very well may cost more to have the part re-plated than continuing your search for another in much better condition. Also, the sad fact is that many plating shops just do not have the expertise to properly re-plate pot metal parts. I could relate horror stories galore about paying large amounts of $$, only to find the plating shop essentially ruined the part(s) by grinding out all the detail. If the pot metal part is broken, search for another, unless the part is extremely rare, since pot metal is extremely difficult to weld.
Many other ’49 chrome parts, such as grill pieces, side “spears”, grill extensions, stone shields and the like were made from stamped sheet steel, then plated. Examine closely not only the outside surface but, more importantly, the inner side of these parts. More often than not, they develop rust out and corrode from the inside as debris gets trapped over the years. Although the outside chrome will appear perfect, it will look like Swiss cheese after being stripped and dipped at the plating shop, either necessitating repairs or even rendering it useless.
Finally, when searching for and buying parts, it’s always best if you can hold the part in your hand to examine it. If you decide or have to buy parts based on photos, such as on Ebay, the old Latin adage applies, “caveat emptor”, let the buyer beware. All too often, the condition of a part, or even the correct application, will be misrepresented, not necessarily intentionally, but due to the seller’s lack of knowledge. Always deal with reputable vendors who can provide references and offer a full refund if you’re not satisfied. A little prior planning and caution go a long way! Looking forward to seeing and chatting with you at Hershey!

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Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers! Spring has sprung and you know what that means: time to fire up our ’49 Cadillacs and get them ready for another season of cruise nights, shows and general enjoyment.
As part of the spring start-up ritual, I always recommend the following be done: 1. Remove all the spark plugs and squirt a couple of tablespoons of oil into each cylinder and crank the engine over by hand. During storage, the cylinders may become “dry” as gravity causes the oil film to seep downwards; 2. Change the oil and filter. Condensation can build up in the oil pan over the winter; 3. Check all fluid levels; 4. Check all tire pressures and examine the tires for signs of dry rot or other defects/damage; 5. Check all belts and hoses. Turn the fan belt inside out and closely examine it for cracks and splits which may not normally be visible; 6. Check the condition of the battery with a hydrometer. Fill low cells with distilled water. Remove both battery cables and clean them and both battery posts. Apply a small amount of grease to the top of each post and re-tighten cables firmly; 7. Performa thorough safety insection. Check proper operation of headlights (high and low beam), tail-lights, brake lights, directionals, wipers, horn, emergency brake, front end and steering components; 8. Examine all brake lines and hoses and look for telltale signs of brake fluid on the inside of the tires, which could indicate a leaking wheel cylinder; 9. When was the last time you cleaned, re-packed and adjusted the front wheel bearings; 10. Don’t forget to check the fluid level in the differential! This list is not all-inclusive, but I believe I’ve covered the salient points. Adherence to this preventative maintenance routine could save you a lot of grief on the road and, more importantly, possibly prevent an accident!
The ‘49ers chapter continues to grow, and we have well over 200 members in 38 US states and 10 other countries. We extend a hearty welcome to new members. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the Grand National in St. Augustine, Florida, but Jay Friedman, newsletter editor Art Gardner and many other members will be there. Meet chairman Len Berman has informed the Times that a room has been reserved for our annual Forty Niners chapter meeting at the host hotel, the Renaissance Resort, at 4:15 pm on Saturday, June 16th, immediately following the car judging. Be sure to check the registration desk and hospitality room for the location of the meeting.
Remember, if you’re in the market to purchase Steele Rubber Products, please call our friend and chapter benefactor, Ed Cholakian at AllCads of the ‘40s, telephone: 702-454-1147 or online at allcads.com to place your order. Mention that you are a member of the ‘49ers and Ed will extend a 20% discount. Allcads also stocks a massive supply of new and used ’49 parts.
Wishing all of you the best for 2012. Get your ’49 out and have fun.

Keep ‘Em Rolling!

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ALOHA, my fellow 49-ers! I surmise that my greeting divulges that I’m in Hawaii as I write this! My sister from Florida decided to have her wedding on Maui Feb. 1st. When invited, I told her I’d much prefer staying home shoveling snow in the bitter cold, but she threatened to disown me, so here I am! We’ll be in Hawaii for 5 weeks…4 weeks on Maui & 1 week on Oahu. Being a WWII history buff, I’m excited about visiting Pearl Harbor. This is indeed paradise — 81 degrees & bright sun every day! Everything is exorbitantly priced, however, so I certainly couldn’t afford to reside here.
Fortunately, winter in New England this year was relatively mild — the exact opposite of last winter. I’m looking forward to, with great anticipation, the start of the car shows & cruise nights, and of course, the annual CLC GN to be held this year in St. Augustine, Florida. The New England Region will be hosting the GN next year in Quincy, Mass. I’m a member of the GN Planning Committee, which has been meeting once a month since last October. We have a wide variety of tours and events scheduled, and intend to make this GN a memorable event for everybody.
Don’t forget…dues are due! Dues remain at $8 and should be mailed to Jay Friedman, 1530 September Chase, Decatur, GA 30033 ASAP. “No duesy, no newsy!” If you don’t send them in this will be the last issue of the Times you’ll receive.” MAHALO! (“Thank you” in Hawaiian).
SPECIAL NOTE: We will conduct a chapter meeting at the GN in St. Augustine on Saturday June 16 (time to be determined). The GN will be a blast, so make an effort to be there if you can and be sure to stop in at the chapter meeting!

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Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers. As another Cadillac-LaSalle Club Grand National fades into memory, it unfortunately also signals the impending end of summer. I refer to this as “my favorite time of month” since summers in New England always seem so short compared to our all-too-often brutal winters that seem never-ending. Alas, before we know it (except for those fortunates who live in more temperate climates), it will be time to put our “babies” in mothballs and prepare them for their winter hibernation.

On a brighter note, the next big car event (at least for me) will soon be upon us: the annual AACA Fall Meet in Hershey PA. I was finally able to start attending this wonderful “Mecca” for the old car enthusiast regularly in 2008, “bunking” with our Founder and Past-President, Jay Friedman, who somehow tolerated my snoring and snatching up ’49 Cadillac parts before he could get to them. Prior to this, unbelievably, I had attended Hershey only twice.

The first time, in 1971, was quite memorable. I was a fresh-faced college student and was invited to travel with a fellow hobbyist in his pristine, low-mileage 1964½ Mustang convertible. We set up a 2-man tent on a field adjacent to the old stadium. We’d crawl out of our sleeping bags as soon as Old Sol started rising and stumble into the men’s room in the Stadium, splash some cold water on our faces, then head out for a full day walking in search of that elusive part. I vividly remember being totally overwhelmed by the enormity of it all–I had never seen such a massive swap meet before! I also recall, with mixed emotions trudging through mud over my ankles, my $5 “skips” half-full of water, making “squish-squish” sounds as I walked. Those indeed were the “good old days” notwithstanding constant grumblings about the rain and muddy quagmires we endured. We were “young men on a mission”, and a little (or a lot) of rain wasn’t about to hold us back!

With all that said, I look forward to another pilgrimage in October. Now that I’m finally retired after 37 years teaching Junior High School Industrial Arts, I plan on going every year as long as I can walk. Hope to see many of you there in October.

Keep ‘Em Rolling,

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Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers. Supposedly, spring has sprung although we’ve only had about 5 decent days so far here in the Northeast. It’s time to get your vintage Cadillac(s) out of mothballs and ready for another season of cruise nights and car shows. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many well-wishers who emailed me congratulations on my new “position” and offering words of encouragement. That was very thoughtful of you and much appreciated.

I recently received a call from our friend and benefactor, Ed Cholakian, who owns All Cadillacs of the ‘40s and ‘50s. We had a pleasant chat and Ed extended his best wishes to our chapter on its 10th anniversary. Ed has been very generous in the past, supporting the ‘49ers financially, and instructed me to contact him if we need anything. Unbeknownst to me, Ed is also an official distributor for Lynn Steele rubber products and has benevolently offered to extend a 20% discount to all members of the ‘49ers. So, if you need any Steele products, please purchase them through Ed. Thanks, Ed.

About a month ago I added yet another ’49 Cadillac to the “stable”. This one’s a model 7533X 9-passenger Imperial Business Sedan, a.k.a. a limo. I named her The Countess. I plan to pen a “Pride and Joy” article on her in a future ’49 Times.
The other two members of the “royal family” are The Duchess, a ’49 Club Coupe, and The Baroness, a ’49 model 6269 sedan.

With Jay’s blessing, I’ve decided to add a couple of new features to our newsletter. One is “Welcome New Members”, fashioned after a feature that appears in each issue of The Self-Starter. The second, also starting this issue, is called “Birth Announcements”, which will welcome members’ newest acquisitions. Please email me if you recently purchased a ’48-49 Cadillac! Be sure to provide the year and model, the name of the new “baby” if you name them as I do, and any other interesting factoids about the vehicle.

Also in the works is a series of informational articles on the Hydro-lectric system which will start with the next issue of the ‘49 Times. The series will begin with a general overview and operating principles of this system and will gradually deal with technical aspects, such as testing and trouble-shooting. Once again, I urge members to please submit items of interest for possible inclusion in future issues of the ’49 Times, such as Tech Tips, stories and pics of your Pride and Joy, and anything else relevant to our passion. We need your help; we can’t do all this alone.

Finally, I spoke with Nancy Book who, along with her husband Mike, is involved with the running of the CLC Grand National to be held in Dublin (near Columbus), Ohio August 10-13, 2011. We now have a conference room reserved for a ‘49ers chapter meeting the afternoon of the judged car show, Saturday, August 13th, from 3 to 4 pm. Details of what room we’ll be in will be available at the registration desk and will also be posted on the CLC bulletin board. We need a volunteer or two to make a brief presentation, such as a tech session, “show and tell” or anything else you feel would be of interest to the ’49ers. Please make every effort to attend this chapter meeting, even if it’s just to stop in and say “hello”.

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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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The Cadillac & LaSalle Club Grand National took place July 14-17 in Overland Park KS, near Kansas City. I couldn’t go myself, but a number of chapter members braved the heat and were there, including George Bergen whose report is below.

Browsing through my file of old copies of the Times one day, I noticed in a 2003 article written by chapter member Ray Anderson of Edgewater FL that he has owned his Series 75 limousine since 1961. Delving further, I came across another article by Bob Knutson of Duluth GA in which he relates that he has owned his 6269 4-door since 1963. Congratulations are in order to these long-time ’49 owners, which makes me wonder if any other Forty Niners have owned their cars as long or longer than these two gentlemen. If so, I think it would be of great interest to the rest of us, so please send in the particulars and we’ll include it in an article in the next issue. If you can include a photo of the long-owned ’49 in question, so much the better.

A final word on the bias ply vs. radial tire discussion we had in the Times a few issues back. Recently, my 6107’s rear 8.20×15 bias ply tires were getting a bit thin, so I bought two new ones. When researching the possibilities, I found that the cost of bias ply tires has increased to the point ($168 each) that for very little more I can buy radial tires. When these wear out I think I’ll finally make the switch.

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Getting ready for summer? If you are in colder climes this may mean getting your ’49 off jack stands, charging up the battery, giving it a grease job, changing the oil and starting ‘er up. Meanwhile, we living in warmer parts have been driving ours all winter and only have to shine it up for the car shows to come.

Speaking of which, the biggest car show for Cadillac owners, the CLC Grand National, is taking place near Kansas City July 14-17. I can’t go, but a number of other ‘49ers will be there. In order to have an article on the GN in the September Times, we are looking for a volunteer to report on the ‘49s and their owners who attend. Two or 3 paragraphs of text, 3 or 4 photos, and names of ‘49 prize-winners in the Touring, Primary and Senior categories would be plenty. If interested, please contact me.

My vacuum antenna works most of the time but sometimes just won’t budge. But, in the last few weeks the car and I have been in a couple of rainstorms, no doubt with leaks into the antenna cylinder, after which in both instances the antenna worked perfectly! For a month or so, when commanded, the antenna essentially said “Yes, sir” and jumped up or down as the case may be, but subsequently reverted back to its normal lethargy. What gives? Did the moisture in the cylinder act as a piston seal or something? If you have an insight into this counter-intuitive conundrum, send it in and we’ll discuss it in a future issue.

Many thanks to ‘49er Dan Fisher, who compiled the index below of ’49 Times technical articles from our first issue in March 2001 until March of this year. This was a Herculean (or Cadillacean) task, which should be of great use to all members.

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Charles Thompson of Novato, California and yours truly had the only ’49 Cadillacs entered at the CLC’s June 17-20 Grand National and the August 12-16 National Driving Tour, respectively. Though chapter member Ed Cholakian played a major role in organizing the former event and his all-original ’50 Cad won a prize, and member Herman Desser, attending car-less, said “the GN was very well organized and the banquet food was actually very good”, only Charles’ ’49 Cad was actually there. To record these events Charles’ wrote an article on the GN which begins further down on this page, and in the next paragraph I relate my adventures traveling to and participating in the driving tour.

The CLC National Driving Tour’s host hotel at Dulles Airport in a Virginia suburb of Washington is 640 miles from my Georgia home. My 6107 has a manual transmission and within an hour after leaving home Monday, August 10, I noticed my clutch was slipping at low speeds. Realizing the route I had planned to take on Interstate 81 to I-66 was replete with hills, if not mountains, discretion dictated that I adopt Plan B and travel via a relatively flat route on I-85 to just south of Richmond VA and then I-95 to Dulles. This temporarily resolved the clutch problem, since it did not slip at higher speeds, but made for a hotter than anticipated 1½ day drive. (Wife Elaine wisely went by air.) Nonetheless, the driving tour was a success. Some 40+ cars and their owners visited many of the great monuments in Washington, toured surrounding areas, including one of my favorite places, Harper’s Ferry WV and finally spent a memorable day at George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon. Since no other tour car had any problem whatsoever, mine won the “Hard Luck” award by default. I made it home OK and am now busy fixing what’s wrong.

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