Thanks to Dan we have this index. It was a great help putting this site together. I suggest copying this off to a Word document where you can search for particular text. You can also do a search on this page as well holding down the Ctrl key and f key then typing in what you are searching for.

’49 TIMES TECHNICAL ARTICLE INDEX: MARCH 2001 – MARCH 2010
By Dan Fisher

March 2001: Did You Know? Production Numbers For 1949; First Aid For Fog Lights.
June 2001: Radial Wide Whitewalls For Your ‘49? Did You Know?…1949 Convertibles.
September 2001: To Plate Or Not To Plate: Headlight Rims/Bezels; Tech Tip: Check Your Battery;
Forty Nine Fastener Fun: Club Coupe (Fastback) Rear Window Removal; Drooping Door Handles (Again).
December 2001: How To Take Out Your 1949 Radio.
March 2002: Tracing Turn Signal Wires; Your Shock Absorbers; Rebuilding The Rear Stabilizer;
’49 And ’50 Ammeters—Not The Same.
June 2002: Wind Wing Chroming.
October 2002: Restoration Tip: 1949 60 Specials And All ‘49s With Parking Lamps: Painting Fine White Lines.
December 2002: Did You Know?…Early And Late Engines, Convertibles And Trunk Lids; Make Your Own Rubber Gaskets; Getting A Vacuum Antenna To Rise To The Occasion; Replacing Your Windshield Wiper Transmission Shafts;
Removing The Chrome Trim On A Club Coupe Rear Window;
March 2003: Did You Know?… Early ’49 Convertible Trunk Lids; Dealing With Those Six Volt Blues;
Windshield Wiper Restoration Tip; A Final (?) Word About Vacuum Antennas; Servicing Hydro-Lectric Pumps.
June 2003: Technical Help 4-U “Technical Assistance Hotline Numbers”; Some Tech Tips: Rear Shock Absorber Link;
Fix For Locked Up Brakes; Windshield Washer Pump & Nozzle Repairs; Hydro-lectric System; Auto Glass Source.
September 2003: Did You Know?…’49 Fuel Filters And Fuel Lines; Other Voices, Other Opinions: Hydraulic Brake Hoses.
December 2003: Those Other 1949 Cadillacs Or Stick Shift’s Last Hurrah;
Did You Know: Differences Between Series 61 And 62 2-Doors And 4-Door Cars In 1949.
March 2004: Our Readers Write: Fixing No Start Problem, Fuel System; Replacing A Front ’49 Shock Absorber.
June 2004: Two Tech Tips: Tighten Those U-Bolts (Rear Leaf Springs) & Car Won’t Start: Adjusting Neutral Safety Switch;
Filling Your Shock Absorbers With Fluid: Doing The Back Ones Ain’t As Easy As It Might Look.
September 2004: Viagra For Windshield Wiper Motors: A Tech Tip;
Overheard At The Grand National: Correct Gas Cap And Door Handle Escutcheon Gasket
December 2004: From The Busted Knuckle Garage: Slicker Sweepers (Aka Fuzzies) On Exterior/Interior Window Moldings;
Shocked Again: Adding Fluid To Shock Absorbers; Don’t Neglect Those Windshield Washers!
March 2005: Did You Know That: (Correct Procedure For Checking Head Bolt Torque); More On Those Other ’49 Cadillacs;
Restoration Tips From The Busted Knuckle Garage: Priming And Painting Small Bolts And Screws.
June 2005: Forty-Nine Engine Colors; Check Your Fuel Pump; More On Filling Your Master Cylinder;
’49 Times Index Of Articles (Technical And General Interest) March ‘01 To Dec. 2004; That Gas Filler Light.
September 2005: Mistakes In The ’49 Cadillac Shop Manual; More On Battery Cutoff Switch;
Trico Equipment And Service Specifications 1949 Cadillac.
December 2005: Taking Out Your 1949 Instrument Panel; If Your Horn Doesn’t Work.
March 2006: ‘49 Radiator Hoses; Detailed Specifications: Series 60, 61, 62 And 75;
Restoration Tips From The Busted Knuckle Garage: Restoring Your ’49 Cadillac Radio Speaker Grille.
June 2006: Tech Tip: Outside Door Handle Escutcheon Mounting Pads; More On Drooping Driver’s Outside Door Handle;
Series 61 And 62 Four-Door Sedans Compared To Series 60 Four-Door Sedans (Body, Trim, And Upholstery).
September 2006: ’49 Interior Paint Colors.
December 2006: Little Known Secrets Of Master Cylinder Rebuilding; Good Housekeeping In Your Car;
The 1949 Cadillac Vacuum System; Tech Tip: Larger Diameter Exhaust Pipe.
March 2007: Inoperative Cadillac Windshield Washers Can Be Easily Diagnosed And Serviced;
Unleaded Fuel And Exhaust Valve Seats; Tech Tip: The Clevis Pin On Your Master Cylinder.
June 2007: ’49 Cadillac Dimensions (Body); Replacing Motor Mounts; Locating The ‘Sweet Spot’ For Outside Door Mirror.
September 2007: Mini-Tech Tips: Have Your Brake Lights Failed? And Graphite Phright!
Fine Tuned Installation Of A Door Latch Repair Part.
December 2007: Keep Your Hats ‘Er, Sombreros On; Trunk Handle Problems; ’48 And ’49 Design Differentiation.
March 2008: Hood Bumpers; How To Remove/Replace A 1949 Cadillac Speaker Grille Without Taking Half The Dash Apart;
How To Fix Your Trunk Lock; Different Chrome Trunk “V” Emblems.
June 2008: Be Seen With Halogen Bulbs! Engine Of Change: Early And Late ’49 Cadillac Motors;
Deck Lid Designs; More On Trunk Lid “Vs”.
September 2008: 1949 Cadillac Carter 722S Carburetor Rebuilding Tips; Tech Tips: Sixty Special Dome Light
And Outside Door Handle Removal; Repairing Heater Control Valves; The Wooden Wheel Chock.
December 2008: Hydra-Matic Shifting Problems On My Coupe De Ville; Stopping An Oil Leak (Rear Main Seal);
Hydra-Matic Shifting Problems II: Shift Lever Slop; Did You Know That 60 Special Trunk Letters Are In 2 Pieces?
March 2009: Tech Tip: Chasing Down Those Elusive Exhaust Noises; Semi Tech Tip (Directional Signal Flasher);
Beware Non-Steel Head Gaskets; Mysterious Nether Noises In A ’49 (Rear Springs, U-Joints, Drive Shaft).
June 2009: Bias Ply Versus Radial Tires: A Never Ending Discussion; Conversion Of Air Cleaner To Use A Paper Element;
How To Hook Up Your 49’s Under Hood Heater Hoses; Come Blow Your Horn.
September 2009: A Better Way To Remove Coupe Door Glass: It Worked For Me; Removing An Outside Door Handle;
New Procedure For Testing Gas Gauge Tank Units; More On Bias Ply Versus Radial Tires.
December 2009: A Tail Light Tale; If Your Ammeter Is Neither Positive Nor Negative, But In Between.
March 2010: More Power, Mr. Scott (’49 Horsepower); Power Window Switches;
Another Tech Tip From The Busted Knuckle Garage: Hood Hinge Installation

The annual massive old car flea market and car show known simply as Hershey took place October 10-13. I attended along with a number of other Forty-Niners, including Dennis Akerman, Art Archambeault, Bill Bickle, Prez Joe Cutler, former CLC President Bill Edmunds, Jim Murdoch, Rege McDonough, Jon Schneck and others too numerous to mention.
As usual, The Cadillac & LaSalle Club had its Hospitality Tent set up on the appropriately named Chocolate Field, where, after having found that elusive widget for their car, members could slake their thirst, take a load off their tired feet and ease their weary bones into a welcoming chair.
Displayed in front of the tent as an attraction to passers-by was Art Archambeault’s gorgeous Cypress Green Series 62 Sedan. No doubt it was there to tempt non-CLC members to enter the tent and join the club, as well as to serve as a landmark to let members know they had come to the right place. In any case, Art’s 6269 couldn’t be missed.

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Sad to say, this will be the last issue of the ’49 Times. All 3 of us, Art, Jay and me, have finally reached a point where we must completely retire from this effort. This issue will be the 48th issue of the Times to appear since 2001, during which time we have said quite a bit about our favorite car. Is there more to say about ‘49s? Certainly, but it will have to be with a completely new crew of ’49ers to publish the Times. Meanwhile, this issue features the best selling ’49 Cadillac, Model 6269, the Series 62 4-Door Sedan.
If any current chapter member(s), or anyone else, would like to take over and put out the Times, we would be pleased to assist and get things going, as well as to contribute the occasional article. The mailing list, including details of each member’s car(s) and his/her dues status, is in a simple ancient software package which can be mastered in a minute. The only additional input is to buy address label printer paper that is compatible with your computer’s printer.
Once every 3 months the task of editing the newsletter requires gathering together articles and other material from members as well as writing a few articles oneself, then 2-3 hours of scanning and word processing work. The editor would then take it to his/her favorite print shop (although the current print shop could also be used) and several days later collect the finished folded and stapled copies. The last task is to spend about an hour sticking stamps and address labels on them, and bringing them to the post office. It’s actually fun and you’ll get to know many other ’49 owners, either personally or by phone and email. The only other tasks are to: 1. deal with members’ dues payments and keep the account books we’ll give you, most of which occurs from December to March; and, 2. organize a chapter meeting at CLC Grand National Meets if you are so inclined. If interested, contact any one of us by email as above or by snail mail or phone as per our listings in the CLC directory.
If the Times does not continue, those members who are already paid up for 2013 and beyond will receive a refund in the mail. A spiral-bound soft cover book containing all 48 issues of the Times is available from Jay Friedman, 1530 September Chase, Decatur, Georgia 30033. The cost is $50.00 postpaid within the United States and 50 Euros or 40 British Pounds outside the United States. Jay and I will continue to be the Cadillac & LaSalle Club Technicians for ’49s, ready, willing and able to answer questions on running, repairing and restoring 1949 Cadillacs. (I’m also the CLC tech for ‘48s.)

Keep ‘em rolling!

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More than one Forty Niner has some historical family connection to a ’49 Cadillac. Prez Joe Cutler’s Dad bought a Series 62 Club Coupe way back when, which Joe says was the inspiration for his own case of ’49-itis today. ‘49er Curtis Smith of Littleton, Colorado’s grandfather bought a Series 61 4-door in 1953 that Curt still owns. And there are other chapter members who have similar stories about various ’49 models.
Nonetheless, the best selling ’49 Cadillac was the Series 62 4-door sedan. 37,617 of the 6269s were made, constituting 40% of all ‘49s manufactured, more than twice as many as the next best selling model, the nearly identical Series 61 sedan (of which only 15,738 were made). Not surprisingly, more than one Forty-Niner has a family story about a long-ago-owned 6269. The first is from Alan Towne of Ocean Park, Washington whose grandmother owned a gray Series 62 sedan. It is shown in the photo below, which was taken in 1950 at Seaside, Oregon.

My Dad also owned a Series 62 4-door. He bought it second-hand in 1951, trading in a green 1948 Oldsmobile 98 convertible. (Wish I had that Olds now!). Our 6269 was also gray, identical to Alan’s grandmother’s car, and is shown below.

In the photo, taken on a 1952 vacation trip to the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, my Dad is seated between my brother and me. We kids thought it was great that our family car was now a prestigious Cadillac, even though it was 2-years old.
Unfortunately, not long after the picture was taken, our family ‘49 came to an untimely end. We lived in New York City and one day my father parked it on a steep hill in the Bronx. I don’t know what he failed to do–either the Hydramatic wasn’t in “R” or the hand brake wasn’t set, or both–but after he locked the doors it rolled down the hill and self-destructed against some immoveable object. Fortunately, no people were around and there was no other damage. Following that episode my Dad stuck with Oldsmobiles.

The 2012 Cadillac and LaSalle Club Grand National Meet took place in St. Augustine, Florida, June 13-16. I drove the 380 miles from my Georgia home to St. Augustine in my 6207, arriving Wednesday morning, the 13th (Art Gardner drove down from Georgia in his 56 Fleetwood). The host hotel, The Renaissance Resort, was great, as was the city of St. Augustine which has a neat waterfront area with lots of good restaurants. There were a number of ‘49ers attending besides me, including Ray Anderson, Sig Chrey, Frank Dickinson, Bill Edmunds, Art Gardner, John Giltinan, Ned Hannah and John Washburn. No doubt, there were others, too. A few of us gathered one evening, some with drinks in hand, as per the photo below. Left to right: ‘49er John Washburn, non-member Matern Harmsel, CLC Director of Technical Services Bill Anderson, ’49 Times Editor Art Gardner, ‘49er Sig Chrey and your author.

On the other hand, only 3 of us brought ‘49s to the GN: Ray Anderson’s Series 75 limousine, John Giltinan’s Series 62 4-door and my aforementioned Series 61 Club Coupe.

The photo below is of Ray’s limo, which won a first prize in Primary Class 12 for all ‘42-‘47s and ’48-‘49 Series 75.

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56 à 60 Avenue Louis-Roche – GENNEVILLIERS (Seine)

MARQUE CADILLAC
TYPE 4962
CHASSIS NO 496250485
MOTEUR NO 496250485
N. DE CYLINDRES 8 96,84 X 92,07
ALESAGE ET COURSE
POID TOTAL MAXI 2339 KG.
EN CHARGE

Gennevilliers, the site of the GM headquarters in France in 1949, is a northwestern suburb of Paris in the Department of the Seine (named after the river which divides Paris into Left and Right Banks). Those of us not knowing much French should be able to easily figure out most of the rest of the information on the name plate down through “N. DE CYLINDRES”. The number 8 to the right of this phrase denotes, of course, the eight cylinders in the Cadillac motor.
The meaning of “Alésage et Course”, however, is not so readily apparent; in fact, these words mean bore and stroke. Commas in French numerals are the equivalent of decimal points in the English-speaking world, so “96,84 X 92,07” is the equivalent in millimeters of the familiar 3-13/16 inches x 3-5/8 inches bore and stroke dimensions of the ‘49 Cadillac motor. “Poids Total Maxi En Charge” means Maximum Total Weight When Loaded, presumably with fuel and passengers. 2,339 kilograms is the equivalent of 5,145 pounds, a full load for a 6207, since without fuel or passengers 1949 club coupes weigh not much more than 4,000 pounds or about 1,800 kilos.
You may be wondering why the car’s bore, stroke and weight would be important enough to merit inclusion on Carlos’ car’s French ID plate. I’m fairly certain this information was used by the French authorities as a basis to calculate the annual tax on the car. Compared to most French and other European motors, the ’49 Cadillac and its motor are large indeed, so it was assumed its fuel consumption would be much more than the typical Renault, Peugeot or Citroen. Since France imports all its petroleum products, the French government’s theory must be that higher taxes on heavy vehicles with large motors such as a ’49 Cadillac would discourage their sales and lead to lower overall fuel consumption.
The 331 cubic inch ’49 Cadillac motor’s displacement is the equivalent of 5,424 cubic centimeters. At the same time, a 1949 Peugeot 203’s motor was 1,290 cc. or 79 cubic inches, a ’49 Renault Juva’s motor was 1,000 cc. or 62 cubic inches and the diminutive 2-cylinder Citroen 2CV’s motor was only 374 cc. or 23 cubic inches, less than 1/10th the size of the 331, so the French government does have a point. Nonetheless, the car’s original owner in France thought the extra cost in price, fuel and road tax was worth paying for the power, prestige and luxury of a Cadillac 6207. And in 2012 so does Carlos and every other member of the Forty Niners.

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Part Description Manufacturer NAPA Part # Price
Contact Set (Points) Echlin ECH CS777A $ 17.29
Distributor Condenser Echlin ECH RR174 $ 8.49
Distributor Cap Echlin ECH RR1580 $ 15.49
Distributor Rotor Echlin ECH RR159 $ 14.29
Spark Plug Wire Set – Premium BEL BEL 700170 $ 38.99
Stoplight Switch Echlin ECH SL128 $ 24.49
Thermostat Housing Gasket THM STM1 $ 1.09
Thermostat – Premium (160?) THM THM 532060 $ 9.99
Thermostat – Premium (180?= OEM) THM THM 532080 $ 9.99
Thermostat – Premium (195?) THM THM 532090 $ 9.99
Radiator Cap (13 lb.) Balkamp BK 7031445 $ 6.09
Belt – Fan & Generator PBH NBH 257570 $ 18.29
Generator Bushing – Front Echlin ECH AD1238 $ 4.49
Generator Brush Echlin ECH SD725 $ 4.29
Starter Brush Echlin ECH R503 $ 3.29
Starter Repair Kit Echlin ECH SRK104 $ 27.49
Starter Solenoid Repair Kit Echlin ECH STK2 $ 14.69
Inner Wheel Bearing – Front Wheel BRG B62 $129.00
Outer Wheel Bearing – Front Wheel BRG B73 $ 95.49
Wheel Seal – Front Wheel NOS 19940 $ 13.49
Wheel Cylinder Kit – Front UP 36 $ 3.99
Wheel Cylinder Kit – Rear UP 20 $ 3.99
Brake Shoes – Front, Tru-Stop Tru-Stop TS TS127 $ 24.99
Brake Shoes – Rear, Tru-Stop Tru-Stop TS TS
Wiper Blade – Classic WIP 601233 $ 13.29

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Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers! As yet another year of cruise nights and car shows fades into memory, and festive holidays loom on the horizon, I find myself once again, as I do every year, reflecting on what transpired in 2011. The year started with me taking over as Prez of the ‘49ers from my friend and co-founder of the chapter, Jay Friedman. Then, in February, I was fortunate to be able to attend the prestigious Boca Raton Concours D’Elegance in Florida. In April, I was blessed with another new “baby”, an all-original, un-restored, 1949 Cadillac 7533X Imperial Business Sedan, one of only 626 built, that I found in the Boston area. (See article page 2.) Then, in June, I finally retired from teaching Junior High Industrial Arts after 37 years in the profession. I could, and probably should, write a book just on this aspect of my life, but it would have to be classified under “fiction”, as no one would believe some of the things I witnessed during my long tenure as an educator.

Finally, this month earmarked the fruition of one of my biggest dreams ever: the construction of a larger garage! One of my former colleagues, who also taught woodworking, along with his son-in-law, helped me in this major undertaking. We managed to complete the structure in 2 months flat, and all the “babies” are now nestled in their new home. Judging by the smiles on their grilles, they seem to like their new habitat immensely! The new facility is an imposing edifice, measuring 24 feet deep by 46 feet long, with one end bay having an inside ceiling height of 16 feet to accommodate a lift. I named the new garage “The Taj Mahal of Overhaul”, a name I borrowed from a recent Auto Zone commercial. (See photo on page 6.) But overshadowing all of this was the honor, and pleasure, of meeting many wonderful fellow aficionados of ’48 and ’49 Cadillacs, either on the phone or in person. After all, aside from our beloved cars, it’s you folks that really make this such a great hobby.

Lastly, it’s that time of year again. If you have not paid your $8 dues for 2012, please send a check for that amount, payable to Jay Friedman to 1530 September Chase, Decatur, Georgia 30033 USA. Canadians can send a cheque in their own currency equivalent to US $8, while European members can send a 5 Pound or 5 Euro note.

With that said, I extend to all of you a healthy, happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year.

Keep ‘em rolling,

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The annual CLC Grand National Meet was held August 10-13 at the Marriott Hotel, Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. I decided to drive the 800+ miles in my “modern” vehicle, a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in the hope of filling it with 1949 Cadillac parts. I have a longtime friend, formerly of my home state of Massachusetts, who re-located to Dayton, who graciously put me up (and me with him) for the week.

Early Thursday morning, the 11th, I drove the hour-long trip to Dublin with high hopes. I immediately spotted Jay Friedman and Art Gardner, who had arrived from Georgia and were searching for parts themselves. After exchanging pleasantries, I commenced my own search for those elusive parts and hit the “mother lode”, finding ’49 parts everywhere I looked it seemed. It’s amazing how fast one (me) can blow through $900, and with payday not occurring until the next day, I had to be rescued by CLCer Bob Mooney of Chicago, who lent me $200. Thanks, Bob…… you’re #1 in my book.

Other ‘49ers and CLC members I met at the meet included: Ed Cholakian, Don Cleveland, Randy and Susan Denchfield, Martin Blasinsky, George Louthan, Henry Ruby, Harry Scott, Joe Gildea and Bill Callahan, Past President and Head Judge, respectively, of the CLC New England Region and Richard Sisson. My apologies if I missed anyone.

The morning of the judged show on Saturday dawned overcast with a light drizzle. Fortunately, it had all burned off and was bright and sunny by the time I arrived at the Marriott. The number of ‘49s was somewhat disappointing, especially compared with the ’08 GN in Cherry Hill NJ where there were 13 in attendance. Besides Don Cleveland of Perrysburg, Ohio, who was the only ‘49er chapter member there with his car, a gorgeous 60S (see below), there were 2 modified ’49 club coupes. Also present were three ’48 Club Coupes, two belonging to new member Richard Stahl of Temperance, Michigan and his son, and another Madeira Maroon beauty belonging to a couple from Indiana. One of the more unusual, unique, albeit morbid, vehicles on display was a ’48 Cadillac hearse belonging to Mark Rodgers of, Cleveland Ohio. The weather continued to cooperate, and though it was somewhat warm and humid, everyone was thankful the predicted “scattered thunderstorms” never materialized. A wonderful time was had by all.

A highlight of the GN from a ‘49ers point-of-view was a chapter meeting 3:30-4:30 pm on Saturday, August 13. Only 5 members were in attendance: Ed Cholakian, Don Cleveland, Randy Denchfield, George Louthan and yours truly. A spirited discussion ensued regarding 6 volt starting problems, their causes and various solutions. Ed Cholakian once again reminded ‘49ers that they will receive a 20% discount on all Steele Rubber Products ordered through his company, All Cads of the ‘40s. (You cannot get this discount from Steele directly.) We thank Ed once again for his generosity in doing this for us. Refreshments were then served.

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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”.

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