Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1920-1929

Published: 03 January 2007

Hits: 2237

1928 Cadillac

Series 341-A

SERIES 341-A

Chassis

• Front brake drums increased from 16 to 17 in. in midyear.
• Rear springs under-slung.
• Fuel tank filler neck extended outside frame side rail.
• Hydraulic shock absorbers.
• Rear tread increased to 58 in.

Drive line: New twin disc clutch, cast iron transmission housing, torque tube drive.

Engine

• New dimensions of 3-5/16 x 4-15/16 were the first change for the Cadillac V-8 since the Type 51.
• The transition which had started with the final version of the Series 314 engine was now complete; the 341 Cadillac engine and the 303 LaSalle engine were practically identical in configuration.
• The 341 now had offset blocks, side by side connecting rods, single exhaust system, horizontal starter along right side of transmission, oil filter mounted on engine, oil level indicator behind right hand block, manifold vacuum plus vacuum pump operating fuel feed system and windshield wipers.
• Aside from differences due to displacement and power, the only noticeable difference was the enameled heat deflector over the Cadillac carburetor.

 Note: The following body styles are listed as Fleetwood 341, 341-A, 341-B, but are unconfirmed. All are on 140 inch wheelbase except as noted. Included must be full customs and one-off variations of catalog customs.

• Introduced: September, 1927.
• Model year sales: 20001.
• Model year production: 20001.
• President and general manager of Cadillac: Lawrence P. Fisher.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1920-1929

Published: 03 January 2007

Hits: 2816

1927 Cadillac

Series 314

"THE NEW NINETY DEGREE CADILLAC" - SERIES 314 - August, 1926 (Chassis Unit Number 1-29675. Steering Unit Number 1-30501)

Body

• Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan added to Standard line.
• Convertible Coupe and Double Cowl (Sport) Phaeton added to "Custom" line.
• Custom bodies by Fleetwood, Brunn, Willoughby, and others available.
• Wheelbase on Standard seven passenger Sedan and Imperial now 138 in.
• Standard Victoria made five passenger by removing the parcel compartment.
• New radiator shell with sharp corner between top and front surfaces and with round emblem on black background.
• Roadster and Phaetons have forward folding windshields.
• Monogram panel on Touring and Phaetons extended to cowl, and vertical molding in front of rear door moved back of door.
• Light controls moved from instrument panel to steering wheel.
• New instrument panel of walnut with silver inlay effect.
• "Custom" cars and Standard Sport models have Nickel cowl band and side lights.
• All cars have large (10 in.) headlights; black body on Standard, all Nickel on "Custom".
• Horn of vibrator type, with bent trumpet.
• Fender wells standard on Sport Coupe and Sedan, and on Sport Phaeton.
• Bumpers and motometer standard on "Custom" line and Standard Sport Models.

Chassis: At Steering Gear Unit Number 1-44906, steering gear was changed back to worm and sector type.

Drive Line: 4.9:1 is the only final drive ratio offered.

Engine

• Early 1927, at Engine Unit Number 1-41001 (Chassis Unit Number 1-40994): Practically everything on the outside of the engine, except the carburetor, was relocated.
• The overall appearance, except for the location of the starter, now resembled the soon to be introduced 303 LaSalle engine.
• Generator and water pump were moved to lower right front corner of engine and were driven by a common chain.
• The fan was once more on a separate bracket, still belt driven.
• The distributor went from the rear to the front of the engine and onto a common shaft with the oil pump, now inside the engine.
• The fuel pressure pump was now at the rear of the engine, driven by a connecting rod.
• The starter was moved forward and now drives through gear teeth cut on the front face of the flywheel.

Serial numbers were not used on the 1927 Cadillac. Engine numbers stamped on crankcase immediately above the base of the oil filler spout and on plate on dash. Starting: 142021. Ending: 150619.

• The 1927 Cadillac Series 314 was a continuation of 1926 models.
• Some new body styles introduced August, 1926.
• Calendar year sales: (1927) 8599.
• Calendar year production: (1927) 8599.
• Model two year sales: 50619 (Aug. '25 through Sep. '27).
• Model two year production: 50619 (Aug. '25 through Sep. '27).
• The president and general manager was Lawrence P. Fisher.
• "Fifty body styles and types - Five hundred color and upholstery combinations" was Cadillac's catch phrase for their new program to individualize the motor car. Change was constant; everything was tried; and pilot models were sold but not cataloged. The catalog was but a starting point -- the customer could pick almost any combination of bits and pieces and have a unique motor car without the expense of a full custom. Authenticity of surviving cars may be in question because of the multitude of possible variations. In the final analysis; if it has a vertical starter motor, it's most likely a 314.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1920-1929

Published: 03 January 2007

Hits: 3777

1926 Cadillac

Series 314

"THE NEW NINETY DEGREE CADILLAC" - SERIES 314

Bodies

• The open cars were transferred to the "Custom" line with the 138 inch wheelbase; except the Roadster, which retained the 132 inch wheelbase.
• The two-passenger "Custom" Coupe was transferred to the Standard line, keeping the 132 inch wheelbase.
• A window was added in the rear quarter.
• The coach was renamed Brougham.
• The Landau Sedan, Limousine, and Town Brougham were dropped.
• The semi-commercial chassis now had a 150 inch wheelbase.
• Cadillac offered funeral coaches and an ambulance (bodies by Superior) plus an armored car.
• The body featured a narrower, higher radiator with thermostatically controlled shutters.
• A moto-meter came on the "Custom" cars.
• There was a greater distance from the radiator to the windshield.
• The long sweeping front fenders contained battery and tool boxes.
• All cars had a one piece windshield.
• On open cars, the windshield swung from a pivot at top.
• Closed cars had a vertical "V-V" windshield.
• There were fourteen louvers to the rear of the hood.
• A new nickel plated radiator shell with emblem was set on a badge shaped background.
• All front doors were now hinged at the windshield post.
• There were no side lights.
• New drum shaped headlights contained a parking bulb plus a double filament bulb for tilting beam.
• A small (9 in.) drum was on the Standard line and a large (10 in.) drum was on the "Custom" line.
• The rear lamp was placed on the left fender instead of on tire carrier.
• The "Custom" line had bumpers.
• The motor driven horn was attached to the left hand headlight bracket instead of the intake manifold.
• As of end of 1925, the "Custom" closed bodies once more had the sloping (V-V) windshield. (More angle than on 1924-25 V-63). Triangular side glass wings were added ahead of the windshield posts.
• In the spring of 1926, the battery and tool boxes moved from front fenders back to a location behind running board dust shields on chassis unit number 1-25000.
• Mid-year 1926, the Cabriolet (leather backed) version of the "Custom" closed cars were added to the line.
• By June, 1926, the "Custom" Touring was available on order with fender wells, six wire wheels, and a trunk rack for $360 extra.

Chassis

• The rear springs were now semi-elliptic with ball and socket rear shackles.
• The spring seats no longer oscillate on rear axle housing.
• Spring covers came on the "Custom" line.
• The torque arm was relocated from the right to the left side and connected to the frame through a fabric hanger.
• The radiator was now cellular instead of tube and plate, and a second radiator was added to the cowl brace.
• Balloon tires were mounted on split rims with no side rings.
• Brake drums were bell shaped to give clearance for balloon tires.
• Watson stabilators replaced Gabriel snubbers.
• "American" ("National") threads replace special (Cadillac) threads.
• The chassis weight was reduced by 263 lb. (130 lb. of this in engine weight reduction).
• In the spring of 1926, at Steering Gear Unit Number 1-23500, steering changed from worm and sector type to split nut type.

Drive Line: Axle shafts have 14 drive teeth instead of 6 lugs.

Engine

• A crankcase ventilation system was introduced to eliminate dilution and condensation (this feature was used on the last 2000 V-63's).
• An oil filter was added.
• The oil level indicator was located on the right side of the crankcase instead of inside the Vee.
• The oil filter cap was a screw type instead of being hinged.
• The camshaft bearings fed full oil pressure, not overflow from the regulator.
• The rocker arms were eliminated.
• The valves and tappets were placed at an angle to the cylinder bores to line up directly with the cams.
• A single water pump was located at the left.
• A detachable water elbow was located on the cylinder heads.
• An oil pump was located at right front corner of the crankcase, in place of second water pump.
• Both the oil and water pumps were driven directly from the crossshaft.
• The starter and generator were separate units for first time on Cadillac’s.
• The starter was vertical at the top of the flywheel housing, driving through teeth on the rear face of the flywheel.
• The generator was in front, in the Vee.
• Generator/fan was driven by a belt, eliminating one chain.
• Tension on single chain was maintained by an idler sprocket.
• The front cover of the engine was made of steel instead of Aluminum.
• The intake manifold was now a separate piece.

Serial numbers were not used. Engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase immediately above the base of the oil filler spout and on plate on dash. Starting: (1925) 100001. (1926) 114250. Ending: (1925) 114249. (1926) 142020.

Up to the Series 314, Cadillac had used the engine number as the key identifying number for the vehicle, and all changes made during a model production run were recorded by engine number. Parts orders listing the part and the engine number insured receipt of the correct version of the part, including correct paint color, if applicable.

Starting with the Series 314, a "Unit and Car Number" scheme was put into effect. Each car was assigned an engine number, which was stamped on the engine and on a plate on the firewall just before the car was shipped. This engine number, as before, was the identifying number of the vehicle - to be used for registration, etc.. However, changes were recorded, for the most part, by Unit Number, which was the number stamped on each main assembly of the vehicle as that assembly was completed. Engine number and engine unit number bore no relation to each other. A change made at engine unit number 1-38009 might or might not have been included on the car carrying engine number 138009.

Various Cadillac manuals and parts books detail the various changes by unit number or, in rare cases, by engine/car number; but no cross reference exists. If the factory kept any cross reference of unit numbers against engine/car numbers, they did not pass it along with the car. Dealers were urged to make a unit number record for each of their customer's cars, so as to be able to service and supply parts for the car according to the exact requirements of the particular configuration of that vehicle.

Engine numbers for Series 314 cars consist of six digits, starting with the figure 1. Unit numbers for Series 314 cars consist of the figure 1, followed by a dash, followed by one to five digits. The generator and starter carried Delco serial numbers. The various numbers are located as follows:

• Engine/car Number -- On the crankcase at the base of the oil filter and on the patent plate on the front face of the dash.
• Engine Unit Number -- On top of left hand crankcase support arm (rear).
• Chassis/frame Unit Number -- On the upper surface of the left hand side bar, opposite the steering gear.
• Body Unit Number and Job/Style Number -- On right front sill or on metal plate on the front face of the dash.
• Steering Gear Unit Number -- On housing, near lubrication fitting.
• Transmission Unit Number -- On top of flange holding brake and clutch pedal bracket. Clutch
• Unit Number -- On front and rear retaining plates.
• Front Axle Unit Number -- On upper surface of axle I-beam.
• Rear Axle Unit Number -- On rear surface of the housing, just to right of cover plate.
• Carburetor Unit Number -- On left hand rear face of flange by which carburetor is attached to intake header.
• Generator Unit Number -- On side of generator.
• Starter Unit Number -- On side of starter.

• Introduced August, 1925.
• Innovations: Crankcase ventilation.
• Calendar year sales: (1925) 14249, (1926) 27771.
• Calendar year production: (1925) 14249, (1926) 27771.
• Model two year sales: 50619 (Aug. '25 through Sep. '27).
• Model two year production: 50619 (Aug. '25 through Sep. '27).
• The president and general manager was Lawrence P. Fisher.
• With increasing consistency, Cadillac promotional material had mentioned the model designation alongside the name "Cadillac". For 1924/1925, practically every ad, catalog. manual, etc., carried the designation "V-63". Suddenly. in August, 1925, all mention of a model designation was withheld from promotional material. The public would learn to think "Cadillac," not "Model," and would be presented "The New Cadillac" periodically for many years to come. However, for practical considerations in the area of Parts and Service, a system of model designation was still required. The "New Cadillac" for 1926/1927 was known to insiders as Series 314, based on engine displacement.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1920-1929

Published: 03 January 2007

Hits: 5078

1925 Cadillac

V-63

• Five "Custom" bodies were shown in the catalog, but a total of eight were listed by job number.
• The new line was custom to the extent that the customer could choose from 24 color harmonies and 10 upholstery patterns.
• The introduction of Duco finishes signalled this start to a color explosion which hit Cadillac in the next few years.
• Nickel plated radiator shell and lights became standard.
• The scrolled radiator shell, first exclusive to the "Custom" line, was adapted to the standard line.
• The "Custom" line was distinguished by sloping windshields and double belt molding.
• A two-door, five passenger Coach body was added to the Standard line.

 

• The 1925 Cadillac V-63 was a continuation of 1924 ("Custom" line introduced Oct., 1924).
• Innovations: Duco finish.
• Model year sales: 35,500 with 1924 model V-63.
• Model year production: 35,500 with 1924 model V-63.
• The president and general manager was Herbert H. Rice (L.P. Fisher as of May, 1925).

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1920-1929

Published: 03 January 2007

Hits: 2499

1924 Cadillac

V-63

The V-63 was similar to the 1922-23 Type 61, with the following exceptions:

Bodies

• Longer hood.
• One inch higher radiator.
• Roof and rear quarter lines of closed cars softened.
• Liberal use of non-functional landau bars (buggy bows).
• Two-passenger Coupe has blind quarters.
• More interior room.
• Lower seating position in closed cars.
• Ventilator door set flush in cowl.
• 1-1/2 in. narrower windshield posts.
• Full width, curved division windows.
• Automatic, vacuum operated windshield cleaner.
• Bowl shape replaced bell shape of headlight bodies.
• Five passenger Sedan with Imperial division offered.
• New seven passenger Sedan offered mid-year.

Chassis

• Front wheel brakes added.
• Service brake pedal acts on rear external and front internal bands.
• Emergency brake lever acts on rear internal bands.
• Front axle/steering knuckle design changed to reversed Elliott type.
• New tie-rod with adjustable ball and socket ends moved from front to rear of axle.
• Two cross members added to frame.
• 145 in. wheelbase special chassis once more made available.

Drive line: No significant changes

Engine

• The engine is much the same as the Type 61 cars except for the new harmonized and inherently balanced two-plane crankshaft and the revisions dictated by this system.
• Firing order changed to 1L-4R-4L-2L-3R-3L-2R-1R.
• Flywheel weight reduced as a result of increased flywheel effect of compensators and larger (2-3/8 in. dia.) crankshaft.
• Sixteen cams on camshaft.
• Rocker arms and plate redesigned.
• Chain adjustment no longer needed - a result of 1/4 in. wider chains and greater smoothness of engine.

There were no serial numbers used on the Cadillac V-63. Engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase just back of the right hand bank of cylinders, and on a plate on the dash. Starting: 63-A-1. Ending: 63-H-1550.

• Introduced September, 1923.
• Innovations:

• Model year sales: 35,500 with 1925 Model V-63.
• Model year production 35,500 with 1925 Model V-63.
• The president and general manager was Herbert H. Rice.