1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

This has been accomplished by using straight sidebars,
which space the rear springs more widely and by a new
sidebar reinforcement at the front. This latter reinforcement
extends forward from each of the X-members
and makes a box section with the sidebar and is carried
back much farther than before, thus strengthening the
junction of the X-members and frame sidebars. An
exceedingly great depth of 9¾ inches is realized at
the central junction of the X-members, an additional
factor in increased frame rigidity. Heavy steel plates
reinforce the junction at the top and bottom.
The Cadillac front end construction with sidebars
extending through the massive cross member at the
front of the frame is continued.
Knee Action and Spring Suspension
Cadillac-designed Knee Action, which assures a flat
high speed ride and soft boulevard ride and constantly
accurate steering geometry, is used on the Sixteen.
Identical as to principle with the smaller Cadillacs,
structural parts are heavier to meet the necessarily
greater strength requirement.
Sixteen Knee Action
Rear springs are semi-elliptic in design and have
been moved 4¾ inches closer to the wheels. This im-
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