1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

Cadillac-LaSalle Preliminary Service Information 19
(
Chassis Sheet Metal
The 38-series chassis sheet metal parts (hood,
radiator shell, fenders, running boards, and splash
pans) are entirely new in appearance. Furthermore,
important structural changes have been
made in these parts at the front end of the car.
An entirely new type of hood which opens from
the front is used on all 38-series. To open the
hood, the radiator ornament must be tilted back
to release the first catch, after which the hood can
be lifted just high enough to permit reaching in
and releasing the safety catch. (Fig. 18.) The
hood can then be lifted easily, as springs are incorporated
in the hinges at the rear of the hood
to raise it and hold it in the correct position.
The hood side panels can be removed easily to
provide better access to the engine. Each panel
is held in place by two bolts at the upper corners
and by clips along the lower edge. To remove a
panel, it is necessary only to loosen these two
bolts a few turns and lift the panel out from the
clips.
Hood re-alignment is performed in the same
manner as on 37-series cars. Lateral alignment is
secured by shifting the front fender and radiator
shell assembly, while vertical alignment is secured
by shimming the radiator core.
SAFETY
CATCH-
Fig. 18. The safety catch must be unlatched after the
first catch is released by tilting back the ornament
The front and rear fenders, running boards, and
splash pans are constructed so that they can be
serviced individually, the same as on the 37-series.
Removal of these parts is accomplished by removing
the various nuts and bolts which fasten
the sheet metal together at the joining edges or
supporting brackets.
Chassis Electrical System
38-50 & 60 38-65 38-75 38-80
BATTERY—
Delco Type No 17 KIW 17 K1W 17 DW 21 DW
Capacity—Ampere Hours 110 110 130 164
Charging Rate—Start 10 amps. 10 amps. 10 amps. 10 amps.
Finish 8 amps. Samps. 8 amps. 8 amps.
Plates, No. of 17 17 17 21
Terminal grounded Positive Positive Positive Positive
GENERATOR—
Delco-Remy Type No 1101051 1101054 1102652 1102651
Charging rate, maximum 30 amps. 30 amps. 26 amps. 26 amp*.
Tvpe of regulation Voltage Voltage Current Current
& Volt. & Volt.
Type of drive Belt Belt Belt Friction
Drive
Drive Ratio 1.96 1.86 1 86 1.95
STARTING MOTOR—
Delco-Remy Type No 727-V 727-V 727-V 000714
Lock torque in foot-pounds 16 16 16 12
Lock amperage 600 600 600 475
Lock voltage 3.0 3 0 3.0 3-63
Number of brushes 4 4 4 6
Ratio between armature and flywheel 17 to 1 17 to 1 17 to 1 17 to 1
The electrical systems of the 38-series cars have 37-series, except that a 21 plate, 164 ampere hour
been changed only in minor details from the 37- battery is used on the 38-90 V-16. The positive
series systems. battery terminal is grounded on all series. The
battery is mounted under the hood on the right
The batteries are of the same design as formerly, hand side on all series except 38-90, on which it is
and are of the same sizes as the corresponding located under the right front seat.