Build Thread: 1937 LaSalle / Family Hot Rod

[37 Caddy]

I have been lousy about posting lately because I have been too busy thrashing on the car to get it ready for the Goodguys show in Phoenix the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Today I decided to attempt to start it myself. I had planned on having a shop that I trust do the initial start up, but as I have worked on it more and more I have become more confident. And I am glad I did. After wiring the fuel pump correctly I turned the key and it came back to life after being dormant for over a year.

Thank you for all the help. I will try to be better about posting as I finish it up and get it on the road.

Here is a link to some video. I still have that same smile on my face hours later.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/2.../video/6767697

[randyr]

I have been lousy about posting lately because I have been too busy thrashing on the car to get it ready for the Goodguys show in Phoenix the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Today I decided to attempt to start it myself. I had planned on having a shop that I trust do the initial start up, but as I have worked on it more and more I have become more confident. And I am glad I did. After wiring the fuel pump correctly I turned the key and it came back to life after being dormant for over a year.

Thank you for all the help. I will try to be better about posting as I finish it up and get it on the road.

Here is a link to some video. I still have that same smile on my face hours later.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/2.../video/6767697

Congrats!!! What a great car! I look forward to the day when I can fire mine up too! Keep us posted on your progress...

[37 Caddy]

I can't believe it has been nearly a year since I last posted. I did get the car on the road in time for the Goodguys show last November, but had some difficulties and spent a good deal of time "working out the kinks. There are great stories to go with all of these but I have:
1. reinstalled the driveshaft (after picking it up off the street),
2. addressed the rear suspension and made some more room for the rear tires (blown tire/heavy father-in-law),
3. replaced the transmission (learned a lot about common mistakes with automatic transmissions),
4. installed a transmission cooler (still learning about transmissions),
5. added an access panel to the trunk from the cab (important stuff locked in trunk)
6. added a radiator overflow tank (at least there wasn't a leak)
7. installed an emergency brake using the original handle (I had to make it more difficult for myself)

...and now I can hopefully make some real progress.

After fixing and redoing alot of things I chose to tackle a project with some more immediate gratification...upholstery.
3 qtr prog pic 0810.jpg

[Dave Severson]

I really like the interior Jay, it looks fantastic! Your project has certainly come together nicely! Congrats and a big "well done" for taking your time and doing it right--and for doing so much of it yourself, even the upholstery!!!

BTW, 8 AM here in SoDak, temp is almost up to 60! If you could spare about 15 degrees could you please send it my way???

[37 Caddy]

Dave:

Thanks for the kind words. Knowing your attention to detail, that means alot.

The goals for tonight are to get the child seat latching hooks done and to start fashioning some new arm rests/door pulls for the front doors.

Wish me luck.

[37 Caddy]

Here is what I accomplished tonight. I got the child seat latching hooks fabricated and installed. They are probably sufficent but I think I may reinforce them further in the future. The latching hooks themselves are plenty stout, but the bolts that anchor them could be stronger. I used rivnuts because I am working alone and my arm isn't long enough to reach under the car. I am thinking I might weld some big nuts on the back of some flat stock that is long enough to connect both mounting points and then fasten the latching hook assembly with much stronger hardware.
latch 2.jpg

latch 1.jpg

I also did the armrests for the front seats, but I am not in love with them. The armrests seem uninspired and clunky. I will need to cut them down to hide the installation screws so they will get much thinner/shorter. That might help. I also want to deepen the finger pulls so that they feel more comfortable. I am open to criticism and advice.
armrest.jpg

Thanks.

[Dave Severson]

Good plan on the seat mounts, I like rivnuts, but a backing plate with nuts would be much stronger..Heck it's for kids, can't make it too strong!

On the armrest, maybe an inch shorter, then tapered to the bottom??? Thinkin' maybe something like 1/2 the angle on the seat back???

[37 Caddy]

Apparently, it has been 8 years since I last updated this thread. A lot has changed since then, yet kinda stayed the same.

Let me explain. I sold the 1937 LaSalle featured in this thread about 2 years ago after purchasing another 1937 Lasalle. The new purchase is the exact same year, model and style as the previous one...but so much better. It is a complete car with no serious rot, a complete interior, engine, etc.

In fact, it is so good I decided to do what I call a "no compromises build". It will in fact have compromises as I am still pretty frugal, but I place a higher value on my time than I did way back when.

First step was to order a complete custom chassis from Scott's Hot Rods. My interactions with Scott's were good, not to say that there weren't some hiccups, but I am very pleased with the product they delivered: complete chassis, front susp, rear susp, 9 in, disc brakes, all the plumbing, fuel line, brake lines, fuel tank, fuel pump, motor mounts rack and pinion, powdercoated, and assembled. Not cheap, but after I added up all the parts and all the compromises it would take to update the original frame and my time it was a no-brainer.

I am trying to upload pictures, but I will need to refresh my knowledge on doing so.

A few weeks ago we completely disassembled a complete car and moved it on to the new chassis, and there it sits until I can wrap up some major home renovation projects.

[37 Caddy]

[34_40]

WOW, look at all the new parts. That's cool.
Congrats and it's nice to see you here again.

And thanks for the pics.

[40FordDeluxe]

Welcome back and congrats on the new nicer body and that chassis is saweet!

[Mike P]

Welcome back stranger.

Looks like a GOOD start on the new car.



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