Build Thread: 1937 LaSalle / Family Hot Rod

[37 Caddy]

Thanks for the heads up about the acidity of flux MIG welds. I hope to get around to buying a bottle soon.

As for the shocks, I am going to try and go down to NAPA to find shocks with the right length and compression. Once I have the shocks then I will know waht kind of bracket I need on the top.

I had not planned on running a panhard bar or torsion bars. This is more of a cruiser and not a racer. I don't think either the Cadillac or the Camaro had anything like that to hold the axle centered, and many of the pictures I have looked at have gone without. Am I making a big mistake or overlooking something serious?

[Bob Parmenter]

A panhard bar is for keeping the rear from moving side to side, with axle clamped to leaf springs it's not necessary.

[Itoldyouso]

So this is what the whole '37 LaSalle looks like?? I've only previously seen the transmissions.......usually behind an Olds or Caddy engine.

Don't worry about one too many build threads, these are our lifeblood on here. Love peeking into another rodders garage and seeing stuff go together. Please keep it coming.

Looking great so far, and you sure won't be seeing too many copies of your car at any rod run. I like it.

Don

[bluestang67]

Bob now that i am thinking harder your right some type of stabilizer was only used on coil type rearends . I'm learning all the time here , if i would have thought the Stang has none with the leafs either.

[Bob Parmenter]

I'm learning all the time here ,...........

And teaching.............

If there was anyone not fully following these few comments you just completed the concept.

[37 Caddy]

I went to NAPA today, but came home empty handed because I was unsure of my math. However, I now have more knowledge than when I came. Here is my thoughts on shocks.

The length of my shocks at ride height will need to be approximately 19in, most shocks I saw had travel of about 8in. If I assume that the shock is compressed 30%-40% of travel at ride height (approx 3in) then I need a shock with an extended length of 22in.

Does this sound right????

[bluestang67]

That would be a close guessement . Do you know them well enough to let you bring home a tester . My local old time parts store is letting me borrow some belts to get correct fit when im ready.