Cadillac 1937 LaSalle VVI Owner's manual

1937LaSalle Production
Production: 1937marked(hehighpointinproductionofthefourteenyears that LaSalle automobileswerebuilt;32,005automobiles
andchassis.
'wial Numbers:2230001-2262005.The Vehicle (engine)serialnumberis"Onthecrankcasejustbehindtheleftcylindergroup,parallel
io thedash."
rhassisNumbers: 2-(5-1 through2-B-32005. Location ofchassisnumberis"Topsurfaceofframesidebar,justaheadofdash.'*
Body_Ei2J£S: "'Thebodystylenumber,jobnumberandpaintand trim numbersarcstampedona plateattachedtothefrontofthedashunder
thehoodontheleftsideon LaSalle 37-50."
Hodv TypeandStyleNumbers:
Series37-50(I24"Wheelbase)-
5-Pass.TouringSedan- 2-Door
5-Pass.TouringSedan- 4-Door
5-Pass.TouringSedan- 4-Door,CK.D(Export)
5-Pass.TouringSedanChassis(Export)
2-Pass.SportCoupe
5-Pass. Convertible Sedan
2-Pass. Convertible Coupe
2-Pass. Convertible Coupe,CKD (Export)
Flower Car
124"W.B. Chassis (w/closed car cowl)
Commercial Chassis (1603/8"W.B.)
Note: Style5011islistedonnumerousrecord sheets within thefirst 7000 cars builtas "LaSalle TouringCoupe."Thatdesignationisnot
used intheData Book, Shop Manual, salesliteratureorMasterParts List.
Production
Standardconfiguration
isherBodies
37-5011 1801
Trunk, concealed spare
37-5019 21514
Trunk, concealed spare
314
64
37-5027 5801
Two opera seats, spare underdeck
37-5027
Rumble seat when ordered
37-5049
530 Plain
back, R.H. fenderwell
37-5067
995
Rumble seat, spare under deck
24
37-5067F
6
1
Note: Included in 5067 total above
37-50
I
949
Total
31,993 (Unexplained difference of12 units)
List Prices- FOBDetroit:(October20.1936)
50112-DoorTouringSedan
50195-Pass.TouringSedan
50272-Pass.Coupe
50495-Pass.ConvertibleSedan
50672-Pass.ConvertibleCoupe
124" W.B. Chassis
160" CommercialChassis
SI105.00
SI145.00
S995.00
$1485.00
SI175.00
$850.00
$925.00
StandardColor Options
Body andFendersDupont#
20 Black 242-2101
21 Admiral Blue 242-50534
22Ricardo Maroon 242-5238
23DouglasGreen242-50618
24PeruvianGray242-52337
25 Briarcliff Blue 242-50878
26SpringdaleGreen Metallic 202-52276
27GoldenBeige Metallic 202-51626
28RockledgeGray242-51015
29Santaupe Metallic 202-51485
Wheels Dupont#
Black (standard) 242-2101
Flare Red,ClearwaterGreen(optional)
Admiral Blue
Flare Red
ClearwaterGreen
Flare Red
Lullwater Blue
Springdale Green Metallic
Ormond Brown
ClearwaterGreen
Kashan Blue
242-50534
943549
242-50567
943549
242-50951
202-52276
242-50589
242-50567
242-50686
InstrumentPanel& GarnishMouldings
Centersection- earlytypeKashaBeige,246-50308
Centersection- latertypeAndesSand,243-2007
Sides& topShadow Metallic, 202-51575
Garnish MouldingsShadow Metallic, 202-51575
Trim Options
Closed Bodies:
80TanBedfordCord
81TanPlain Broadcloth
82GrayBedfordCord
83GrayPlain Broadcloth
Convertible Bodies:
86 Black Leather
87TanLeather
88GrayLeather
89GreenLeather

Basic Group "X" Equipment joo.w
Ornament, Extra tireandtube.Dumpers,Guards,Electric Clock, AirCleaner
^-^-^J^l^^ A 6 (6Wheel) S66.50 D S rsWheel) S22.50 B 6 (6Wheel) 554.00
4WheelDiscs4 WheelDiscs5 Trim Rings6 Trim Rings
Flexible (Steering) WheelFlexible (Steering) WheelFlexible (Steering) WheelFlexible(S^ering)Wheel
LicenseFramesLicenseFrames2 Metal Tire Covers
2Metal Tire Covers
Note:AlthoughBasic Group "'X" islistedasanextrachargeitem,all vehicles were builtwiththatequipment.
Additional Chnrm-s
6Wheelsandfenderwells(ExceptConvertibleSedan) $65.00
6Wheelsandfenderwells.ConvertibleSedan $45.00
Right Hand FenderwellonallBody Styles except ConvertibleSedan $23.00
White Sidewalltires,6 ply,eachS 3.60
Accessories
FlexibleSteeringWheel
SI 5.00
Master Radio- Complete With Aerial
S79.50
Heater-Defroster(HotWater)
S24.50
Standard Radio- Complete With Aerial
S59.50
Hinge Mirror
$8.00 Robes:
Hot WaterHeater
$19.50
Fleetwood Cloth andcrushedPlushorAlpaca
$45.00
LicenseFrames(pair) S5.50 PillowtoMatch $8.00
LuggageCompartmentCarpets
Monogram $5.50
5 wheel
$5.00 DoubleAlpacaRobeinBrownor
Gray $20.00
6 wheel
$7.50
Alpaca andPlushRobe $20.00
Luggage- TanDuckorBlackDuckoidFinish
Seat Covers- SeaBreeze(per seat) $7.50
Gentlemen'sAviator
$35.00
Spotlight (closed cars)
$22.00
Ladies' Aviatrix
$35.00
Tire Chains(7.00X 16") S8.50
Wardrolette
$47.50
Tire Covers- Metal (each)
$15.00
Miscellaneous
Ventilating - DefrostingFan $6.50
Blue Coral
$2.50
Water - CooledCushion $7.50
Body Polish (pint)
S.60
Wheel Discs- Chrome (each)
$4.00
Bulb Kit $1.25
Wheel Trim Rings (each) $1.50
Dust Mitt
$.50
Fabric Cleaner (pint)
$.60
Flashlight S1.50
GlassCleaner $.65
Handy Brush $2.00
Metal Polish (pint)
$.60
Moto-Pack
$6.25
Tire Gauge $1.50
ALL PRICES INCLUDE INSTALLATION
ResearchMethodology:Microfiche copies oftheindividualShippingDepartmentrecordsoftheas-builtconfigurationofeachserial
number were viewed,startingatthe highest serialnumberandworkingbackwards,todeterminethe highest bodyserialnumberofeach
body style. Commercial chassis numbers were individuallyrecordedtodetermineactualproduction.No attempt wasmadetorecordall
engine andbodynumbersofproductioncarsandtoconstruct cross reference lists ofbodynumberswithcorresponding engine numbersto
verifythatallbodynumbers were usedinactual production.Serialnumbersofcompletely-knocked-down(CKD)carsandexport chassis
were recordedtoverifyactual numbersproducedandlistthedestinations.
Notes onresearchfindings:
1. Cars builtbeforeserial 2256712 arerecordedonCadillac Form 3800A,whichhasa blocktitled"Purchaser."Althoughonlya small
fractionoftotalproduction,a surprisinglylargenumberof sheets indicatethenameoftheactualpurchaserinadditiontotheusual
dealershipdestination.Ownerinformationisveryseldom seen inotheryearrecord sheets.
2.ConvertibleCouperecord sheets were carefullyscrutinized,inan attempt toidentifytheactualPaceCarforthe1937Indianapolis500
race.Cadillac-LaSalle Club memberBob Murphy ofNorwich,Connecticut,provideda copyofanAmericanAutomobileAssociation
"CertificateofPerformance"that identifies thePaceCarasserial #2248164. Thecertificateispartofa fold-outbrochurethat touts the
performanceoftheLaSallein setting a newproductioncar speed recordatIndianapolis.Thebuild sheet indicatesserial 2248164 was
assigned totheEngineeringDepartmentandchargedto "Cars incompanyuse(Eng.Dept)"on 4/30/37. Absentanyotherindication,
serial #2248164 isbelievedtobethePaceCar.
3.The5067FFlower Cars arenotlistedinanyotherknownproductiondata.ThereisnoreferenceintheMasterPartsLists,etc.By
recording ConvertibleCoupebodynumbers,itwas possible toabsolutelyestablishthattheFlower Cars were customconversionsof
productionConvertibleCoupes.TheConvertibles were sent toMeteorMotorCarCo.,Piqua, Ohio, underindividualCadillacpurchase
order numbersfor"reconstruction"or"re-operation."Specifiedmodifications were: "FlowerCompartmentmustbeat least 54"X 54".
SpecifyblackBurbanktopoverdriver's seat and also fordummyreartop.Sparetiretobestoredinrearcompt.Flowercompartmentto
have trapdoortoallowforcleaningoffloor.Flowercompartmentto have scupperstoallowdrainageof rain water."Thecompletedcars
were returnedtoCadillacMotorCarCompanyandall were subsequentlyshippedto"Randall-DonaldsonCad. Corp, Brooklyn, N.Y." or

"New York Branch, New York, N.Y." Throepholos of"these unitsarcshowninthe"CadillacLaSalleCommercial Cars" brochurefor1938,
producedbytheCadillacandLaSalleCommercialDivision.Twopholos show twounitswithdual sidemounts andthe lops down,wear-
ing1937New York license plates. Thethirdphoto shows threeunits,twowithsidemounts,allwiththe tops upandno license plates. The
three-carphotoclearly shows an extension lothestandardrunningboards,indicatinga chassis extension. Basedondieknown run-
ning boardlengthof59"fora 1937Coupe,the chassis extension scales outtobe21",ora wheel base of145".flowercarserialmini-
%ersare 2242020 (body355), 2242025 (body354), 2243973 (body406), 2244128 (body405)and 2255672 (body875).
4.CommercialChassis:Thecommercial chassis and engines arenumberedthe same astheautomobiles,inthe sequence inwhich they
camedowntheassemblyline.Thuscommercial chassis 2B-25537 with engine #2255537 comes afterthe style 5027 Coupewith chassis
2B-25536, engine #2255536. Somecommercial chassis sheets indicate"closedcowl," others state "cowl,instrumentsandwiringshipped
separate."No chassis indicatedopencowl.Commercial chassis were shippedto:
A. J. Miller Co.,Bellefontaine,Ohio
American Trailer & Mfg.Co.,LosAngeles, California (serial 2237434, 2237447)
MeteorMotorCarCompany,Piqua,Ohio
The Eureka Co.,RockFalls,Illinois
KnightstownFuneralCarCo.,Kniglustown,Indiana
Canada Body& CarriageCo.,Brantsl'ord, Ontario(viaGMOshawaBranch)
GM Oshawa Branch, nodestinationindicated(serial 2239459, 2258722, 2260415)
Henny MotorCarCompany,Frceport,Illinois(serial 2233201, 2243862)
IngersollMitchellHearseCo.Ltd.(Canada),viaGMOshawaBranch(serial 2233952)
Units
400
2
478
37
3
2
L
949
5.All models ofthe standard production cars were exported outside oftheU.S./Canada. Numerous cars were sent tothe Oshawa branch.
6.As with other years, none ofthe body styles were built ina straight body order sequence. S.B.O. (Special BodyOrder) cars were
generally substantially outoforder with a notation "engine no. 224-—reserved."
First carbuiltineachbody style:
5011body#1,serial 2230014
5019body #9229, serial 2230005
5027 body#1,serial 2230016
5049 body#1,serial 2230015
5067 body#7,serial 2230055
commercial chassis, serial 2230001
Last carbuiltineachbody style:
body #1799, serial 2260391
body #21389, serial 2262005
body #5749, serial 2260207
body #520, serial 2256364
body #977, serial 2259960 (exporttoBuenosAires)
serial 2260459
7.ExportChassis:GMHoldenDivisioninAustraliareceiveda totalof64righthanddrive chassis for5019Sedans.Chassis were shipped
toAdelaide,MelbourneandSydney.
8.DomesticChassis:A single 124" W.B. chassis, serial 2233393, witha closedcarcowl,fendersetwithRHfenderwellandmetalcover
in primerwasshippedtotheBrownandThomasAutoCo.,NewHaven,Connecticut.
9.Completelv-Knocked-Down(CKD)Exports:Itisnotclearwhetherallofthe chassis exported (other thantoAustralia) were complete
boxedkitsto assemble carsorwhether some units sent toAntwerpandJapan were, infact, chassis only.Theyarethoughttobe CKD and
listedassuch.
GM South African Ltd., PortElizabeth
GM India Ltd., Bombay
GM Japan,Osaka
GM Do Brasil, SaoPaulo
GM Brasil, Santos
GM ContinentalS.A.,Antwerp
GM ContinentalS.A.,Antwerp
27 style 5019 Sedans
36 style 5019 Sedans
24 style 5019 Sedans
11 style 5019 Sedans
12 style 5019 Sedans
204 style 5019 Sedans
24 style 5067 ConvertibleCoupes
Note:Thesecarsdidnot have bodynumbers assigned andare,therefore,notincludedinthe domestic productionnumbers (e.g., 995U.S.
assembledConvertibleCoupes).
Most ofthe CKD units were shippedinincrementsof12.Thediscrepancyof12 vehicles between knowntotalproductionof 32,005 and
the 31,993 accountedforintheproductiontableislikelytobea missing CKD exportrecord sheet.

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Your
LASALLE
An Owner s Manual
covering the
LASALLEV-8
Series 37-50

Copyright1936by
CADILLAC MOTOR CARCO.
Printed in U. S.A.
You area valuedcustomerofthe Cadillac Motor Car
Company. Weareanxious,therefore,thatyousecurethe
best ofservice from your car,andwehave prepared this
book tohelpyou.We welcomeany suggestions orques-
tions* atanytime regarding thisbook,our Authorized
Service Stations,orthecaritself.
CADILLAC MOTOR CAR COMPANY
Service Department
*In writing tousonmatterspertainingto your car,alwaysgivethe
engine number. The engine number location is described onpage6.
Pa£e 3

As THE OWNER
of a new LASALLE
You will want to know—
RIGHTAWAY
Page
License Data 6
The Break-in Period 7
TheRightGasoline—TheRightEngine Oil—Cooling
Liquid Level—TirePressure
Instrumentsand Controls 12
GasolineGauge—Ammeter—Oil Pressure Gauge—Tem-
perature Indicator—Clock—Radio—Lighting Controls
—Locks and Keys—DoorLocks—Ventilation—Starting
theEngine—Cold Weather Operation
VERY SOON
Suggestions forSafer Driving . . . . .24
CarbonMonoxide—Starting the Car—Stoppingthe Car
—Night Driving—Winter Driving—Mountain Driving
—Touring—High Speed Driving—Gasoline Economy—
Tire Life
Cadillac-LaSalle Service36
Owner Service Policy—Authorised Service Stations—
Tire and BatteryRegistration
Lubrication and Care 40
Authorized LubricationService—LubricationSchedule
—Engine Oil Recommendations—EngineLubrication
—Lubricants
Page 4
LATER
Page
Maintenance Suggestions 48
Body 49
Care of Finish—Upholstery
Engine 51
Ignition System—Carbon and Detonation—ValveSer-
vice—Carburetor—AirCleaner—GasolineFilter
Cooling System55
Anti-Rust Treatment—Cleaning—CoolingSystem—Anti-
Freeze—Use of Hydrometer
Transmission 58
Clutch 58
Rear Axle 59
Front Wheel Suspension60
Steering 61
Wheelsand Tires 62
ChangingWheels—WheelBearingAdjustment—Tires
Brakes 64
Electrical 66
Storage Battery—Generator ChargingCircuit
Lighting 68
Care of Headlamps—Headlamp Adjustment—Lamp
Bulbs
Storing theCar71
Page 5

icense Data
Engine "Number: 2230001 andup
The engine number,whichis also theserialnumber,is
stampedonthecrankcasebehindthe left cylinderblock,
parallel tothedash.Itcontainsfigures only,andno letters.
Itcanberead easily uponliftingthe left side ofthehood.
The engine numberistobeusedin license andinsurance
applications,andingeneralreferencetothecar.
Type of EngineV-8
Bore and Stroke x in.
Piston Displacement 322cu.in.
Taxable Horsepower 36.45
Wheelbcwe124in.
Weight: Consultthedistributorordealerwhosoldyouthe
car, orthe Motor VehicleCommissionerofyour State.
WeightsofallCadillacbody styles areregularlysuppliedto
these authorities.
Page 6
The
Break-InPeriod
Strictly speaking,yourLaSallecar does notrequirea
break-in period,foritisnever necessary todriveat speeds
below a specifiedmaximum.We nevertheless urge that
youdriveatmoderate speeds duringthefirst 500miles,
even thoughitisonlytoaccustomyourselftothehandling
of thecar.
One definite precaution must be observed during this
period. When driving a new car at speeds over 40 miles
per hour, let up on the accelerator for ten or twelve
seconds at frequent intervals. The important thing is not
miles per hour, but avoiding continuous high speed.
A newly-builtcarwillnot develop itsmaximum speed
and powerordemonstrateits best fuelandoileconomyduring
thefirst 2,000 miles.Regardlessofhowcarefullyan engine
isbuilt, this "running-in"
period always improves
itsperformance.Keep
this inmindwhencheck-
ing performanceduring
thefirst few weeks of
ownership,anddonotat-
tempt maximum speeds
until after 2,000 miles.
Page 7

ight Gasoline
The LaSalle V-8engineprovidesallthebenefitsof
modern, high-compressiondesign,yetitcanbeadjusted
readily tousealmostanygradeofgasoline.Asadjustedat
thefactory,it will perform satisfactorilywith 70-octane
fuel, whichistheratingoftheso-called"regular"gradeof
gasolinemarketedbymostrefinersintheUnitedStates.
Somecarownersmayprefertousepremiumgrades,of
which "Ethyl" gasolineisthe best known.Thesefuelshave
octaneratingswellabove70and,ifusedwithanadvanced
spark setting, will permittheenginetodevelopmorepower.
Fuels withoctaneratingsof less than70 will usuallycause
theengineto "knock" or "ping" unless thesparkisretarded.
Ignitiontimingand"ping"areexplainedonpage52.
The mostimportantthingistobuyyourfuel from a
reputablecompanyinordertoinsure uniform qualityand
freedom from impuritiesthatmightclogthestrainersor
cause harmful chemicalactionintheengine. Your Author-
ized Cadillac-LaSalle ServiceStationcanadviseyou regard-
ing themostsuitablegradesofgasolineavailablelocally,or
adjustyourengineforthegradeoffuelyouprefertouse.
The gasolinetankcapacityis22gallons.
Page 8
Right Engine Oil
During the first 2,000 miles, thelightergradesof
engineoilmustbeused.Add S.A.E. 30inwarmweather
and 10W.inweatherbelowfreezing.Theselightergrades
are necessaryfor running-in a newengine.
After 2,000 miles, andevery 2,000 milesthereafter—
thecrankcaseshouldbedrainedandrefilledwithoilofthe
correct grade.Thegradedependsuponthe season ofthe
year andthetypeof driving, asexplainedon pages 44and45.
In checkingtheengineoillevel between oilchanges,
thereisonlyone safe rule: Check the oil level every time
gasoline is purchased and add oil as required. Oilwill
notbe required everytime,butitisbettertocheckthelevel
unnecessarilya dozentimesthantomisstheonetimethat
more oilisneeded.
The combinationoil
filler capandplunger
type gauge isontheleft
sideofthecrankcase.
Add oilwheneverthe
levelisdowntothe6
quart mark butaddonly
enoughto bring the
leveiuptothe7-quart
mark.
Page 9

g Liquid Level
The radiatorfiller cap is alsolocatedunderthehood at
theleft,forconvenience in checking the liquid levelwhen
checking theoil.Thelevelshouldbechecked at least once
everyweekortendays.
Ordinarily, onlywater needs to beadded at these times,
although, ifanyconsiderablequantityis required during cold
weather, the strength of theanti-freezesolutionshould be
tested.
When the coolingsystem is drainedandrefilled, itis
necessary touse anti-rustsolutions in summerandanti-
freeze in winter.Thecorrectsolutions for these purposes
are discussedonpage55.
Caution—When removingthe filler cap from a hot
engine, rotate thecap toward the left until the stop is
reached. This is the vented position, which allows
steam to escape.
Keep inthis position
until the pressure in the
system has beenre-
lieved, then turn more
forcibly to the leftto
remove. Turn the cap
all the way to the right
when reinstalling.
Page 19
ire Pressure
The tirepressure isthe fourthitem requiring frequent
attention.Alltires,includingspares,should be checked
everyweek orten days,*andmaintained atthe correct
pressureof26pounds minimum.
»
Check thepressurewhenthetiresarecold,preferably in
the morning, andneveraftera fastrun)Heatdevelopedon
fastrunsor from hotpavementsincreasesthepressuresand
theydecreaseagainwhenthetirescool/>
Frequent checking is essentialwith low pressuretires,
asvariations of only a few poundsmake an appreciable
differencein riding qualitiesandtirewear.
If yoursparetire is concealedintherearcompartment,
alwaysunlockthelidandhavetheattendantcheckthespare
whileheischeckingtheothers.
The procedureforchanging wheels when a tire is fiat is
givenonpage62. •'.
The regular attention required by your LaSalle car,
in addition to the four topics just covered, includes lubr'u
cation at 1,000mileintervalsand a few items of general
care, all of whichareexplainedon pages 41 to 47. Read
these pages before your car has traveled1,000miles.
*When touringandcoveringseveralhundredmilesa day,checkthetire
pressureeverydayortwo.
Page 11

Instruments and Controls
Comfort andconvenienceforthe driver contributeto
greatersafety,aswellastomoreenjoyable driving. The
LaSalle driver'scompartmenthasbeendesignedwiththis
in mind. Notethefollowing:
The seat adjustmentiseasilymadebyliftingthecatch
on theleftsideofthe seat base andslidingthe seat back-
ward orforwardtothemostcomfortableposition.Onlong
trips, changingtheadjustmentoccasionally will befound
helpful inavoidingfatigue.
The handbrakeleverisoutoftheway,yetitiswithin
easy reachofthedriver'slefthand,astheillustration shows.
The ignitionandlightingcontrols—the radio, whenin-
stalled—areconvenienttothedriver'srighthand.
The instrumentsaregroupedfor best visibility.The
four smallerdials
aredirectlyin
front ofthe driv-
er, yetsoplaced
thatthesteering
wheelhubor
spokes donot
interfere, while
thelarger-faced
speedometer
and clockare
equally visibleat
theright.
Page 12
Gauge
The gasoline gauge isoperatedelectrically.Itindicates
thequantityoffuelinthetank only when ihe ignition is
turned on. When theignitionisturnedoff,thepointer
drops beyondthe"empty" mark.
As anextraprecautionagainstrunningoutoffuel,the
gauge issocalibratedthatitreads"empty"whenabout
onegallonstillremainsinthetank.Onthisaccount,itis
seldompossibletoaddthe full capacityofthetankwhenthe
gauge reads"empty."
"Battery" (Ammeter)
In placeoftheammeter,a batterychargeordischarge
indicator isused. This gauge shouldindicate"charge"as
soonasthecarisrunning15or20milesanhour.Ifitfails
todoso,orifit shows a dischargewhentheengineisnot
running andnoelectricalequipmentisinuse,the cause
should beinvestigatedimmediately.
This typeofindicatorisusedinplaceofanammeter
because,withthemethodofregulationnowemployedinthe
charging circuit,ammeterreadingsnolongerprovideim-
portant informationforthe driver. Informationonthe
charging circuitisgivenonpage67.
Page 13

il PressureGauge
The oilpressure gauge shouldalways show pressurewhile
the engine isrunning.Ifit does not, stop the engine at
once and investigate thecause.
Temperature Indicator
The temperatureofthe fluid inthecylinderblocksis
shownonthis dial.
The needle shouldregisterwithinthe"normal"range
except onlong, hard drivesinsummerweather,whenitmay
register"hot." This conditionneednot cause alarm, asthe
pressure-operatedoverflowwillnormallypreventwater
losses attemperaturesupto 220°F.
When the engine does runhotonlongdrives,itisim-
portanttochecktheoilandwater levels frequently.Ob-
serve theprecautiongivenon page 10whencheckingthe
waterlevel.
The indicator often rises to "hot" right after the
engine is shut off. This conditionisentirely normal. It is
due to the heat that remains in the cylinderblocks after
air and water circulation have stopped.
If theindicatorshould show "hot"duringshortruns
under normal driving conditions,the cause shouldbein-
vestigated.
Page14
ock.
The instrumentpanelclockiselectricallydrivenand
fully automaticinoperation.Interruptionsinthecurrent
will naturally cause theclocktostop.
After thecurrenthasbeenreconnected,itisnecessary
merelyto reset thehands,astheresettingmechanismwill
againputtheclockinoperation.
Radio
Radio installationiscontemplatedinthedesignofthe
LaSalle car.Theinstrumentpanelis laid outsothatthe
radio controlscanbemadeanintegralpartofthedesign.
The mythofradiodistractingthedriverhaslongsince
beenexploded.Listeningtotheradio tends ratherto lessen
the tensions that cause undue haste.
Improvementsinautomobileradiosduringrecentyears
havebrought these sets toa parwithmost house sets.
Cadillac radiosareoutstandinginperformance,andwein-
viteyoutosecurea demonstrationfromyour Cadillac-
LaSalle dealer.
Page15

Lighting Controls
The headlampsarecontrolledbytwo switches: a three
positionbuttonontheinstrumentpanelanda footswitch
atthe left oftheclutchpedal.Thebeaminuseatanytime
shows upinilluminated letters ontheindicator.
The threeheadlightbeamsandthelightingswitchposi-
tionsareillustratedclearlyinthedrawingbelow.
When driving onlightedhighways,setthehandcontrol
in thesecondpositionand select the"city"beamwiththe
footswitch.
When driving onunlighted straight roads,setthehand
control inthe third position. Select the "driving" beam
withthefootswitch,butchangeto"passing"whenevera
car fromtheoppositedirectionapproacheswithin500 feet.
When driving
on unlighted
winding roads,
setthehand
control inthe
secondposition,
and usethefoot
switchto select
the "driving"
beamandto
cny BEAM
•SELECT WITH FOOT SWITCH
DRIVING BEAM
' SELECT WITH FOOT SWITCH
Page 16
switchtothe"city"beamwheneveranothercarapproaches.
The "city"beamistheonly safe passingbeamforwinding
roads. (Seedrawing below.)
Courtesy and safety both demand the use of the pass~
ing beams exactly as outlined. We urge every LaSalle
owner to observe these instructions faithfully, as care-
lessness in these matters is leading authorities to consider
further restrictions of headlamp driving beams. Please
cooperate in safe use of adequate lighting equipment.
Two types oflightingareavailableinthe driving com-
partment.Directlightforreadingmaps,finding dropped
articles,etc.,issecuredwiththemaplamp,whichisswitched
on automaticallywhenyou pull itout. This lampcancon-
venientlybeturnedinits socket tothrowthelightinany
direction desired.
The translucentdialsoftheinstrumentpanelarelighted
from behind.Theswitchfor these lightsislocatedatthe
lower edge ofthe
panel justtothe
left ofthe steer-
ing column.The
switchpermits
adjustmentof
theintensityof
these lightsto
suitindividual
preferences.
WSIM BEAM-CORRECT •£ i BEAM-!
T'crry BEAM-CORRECT
Page 17

ocksandKeys
Maximum protectionisprovidedbythe Cadillac system
of locksandkeys.Two sets oftwo keys eacharefurnished
withthecar.Theoctagonal-handledkeyisthedriver's
key;it operates therightfrontdoor,theignitionswitch,
and thesparewheellockoncarsequippedwithexposed
sparetiresorfenderwells.
The round-handledkey operates thecompartmentlocks,
including those fortheinstrumentpanelcompartment,the
rear deckonCoupes,andthetrunkcompartmentonSedans.
The advantageofthisarrangementisthat baggage canbe
keptlockedwhilethecaris left withpublicgarageorparking
lotattendants.
As a protectionagainstunauthorizedpersonssecuring
keys,thekeynumbers
donotappeareitheron
the keys orthefaceof
thelocks,butonsmall
metal slugs fastened in the
keys. Mark these key
numbersonyour Certi-
ficate of Title or Bill of
Sale,assoonasyoutake
deliveryofthecar,and
Page18
haveyourdealerknock these number slugs outofthe keys
and destroythem.Ifthisisnotdone,you lose partofyour
protection.
Duplicate keys,if required, canbeorderedbykeynum-
bersfromthenearestAuthorized Cadillac-LaSalle Service
Station.Ifthekeynumberisnotknown,youmustorder
by car engine numberfromyourowndealerorfromthe
Cadillac Motor CarCompany,Detroit.
Door Locks
The doorscanallbelockedfromtheinsidebypushing
downthesmalllockbutton.Theycan also belockedfrom
theoutsidewiththebuttonbydepressingthebuttonwhile
thedoorisopenandthen holding the door handleallthe
way downwhileclosingthedoor.Thebuttonsnapsto
theunlockedpositionwhenthedoorisclosedintheusual
fashion.
The rightfrontdoorcanbelockedandunlockedwith
thedriver'skey.Itcan also belockedwiththelock
buttonandwhenso
locked, thekeywillun-
lock it.Be careful not
to lock the keys in the
car when locking doors
with the lock button.
Lock your car.
Never leave it un'
locked when unat-
tended.
Page19

entilation
The ventilatingpanesinthefrontdoorwindowsandthe
rear windowsof sedans canbepivotedtosecureanydegree
of ventilation,witha minimumofdrafts.
In coldweatherorin rain orsnow,theycanbeopened
slightlytoprovidejustenoughaircirculationtoprevent
windowandwindshieldsteamingorfogging.
In extremelyhotweather,thefrontventilatorscanbe
turned almostcompletelyaroundtoa positionthat will
"scoop"airintothecar.
Additional aircanbesecuredinwarmweatherthrough
thecowlventilator,whichisscreenedtokeepoutinsects,
etc.
Page 20
tarting theEngine
Automatic featureshavegreatlysimplifiedthestarting
procedure. First of all, depresstheclutchpedal,thenswitch
on theignitionandpressthestarterbuttonattheleftofthe
panel. Built-in carburetorcontrolsprovidethecorrect
starting mixtureandidlingspeed.
The engineshouldstartin from 5 to25 seconds of crank-
ing. Ifit does not, release thestarterbuttonandlookfor
thecause:
Check the contents ofthegasolinetank.
Seethatthethrottlebuttonispushedintothedash,
especiallyincoldweather.
Make suretheignitionkeyisturnedallthewayon.
Crank theenginewiththeacceleratorpedalheldallthe
waydowntoopenthethrottlefuliy. This will correctany
tendenciestoafloodedorover-richcondition.
Do notrundownthebatterybytoomuchuseofthe
starting motorwhentheengine does notstartreadily. First
find thecause;otherwisethebatterymayberundown
sufficientlytomakestartingimpossible.
If a hot engineis
hard tostart,openthe
throttlefullybypushing
theacceleratorslowly
tothefloorboards, and
then crank theengine.
Releasetheaccelerator
aftertheenginestarts.
Starting a cold engine
iscoveredonpage23.
Page21

old Weather Operation
Winter weatherbringsnoinconveniencetothe LaSalle
ownerwhohashis car properly prepared for lowtemperatures
and whofollowscorrectproceduresinstartingand driving.
Winter preparation ofyour LaSalle consistsofthefollowing:
Adequate servicingofthecoolingsystem for cold weather,
including theuseofanapprovedanti-freeze,asdescribed
on page56.
Draining theenginecrankcaseand refilling with10-W
or 20-Wengineoil,accordingtothe lowest temperatureex-
pected,asexplainedonpage44.
Cleaning thegasolinefilter andadjustmentofthe car-
buretor. Seepage53.
Checking uponthemechanicalconditionoftheengine,
particularly thevalvesandignition,tomakecertainthat
theengineisproperlytuned.Seepage51.
Special attentiontothe needs ofthestoragebattery.
Seepage66.
Page 22
Starting the engine incoldweatherrequiresthesame
procedure asatothertimes,butwithemphasisonthefollow-
ing precautions:
1.Useof10-Wor20-Woiltoassurefree cranking.
2.Alwaysdepressingtheclutchpedalwhen cranking
theengine,torelievethestarteroftheloadof turning
thetransmissiongears.
3. Making surebyregular tests thatthebatteryiskept
fully chargedornearlyso.
After theenginehasstarted,itisa good plan to engage
theclutchgraduallywhilethetransmissionisinneutralto
permit theenginetofreeupthelubricantbeforethecaris
driven. Alwayslet a cold engine warm up for at least 30
seconds before driving the car. Donotopenthethrottle
suddenly toracetheengine during this period.
Cold weather driving canbemademuchmorecomfort-
ablebytheinstallationof a goodcarheater. Your Cadillac-
LaSalle dealercansupplyyouwithanapprovedtypeof
heater.Asktosee these heaters.
Page 23

Suggestions
for
Safer Driving
Everyone knowshowto drive these daysbut,judging
by accidentrecords,everyone does notknowhowto drive
safely. Although LaSalle driversasa classaremore careful
and skillful thantheaverage,weare including thissection
toenableyoutocheckupon your techniqueandmodernize
it wherenecessary.
The suggestions onthenextfew pages arenot driving
lessons; theyaresimplyremindersofwaystomake your
driving saferandmorecomfortable.Weaskthatyou read
them all. Most ofthem will be familiar butworthyofre-
view.Andamongthemthere will certainlybesomethat
are newandwellworththefewmoments required to read
theentiresection.
Page 24
Carbon Monoxide
Always openthegaragedoorsbeforestartingtheengine.
The engineexhaustalwayscontains carbon monoxide,a
deadly poisonousgas,whichmustbeallowedto escape out-
sidethegarage.
Under normal startingand warming upconditionsalmost
any automobileengine running ina twocargarage,withthe
doors closed, will accumulateenoughgasinthreeor four
minutestoovercomeanyoccupants.Incoldweather,when
theenginerequiresmorechoking,theaccumulationiseven
more rapid.
Page 25

tarting theCar
Skillful driving includestheabilitytocoordinatethe
operation ofthegear-shiftlever,clutchandacceleratorina
waythat will startthecarinmotionandtakeitthroughthe
gearchangeswithout jerk or jar. Thesmoothlyactingclutch
and Synchro-Meshtransmissionwithwhichthe LaSalle car
isequippedprovidethe best kind of assistance for these
operations.Thefollowingprinciplesofgearshifting will
enableyoutocheckuponyourown driving habits.
Normally a carshouldbestartedinlowgear.It will
moveoffmoresmoothlyand pick upspeedmorequickly
and—with theSyncro-Meshtransmission—theshiftinto
secondcanbeeasilyandquietlymade.
Note: Gear clashwhen shifting into low is caused
either by not pushing the clutch pedal all the way down
or by not waiting 2 or 3 seconds to allow the gears to
stop spinning.
The shiftintosecondcanbemadeassoonasthecar
hasgainedenoughmomentumtotravel10ormoremiles
per hour.Theshiftintohighcanbemadeatanyspeed
above20milesperhour.
In moving the gear shiftfyever of a Syncro'Mesh trans-
mission, never jerk the lever. Always move it with a
steady deliberate motion to permit the synchronizing
mechanism tofunction.
Page 26
topping theCar
You haveprobablyobserved,inusingyourbrakes,that
thepedalpressureandpedaltravelrequiredarebothvery
slight. This isduetothedesignofthe LaSalle brakeswith
their hydrauliclinkageandtheirself-energizing shoe action.
Stopping thecar,asyouknow, generates heatatthe
brake liningsanddrums,andresultsinwearofthebrake
linings. Maximum lininglifecanbesecuredbyavoiding
emergency stops asmuchaspossible.Onapproachinga
stop signorredtrafficsignal, coast uptothestoppingplace
withtheenginein gear andapplythebrakesearlywith
gradually increasingpressure,releasingtheclutchjustbe-
forethecarisbroughttoan easy stop.
Applying thebrakeswiththeclutchengagedisessential
in slipperyweatheranditisadvantageousatalltimes.You
must,ofcourse,remembertodisengagetheclutchjustbefore
you stop oryou will stalltheengine.
In bringing thecartoa stop from high speeds, instopping
on icypavements,oringoingdownlonghills,theefficient
waytoslowupthecarisbya successionof "snubbing" ac-
tionsofthebrakesratherthanbycontinuouspedalpressure.
Itisbetternottousebrakesatallatextremelyhigh
speeds except in case ofemergency.Ifpossible, coast down
to50or60 M.P.H. beforeapplyingthem.
Page 27

ight Driving
The firstrequirementof safe night driving isadequate
lighting, andinthistheLaSalle system excells. Thehead-
lightshavebeendesignedwithhighlyefficient driving and
passingbeams.Selecting these beamsisperformedsafely
and easilybymeansofthefoot-operatedswitchatthe left
of theclutchpedal.
The generatorchargingcircuitis also designedto meet
therequirementsofnight driving. Thevoltageregulation
does not decrease thechargingrateathigh speeds, but operates
in accordancewiththecurrentrequiredforlights,radio
and otherelectricalequipment.
Your safety ultimatelydepends,however,on wise useof
thisequipment.Observethefollowingrulesin driving at
night:
Keep yourspeedlowenoughatall times topermit
stoppingwithinthedistanceilluminatedbyyourheadlights.
When passingothercars,usethecorrectpassingbeam.
Watch therighthand edge ofthe road. Donotlookintothe
lightsoftheapproaching
car.
In fogatnight,
slow down and
switchthelightstothe
"city"position. This re-
duces toa minimumthe
glaring reflectionsfrom
thefine dropsofmoist-
ure intheair.
Page 28
inter Driving
Aside frompreparationforcoldweather (page 22)and
usingthecorrectprocedureforstartingandwarmingupthe
engine,thechiefproblemofwinter driving ishandlingthe
car onroadsmadeslipperyby snow andice.
The importantthingoniceisnevertoattempttodo
anything suddenly.Donotattemptsuddenstarts,sudden
stops, orsuddenturns;otherwisespinning wheels orskidding
isinevitable.
In startingthecaronicypavement,the trick isto turn
therear whee's very slowly. Shiftingintolowgearand
engagingtheclutchslowlywithoutracingthe engine will
avoid mostdifficultywithspinningandslipping.
Stopping onicypavementsis even moretroublesome.
To stop successfully,itisnecessaryto slow downquitea
distancefromthestoppingpoint,applyingthebrakesina
series ofbriefmoderatemovements,insteadofwithcontin-
uouspressure.Theclutchshouldnotbedisengageduntil
thecarhasalmoststopped.
Taking slipperycurvesorturnswithoutskiddingcanbe
readily accomplishedbytreatingeach turn asthoughit were
goingtobea stop.Inotherwords,approachthe turn very
slowlyandthen,whenyouareactuallyinthe turn, pressthe
acceleratorlightlytoapply some powertotherear wheels.
With powerturningthe wheels, a skidis less likelytooccur.
If thecarshouldstartskidding, turn thefront wheels in
thedirectionoftheskid,andtakeyourfootofftheaccelera-
tor. Donotapplythebrakes.
Tire chainsontherear wheels areoftenhelpfulinsecuring
moretraction,especiallyinmudor deep snow.
Page 29

ountain Driving
In goingup a steep hill, theimportantthing isto get a
goodstart.Ifyoudon'tgeta goodstart,orifthe hill istoo
steep anyway,shift to secondgearwhile the car is still
travelling between 20and25milesper hour. Waiting until
thespeed is less thanthisincreasesthedangerofstalling.
In going down a long hill, alwayskeepthecaringear
and, if necessary,shift to secondoreven to lowgear. Use
the same gear in descending a hill as was required to
climb it. When secondgearmustbeusedindescending a
hill, itis best to shiftbeforebeginningtodescend,although
the LaSalle Synchro-Mesh transmissionpermitsshifting at
any timewith a minimum of effort.Inshifting from high
tosecond,remembertomovethegearshiftlever deliberately
togivethesynchronizingmechanismtimetofunction.
Above all, keep to
your own side of the
road and never pass
another car when ap'
proaching the crown of
a hill, on a curve, or in
any circumstances
when the view ahead
is in any way ob'
structed.
ouring
Touring usuallymeanshigher speeds, unfamiliarroads,
and newandinterestingscenery. Driving under these con-
ditionsdemandsthatyoupaymoreconsciousattention to
thedetailsof handling yourcar,andthatyoupay particular
attentiontothefollowing:
Keep an eye on the speedometer. With the quietness
of the LaSalle engineandchassis,andthesmoothride pro-
vided bythe LaSalle springsuspension, itis extremely
difficult to judgeyourspeed.Letyourspeedometerkeep
you from over-drivingyourrange of vision,especially at
night.
Take plenty of room in overtaking other cars. In
passinga carthatisgoing40milesan hour, youmusttravel
thesamedistance required to pass at least 18 cars parked
togetheralongthe road. Then addinthespeed of thecar
coming theotherwayandyoucanseethatplentyof room is
required.
Take turns at safe speeds. The best technique for
doing this is to apply your brakes when approaching the
turn, enter it at reduced speed and then accelerate as
you come out onthe straightaway. This methodisnot
only saferbutitalsoenablesyoutomakebettertime.
Before shutting off theengineafter a long hard drive,
especiallyinhotweatherormountain driving, lettheengine
idle for2 or3 full minutes. This will usuallycooltheengine
sufficiently to preventboilingand loss of water,and will
make startingeasieraswell.
Page 31