1946 Cadillac series 62

[Dundirtcheap]

I have a 1946 Cadillac series 62 that I am interested in upgrading the steering and brakes. Looking for a GM product to replace steering box with Power Steering and front Disc Brakes. Anyone ever done this ? David

[MagicRat]

Why not go one step further and get rid of the kingpin front suspension, too.

You can install a (1970-81) Camaro/ Firebird front clip. These cars had a front subframe that attached to the unit body just in front of the driver's feet.

To adapt it to the Caddy, you would remove the entire front clip and driveline, and cut the old frame front part off, and weld in the Camaro front end. You can then install a more modern GM driveline and you would get much better steering, brakes, suspension geometry, etc. I have seen it done to several cars of your vintage. It's tricky and requires a lot of time, skill and creativity to get right, (not to mention bravery to cut up a vauable car) but its possible.

As for easy bolt-on kits, there are none I know of. The problem, especially with the brakes, is the old king-pin suspension you have Most kits involve changing the steering knuckle, which is much easier on a more modern ball-joint front end.

Maybe someone else might have more input.

[Dundirtcheap]

Thank you ! You are the first to know anything about this car. David

[Dundirtcheap]

Thank you ! You are the first to know anything about this in 2 months of searching. David

[Khier]

Hi, a totally different question. I always read and hear GM cars shared 3 bodies at that time, A, B and C. B & C were to be used by Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile. However, there are no two models of the three which share the same wheelbase. Cadillac had 126" and 129" for the B and C body respectively, while Oldsmobile had 124" and 127" for the same bodies. So how did they share the same but they had differnt wheelbase? Were the extentions limited to the front part (i.e. ahead of the passenger compartment)? I am asking because I am trying to scratch build an 1946/1947 in 1/25, and I ma use a Chevy fleetline body as a starting point. Therefore I need to know what I have to modify. Is there any good source of information? Especially on the dimensions?

Thanks

Walid

Check these guys out. http://www.caddyclassicsbyrpm.com/su...rproducts.html
As far as I know my '49 uses parts from a mustang II front end for what you are looking to do. I've decided to go with the disc brake upgrade but leave the steering alone. I figure if my grandma could steer the thing, so can I. I did buy a bearing kit for the steering gear off ebay that takes out some of the friction in the steering. They run about $25. Let me know if you want a reference.