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CADILLAC LaSALLE CLUB OF CANADA CADILLAC CHRONICLE
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Archived Newsletters
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AUGUST 2005 NEWSLETTER
Since the last
newsletter, Cadillac LaSalle Club of Canada members have attended at
least four events, three of which were on the Saanich Peninsula and the
last at Brentwood College in Mill Bay. There will be two or three more
over the next few weeks that will also be a destination for some of our
fine cars. Those will be at the "Blethering Place " in Oak
Bay-Aug.14, Beverley Corners in Duncan – Aug 21 and the Torquemasters
show on the streets of Sidney on Sept 11Th. The last main
event of 2005 on the lower Island will be the Mustang/Chevelle-Beaumont
Toy Tour from Tillicum Mall to Sidney – Sept 25Th. This
tour was very well attended last year and it is hoped that this year
will be even better as it is for a good cause and should be a real fun
time! THE RED CARPET TOUR The tour to Ocean
Sciences to view the cars from the Red Carpet tour was very well
attended and for those who did it, it was total enjoyment. (See photos
on the web site at www.cadillaclasalleclubofcanada.com/events
. The weather had slightly overcast sky's but was warm and comfortable.
There were approx. 77 cars from all over the Northwest and even a couple
from Alberta. The cars ranged in age from 1913 to 1957with such names as
American Underslung, Marmon, Erskine, Whippett, Buick, Bently, and
Chrysler being shown on their name badges. Cadillac seemed to be the
most popular with 7 beautiful examples doing the tour. The 12 CLCC
members completed the morning in grand style by enjoying oversized
lunches at the Spitfire Grill. A great time was had by all and plans for
a tour of our club sometime in the near future, to Ocean Sciences, are
being formulated. The free tour through the Ocean Sciences will be most
interesting and informative. FORD AND FRIENDS PICNIC This next occasion
was another day of sunshine, reviewing history and relaxing at the
Saanich Artifacts Museum. This was their 25Th. Anniversary
show and the very well attended event was totally successful from all
points of view. It was an especially proud moment when over all the high
tech hot rods and other eye candy, a 1957 Cadillac Convertible took the
"Peoples Choice Award". This Cadillac is this months Cadillac
of the Month and is also chronicled in the "Treasures of Vancouver
Island " Part two, in this issue. Just Joey’s Meet On Tuesday, Aug 2Nd.,
our club was invited to attend a "get-together" at Just
Joey’s Restaurant on West Saanich Rd, by the Vintage Car Club of
Canada- Victoria branch. I was under the impression that it was going to
be the start of another Cruise-in on the Peninsula but it turned out to
be the monthly tour of the VCC. It was a very successful drive with
Cadillac again dominating having 6 in attendance. It is hoped that
another invitation will come our way in the future as we found that
there are other nice vehicles out there as well as Cadillacs. Many
thanks to the VCC for an evening well spent. Jaguar Concourse As an aside, another event that has taken place
was the Jaguar Concourse on Aug 6Th. Roger and Valerie Barrie
attended this meet with their Jaguar and were very proud to come away
with the first in class award for their efforts. (If only Roger had
cleaned that last tire, who knows what may have happened) Well done
Roger and Val but don’t stop driving that Cadillac! Brentwood College Picnic Last but definitely
not least, was the Brentwood College/Mill Bay Picnic. It took place on
Aug 7Th. with around 300 cars gracing the field at the
College. Photos are available on our site at www.cadillaclasalleclubofcanada.com/events
. Vehicles ranged from the teens to a new Mercedes sports car (the only
one on the Island). There was a very high percentage of British
automotive finery with some very rare marques being represented. The
CLCC had a respectable representation with 12 members and 7 vehicles in
attendance. Many positive comments were heard regarding our club sign
and the great range of vehicles in our club. We are hoping for an
increase in membership soon. All in all it was a very nice display on a
hot day and was well received by the participants and spectators alike. Not all of our
members are into standing around all day "bench racing" and
find touring and driving the classics much more enjoyable. The show
season is winding down for the summer so enjoy those that are left and
the CLCC will try to keep the tours coming throughout the fall and
winter. These may not all be automotive related but it will provide a
chance for exercising the cars and interest in some of the other aspects
of life. Watch for news of these events as time goes by. Art Bolster and Son’s Another event that
has occurred is that of Art Bolster and Son’s Service has closed
it’s doors for good to make room for ? "progress". It is
anticipated that there will be a block with businesses on the ground
floor and apartments above, constructed. I have been asked to organize
and disburse the older parts and pieces that were left after the more
modern bits were sold. To this end, Wayne McCallum and I, have bundled
these items into boxes of Ford, GM. Chrysler, British, Foreign and
others and these have been purchased by their respective clubs. The proceeds from
this sale will be donated to the Mt. Newton Center for the elderly in
the name of Art Bolster’s Service and the CLCC. So far, we have sold
over $200.00 and hope to increase this with the sale of the following
items. There may be other items available eventually but for now this is
what is left: Windshield wiper blades, arms
and refills. There is a
five gallon bucket full of these misc. types and sizes that will go for
$1.00/piece or $25.00 for the bucket and all. CV Joint Boots: Check
the part numbers and see if you need one of these kits for $5.00: CV4442 - we have a pair CV2499 - we have one CVB302B – we have one CVB373 - we have one RESOURSE GUIDES – The
following are parts and illustration catalogues, service guides and data
manuals. They are priceless when it comes to old information but are
selling quickly (we hope) for $5.00 each – your choice: Chevron Car Care Guides – 1971,1972,
1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1987. Cadillac Parts and Illustration
Catalogue 1985 and 1987-1992 Chevrolet Parts and Illustration
Catalogue – 1982 – 1989
1982 – 1986
1984 – 1991
1985 – 1989
1982 – 1988 Corvette Parts and Illustrations
Catalogue 1984-1987 Pontiac Parts and Illustration
Catalogue 1982 – 1988 Oldsmobile Parts and Illustration Cat.
1988
1985 – 1988 Buick Parts and Illustration Catalogue
1088 – 1009 GM Trucks Parts and Illustrations
Catalogues 1985 M
1987- 1985 CKRV
1988 CK
1985-1990 M
1990 – 1992 LM
1992 G These books are
well used but the information hasn’t deteriorated at all. Check the
list and if you or one of your friends could use any of these books,
please call me at 1-250-652-5352 ASAP to have it set aside for you. Club Sponsors: The following are
the sponsors of the club at this point. We will publish additional
sponsors as they are brought on line. These sponsors have provided
support to the club either financially or otherwise and as a club, we
would like to assist in the promotion of their efforts. If you are in
need of any of their services please don’t hesitate to call. Craig Reeder – Coast Capital Real
Estate – 592-1723 – Craig
was one of the founding members of the club and provided some of the
financial and idea impetus to get it off the ground. His Real Estate
business is flourishing and he is still able to maintain his interest in
the Cadillac world. Thanks Craig for making this all possible. CLCC Commercial Friends and
Associates LORDCO – This
western Canadian auto parts company has supported us with club
membership discounts and prizes. This is a full inventory parts and
accessory store that caters to many businesses as well as retail sales.
LORDCO has many branches throughout B.C. as well as machine shops on the
lower mainland for service work. The JB Group – This
fine group of Auto Parts stores has been in business since 1970 and has
a full service machine shop, paints and other auto related merchandise
for the amateur and professional automotive enthusiast. They now have
five branches on the Lower Island to serve you and mention that you
belong to the Cadillac LaSalle Club of Canada for the club discount. If
you don’t have their card, please contact me and I will get the
application to you ASAP. STYLES UPHOLSTERY – Styles
is a full service upholstery and trim shop specializing in Auto and
Marine equipment. They have provided a Club discount for members of the
CLCC and are located at 631 Princess Street in Victoria, Ph.
1-250-384-5442 FINISH LINE MOTOBILIA-This
magic toy box has opened at 2008 Douglas Street in Victoria, Ph.
1-250-361-1562. It contains a plethora of Die-Cast Models, Clothes,
signs, Videos etc. etc. etc. The shelves are stocked with a great
quantity of items only superceded by their quality. It is sure worth a
browse if you are interested in anything concerning automotive or
motorcycle memorabilia. They have also been known to do favors for
clubs, their members and activities. Many thanks to the
above sponsors of our club and their endeavors, without them the CLCC
would still be an unorganized group looking for a place to enjoy their
Cadillac habit. Grease from the Squeaky Wheel This months bit of grease is that coming from your
windshield. It is not wise to use your windshield wipers on a dry
windshield as the dust that has accumulated is very abrasive and will
have a tendency to mark the glass. It is also wise to replace hardened
blades with new ones otherwise the same marking or scratching will
likely occur. Have you checked your blades lately? Those windshields are
expensive to replace! Treasures
of Vancouver Island - Part 2 The following is a continuation of the article
from last months Cadillac Chronicle. It was also published in the
Cadillac LaSalle Club’s newsletter – The Self Starter in the March
2003 Issue. 1936 & 1938 Cadillacs
(Pete Seyward- )
There are few of us that know the whereabouts of our first car but how
many of us over fifty can go to their garage, get into their first car
and drive away? The proud owner of this 1936 Cadillac series 60 4-door
touring sedan has had the pleasure of owning this one as a teenager in
1959, throughout his marriage and children’s special events and up to
this point in his life. This auto has been under a "rolling
restoration" since 1965 and is now completed as much as any
restoration ever is. Another special note is that this Caddy did the
1966 "Centennial Tour" of British Columbia in the company of
my ’28 LaSalle, Lady Victoria, and many other vintage vehicles. The
engine is the 322 Cu.In. V/8 with 125 HP.. The "Monobloc
Construction" motor of 1936 was the third generation of Cadillac
V/8s. This engine became the standard for all Cadillac and LaSalle
production as of 1937 when LaSalle switched from their straight eight. The 1938
series 61 4-door touring sedan pictured here is one of his family cars
as well. It was sold in Montreal Quebec in 1938 then driven to Victoria
in 1946. The owners father bought it for the family car in 1954 and has
stayed in their company ever since. Also, Father did a 10-year frame-up
restoration on it from 1967 onward but rarely drove it after that. It
has the 346 Cu.In engine with 135 HP, the up-grade from the 322cu in of
1936. Apparently it is a lot more comfortable to ride in and drive than
the ’36 and the owner has high hopes of appearing in Detroit with it
for the 100Th. birthday celebration of Cadillac. 1937 LaSalle (Newell
Morrison-)
The present owner is the second owner of this classic original vehicle.
It has only 59,000 miles on it and still sounds as healthy as it did
years ago. It is kept limber these days by enhancing weddings, parades
and local shows. From 1934
until 1936, LaSalle was using a straight-eight engine (Borrowed from
Oldsmobile for economic reasons) but found it unsatisfactory. 1937 was
the year of the switch back to the V/8 and the tried & true Cadillac
322 Cu. In, 125 H.P. power plant was the choice that was made. In the
pre-war years LaSalle had advertised that if you picked up your new
LaSalle from the factory, the company would pay for your trip home. It
is known that the first owner picked up the vehicle from the factory and
drove it to Walnut Creek California but it is uncertain that he took
advantage of this option. The family moved to Sidney until the wife
became ill and a return to California was made. The LaSalle was
purchased by the present owner, due to a lack of interest by anyone
else, in 1956 and has had only 9,000 miles added to the odometer. The
series 5019 has the options of a heater and radio that are still in good
working form. The original price on this vehicle was reputed to be
$1,095.00 with the options being extra. In today’s marketplace a price
of $15,000.00 would not be out of line. 1937 LaSalle (Bob Alton -)
This 1937 LaSalle is the third car that has passed through my life,
thanks to this owner. The 1941 torpedo back mentioned further in this
missive was the first, then the 1931 LaSalle (next door) and now the
1937 four-door sedan. He is a Cadillac man through and through but other
commitments have kept him from his favorite hobby for some years now.
Hopefully that will change soon. The ’37 at the moment sits in his
garage with about 2/3rds of a total restoration completed. The series
3750, has had the drive train completely restored, the body has been
hammered and leaded as required and the undercarriage detailed prior to
re-assembly. This has been done as time permitted over the last twenty
years. It is amazing to recall that this classic auto was purchased in
1937, during the depression for $1,095.00. For those of us old enough to
remember, the Canadian Dollar was worth more than the American Dollar at
that time. How the world has changed. With encouragement, we hope to see
this piece of Victoria history roaming our streets again soon. The Bluebird-’53 Sedan
series 62 (-Taxi Company)
In the Cadillac realm, in 1953, new innovations such as a wrap-around
windshield, a new electrical system a 4barrel carburetor and dual
exhausts were used supplying better breathing and an increase in
horsepower to 210 at 4150 RPM. Also in 1953 the HYDRO-MATIC Transmission
became standard in all Cadillacs. The only real body changes from 1952
were shorter doors (a lower belt line) and peaked headlight rims. These
changes were held through giving an almost identical spec sheet for
1954.
While all this was happening, Victoria, the main naval base for the
Canadian Navy on the West Coast, was quietly gaining a stronger economy.
This meant a more affluent society and businesses began to flourish.
The Blue Bird Taxi Co., which started in 1946, decided to purchase a
vehicle that would last and maintain its demeanor well into the future.
After some shopping, it was decided that a Cadillac would be the answer.
The "Blue Bird" was purchased from Morrison Motors in ’53,
suitably painted to match the rest of the fleet then put into service.
It remained there for some years and many thousand miles, doing
yeomen’s duty of providing comfort and a very pleasant ride for anyone
who required it, from peasant to royalty. With regular maintenance and
upkeep it remained active doing parades, shows and other special
occasions as well.
This vehicle is a series 62 with the 210 HP, @ 4150 RPM engine, the 4bbl
carb, dual exhausts and most of the accessories available at that time.
It has gone through many sets of tires and all the usual disposable
items but remains in stock condition in a garage not far from Victoria
awaiting restoration. Air conditioning in Victoria is not a necessary
item as the temperature stays between freezing and 85 degrees all year
long. This unit was not ordered with it although a heater was and
its clients remained very comfortable in our temperate climate.
In 1995 it was retired in favor of an identical sister that was
purchased locally and restored to match the first ’53. The sister is
now being used for the special occasions where a classic ride is
required. It is hoped that she will have a long and happy life as well .
1957 Cadillac Fleetwood
Convertible (Rob Reiter) This Month’s Cadillac of
the Month
One picture of this 1957 series 62 convertible cannot do it justice. The
owner purchased a derelict dream car in 1972 and stored it for ten years
until the children were out and about, then the work began. The complete
ground up restoration was finished by 1988 and then the enjoyment
started. The 365 CU.IN, 300 HP Fleetwood, one of 9000 produced, draws
attention and trophies wherever it goes. The addition of an after market
continental kit was added. This satisfied the owner’s attraction to long
cars and also made the 50s come alive again for those of us who remember
that far back.
Well, I think that pretty-well brings things up to date so keep those
pieces of rolling sculpture active even though the oil companies are
cleaning out your wallet with gas prices of $1.10/ L. ($1.20 for
Premium). The one positive note on that is that as the price goes up, so
goes the taxes on it as well giving a larger surplus for the Gov’t. to
brag about and buy your vote come election time. I know that is
positively disgusting but non the less, reality. Have a great day and
don’t forget to attend the Blethering Place display on the 14Th.(this
coming weekend). Lorne Scott
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