1938 CADILLAC

Model Designations:

Cadillac, Series 38-60, 8 Cylinder

Cadillac, Series 38-60S, 8 Cylinder

Cadillac, Series 38-65, 8 Cylinder

Cadillac, Series 38-75, 8 Cylinder

Cadillac, Series 38-90, 16 Cylinder

Cadillac, Series 38-60, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles

Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6127

Base Price: $1,695; Shipping Weight: 3,855 Pounds

Convertible Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6167

Base Price: $1,810; Shipping Weight: 3,845 Pounds

Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6149

Base Price: $2,215; Shipping Weight: 3,980 Pounds

Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6119

Base Price: $1,775; Shipping Weight: 3,940 Pound

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

Cadillac, Series 38-60S, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles

Special Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6019S

Base Price: $2,085; Shipping Weight: 4,170 Pounds

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

General Specifications, Series 38-60 & 60S

8 Cylinder Engine

Wheelbase:

Series 60: 124 Inches

Series 60S: 127 Inches

Engine Type: 90 Degree, L-Head V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3-1/2" X 4-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 346.0 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.25 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 39.20

Horsepower: 135 @ 3,400 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 3.92:1

Carburetor: Stromberg AAV-25 .

Tire Size: 7.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28

Capacities, Series 38-60 & 60S

Cooling System: 24 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 24 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 5 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H

Popular Options, Series 38-60& 60S

Standard Radio, Master Radio, Heater, Seat Covers, Spotlight, Fog Lights, Flexible Steering Wheel, Automatic Battery Filler, Wheel Discs, Wheel Trim Rings.

Historical Information

The 1938 Cadillac Series 38-60 & 60S were introduced in October 1937.

Model Year Production: Series 60: 2,052; Series 60S: 3,704

Cadillac, Series 38-65, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles

Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6519

Base Price: $2,285; Shipping Weight: 4,570 Pounds

Imperial Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6519F

Base Price: $2,360; Shipping Weight: 4,580 Pounds

Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-6549

Base Price: $2,600; Shipping Weight: 4,580 Pounds

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

General Specifications, Series 38-65

8 Cylinder Engine

Wheelbase: 132 Inches

Engine Type: 90 Degree, L-Head V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3-1/2" X 4-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 346.0 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.25 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 39.20

Horsepower: 135 @ 3,400 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 3.92:1

Carburetor: Stromberg AAV-25 .

Tire Size: 7.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28

Capacities, Series 38-65

Cooling System: 25 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 26 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 6 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H

Popular Options, Series 38-65

Standard Radio, Master Radio, Heater, Seat Covers, Spotlight, Fog Lights, Flexible Steering Wheel, Automatic Battery Filler, Wheel Discs, Wheel Trim Rings.

Historical Information

The 1938 Cadillac Series 38-65 was introduced in October 1937.

Model Year Production: 1,476

Cadillac Fleetwood, Series 38-75, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles

Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7557

Base Price: $3,275; Shipping Weight: 4,675 Pounds

Coupe, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7557-B

Base Price: $3,380; Shipping Weight: 4,775 Pounds

Convertible Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7567

Base Price: $3,380; Shipping Weight: 4,665 Pounds

Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7519

Base Price: $3,075; Shipping Weight: 4,865 Pound

Imperial Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7519-F

Base Price: $3,155; Shipping Weight: 4,925 Pounds

Formal Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7559

Base Price: $3,990; Shipping Weight: 4,865 Pounds

Town Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7539

Base Price: $3,635; Shipping Weight: 4,900 Pounds

Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7529

Base Price: $3,940; Shipping Weight: 5,110 Pounds

Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7523

Base Price: $3,205; Shipping Weight: 4,945 Pounds

Imperial Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7533

Base Price: $3,360; Shipping Weight: 5,105 Pounds

Formal Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7553F

Base Price: $3,990; Shipping Weight: 5,105 Pounds

Town Car, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7553

Base Price: $5,115; Shipping Weight: 5,175 Pounds

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

Fleetwood Series 38-75 Business Cars

Business Trunk Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7523-L

Base Price: $3,105; Shipping Weight: 4,945 Pounds

Business Trunk Imperial Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-7533-L

Base Price: $3,255; Shipping Weight: 5,105 Pounds

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

General Specifications, Series 38-75

8 Cylinder Engine

Wheelbase: 141 Inches

Engine Type: 90 Degree, L-Head V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3-1/2" X 4-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 346.0 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.70 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 39.30

Horsepower: 140 @ 3,400 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.58:1

Carburetor: Stromberg AAV-25 .

Tire Size: 7.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressures: Front 28, Rear: 28

Capacities, Series 38-75

Cooling System: 25 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 26 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 6 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H

Popular Options, Series 38-75

Standard Radio, Master Radio, Heater, Seat Covers, Spotlight, Fog Lights, Flexible Steering Wheel, Automatic Battery Filler, Wheel Discs, Wheel Trim Rings.

Historical Information

The 1938 Cadillac Series 38-75 was introduced in October 1937.

Model Year Production: 1,911

Cadillac Fleetwood, Series 38-90, 16 Cylinder, Body Styles

Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9057

Base Price: $5,335; Shipping Weight: 4,915 Pounds

Coupe, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9057-B

Base Price: $5,440; Shipping Weight: 5,015 Pounds

Convertible Coupe, 2 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9067

Base Price: $5,440; Shipping Weight: 4,905 Pounds

Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9019

Base Price: $5,135; Shipping Weight: 5,105 Pounds

Imperial Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9019-F

Base Price: $5,215; Shipping Weight: 5,165 Pounds

Formal Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9059

Base Price: $6,050; Shipping Weight: 5,105 Pounds

Town Sedan, 5 Passengr, Body Code: 38-9039

Base Price: $5,695; Shipping Weight: 5,140 Pounds

Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9029

Base Price: $6,000; Shipping Weight: 5,350 Pounds

Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9023

Base Price: $5,265; Shipping Weight: 5,185 Pounds

Imperial Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9033

Base Price: $5,420; Shipping Weight: 5,345 Pounds

Formal Sedan, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9033-F

Base Price: $6,050; Shipping Weight: 5,345 Pounds

Town Car, 7 Passenger, Body Code: 38-9053

Base Price: $7,170; Shipping Weight: 5,415 Pounds

Production Totals by Body Style are not available.

General Specifications, Series 38-90

16 Cylinder Engine

Wheelbase: 141 Inches

Engine Type: 45 Degree, Overhead Valve, V-16

Bore & Stroke: 3-" X 3-1/4"

Engine Displacement: 431.0 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.80 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 57.60

Horsepower: 185 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.31:1

Left Carburetor: Carter WDO 407S

Right Carburetor: Carter WDO 408S .

Tire Size: 7.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 32, Rear: 32

Capacities, Series 38-90

Cooling System: 30 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 25 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 11 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 6 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H

Popular Options, Series 38-90

Standard Radio, Master Radio, Heater, Seat Covers, Spotlight, Fog Lights, Flexible Steering Wheel, Automatic Battery Filler, Wheel Discs, Wheel Trim Rings.

Historical Information

The 1938 Cadillac Series 38-90 was introduced in October 1937.

Model Year Production: 315

1938 CADILLAC

Tune Up Specifications, 8 Cylinder

Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11 or equivalent.

Spark Plug: Gap .025;

Point Gap: .015

Distributor Cam Angle: 25 degrees

Ignition Timing: "IGA" Mark on Viabration Damper

Firing Order: 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 (Odd Numbers on Left Head, Even on Right Head)

Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake Zero", Exhaust Zero"

Cylinder Head Torque: 70-75 Ft Lbs

Valve Specifications, 8 Cylinder

Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake Zero"; Exhaust Zero"

Clearance for Timing: Intake: Zero"; Exhaust: Zero"

Valve Timing: Intake Opens at TDC

Exhaust Closes 10 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,

Valve Spring Pressure: 66 Lbs @ 1-59/64 inches (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Piston & Ring Data, 8 Cylinder

Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .0196"

Top of Skirt, Inch: .002"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 11

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .007"

Oil Ring: .007"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring:

Top Ring: .0023"-.0041"

Lower Ring: .0013"-.0026"

Oil Control Ring: .0013"-.0026"

Engine Bearing Data, 8 Cylinder All Series

Camshaft End Play: Controlled by thrust plate at front bearing.

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.0033"

Rod Journal Diameter: 2.459"-2.4595"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.0025"

Rod End Play: .003"-.006" inches

Rod Bolt Tension: 50-60 Lbs. Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4995"-2.5000"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0015" -.0025"

Crankshaft End Play: .001"-.005"

Main Bolt Tension: 130-140 Lbs. Ft.

Brake Specifications, Series 60 & 60S

Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded; Secondary Shoe, Woven

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 25-7/8"

Width: Front: 2-1/4", Rear: 2"

Thickness: 3/16"

Pedal Free Play: 5/16"

Brake Specifications, Series 65

Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded; Secondary Shoe, Woven

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 25-7/8"

Width: Front: 2-1/4"; Rear: 2"

Thickness: 3/16"

Pedal Free Play: 5/16"

Wheel Alignment Specifications, Series 60 & 60S

Caster: - 1/2 Degrees

Camber: +1/8 Degrees

Toe In; 1/16"

Kingpin Angle: 5-1/2 Degrees

Wheel Alignment Specifications, Series 75 & 90

Caster: Zero Degrees

Camber: +1/4 Degrees

Toe In; 1/16"

Kingpin Angle: 5 Degrees

Rear Axle Data, All Series

Not Available

Tune Up Specifications, 16 Cylinder

Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or equivalent.

Spark Plug: Gap .025;

Point Gap: .015

Distributor Cam Angle: 25 degrees

Ignition Timing: "IGA" or "IGN" Mark on Flywheel

Firing Order: 1-4-9-12-3-16-11-8-15-14-7-6-13-2-5-10

(Odd Numbers on Left Head, Even on Right Head)

Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake Zero", Exhaust Zero"

Cylinder Head Torque: 70-75 Ft Lbs

Valve Specifications, 16 Cylinder

Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake Zero"; Exhaust Zero"

Clearance for Timing: Intake: Zero"; Exhaust: Zero"

Valve Timing: Intake Opens at 6 Degrees Before TDC

Exhaust Closes 12 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,

Valve Spring Pressure: 49 Lbs @ 1-13/16" (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Piston & Ring Data, 16 Cylinder

Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .0196"

Top of Skirt, Inch: .002"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 11

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .007"

Oil Ring: .007"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring:

Top Ring: .003"-.0043"

Lower Ring: .0013"-.0026"

Oil Control Ring: .0013"-.0026"

Engine Bearing Data, 16 Cylinder

Camshaft End Play: Controlled by thrust plate at front bearing.

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .0013"-.0025"

Rod Journal Diameter: 1.9988"-1.9993"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.0025"

Rod End Play: .004"-.008" inches

Rod Bolt Tension: 50-60 Lbs. Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 1.9988"-1.9993"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.0025"

Crankshaft End Play: .001"-.005"

Main Bolt Tension: 100-110 Lbs. Ft.

Brake Specifications, Series 90

Lining Material: Molded

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches:

Front: 27-1/4"

Rear: 30"

Width: 2-1/4",

Thickness: 1/4"

Pedal Free Play: 5/16"

Wheel Alignment Specifications, Series 90

Caster: Zero Degrees

Camber: +1/4 Degrees

Toe In; 1/16"

Kingpin Angle: 5 Degrees

Rear Axle Data, Series 90

Not Available

Dash Gauge Manufacturer:

Gasoline: AC

Temperature: AC

Oil Pressure: AC

Ammeter: AC

Beginning Engine Numbers:

Engine Numbers are identical with Serial Numbers

Beginning Serial Numbers:

Cadillac, Series 60: 8270001

Cadillac, Series 60S: 6270001

Cadillac, Series 65: 7270001

Cadillac, Series 75: 3270001

Cadillac, Series 90; 5270001

1938 Cadillac Historical Data

Model Year Introduction was in October 1937.

Total 1938 Cadillac Production was 9,458.

Column mounted gear shift lever was introduced.

Generator Specifications, Series 50, 60, & 60S:

Generator # 1101051

BrushSpring Tension:

Main Brush: 25 Ounces

Third Brush: 17 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts:

Shunt: 1.44-1.56

Third Brush: .89-.94

Maximum Cold Output: 29 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,000 RPM

Maximum Hot Output: 28 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,200 RPM

Generator Specifications, Series 65:

Generator # 1101054

BrushSpring Tension:

Main Brush: 25 Ounces

Third Brush: 17 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts:

Shunt: 1.44-1.56

Third Brush: .89-.94

Maximum Cold Output: 31 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,000 RPM

Maximum Hot Output: 28 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,200 RPM

Generator Specifications, Series 75:

Generator # 1102652

BrushSpring Tension: 25 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 2.0-2.2 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output: 25 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 1,650 RPM

Maximum Hot Output: Maximum Output Controlled by Current Regulator

Generator Specifications, Series 90:

Generator # 1102651

BrushSpring Tension: 25 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 2.0-2.2 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output: 25 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 1,650 RPM

Maximum Hot Output: Maximum Output Controlled by Current Regulator

Regulator Specifications, Series 60, 60S & 65:

Regulator #5860

Voltage to Close Points, Adjust to 6.3-6.9 Volts

Reverse Current to Open Points: 0-4 Amperes

Maximum Operating Voltage (Hot): 7.4-7.6 Volts

Regulator Specifications, Series 70, 75, 85, & 90:

Regulator #5931

Voltage to Close Points, Adjust to 6.9-7.6 Volts

Reverse Current to Open Points: 0-4 Amperes

Maximum Operating Amperage: 26-28 Amperes

Maximum Operating Voltage (Hot): 7.0-7.1 Volts

Distributor Specifications, V-8:

Distributor #1110604

Cam Angle: 25 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .015"

Condensor Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1/2 Degree @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data: Not Applicable

Distributor Specifications, V-16:

Distributor #1110601

Cam Angle: 25 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .015"

Condensor Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 800 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data: Not Applicable

Starting Motor Data

Starter # 727-V

Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces

No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 5,500 RPM

Torque Test: 600 Amperes, 3.0 Volts, 16 Ft Lbs of Torque

Carter Carburetor Data, Series 50:

Carburetor Model: WDO

Carburetor # 392S

Casting #166

Repair Kit # 1070A

Float Level: 3/16"

Idle Screw Setting, Turns Open: 1/4-1

Metering Rod Gauge # T109-27

Anti-Pump Travel: 16/64"

Loader Percolator Setting: .015"

Un-Idle Setting: 1/8"

Fast Idle Adjustment: .030"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None

Carter Carburetor Data, Series V-16:

Carburetor Model: WDO

Carburetor # 407S

Casting #203

Repair Kit # N/A

Float Level: 13/64"

Idle Screw Setting, Turns Open: 1/4 - 1

Metering Rod Gauge # T109-27

Anti-Pump Travel: 19/64"

Loader Percolator Setting: .015"

Un-Idle Setting: 3/16"

Fast Idle Adjustment: .026"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None

Carter Carburetor Data, V-16:

Carburetor Model: WDO

Carburetor # 408S

Casting #203

Repair Kit # N/A

Float Level: 13/64"

Idle Screw Setting, Turns Open: 1/4 - 1

Metering Rod Gauge # T109-27

Anti-Pump Travel: 19/64"

Loader Percolator Setting: .015"

Un-Idle Setting: 3/16"

Fast Idle Adjustment: .026"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None

Stromberg Carburetor Data:

Carburetor # AAV-25

Part # A-18672

Code # N/A

Repair Kit # RK-19

Float Level: Fuel Should be Level with Bottom of Sight Plug Hole, with Engine Idling

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve, Controlled by manifold vacuum

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: None

Fast Idle Setting: 7/32"

Choke Unloader Setting: None

Fuel Pump Data:

V-8 Engine:

Pump Model: AB

Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI

V-16 Engine:

Pump Model: AU

Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI

V-16 Engine (Vacuum)

Pump Model: K

Maximim Pressure: N/A

Copyright 1999, Custom Solutions & Services