1938 NASH
Model Designations:
Nash, Ambassador "Eight," Series 3880, 8 Cylinder
Nash, Ambassador "Six," Series 3820, 6 Cylinder
Nash Lafayette, Series 3810, 6 Cylinder
Nash Ambassador Eight, Series 3880, 8 Cylinder Body Styles
2 Door Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3881
Base Price: $1,240; Shipping Weight: 3,620 Pounds
2 Door A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3882
Base Price: $1,165; Shipping Weight: 3,640 Pounds
2 Door Victoria, 6 Passenger, Model #3883
Base Price: $1,150; Shipping Weight: 3,780 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3885
Base Price: $1,120; Shipping Weight: 3,580 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3888
Base Price: $1,200; Shipping Weight: 3,790 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Ambassador Six, Series 3820, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
2 Door Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3821
Base Price: $1,090; Shipping Weight: 3,340 Pounds
2 Door A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3822
Base Price: $1,015; Shipping Weight: 3,360 Pounds
2 Door Victoria, 6 Passenger, Model #3823
Base Price: $1,000; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3825
Base Price: $970; Shipping Weight: 3,300 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3828
Base Price: $1,050; Shipping Weight: 3,460 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Lafayette, Series 3810, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
2 Door DeLuxe Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3811
Base Price: $940; Shipping Weight: 3,240 Pounds
2 Door A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3812
Base Price: $860; Shipping Weight: 3,230 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe Victoria Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #3813
Base Price: $855; Shipping Weight: 3,290 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3814
Base Price: $820; Shipping Weight: 3,160 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3715
Base Price: $770; Shipping Weight: 3,120 Pounds
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3816
Base Price: $805; Shipping Weight: 3,190 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3817
Base Price: $850; Shipping Weight: 3,200 Pounds
4 Door DeLuxe Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3818
Base Price: $900; Shipping Weight: 3,300 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
1938 NASH
Lafayette 6, Series 3810, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 117 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 234.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 5.83 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.34
Horsepower: 95 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 175 Ft Lbs @ 1,000 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Stromberg AX2 or EX22
Tire Size: 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28
Ambassador 6, Series 3820, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 121 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 234.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.00 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.35
Horsepower: 105 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 190 Ft Lbs @ 1,050 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Stromberg EX-32
Tire Size: 6.25 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 27, Rear, 27
Ambassador 8, Series 3880, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 125 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-1/8" X 4-1/4"
Engine Displacement: 260.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.00 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 31.25
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 200 Ft Lbs @ 1,200 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Stromberg EE-7 .
Tire Size: 7.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 26
Tune Up Specifications, Lafayette 6, Series 3810
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion &, D-16, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle:
Distributor # IGC-4276: 40 Degrees
Distributor # IGC-4415: 38 Degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 60 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 3820
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 35 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 3880
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Cyampion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .017"
Distributor Cam Angle: 28 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Valve Specifications, Lafayette, Series 3810, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing: Both Intake & Exhaust are checked by Timing Sprocket Marks
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 68 Lbs @ 2 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 3820, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing: Checked by timing sprockets
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 3880, 8 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing: Intake Valve Opens, 15 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes, 10 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Piston & Ring Data, Lafayette, Series 3810, 6 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .020"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 10
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .015"
Oil Ring: .015"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Top Ring: .002"-.0035"
2nd Ring: .0015"-.003"
3rd Ring: .0015"-.0025"
4th Ring: .001"-.0025"
Piston & Ring Data, Ambassador 6, Series 3820, 6 Cylinder &
Ambassador 8, Series 3880, 8 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Below on 8 Cylinder
From Above on 6 Cylinder
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .018"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 10
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .015"
Oil Ring: .015"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Top Ring: .002"-.0035"
2nd Ring: .0015"-.003"
3rd Ring: .0015"-.0025"
4th Ring: .001"-.0025"
Engine Bearing Data, All Series
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.9995"-2.0005"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"
Rod End Play: .006"-.012" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 50-60 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4785"-2.4795"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005" -.003"
Crankshaft End Play: .006"-.010"
Main Bolt Tension: 70 Lbs. Ft.
Capacities, Lafayette, Series 3810, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 20 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints Without Overdrive: 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 6, Series 3820, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 16 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints Without Overdrive; 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 8, Series 3880, 8 Cylinder
Cooling System: 17 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints, Without Overdrive: 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 6 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Beginning Engine Numbers:
Model 3810: LE-105781
HE-1001
Model 3820: E-75711
Model 3880: B-98731
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Model 3810: L-106281
H-10501
Model 3820: R-324311
Model 3880: B-86031
Brake Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models
Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded; Secondary Shoe, Woven
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 22"
Width: 2",
Thickness: 7/32"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Brake Specifications, Ambassador 8, Model 3880
Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded; Secondary Shoe, Woven
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 24"
Width: 2-1/4",
Thickness: 7/32"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series:
Caster: +1-1/2 Degrees
Camber: +1-1/4 Degrees
Toe In: 1/32"
Kingpin Inclination: 7 Degrees
Rear Axle Specifications, All Series:
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .005"-.007"
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette):
Distributor #1GC-4276
Cam Angle: 40 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 355 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette):
Distributor #1GC-4415
Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 355 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 20:
Distributor #1GE-4018
Cam Angle: 35 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 370 RPM
Full Advance: 13 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 80:
Distributor #1GK-4102
Cam Angle: 28 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 4 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,100 RPM
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette) & 20:
Generator #GCM-4803B-4
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 3.51-3.89 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,090 RPM
Maximum Output: 23 Amperes; 8 Volts
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 80:
Generator #GCO-4802B
Brush Spring Tension: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.47 - 1.63 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 8 Volts @ 1,125 RPM
Maximum Output: 28 Amperes; 8 Volts @ 1,850 RPM
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications - All Series:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Part #VRB-4010A
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4-7.0
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5 - 3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 27 - 29 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.45 Volts
Starting Motor Specifications - 6 Cylinder:
Part #MAB-4076
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models:
Part #MAB-4054
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - Series 10 (Lafayette):
Carburetor Model: AX-2
Part #A-18322
Code # 8-25A
Repair Kit # RK-39
Fuel Level: 5/8"
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 21/64"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .012"
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - Series 20:
Carburetor Model: EX-32
Part #A-18143
Code # 8-26A
Repair Kit # RK-40
Fuel Level: 3/4"
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 27/64"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .012"
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - Series 80:
Carburetor Model: EE-1
Part #A-18331
Code # 8-29
Repair Kit # RK-42
Fuel Level: 1/2"
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 7/32"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"
Fuel Pump Data:
Pump Type: W
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Pump Type AD
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturer:
Lafayette:
Gasoline: Moto-Meter-Neco
Temperature: King-Seeley
Oil Pressure: King-Seeley
Ammeter: King-Seeley
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Nash:
Gasoline: King-Sealey
Temperature: King-Sealey
Oil Pressure: King-Sealey
Ammeter: King-Sealey
Popular Options
Radio, Antenna, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, Bed Conversion, Fender Skirts, White SideWall Tires, Banjo Steering Wheel with horn ring.
1938 Nash Historical Data
Model Year Introduction was on October 15, 1937.
Total 1938 Nash Production was 32,017.
A dash mounted, vacuum controlled gear shift lever was optional.
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