Frame; General Descripiton; Self Locking N U T - Cadillac 1937 LaSalle VVI Information

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F R A M E
General Description
T h e frames used in the 37-series Cadillac and
L a Salle cars are of the center junction, X - t y p e
construction, which gives m a x i m u m rigidity,
strength, a n d stability to the car. A l l of the
frames are somewhat similar i n appearance,
although the frame dimensions and some of the
details of construction are different between
frames because of the difference in wheelbase
lengths and individual requirements. (See Plate
7.)
Series 37-50, 60 a n d 90 frames are constructed
with the side-bars formed o u t w a r d at the front
cross member so as to enclose the helical front
springs. Series 37-65, 70, 75 and 85 frames have
straight sidebars w i t h the spring pads formed by
an extension of the front cross member.
T h e X - m e m b e r of series 37-50 and 60 frames,
constructed of " I " section steel beams, adds
greatly to the strength and rigidity of these
lighter frames. Channel section steel beams
serve the same purpose in the heavier frames
used on series 37-65, 70, 75, 85 and 90 cars.
A special bracket is mounted at the front cen-
ter of the front frame cross member of series
37-65, 70, 75, and 85 frames to carry the radiator
and fender support. T h e radiator and fender
support is mounted on the top of the front frame
cross member on series 37-50, 60 and 90 cars.
Specially built frames w i t h one-piece sidebars
and heavily reinforced X members are used on all
37-series commercial chassis. These frames are
available for series 37-50, 60 and 75 only. T h e
wheelbase lengths are shown in the specification
table on page 25.
Self-Locking N u t
A new type self-locking nut, which does not re-
quire either a lock washer or cotter p i n to prevent
it from coming loose when once tightened, is used
in a number of places on the chassis of 37-series
cars.
Fig. 7. Radiator Mounting, Series 37-65, 70, 75, 85
Fig. 2. Self-Locking Nut
T h i s self-locking nut looks like an ordinary
castle nut except for the narrow slots in the head
and the recess in the bottom. These features of
design, along with the natural resilience of the
steel alloy, result in perfect thread contact, and
high resistance to stripping or breakage, as well
as to movement, are secured when the nut is
tightened down.
The action taking place when the nut is tight-
ened is as follows: T h e outer bearing surface on
the bottom makes contact with the seating sur-
face and the slotted portions of the head tend to
close i n and down on the bolt, forming a fric-
tional contact w i t h both sides of each thread that
will resist movement, except with a wrench, so
long as the seating pressure is maintained.
T h i s nut can be used only at points where the
base resistance is absolutely solid. A list of the
points on the car where it can be used is given i n
the 37-series Parts L i s t . D o not use this nut at
any other points.