QuestionCan you get me a diagram of the components? Something is broken inside and I need instructions for taking the steering column apart to get to the broken parts inside. Because this is broken I cannot change to any gear from neutral.
AnswerHello Jim,
Sorry for the delay--preparing to give thanks takes more time than I anticipated! You didn't specify whether your car was manual or Hydromatic so I've tried to address both. However, several of my more specific recomendations primarily apply to a manual trans.
My first suggestion to you is to get a 1949 Cadillac shop manual either from the various sources on-line or on ebay. Used, new and reproduction manuals are available at reasonable cost. If you continue to plan working on the car yourself, this investment will pay off for you many times. Manuals typically will show an exploded drawing of your column along with labeling of the components inside plus step-by-step instructions for repair. If indeed you have a broken component, you will at least have the right terminology to find a new one!
However, one suggestion from a guy who's been there: always look to the simplest solution before tearing things apart. In your case, the first thing I think of is "adjustment/wear". Have you checked to make sure the shifter linkage is in adjustment or if the shift forks on the transmission are in proper alignment and the connection points are not excessively worn? Wear at the bushings of the linkage could cause it to bind up. This would particularly be something to check if you have a manual tranmission on your car. And again, your shop manual will give you the adjustment procedure and specs. on what the bushing tolerances should be.
Another alternative is to check to see if the clutch is releasing from the flywheel.(non-Hydromatic car) If the car isn't used regularly, they can rust together but this is fixable without major removal. I have a '38 LaSalle the shop with symptoms identical to what you're stating and this is the problem. Just remember, you've got the OHV V-8 while the '38 is a flathead.
Finally, consider using the resources of your local/regional Cadillac owners club. They typically have member experts specializing by year so they know the qwirks (every car has qwirks!) and are very helpful. They also know where the "bones are buried" regarding parts and expertise to repair your car.
Sorry for the long answer but I wanted to make you aware of the several options available to you in addition to diving in yourself.
Good Luck--keep'em rolling!!!!
Bob
