Advice needed for towing 1948 Cadi without problems

Hey everyone,

This is my first post. I have just purchased a 1948 Cadillac Series 61 and I'm needing to put it on a front wheel dolly type trailer and tow it a few hundred miles to my shop. I am planning on putting some new tires on the back to make the trip but also wanted any advice you all might have about making the trip an uneventful one. While removing the rear wheels I'm planning on repacking the wheel bearings with grease to make sure I don't have a lockup on the way. I ***ume they are typical roller bearings that can be accessed easily with the wheel off? Is there a snap ring or a grease cap insert of some kind that I will encounter? It was tagged and on the road 2 years ago. Any general advice would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a pic just to show of my new toy.
PS: I am experienced in automotive service but don't know exactly what to expect from a 1948 Cadillac when I arrive to take possession of it. Thanks everyone
-Sean E from Oklahoma

 

Wheel brngs not serviceable - pressed onto axle shafts. Mount some tires, put it on stands & unhook the driveshaft. Wire the trunnions on so you don't loose.
Before you stomp on the brake pedal, fill the master. 2 years isn't that long.
If you don't already know, "park" is the selector in "R" with engine dead.
That's a real nice Cad ....

 

Thank you 302GMC! My shop manual also said that the rear wheel bearings were not serviceable but I wanted to make sure I was clear on what this meant. I'll have to replace them later. I appreciate all of the advice. Any yes, its a good looking car. I plan on going through it completely, but in the meantime it will clean up really well. I was stunned at the condition of the interior. I really got lucky and I'm glad I waited for this one to come along. - SeanE

One more thing. Do you have any quick pointers or advice about unhooking the driveshaft? If it completely disengages it seems like it would drag on the pavement if I didn't lash it to either side of the frame. Thank you for any advice. - Sean

 

U haul rents good open trailers, I have used them many times.

 

Don’t know if you ever used a tow dolly but there are some issues with that big heavy car on one. I used one on my motor home for years but all dolly aren’t equal. Like said above use a trailer on that car.

 

But we used to just tow em any way we could. I agree, the smaller the towed car the better on those dollies.

Edit: another dam 4 door. That I'd be proud to have.

 

If you can...U-Haul car trailer ....no headaches...check all tire pressures , tow vehicle and trailer...its crazy out there...

 

I pulled my wagon from St. Louis to Muskogee, Okla.a few years back, on a trailer , cost me just a few dollars more than a dollie. Got it from U-Haul! Way better deal!



Bones

 

Just don't tell U-haul that it's a Cadillac, they'll tell you it's too heavy. Make sure you tell them the appropriate tow vehicle that you'll be using. Anybody you know own a trailer?

 

I really appreciate the advice everyone. I’ve used the Uhaul car trailer before and each time I have big difficulty with each car hitting high center on the way on and off the trailer. This monster Cadillac would be the worst. It also currently is not running and has zero brakes. That really makes getting it on and off the trailer difficult. I will be towing with my Tundra as slow as I safely can at night from Dallas to Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

 

Solid advice from experienced hands. Be certain of all proper tire PSIs, at the start, and on the way
I'm not familiar with Tundras. What load rating have you?
Running Rte 59 at night is fine.
You can expect the big trucks to blow past you, though.

 

I load em regularly with no brakes/not running.
Old school chain come-a-longs cures that.
The high center can be addressed like Moriarity said.
Plus long boards to stretch out the ramps.

 

After googling Toyota Tundra towing capacity, depending on what trim you have, a 2024 model is good for 9800 pounds to 10,200 pounds. Another Google search says that your 1948 Cadillac weighs 4140 pounds. Add 4140 pounds to the weight of the trailer you plan on using. U-Haul's site says their car trailer weighs 2210 pounds, so you're going to be pulling 6350 pounds. You're going to be a lot safer with the trailer because it has the capacity you need, and it has brakes, something you won't have if you use a tow dolly. If you have to stop in a hurry, you're going to have all that weight behind you just pushing like there are no brakes on your truck. One more thing to consider, what is the hitch on your truck rated for?

 

I've been referred to as an overly safety conscious tow guy, so I'm going to agree with everyone saying just rent the trailer.
I will also add that you will want to inspect the trailer carefully before leaving. There have been horror stories about rental stuff, so it's a lot better to check the complete tires, all the tiedowns and bring a temp gun to check the tires and bearing temps on the tow.
Good luck on the acquisition!

 

I’d just get the trailer. Harder to get it loaded but a lot less to worry about once you’re on the way. Tie the Caddy to a tree to unload lol

 

Loading some of these cars on a trailer is a bear...clearance ..etc...400 mile trip is not crazy far...do you have the magnetic lights that attach to vehicle being towed..safety chains...If you travel off peak and take it easy you'll be ok..

 

I went ahead and took everyone’s advice and upgraded my trailer rental to a flatbed. I’d rather fight with getting it on and off the trailer than losing the car on the way or ruining the transmission. Thanks for the tip everyone.

 

OK great take pics and post the adventure....That Caddy looks clean...

 

Not to mention the fact that those early hydramatics had a rear pump unlike modern automatics. You could actually push start them.

 

Those big trailers should have a winch on them, even if it is a manual one. You can still drive it up onto the trailer, using the handbrake, some blocks of wood and a couple of observers.

That's what they told you in the owners manual....what they don't tell you is where to find 12 people who will help you push a 2.5 tonne car up to 10 MPH!

 

i would rent a uhaul trailer

if they ask at what you hauling , tell em its an opel gt

 

Dang! Running two years ago? Did I understand that right? I would DRIVE the thing. Under 300 miles.

Ben

 

Oh I told them it was a '65 Mustang to begin with. Even before hearing the stories about U-Haul rejecting most big old cars, I had a premonition that they would tell me no if I said it was a 4 door from the '40s.

 

The previous owner was in the middle of "upgrading" the brakes when he decided to sell it. Zero brakes currently and I'd like to have it in my shop and be 100% certain that this battleship will stop when needed.

 

Nice to hear someone asking for advice and actually taking it! Good luck with you new Cad and keep us posted on all you do to it.

 

This place is about 50 miles from you and has 18' flatbed car haulers. Worth it for that big old car from Dallas.

https://rentcotul.com/product/18-car-hauler/

I've got a tow dolly and only used it for short distance runs and lighter vehicles. It's been stuck under a '61 Falcon Ranchero project for the last 10 years inside a storage building. I use my 18' or 24' flatbed car haulers for everything these days.

 

If the trailer or flat bed doesn't have a winch, you can go old school. It isn't fast, it's a workout especially with flat tires, but it will get you up on the trailer.
This is a basic, cheap, couple time use one. They have much stronger, more expensive ones. If it's something you will use again, step up to better quality. I don't know your shop situation, but these big ol' 40s cars on dollys will be easier to shuffle around in the shop with straps and ratchets.

 

And if you get in a wreck, what kind of liability will that put you in ?