Cadillac history 1904

1904 CADILLAC

In 1904, Cadillac offered two models. The Model A was a continuation of the 1903. It had a delivery body with detachable top. Horsepower increased to 8.25. Clincher tires became standard equipment. An optional 60 inch tread was available. A pressure fed multiple oiler was introduced.

1904
Cadillac runabout with tonneau

The Model B was the same as the Model A except the chassis had a pressed steel frame and axles. It featured front axle girder style (which was not available in the wide tread option) and single transverse half-elliptic front spring. Cranking (counterclockwise) was only on the left side; but a decompression device was provided to facilitate cranking. A safety device was introduced to prevent the crank from being inserted when the spark control lever was in the advanced position. Horsepower rating increased to 8.25; but this was more an issue of confidence in the engine rather than any engine design changes.

1904 Cadillac Model B The body of the Model B was an inverted box rather than the sloping, curved dash. The radiator was vertical and below frame instead of the front mounted sloping unit on the Model A. A joint in body at dash allowed the body to be slid off without lifting. A surrey body style was added with a side entrance detachable tonneau. The delivery top was no longer detachable. The weight of all body styles was reduced by as much as 70 pounds. Prices increased $50. When the street was muddy, cars with rear entrance tonneau were backed in perpendicular to the sidewalk so passengers did not have to walk in the mud. The side entrance surrey ended this inconvenience.

1904 Cadillac Model B Once again serial numbers were not used for Model A or B. The engine numbers were stamped two places on crankcase: top, right edge of cylinder flange, near the water outlet; and right, front face, just below top cover. The blank spaces on patent plate was for additional patent dates, not engine number. Model A engine numbers ranged from 3500 to 4018. Model B numbers were 2500 to 3500.

Model A
Model No.	Body type	Seating	Price	Weight
N/A	Runabout	2	$750	1370 lb
N/A	Runabout with Tonneau	4	$850	1450 lb
N/A	Delivery	2	$850	1525 lb
Model B
Model No.	Body type	Seating	Price	Weight
N/A	Runabout	2	$800	1300 lb
N/A	Touring	4	$900	1420 lb
N/A	Surrey	4	$900	1400 lb
N/A	Delivery	2	$900	1525 lb

ENGINE
Engine type	Horizontal single-cylinder with cylinder facing to the rear.
Engine composition	Cast iron cylinder, with copper water jacket
Bore and stroke	5.00 x 5.00 in. (127mm x 127mm)
Capacity	98.2 cu. in. (1.6 liters)
Brake H.P.	8.25
Main bearings	Two
Valve lifters	Mechanical
Carburetor	Updraft mixer, manufactured by Cadillac

MODEL A CHASSIS
Wheelbase	72 in. (1.8 meters)
Overall length	111 in. (2.82 meters)
Height	5 ft. (1.5 meters)
Front/Rear Tread	54.5 in. (1.28 meters) (60" (1.5 meters) optional)
Tires	28 x 3" (711 mm x 76 mm) Clincher
MODEL A DELIVERY CHASSIS
Wheelbase	72 in. (1.8 meters)
Overall length	111 in. (2.82 meters)
Height	7 ft., 1 in. (2.2 meters)
Front/Rear Tread	54.5 in. (1.28 meters)
Tires	28 x 3 (711 mm x 76 mm)Clincher
MODEL B CHASSIS
Wheelbase	76 in. (1.9 meters)
Overall Length	112 in. (2.85 meters)
Height	5 ft. (1.5 meters)
Front/Rear Tread	54.5 in. (1.28 meters)
Tires	30 x 3 (762 mm x 76 mm) Clincher.
MODEL B DELIVERY
Wheelbase	76 in. (1.9 meters)
Overall Length	112 in. (2.85 meters)
Height: Approx.	7 ft. (2.1 meters)
Front/Rear Tread	54.5 in. (1.28 meters)
Tires	30 x 3.5" (762 mm x 89 mm) Clincher.

TECHNICAL
Transmission	Planetary Transmission
Speeds	2 Forward and 1 Reverse (3:1 low, 1:1 high)
Drive	Chain
Differential	Spur gear
Overall ratio	3.1:1 to 5:1
Brakes	Mechanical on two rear wheels — contracting on inboard drums
Wood wheels	12 spoke
Model A Wheel size	22 in. (559 mm)
Model B Wheel size	24 in. (610 mm)
Delivery Wheel size	23 in. (584 mm)
Drivetrain Options	Different combinations of 9 or 10 tooth driving sprocket with 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 tooth driven sprocket gave ten possible ratios from 3:1 to 5:1.

The transmission had two forward speeds (3:1 and 1:1) and one reverse with a disc clutch and chain drive. The overall ratio was 3.1:1 to 5:1 depending on the combination of the size of the sprockets. The drive sprocket had 9 or 10 teeth and the driven sprocket had 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 teeth. The lower ratios were used on the runabouts used on smooth, level roads; but the higher ratios were used on hilly roads and for delivery vehicles. Owners were instructed how to change the sprockets, but it involved the disassembly of the transmission and rear axle — hardly a job for the average motorist.

MODEL A OPTIONS
Tonneau	$100.00
Leather top with side curtains and storm apron	$50.00
Rubber top ;with side curtains and storm apron	$30.00
Lights	—

MODEL B OPTIONS
Bulb horn, lights, leather top with side and storm apron	$50.00
Rubber top with sides and storm apron	$30.00
Deck to replace tonneau on Touring or Surrey	$10.00

The Model B was introduced in January, 1904.
Calendar year sales and production for both Model A and B totalled 2,319.
The president of Cadillac continued to be C. A. Black.
The factory burned in the Spring of 1904, reducing capacity to almost nothing for 45 days.
Deposits on 1500 orders were returned to prospective customers.
However, the volume of sales still exceeded those of any other make in the country.

NEXT: History of the 1905 Cadillac

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June 18, 2000; Feb 7, 2001; March 8/03