I've accidentally bought a Cadillac...
Discussion
Crafty_ said:
AdeTuono said:
We don't have the suppliers over here, that you've got over there.
Will you be my friend?
North Hants should be able to sort you out?Will you be my friend?
We need more pics when you get it!
Actually, SWMBO really likes it. Every trip is an event. The steering wheel gives an approximation of direction. It floats around the road like a pissed butterfly and accelerates like an asthmatic tortoise. But I love it!
Took it to my local MOT place for a once-over (it's too big for my ramp; need a pit now...) and there are one or two minor items to look at, such as a leaky P/S pump and a noisy wheel bearing, but other than that, for a 60-year old motor it's in pretty good shape. Won't win a concours, but is perfect for smoking around the local roads.
Probably not a keeper, as I've been trying to reduce my fleet, but I've always wanted to own one, and now I have...
Couple more shots...
Imposing...
My favourite view, and why I bought it.
You can smell the '50's!
Motorama said:
I was on the reserve list if you didnt have it, was it as good as it looked?
Really? Why didn't you bid?Got to admit, the next morning I wondered what I'd done. The description was a little sketchy, and the photos not the best. I didn't go and view, but arranged collection. But when it arrived home, it was far better than I could have hoped. There's very little evidence of rust on the body (there's a little around the chassis, but not structural), the chrome is exceptional in places, and more than passable in others. Interior is all there, and quite tidy, though the A/C is disconnected and the heater doesn't work. 6-way electric seat is fine though, and overall the upholstery is probably 7/10. It starts on the button, doesn't overheat, even in the last week's temperatures, and is a real hoot to drive. Done a couple of hundred miles so far, and I'm more than happy. Was only going to keep it for the rest of the summer, but we'll have to see.
As a piece of automotive art, it's worth every penny just sitting where I can see it from my desk. That it'll drive and is (almost) practical is a bonus.
AdeTuono said:
Really? Why didn't you bid?
Got to admit, the next morning I wondered what I'd done. The description was a little sketchy, and the photos not the best. I didn't go and view, but arranged collection. But when it arrived home, it was far better than I could have hoped. There's very little evidence of rust on the body (there's a little around the chassis, but not structural), the chrome is exceptional in places, and more than passable in others. Interior is all there, and quite tidy, though the A/C is disconnected and the heater doesn't work. 6-way electric seat is fine though, and overall the upholstery is probably 7/10. It starts on the button, doesn't overheat, even in the last week's temperatures, and is a real hoot to drive. Done a couple of hundred miles so far, and I'm more than happy. Was only going to keep it for the rest of the summer, but we'll have to see.
As a piece of automotive art, it's worth every penny just sitting where I can see it from my desk. That it'll drive and is (almost) practical is a bonus.
It had been on a couple of times and got no bids or not sold, I missed the end of the third auction but contacted them on the off chance, said they would let me know if you didnt have it. I've had a lot of Cadillacs over the years, had 6 59's previously, know them better than most, have a 47 and a 49 currentlyGot to admit, the next morning I wondered what I'd done. The description was a little sketchy, and the photos not the best. I didn't go and view, but arranged collection. But when it arrived home, it was far better than I could have hoped. There's very little evidence of rust on the body (there's a little around the chassis, but not structural), the chrome is exceptional in places, and more than passable in others. Interior is all there, and quite tidy, though the A/C is disconnected and the heater doesn't work. 6-way electric seat is fine though, and overall the upholstery is probably 7/10. It starts on the button, doesn't overheat, even in the last week's temperatures, and is a real hoot to drive. Done a couple of hundred miles so far, and I'm more than happy. Was only going to keep it for the rest of the summer, but we'll have to see.
As a piece of automotive art, it's worth every penny just sitting where I can see it from my desk. That it'll drive and is (almost) practical is a bonus.
Ah-Ha - '47 Cadillac - so a 'flathead' eh? - fantastic engine - virtually silent when in good order. I had a '48 sedan some year back. More European in handling and ride terms than later cars - with 4 speed auto transmission and max torque (at 1800 rpm I recall ?) it was a surprisingly rapid (for its time) car.
Motorama said:
AdeTuono said:
Really? Why didn't you bid?
Got to admit, the next morning I wondered what I'd done. The description was a little sketchy, and the photos not the best. I didn't go and view, but arranged collection. But when it arrived home, it was far better than I could have hoped. There's very little evidence of rust on the body (there's a little around the chassis, but not structural), the chrome is exceptional in places, and more than passable in others. Interior is all there, and quite tidy, though the A/C is disconnected and the heater doesn't work. 6-way electric seat is fine though, and overall the upholstery is probably 7/10. It starts on the button, doesn't overheat, even in the last week's temperatures, and is a real hoot to drive. Done a couple of hundred miles so far, and I'm more than happy. Was only going to keep it for the rest of the summer, but we'll have to see.
As a piece of automotive art, it's worth every penny just sitting where I can see it from my desk. That it'll drive and is (almost) practical is a bonus.
It had been on a couple of times and got no bids or not sold, I missed the end of the third auction but contacted them on the off chance, said they would let me know if you didnt have it. I've had a lot of Cadillacs over the years, had 6 59's previously, know them better than most, have a 47 and a 49 currentlyGot to admit, the next morning I wondered what I'd done. The description was a little sketchy, and the photos not the best. I didn't go and view, but arranged collection. But when it arrived home, it was far better than I could have hoped. There's very little evidence of rust on the body (there's a little around the chassis, but not structural), the chrome is exceptional in places, and more than passable in others. Interior is all there, and quite tidy, though the A/C is disconnected and the heater doesn't work. 6-way electric seat is fine though, and overall the upholstery is probably 7/10. It starts on the button, doesn't overheat, even in the last week's temperatures, and is a real hoot to drive. Done a couple of hundred miles so far, and I'm more than happy. Was only going to keep it for the rest of the summer, but we'll have to see.
As a piece of automotive art, it's worth every penny just sitting where I can see it from my desk. That it'll drive and is (almost) practical is a bonus.
I wold think if anyone has spares here it'd be us automotive.
If you need stuff that rock auto etc don't carry look at www.fusick.com
If you need stuff that rock auto etc don't carry look at www.fusick.com
If you need spares or sound advice, these guys will put you straight
http://www.dreamcars.co.uk/classic-american-cars/c...
http://www.dreamcars.co.uk/classic-american-cars/c...
AdeTuono said:
6 '59's? Bit of a fan then? Any pointers on what to look out for? Transmission seems a bit reluctant until the fluid's circulated a bit. And anywhere in UK that may hold basic servicing spares? Or just use Rock Auto?
About 60 Cadillacs in total over the last 26 years lol!Nothing really to worry about, if youve got other classics you'll have an idea already.
Hydramatics are very expensive to rebuild and you cant buy new ones, £2500 on average compared to half that for a TH350 so look ater it, fluid level is critical or the clutches get hot and break up, check when warm, running and in park. Geoff at Homefield Garage in Dartford is the man for repairing and servicing these. They are a lazy box, like to get into top as early as possible, if the shifts are a bit drawn out it might just need adjusting
In the UK i tend to use Customville for older Caddy parts if i need it sooner than getting it from the States, get decent plugs.
Theres nothing wrong with crossplies if all the steering is in good shape and you drive in their capabilities, Coker do a white wall radial that looks like a crossply but we've had to 2 sets go bad, the white sides are falling off, and are now awaiting a third set under warranty. Generally over here most people use Northants Tyres.
roscobbc said:
Ah-Ha - '47 Cadillac - so a 'flathead' eh? - fantastic engine - virtually silent when in good order. I had a '48 sedan some year back. More European in handling and ride terms than later cars - with 4 speed auto transmission and max torque (at 1800 rpm I recall ?) it was a surprisingly rapid (for its time) car.
yes the 47 is a 346ci Flathead, loads of torque and goes surprisingly well, and it is attached to the 4 speed Hydramamtic, my 49 is the first year for the 331ci OHV engineThanks for all your replies, especially Motorama. I'm an old hand when it comes to US cars, though this is the first 'classic' I've owned. Previous have been Mustang/Vette/Camaros along with a smattering of hot-rods.
In two minds as to the '59. Well, three really. Restore, run as it is or rat-rod(!). I tend towards the second option, TBH, though I've long been a fan of patina. I expect that would give a few people a coronary though.
In two minds as to the '59. Well, three really. Restore, run as it is or rat-rod(!). I tend towards the second option, TBH, though I've long been a fan of patina. I expect that would give a few people a coronary though.
AdeTuono said:
Thanks for all your replies, especially Motorama. I'm an old hand when it comes to US cars, though this is the first 'classic' I've owned. Previous have been Mustang/Vette/Camaros along with a smattering of hot-rods.
In two minds as to the '59. Well, three really. Restore, run as it is or rat-rod(!). I tend towards the second option, TBH, though I've long been a fan of patina. I expect that would give a few people a coronary though.
Any time, feel free to message me if I can help with anything, or when you' want to sell it :-)In two minds as to the '59. Well, three really. Restore, run as it is or rat-rod(!). I tend towards the second option, TBH, though I've long been a fan of patina. I expect that would give a few people a coronary though.
Patina is great, when it's real...........
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