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1957 Coupe de Ville Engine Bay

Started by cappy102, November 26, 2017, 06:30:13 PM

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cappy102

Today I spent some time going over the Authenticity Manual for Class 16 cars, and making some checks and comparisons with my vehicle, #966.

One thing I discovered is that the rocker assembly covers (or valve covers, if you prefer) have the BLOCK letters rather than 'Cadillac' embossed in script type. (Authenticity Manual - Class 16, 1957-1958 Cadillac; pp 111-4 to 111-5, section H). However, the machine screws are Phillips, not hex, and do not have any markings.

These covers seem to be original (flaked off paint, dings, and other indications that they do indeed date from 1956 when the car came off the line). Also, this is a family car, and I have a pretty good grip on its history.

Interesting, but probably not remarkable.

Anyway, just an anecdote for future editions of THE MANUAL (which, by the way, has been extremely valuable to me. Personally, I would consider it required reading for anyone messing about with old Cadillacs).

1957 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
1981 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza

cappy102

A better photo of the rocker cover...
1957 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
1981 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza

Roger Zimmermann

Attached is a picture from the '57 Brougham engine I own. The letters are the same as on your valve covers. Of course, the paint is different as the car has the  2 carb set-up. Therefore, your valve covers are right.
1956 Sedan de Ville (sold)
1956 Eldorado Biarritz
1957 Eldorado Brougham (sold)
1972 Coupe de Ville
2011 DTS
CLCMRC benefactor #101

cappy102

Thanks, Roger. As I get deeper into this project I'm finding that there are many exceptions to the 'rules' when it comes to what is considered standard.
1957 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
1981 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza

gkhashem

Script on the valve covers?  My 1959 has block letters. I know it is all original.

My 1966 has script. Did the script start in 1965 maybe?

1959 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Sports Sedan
1960 Cadillac Coupe Deville (CLC Sr #72)
1964 Oldsmobile 98 Town Sedan (OCA 1st)
1970 GMC C1500
1977 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe
1978 Cadillac Coupe Deville (CLC Sr Crown #959)*
1992 Oldsmobile 98 (OCA 1st)
1996 Oldsmobile 98
*CLC Past President's Preservation

Past Cadillacs
1959 Coupe Deville
1966 Coupe Deville (Sr #861)*
1991 Eldorado Biarritz (Sr #838)

2manycars

Perhaps the script changed to cursive when the engine was redesigned for the 1963 model year. My 64 has cursive script on its 429 valve covers. It's likely that the 63 390 did too.

Also, I have seen Chevrolet V8s in the mid 50s using Phillips type screws for their valve covers, so yours may well be correct and original. That would be my bet.
1964 Coupe de Ville
My Current Projects:
1957 Ford Thunderbird
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible
My Special One:
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (bought it new)

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

That is correct- "Cadillac" script replaced block lettering on rocker covers in 1963 with the redesigned 390 that year.
A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute