Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: toplessdeville on June 23, 2009, 10:49:05 PM

Title: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: toplessdeville on June 23, 2009, 10:49:05 PM
Can anyone direct me to a registry of 1989 Coupe Deville production #'s  ???-  I have found a number of approx 3400  but I'm really interested in how many were sent to Car Craft and converted to Convertibles - 

I know mine is RARE.

Thanks for any help
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: 76eldo on June 24, 2009, 09:08:13 AM
That is a rare car.  I think the number would have to be a lot lower than 3400.  Maybe 340?  There were only 2300 ACS Eldos done for 84 and also 85, and they are always for sale.  You never see these 89-92's in convertible form for sale, so I would really doubt they made that many.

How does it look with the top up?

Enjoy your ride.

Brian
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: toplessdeville on June 24, 2009, 10:10:53 PM
Quote from: 76eldo on June 24, 2009, 09:08:13 AM
That is a rare car.  I think the number would have to be a lot lower than 3400.  Maybe 340?  There were only 2300 ACS Eldos done for 84 and also 85, and they are always for sale.  You never see these 89-92's in convertible form for sale, so I would really doubt they made that many.

How does it look with the top up?

Enjoy your ride.

Brian

Thanks for the reply Brian,

  I figure you're close with 340 Ragtops produced -  perhaps even less.
The Car looks kinda nasty with the top up -  trying to emulate the Notch of the coupe deville -  I've attached a pic.  My problem is :  I need a new top and window regulators for the rear windows .  The regulators aren't too much of an issue but the top is -  I've been in touch with the usual Top manufacturers but they all want me to send the top to them for proper fitment-  I guess I'll wait untl winter to do that .

Having a Blast in the topless Deville !

Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: 76eldo on June 24, 2009, 10:42:23 PM
I am glad to see that the top has some rearward rake to the rear curtain.  Some were straight up and down, and really stumpy looking.

Looks nice.  You can always get a custom top made, but what are the window regulators from?  Stock ones were stationary.

Enjoy it.

Brian
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: Walter Youshock on June 24, 2009, 10:49:47 PM
Would be interesting to see it with the Fleetwood skirts.

Did any company make these out of 1980-'84 coupes?
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: toplessdeville on June 24, 2009, 11:47:46 PM
Quote from: 76eldo on June 24, 2009, 10:42:23 PM
I am glad to see that the top has some rearward rake to the rear curtain.  Some were straight up and down, and really stumpy looking.

Looks nice.  You can always get a custom top made, but what are the window regulators from?  Stock ones were stationary.

Enjoy it.

Brian

You're right the stock rear windows were fixed but on the convertible they are operable and drop an inch as soon as the op is lowered.  I have one window taht is off the regulator - I hear the motor run  I just need somoe time to tear it all apart -  another winter project !

How long have you had your Eldo ?

Paul
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: slimwhitman on November 19, 2009, 03:08:06 PM
I would agree with a production total near 300.  The same basic design was used for model years ’86-91.  At that point, it seems that Car Craft vanished as part of the S+S Coach/Superior Company and they appeared to focus on limousines and hearses.  They are now part of the Accubuilt Company.  I checked with them a few years ago and they own no records showing build counts.

Car Craft was associated with Hess & Eisenhardt (same company?) and when the H&E name was sold off in ’85, the company continued to build their convertibles as Car Craft.

Here is a listing of DeVille convertibles I have found with model years they were built:
Hess & Eisenhardt (LeCabriolet)(78- 83)
American Custom Coach (Paris) (77-79)
DeVille (4dr Conv) American Custom Coach (Paris) (78)
Car Craft (78)
Bill Hines (78)
Car Craft (86-91) 
Coach Builders Limited (89-91)

See my article here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_convertible
If you have any info to share with me, please send me an email at kcdesoto1(at)hotmail.com
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: Paul on November 23, 2009, 10:02:24 PM
Quote from: Walter Youshock on June 24, 2009, 10:49:47 PM
Would be interesting to see it with the Fleetwood skirts.

Did any company make these out of 1980-'84 coupes?


Fleetwood skirts -  now there's an idea.  I imagine they'd fit as the fleetwood was just a stretched copue deville in '89 or perhaps it's the other way around?  the coupe is a shrunken fleetwood. 

I just might look into that.

I have not heard of any 80-84 convertible conversions.  I believe the Allante sparked the idea 89  when the coupe deville returned to the lineup.

Thanks for the reply

Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on November 24, 2009, 10:32:57 AM
You might check w/Tim Pawl for the regulators.  I remember having a conversation with him and he makes some for convertibles, I just can't remember which cars.

Tim is in the CLC directory and is located in the Detroit area.

David
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: Caddydave75 #18575 on November 24, 2009, 12:41:03 PM
Coupe de ville and the fleetwood coupes were the same body, just different trim levels.  The fender skirts will work,  but you have to remove the chrome molding at the rear wheel well.  A friend of mine had an 89 Fleetwood convt.  Same top as yours.  He sold it several years ago.
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: SeanDoyle on October 16, 2013, 03:35:10 PM
Hi. I have an even rarer 1989 Fleetwood coupe convertible I may want to sell. Black on gray. 55k Miles and mint.
Title: Re: 1989 Coupe deville "Car Craft" production
Post by: slimwhitman on October 16, 2013, 03:39:15 PM
Quote from: SeanDoyle on October 16, 2013, 03:35:10 PM
Hi. I have an even rarer 1989 Fleetwood coupe convertible I may want to sell. Black on gray. 55k Miles and mint.
Hi Sean,  Is it a Car Craft or Coach Builders conversion?  Look for a label in the driver's door opening.  Do you have a photo with the top up?