Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Restoration Corner => Topic started by: GKC on June 15, 2017, 02:49:45 PM

Title: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on June 15, 2017, 02:49:45 PM
I am starting the restoration of Body #1 .
It was actually started about 30 years ago for the owner but after the drivetrain and framework was done the builder past away.
It has since been sitting and the rebuilt engine was never started.
I'm in need of quite a few parts even though  I have access to a complete second parts car for the resto and I am also in need of a lot of info.
The 2 top things I am after at this point is where is the best place to get these bumpers redone? I'm in FL. and would prefer not to ship them clear across the country.
Second it seems that the rubber air ride components are un avail. at this time from any resto manufacturer. Any help with these items and or any oem parts you all might have access to would be an extreme help.
I built my own 66 replica Batmobile and was on that forum for a long time but I need to brush up on how to post pics again.
Thanks to all of you in advance.
Hope these photos uploaded ok. Much easier here than on the other forum.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on June 21, 2017, 03:54:59 PM
Where are you in Florida?
Sincerely , Bill Young 
Lake Wales Florida
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on June 21, 2017, 09:45:31 PM
The opinion of the best for chrome in Florida is Space Coast Plating. I Love that Bat Mobile also.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on June 22, 2017, 04:31:22 PM
Hello Bill,
Actually your very close to me.
I and the car are in Lakeland.
Thanks so much for the compliment on the Bat and the info on the chrome situation!
I was really hopeing NOT to have to take them out of state to get that work done!
I will call them ASAP and try to get that started.  Thanks again Bill
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on June 22, 2017, 06:13:49 PM
Grant Please contact me mercguy1@aol.com I have more resources to share with you.
Sincerely , Bill Young
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on June 23, 2017, 08:29:02 AM
Will do Bill.
If you happen to use face book I update on the Cadillac almost weekly.
The bat is on there too.
Thanks again Bill.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 15, 2017, 06:17:22 AM
Is the build sheet available for this car?

Body #483 was reported as 'GM executive' owned, and it was invoiced at $8,500 (memory) and a $4 delivery charge to 'factory drive way'...both would support the claim.

Do you know what #1 was invoiced at? And was there a $4 delivery charge? I would think that such an early car would have been used as more promotional than end user.

#483 has ALL of its original air suspension components. I do mean EVERYTHING! This system is available for sale. Plus there are numerous EXTRA parts including air domes. Seeking to sell all as a package.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: 59-in-pieces on August 15, 2017, 11:40:03 AM
Grant,
Here is a guy who knows a bit about air rides and has parts and rebuilds.
Tough to get in touch - telephone nope
He prefers letters and the web.
Good luck.
Have fun,
Steve B.

MASTERMIND INC.
Michael P. Rizzuto / President
32155 Joshua Drive
Wildomar, California 92595 USA

(951)  674 - 0509
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 23, 2017, 10:00:48 AM
Ok , listen up  , calling all 1957 and '58 Eldorado Brougham experts. I have visited 1957 Eldorado Brougham #1 and I have a question. On the Body Plate it states 7059X , Body 1 , TR 252 , PT. 122 . Obviously the car is Lake Placid Blue with Blue leather , however the manual states that the digit following the trim number calls out which of the two carpet selections were chosen. Note it says only 252. Second after ACC it states 18B , what is that about? Help. Engine number 5770000237.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on August 26, 2017, 10:16:35 AM
Thanks for posting that question Bill. Interested to see what comes of it
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 27, 2017, 11:39:19 AM
Could it be that only one carpet (mouton?) was expected to be offered when body #1 was built?

The data plate itself is different and notice it has an extra hole on the right. I've seen this before but not on broughams.

Notice your stamped 7059-X vs 7059x

ACC 18B is very interesting too. Since the brougham had no 'accessories',

CHROME: We have a set of fresh rechromed wheels available too
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on August 27, 2017, 01:19:01 PM
Quote from: V63 on August 27, 2017, 11:39:19 AM
ACC 18B is very interesting too. Since the brougham had no 'accessories',

Or at least, none that were optional as far as we are aware.

Potential for all kinds of weird exceptions exist for almost any #1 - let alone the introductory year of a completely new top of the line Cadillac. 

Interested to know what the 18B turns out to be myself.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 27, 2017, 10:01:03 PM
I appreciate the feedback Gentlemen. Another strange thing regarding accessories. The dashboard cover in this car absolutely is original and there is NO evidence that this car ever had Autronic  Eye. I have never seen a Brougham without one?
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 27, 2017, 10:34:29 PM
Autronic eye:

Right you are! Never seen that deleted! Probably no evidence of the amplifier in the trunk either?

It's interesting to speculate why? Certainly the first car would have made a auto show circuit? 

I do know that the brougham was to be fitted with Rochester FI...but that idea was scrapped near production. There are pictures of a prototype brougham fitted with FI and no front clip.

DOOR PANELS!

I notice another strange thing? The early 1957 Broughams had stamped aluminum (painted) interior door panels. The images show upholstered panels...#153 still had painted panels. The reason they started upholstering them was because the paint was embarrassingly peeling from the aluminum.

Depending on whom (GM exec?) the end user was...the door panels could have been factory upgraded when new upholstered solution was available. The original warrantee was just days..but the targeted clientele for these cars gave way to accommodating them.

All the parts usually have the body number written (grease pencil) on them. If the panels are removed it would be intetesting to see what is written
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 28, 2017, 12:43:39 AM
From Data base:

Car #1

[March, 1957]:This car was shipped to Fisher Body Division on 11 March 1957; it remained with Fisher until 1967; it may have been one of the test cars.

[1978]: The car was reported to be in California in 1978 when it was owned by Richard Oldham of Empire Chevrolet in Novato. At that time Richard owned also Brougham #254. Does anyone know where car #1 is today?

[August, 2002]: This from "Jim", an enthusiastic regular visitor to the Database: on the Brougham topic, the friend with whom I went to Pebble Beach says he saw 57 Brougham #1 about 3-4 years ago in Arizona. Reportedly it was scruffy and unrestored at that time. The owner knows that it is car #1. My friend photographed the body plate and I am after him to find the photo so I can make it available to you.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 28, 2017, 12:37:36 PM
Thank You V63. I know Grant who is reassembling the car from the disassembly that was down in the south west is monitoring this thread. Perhaps he can get us some answers as to what the car has to tell us? I can tell you just standing near this car gives you goose bumps if you are a life long Cadillac fan.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 28, 2017, 06:34:54 PM
If you go to the data base, #1 as imaged appears to be a BLACK car? With saber wheels.

Also if you look at the period magazine ads of the car, the black one has autronic eye. The blue one does not.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 28, 2017, 06:47:17 PM
The blue car in the middle is like the car Body No. 1. I spoke to the Owner on the phone and he said he bought the car in 1968 from Cadillac and it was in a basement of Clark Street Final Assembly complex and drove it to the south west at that time. I am not authorized to disclose his name. He said the car drove beautifully.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 28, 2017, 08:23:59 PM
The black database image associated with #1 must be wrong?
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 29, 2017, 07:49:35 PM
Here is an early brougham, notice Sabres...and at first glance...no Autronic eye.

The Autronic eye is in the middle of the dash!

No so clear here...but the original image is clear with the eye mid dash.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 29, 2017, 09:19:16 PM
The body No 1 car has no evidence of an Autronic Eye at all anywhere.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Dave Ventresca on August 30, 2017, 03:05:43 PM
Mr. Link and others, the database is correct. I saw body #1 with my own eyes in Arizona about 18 years. Black and dusty. I looked right at the data plate. maybe the blue car is same one but painted. Dave
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 30, 2017, 06:28:05 PM
something is amiss?

The (blue)#1 data plate shown reads "BODY BY FISHER"

all the known brougham data plates I've seen read:

"BODY BY FLEETWOOD"

That said I went thru the data base and 2 earliest data plates shown 'appear' to have FLEETWOOD stamped over (I assume FISHER) (refer Brougham database  #19 and 22)

Ironically, this example was end delivered to FISHER body division!


Paint Code for black is 10 or 110, that does not match the body #1 data plate shown here, (#122?)

#1, per the black sabre wheel example per the data base, has an Autronic eye in mid dash?

Do you remember the interior color from 18yrs ago of the black car? A blue interior is not very 'common' combination of the period (with black) most were variations of black and white.

Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 30, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
Data base reports, on yet another page, that body #1 as
paint #122? Matching the blue #1 data plate on this thread.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Dave Ventresca on August 31, 2017, 12:56:20 AM
I don't remember the interior color, because there were so many unusual cars in the guy's warehouse that I just did a passing glance at the data plate, and he forbid me to take pix. I f I remember correctly he also had a repro Waldorf corvette nomad, and a pair of 53 eldorados. He owned a chevy dealership in the San Francisco bay area in the 70s. forgot his name. Dave
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on August 31, 2017, 01:52:53 PM
I am 62 and have been into 50's and 60's Cadillac's since about the age of 7. I have had my head all around these cars most of my life and what I can say is that when I visited this car a few weeks ago other than a considerable amount of disassembly having been done the car looked to me to be the carcass of a Cadillac that had sat relatively undisturbed for decades. I have seen Cadillac's that have sat like that. I discovered a 1960 Eldorado Convertible in 1991 that had not been on the road since 1968 in any way and had not been a daily driver since 1962 and brokered the sale of that car for the second owner. The car was restored by the purchaser. Nothing about this car smacks of tampering with what the car was assembled with about it. I am purely interested from the standpoint of my Love for these cars and wanting to see them preserved and used as they were intended to be.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on August 31, 2017, 05:38:05 PM
As owner of this #1 brougham,

I would order the build sheet for $50!

I included the one (of six) I ordered (posted in this thread for #483).  That is of such a historical value!

Sometimes there are notes added that might explain the 18B? I hope that it would then be posted here and the data base?



Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on September 02, 2017, 09:17:45 AM
There was and is a control box for the eye in the trunk as should be.
I just spoke to the owner about this this past week. He informed me that some other GM models had the eye itself up in the front of the car near a an opening such as the grille....?? I'm looking over the front clip and forward inner fenderwells to see if I can see any evidence of it being mounted somewhere else.

This car was certainly always 122 Lake Placid Blue metallic because it has the matching blue interior and it shows now sign of EVER being black ANYWHERE.
Besides that though, One of the things the owner is very particular about is we get the color correct. He LOVES this car like a child.

I asked him about the eye,... did he remember when driving it did the lights dim automatically.
He told me strait out..... " Being #1 and the wiring changes and carburetor changes etc. that could have been done as experiments,  I deliberately didn't drive it at night"  I think I would have done the same.

About a build sheet. He was told he would get a bunch of paperwork for this car  which he never did receive from them.  Also if there were a build sheet placed in the car ,..... where might it be??? I have not removed the rear seat yet and was wondering if you all could tell me where I might look.???  I am VERY careful when disassembling things from this car because I don't want to miss a marking or anything else that may have historical value.

Bill has pictures of the untouched paper tag under the hood. I am also sure that that was NEVER removed because that is something else the owner is very clear about.  He'd really rather I don't remove it. It is hard to tell if it is just a single piece of paper because its under a plastic cover and held in place by 2 screws. I understand though that that paper was for the orig. owner. and it also states delivered to Fisher body division. The owner knew it was an important part of body#1 and never removed it.
I have just taken a few photos of that tag and will post as soon as possible.

Bill, if you have good photos of that tag you are welcome to post them.
I'm going to be looking very closely under the dash and all other possible places for a plug or wiring that may have to do with the eye itself. I have a decent wiring diagram in my repair manual BUT. just as some things are always omitted in books, This 57 58 manual I have only shows the belt driven air ride pump that was on the 58 ,..... there isn't even a picture of the electric pump that's mounted on top of the generator like this car has. I have seen the identical pump listed on Mastermind Inc. so I know its correct but my book completely omits this pump.

As for the door panels,..... There is a piece of metal horizontally in the door panels. Its about a 2 1/2 inch strip. From an earlier post am I to understand that the normal production cars had a larger metal covering at the bottom of the door?
Seems to me that they may have decided they needed something More substantial at the bottom of the door there fore changed that in the production model????

I am VERY happy to see all the intrest in this car and in working on it I continue to be astonished as I learn more about it. I know cars pretty well, I know that the Lincoln Mark II were also hand built,   But this car,,, WOW,  the amount of technical and electrical additions they made on theses cars for being 1956 and 57 is astonishing!.
I really appreciate all the info and questions all of you have brought to light so far AND, If there is something in particular that you would like to see a picture of please let me know and Ill do my best to provide it.  With that said,......
Bill, You have quite a few technical pictures if I remember right.  Feel free to share whatever you like and I cant thank you enough for your visit and all the information you are able to share.
You guys know the history of this car like I know the history of the Futura and Batmobile. Your knowledge of this car is of GREAT help to me and again,.... I REALLY appreciate all the input and inquires!
Thanks a bunch guys! Bill you have a standing invitation to see it whenever you like!
Grant Capes
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on September 02, 2017, 04:33:44 PM
The production (1957-8) broughams all had the electric air suspension pump. Only Std Cadillacs had the belt driven pump. The belt driven was the better choice it turns out.

The build sheet can be ORDERED from GM historical services. Just google it. You will get a sheet like I posted earlier on #483 for $50! Best money spent! It will also confirm by factory records, how it left the factory.

My 'guess' is the dash has been recovered post production and they simply removed the eye. The Autronic eye first appeared in 1951 as 6 volt. They were pretty much proven for 1957 models.  I've never seen one that early mounted outside...but Lincoln did mount on the fender. Ours still works 100%!

The aluminum door panels were below the steel upper door panels. They were used well into the 57 production...but the paint was peeling off them so bad they opted for cardboard and upholstered. The change was so late that many consider an upholstered panel with 1958 models.

If you can get to AZ I can show you 5 broughams between 2 close locations. We have 3 available, and some parts I've mentioned earlier in this thread.




Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on September 18, 2017, 05:54:14 PM
If the manual you are using only shows the belt driven pump, you are using the Std. Cadillac manual.  You need the Brougham supplient manual.  I have a few extra copies (OE versions).  The door panels caught my eye as the leather wrapped versions did not show up until body #200.

I will be happy to assist as I've messed with these cars for 10 years and have new and used parts.

David
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on September 19, 2017, 03:05:33 PM
Thanks much! I'll write more when I can,
Still cleaning up from the hurricane
Thanks,, Grant
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on October 16, 2017, 12:23:36 PM
Quote from: V63 on August 27, 2017, 11:39:19 AM
Could it be that only one carpet (mouton?) was expected to be offered when body #1 was built?

The data plate itself is different and notice it has an extra hole on the right. I've seen this before but not on broughams.

Notice your stamped 7059-X vs 7059x

ACC 18B is very interesting too. Since the brougham had no 'accessories',

CHROME: We have a set of fresh rechromed wheels available too

Hello V63,
I am finally getting caught  up after the hurricane and other various projects ( actually getting a quote for a new roof today)

I have spoken to the owner and he has interest  in the set of wheels that you spoke of.
Here with the car I have 7 Brougham wheels, .... 3 pretty nice borderline usable, 4 not so nice in need of restoration.

Do you take in the wheels as cores toward the new set? 

I also have a question about the front main bumper........ When I spoke to space coast plating he told me that all the large(  full from side to side) lower bumpers hes ever seen were stamped, ....  This one is very obviously cast just like the corner bumpers front and rear.
Was this man mistaken or is this a one off bumper on body #1???  That bumper IS usable and I would just as soon use it as is if it is a one off piece????   

Thanks you again for all your help and I will be looking forward to hearing from you.

BTW, I would be interested in a set of re chromed bumpers as well if someone has some ready to go. I have 2 full sets here with the car except  for the front lower.

Thanks again,.... Grant
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Highwayman68 on October 16, 2017, 01:08:21 PM
Grant and Bill, I will be going to the car show in Auburndale on Saturday the 28th and would like to meet up.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on October 16, 2017, 10:37:25 PM
Looks like I will be will be there too.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on October 17, 2017, 02:40:21 PM
I will try and make it but cant say for sure. Grant
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Quentin Hall on October 17, 2017, 07:40:05 PM
Brougham bumpers were cast aluminium, not stamped steel, and are notoriously difficult to rechrome.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on October 18, 2017, 10:22:13 AM
Quote from: Bill Young on August 23, 2017, 10:00:48 AM
Ok , listen up  , calling all 1957 and '58 Eldorado Brougham experts. I have visited 1957 Eldorado Brougham #1 and I have a question. On the Body Plate it states 7059X , Body 1 , TR 252 , PT. 122 . Obviously the car is Lake Placid Blue with Blue leather , however the manual states that the digit following the trim number calls out which of the two carpet selections were chosen. Note it says only 252. Second after ACC it states 18B , what is that about? Help. Engine number 5770000237.

My list has Body #1 with carpet being 1, so Karakul.  The rest of the numbers match up perfectly, with VIN, ext. color and interior color.  Not sure what the 18B would have been.  Maybe they were sorting out how to manage these special cars.  Since this was a GM owned car, it is hard telling what was done to it while in the companies possession.  Running changes are likely, so this car will likely be a little different than the later cars.

Like Quentin said, all the bumpers are cast aluminum.  In the '58's I have owned or messed with, the body number was scratched into the I/P on the underside of the LH corner.

David
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Bill Young on October 18, 2017, 11:43:56 AM
David , Thank You for your help. We now have another piece of the puzzle.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on October 18, 2017, 05:56:39 PM
I just negotiated a deal on the brougham wheels!

in the event of non performance I will advise!

Also check out hemmings classic car dec 2017!
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on October 23, 2017, 09:39:14 AM
Yes I heard about the article ,
any idea where I can pick up a copy locally?   Just a larger book store I would hope?
Thanks Grant
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on October 23, 2017, 07:46:37 PM
I have a spare copy of the April 2015 Hemmings Classic Car (issue 127) where my car was in the Drivable Dream column.

David
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: V63 on October 24, 2017, 12:33:31 PM
Quote from: GKC on October 23, 2017, 09:39:14 AM
Yes I heard about the article ,
any idea where I can pick up a copy locally?   Just a larger book store I would hope?
Thanks Grant

The December 2017 issue of Hemmings classic car  ‘should’ hit news stands first week of November. Those with subscriptions are getting them now.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on November 25, 2017, 04:50:28 AM
Good luck with the restoration of that #1 Brougham. I have a copy of the "Roster of Broughams and members* from the past Brougham owner association. The car # 1 has effectively, according to that listing, the paint code 122 and the trim code 2521.
I restored long ago car #230 I still own, but would like to sell. I would never attempt to restore another Brougham!
Next to the specific Brougham shop manual (I have also a copy for sale), there is a specific part book which can help to find out which parts are Brougham specific or shared with the other Cadillac models.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on December 01, 2017, 10:01:54 AM
Quote from: Dave Ventresca on August 30, 2017, 03:05:43 PM
Mr. Link and others, the database is correct. I saw body #1 with my own eyes in Arizona about 18 years. Black and dusty. I looked right at the data plate. maybe the blue car is same one but painted. Dave
This is # 1s control box and you can see the matching plug in the harness and the mounting plate for the box.
I believe what happened with you seeing body #1s data plate you may have been mistaken about the color because he ALSO has a complete production model that is BLACK.
This car is and was blue and does have the eye.
Im still looking it over for the actual eye. Looking for a open plug under the dash or in the harness somwhere that would make sence. (That is,  assuming this eye had a plug.
Thanks, GKC
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on December 01, 2017, 10:08:59 AM
Sorry for the mistake on the first picture.
These are the pictures of the box, plug and location in the trunk.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on March 11, 2018, 09:31:42 AM
Hello all,
I was wondering if someone here could get me a measurement
ride hight.
Say the first cross member in front of the rear wheels and first cross member behind the front wheels.
Can be from a 57 on springs and or air.
Thanks in advance. Grant
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on March 11, 2018, 01:22:51 PM
Grant,

The specs are shown on pages 4-24 and 4-25 of the Brougham service manual.  The dimensions are listed and it explains were to take the measurement.

Regards
David
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on March 12, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
Thanks so much
I will check that out.
New air springs are working out fine.
when i figure out the ride hight I will be replaceing the wood spacer with solid aluminum.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on March 12, 2018, 02:52:39 PM
Following pic
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on March 15, 2018, 02:34:40 PM
I checked my book.
Those pages arent there.
I would really appriciate getting a set of the omitted pages of my book.
all i could find out by looking into the wireing it says it will throw a light if the psi drops below 125 but i still cant find the normal operating pressure of the system.
have figured out the front inner fender wells and will be cleaning and repainting them before re assembly.
attach the wireing harness and im finally ready to fire it up from inside , put it in gear and check the tranz operation.
Master cylinder i have had been disassembled prior to me getting it and im missing the main piston so a simple rebuild wont work.
the owner is pulling a spare thats complete ,rebuilding it and sending it to me.
I do however have the e brake to check the tranz for operation before i reassemble the front. Pulling the engine and tranz would be much less trouble with the front clip out of the way.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on March 17, 2018, 11:37:57 AM
I assume that you don't have the right manual or it was "modified". I'm attaching the pages.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on March 17, 2018, 06:26:53 PM
Thank you SO much for these pages!
Thats a tremendous help!
I will be posting this modification as a complete "kit" to whoever might have a car with springs but would like to go back to air ride without the cost or the trouble of the orig. Troublesome air springs.
I am also going to include an new style compresser and hide it near the tank so that the old system still looks in tact.
thanks again for your help! 
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on March 18, 2018, 04:16:20 AM
You are welcome!
Obviously you don't have the manual specific for the Brougham. David offered you one; I have myself a copy I could sell. If the owner of that car has a second Brougham, I don't understand why he does not have this manual!
My car #230 is still with the original air suspension. I have spare diaphragms, but the next owner may want to convert it to something more recent and reliable. Therefore I'm interested to see the kit you organized.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on March 18, 2018, 05:21:09 PM
I ran this play once and have the "new" springs on the shelf.  Something to deal with is getting the FULL travel of the rear suspension.  if you don't, either you can not load a tire as the suspension does not come down low enough, or the car does not have enough jounce and will be to high.

This is something to solve and I hope you do.

David
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on December 06, 2018, 10:36:02 AM
Hello again everyone,
I have some updates for you that are interested and also a few questions for you more experienced guys than me ( meaning all of you!!!) lol
I’m in the process of getting the front clip ready for paint. I’m doing so I found what I think are oddities that I’m hoping some of you can shed some light on.
I am D A zing all the smoother larger areas but I’m sand blasting the front around the bezels for headlights, on top where the vent trim goes down into the fender and around the round smaller bezels under the headlight. I’m also blasting it wher the trim goes down the side of the fender and continues onto the doors,,, with that , I found these fenders are made from 2 halves
An upper and lower
Welded at the seam where the trim goes,....
is this normal?
We’re the production cars fenders made from 2 pieces or were they stamped from 1 piece?
Also, this one has the middle front( in between the fenders and between the hood opening and where the bumper starts)
This seems “more “ normal but just wondering
They bolt together, not welded, then the crack was leaded shut.
Also have been working on the suspension and even though I have a drawn diagram,.... it doesn’t show me which lines go in each connection on the leveling valves , of course there is a high pressure, a exhaust and one goes to the air spring but the valves are in a bit different configuration on this car that what it shows in my book.
Thanks in advance, I’ll be looking forward to your input. I was able to solve the problem with 2 things in particular
1 is I was able to build a down rod spacer so to speak for the full suspension travel in the rear and also a way to deliver only what the rear air springs require while still delivering the higher pressure to all the rest of the stock system.
Once I double check the air line configuration I will be putting air to the entire system and checking the functionality of the leveling valves and checking for any leaks.
Thanks again for your patience and support!!!
GKC
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: GKC on December 06, 2018, 11:41:00 AM
BTW 
Your correct!,...  Even though he found a service guide its not specific to this car,... in Fact,...  There are only references to the 58 configuration with the pulley driven pump though the rear of the P S pump.
Id be more than happy to buy an original copy or a copy of an orig,... Just by the photo you posted about the ride height,... that showed me enough to see what I had to connect where on the front airlines,... I was just trying to figure this out yesterday!  Since this car had been taken apart years ago,... They hadn't had the air tank in the car,... therefore I see where someone at sometime tried to use the T fitting that goes from the left front leveling valve as a service port.
It had a line in and out but the t port( that I now see goes to the main leveling valve had a shraider valve screwed into it.
They must have been trying to deliver air to the system without the tank thru that T.
This morning I will be hooking that T into my new air springs via the braided lines I attached out of the air springs If I'm correct, that line should come out of the leveling valve on top to the T then to both front air springs.
I still don't have a picture of which connections are where on the rear valves, Hi pressure, exhaust and air spring. When I hook all this up correctly for a test I WILL be using the air tank,... Just piped in sitting on the floor in front of the car. I am trying to make sure I have the air ride componets hooked up and operating correctly before I re install the front  "inner front clip," IE the radiator support, inner fender wells , ETC. I had removed that structure to more easily replace the water pump. once back in place it makes it 10 times harder to get to the air ride lines and componets.
Title: Re: Body # 1 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on December 06, 2018, 12:12:58 PM
Yes, the front fenders are made with 2 parts. Don't forget that it was a small serie and it was probably more economical to do it that way. The front panel is indeed attached to the fenders like you are showing.