Carl 61 Fleetwood Phyllis

[David King (kz78hy)]

Carl,

I recommend Warren Gear & Axle.  https://warrengearmi.com

They put together my 55 Eldorado rear end that was completely taken apart by the previous owner.

David

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

You cannot replace a pinion on its' own.   The Crown Wheel and Pinion come as a matched set.

Bruce.

[Clewisiii]

Radiator just dropped off for recoring. He was almost apologetic that it would take 5 days.  That is nothing. 

Waldron's says it is a 8-10 week lead time for an exhaust.  I would like to get one before I try to fire up the engine.  I may buy something for temporary use.

[Clewisiii]

I have a question about battery cables. 

The listing said not original spring connectors.

I have not checked my Fleetwood but this has the same connectors as my parts car. 

Maybe my parts car wires had been replaced.  Or maybe the spring connectors stopped earlier then they have listed.   

What are your thoughts or opinions. 

[Clewisiii]

Dug out my original.  No big difference to me. 

[David Greenburg]

The spring clamps are correct, but they are also annoying (get loose and sloppy). I'd go with the bolt- ons.  And maybe go oversize while you're at it.

[Clewisiii]

I have to say I am getting very excited about being able to start my engine soon.  I feel like that will also be a big psychological hurdle. 

I keep saying the the next step was just to expensive to get past.  But after this I have a series of sub $1000 hurdles.  The next big expense is paint and interior chrome.  But I can work on the remaining chrome over time. 

I am happy. 

[James Landi]

"I am happy."   As are many of us who are following your extensive and lengthy restoration Carl.  Impressive accomplishments,expertise, and determination.  Happy day,  James

[Clewisiii]

I got the phone call.  My frame is ready.  Last week she said it was scheduled to start on the 25th now it is done on the 22nd.  I think I am taking a short day at work on Wednesday to go and pick it up.

The radiator should also be done by then

[Clewisiii]

I don't know how to interpret the difference between the bushings I bought 5 years ago. And the new set I have to reassemble my frame. 

I like the way the rubber is molded in the new ones.  But the previous drawn metal casing seems smoother.  But I think it may also be weaker.  The upper flange was bending quite a bit when I was pressing the old ones in. 

[Clewisiii]

Can someone tell me about these.  Because I do not remember taking them off. 

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Could they be the locking tabs for locking the rear Universal Joint to the Diff Pinion Flange?

Bruce.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Could they be the locking tabs for locking the rear Universal Joint to the Diff Pinion Flange?

Exactly. Were used from 1957 to 1962 and 63-65 on 75, CC.

[Clewisiii]

I picked up my frame and brackets from the powdercoater.  Hard to get that off my trailer alone without scraping it.  I will unpackaged all the little bits and work on getting it back together this weekend. 

   

[Clewisiii]

Another pic in the garage . 

[Clewisiii]

I picked up my freshly recored radiator today.  I had told them don't worry about painting it.  I will do that myself.  I am glad I did. 



First thing I noticed that the new copper side plats were solid and smooth.  I asked him about the holes for the radiator overflow tube clips.  He said in 30 years he has never had anyone ask about that.   He said I can cut holes in the plate as long as I do not go deep.   

 
I loaded it in my trunk and was a mile down the road until I noticed something in my memory.  The overflow tube coming out of the fill neck was pointed in the wrong direction.  It was pointing forward.  I pulled into a strip club parking lot and checked my trunk.  Yup it is backwards.  I turned around and went back.  He looked at it and I showed him a picture.  He called a guy up and asked him to take it off and resolder.  I showed him the picture were it is to the back angled to the outside edge.  I talked to the guy at the counter for a while and he came back with the tank.  Tube angled to the back middle of the tank.  Well third time is the charm.  He went back and fixed it. 



I know things happen. And no one is perfect. And how were they supposed to know what angle the tube needed on a 61 Cadillac.  But that only explains the first mistake. Not the second.  I am going to go measure everything to make sure the overall dimensions are correct.  It would suck to find out the new core is 1/2 inch taller or shorter and will not fit in place. 

[Clewisiii]

Installing these upper A Arm bumpers was much easier this time.  No fighting at all. They pulled right through

[Clewisiii]

I was worried about buying these because they were from a generic listing that did not say application or size.  I almost feel I lucked out on a perfect fit

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

When I have to fit tight rubber parts, a dab of Rubber Grease works well.

Bruce.

PS.   Don't forget that having previously done the same task, the second time around is usually easier, as you know just how much the parts will take to get them in.

[Clewisiii]

I got the ignition wire harness from Electric Limited today.  Just getting the stuff needed for starting the car for now.


But I have some problems with the Bushing/Ball joint kit I bought from A Resto Parts.  They are just slightly off.   

The new pins are shorter then the old set from Rare Parts.

The new A Arm bushings are to small. They can slide in by hand.  So I will need to order a new pair of these bushings.  I don't know about the lower yet.