Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: jwwseville60 on September 21, 2022, 10:20:01 AM

Title: Caddy continental kit
Post by: jwwseville60 on September 21, 2022, 10:20:01 AM
Are continental kits like this one easy to remove?
Do they just unbolt or is there welding involved?
I dont like them.
Thanks!

Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on September 21, 2022, 12:11:12 PM
They are bolt on and relatively valuable so don't throw it away when you get it off.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: jwwseville60 on September 21, 2022, 03:58:07 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 21, 2022, 06:50:48 PM
G'day John,

I understand your not liking this type of unit, as they always seem to me to be a cheap and easy way of putting the Spare out of the Trunk.

The moving of the whole Bumper Bar rearwards as a unit, then sticking some fillers at the sides and across the width of the car really spoil the vehicles' lines, and not what the designers wanted.

Plus, they make accessing the trunk for any reason really back-breaking and awkward.

As you are aware, the properly fitted ones, like mine  ;)  ;)  still allow easy access to the trunk for heavy and bulky parts.

With the one shown, the end fillers should be easy to remove, but a new  centre piece might have to be located to fill the gap.   Plus, depending on how the construction was made, you might have to locate replacement supports to mount the bar to the car.

As Barry said, people do want these and you should have very little problem selling the unit.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 21, 2022, 08:58:13 PM
I am actually looking for a continental kit, but a later style, if anybody has one to sell. Yes, ditto Bruce's comments on making sure you get all necessary behind the center bumper mounting brackets. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 21, 2022, 10:31:09 PM
G'day Clay,

Pray tell, what is a later style?

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on September 21, 2022, 11:07:09 PM
For instance, a "stock" 1957 unit was curved to allow space for the spare. I remember seeing one in traffic in Indianapolis. I was standing on Meridian Street and the car was a green CDV headed west on New York Street. This was at least sixty years ago. They must have used a very, very heavy die to get the curve in a stock bumper.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 22, 2022, 12:03:18 AM
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 21, 2022, 10:31:09 PMG'day Clay,
Pray tell, what is a later style?
Bruce. >:D

Hey Bruce.  LOL, The kind that used a semi-circular "Bumper bar" rather than extend the entire rear bumper out like a "porch". They look more natural. In 1957 Cadillac called these semi-circular ones; the "Auxiliary Wheel Carrier", which is what Barry noted as seeing in Indianapolis. Believe they were an option then. Somewhere I got images of a period Cadillac flyer of this. While I don't mind the "porch", I don't think I would ever install one of those on my car. But the semi-circular type of which there were several styles I would. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 22, 2022, 01:53:29 AM
Thanks Clay.

I am a bit biased, but I prefer mine.

Bruce. >:D

PS.  One day I will clean out the trunk and take a better picture.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 22, 2022, 08:59:57 AM
The semi-circular ones go with the curvy '50s body lines. What is on your car is more suitable as those vehicles have more straight lines to them. Don't think the "porch" style would suit your vehicle. Just my thoughts. Attached is that Cadillac flyer from 1957.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: GregoryAlan on September 22, 2022, 11:46:20 AM
I think the Continental Kit is sexy as heck!
Good thing we all have different tastes...

Not trying to be RUDE but all the talk about being useful, these cars are not daily drivers anymore, at least for most/some of us. Talk about hauling heavy items in the trunk are in the past, at least for me. My beer cooler used to hold a case of beer. Now my cooler might have 2 beers at most. Just saying...
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 22, 2022, 12:19:09 PM
Quote from: GregoryAlan on September 22, 2022, 11:46:20 AMI think the Continental Kit is sexy as heck!
Good thing we all have different tastes...

Not trying to be RUDE but all the talk about being useful, these cars are not daily drivers anymore, at least for most/some of us. Talk about hauling heavy items in the trunk are in the past, at least for me. My beer cooler used to hold a case of beer. Now my cooler might have 2 beers at most. Just saying...

Greg I agree. You make some valid points. These kits are sexy and yeah good thing we all don't have the same tastes. If anyone has one, any style except the "porch",  let me know. I have a Series 75 Limo and they have a short deck (like the 4 Door Sedan), so when compared to other 1956 Cadillacs, the trunk space is much reduced. Would love to get my spare out to make room for more tools, spare parts and cruize night folding chairs etc.

The C kit I posted earlier was offered as a Cadillac option, at least in 1957. I am told that one was available in 1955, (if incorrect on this please advise). I am also told that some Cadillac dealers offered the '55 unit in '56 from inventory left over from the previous year, (as the continental kit was not an option in 1956). The give away was the '55 style Cadillac script, or so I am told. J.C. Whitney also offered a very similar kit in their 1956 catalog. See attached images especially the last one for what is mounted on the '56 Cadillac. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192 on September 22, 2022, 05:50:22 PM
Hi Clay,
Was that kit for 57 an actual official Cadillac option? I was always under the impression that they were aftermarket accessories? Phil
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 22, 2022, 06:04:07 PM
Hello Phil. I believe they were. This brochure is also apparently GM literature on this option. The brochure is similar to others I have seen on mid '50s Cadillacs such as the hand out for the wonder bar floor switch. Similar lay out and art work. I think they only offered the "semi-circular" unit as noted in the brochure. I think all of the "porch" style continental kits were after market (J.C. Whitney). I stand to be corrected though. This came up in the old Mid-Century CLC group. It was there that Forum Administrator Lou Commisso coined the term "porch" for the extendo type kit. LOL. Gotta give credit were credit is due. That one was Lou's! Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 22, 2022, 09:54:20 PM
Quote from: GregoryAlan on September 22, 2022, 11:46:20 AMI think the Continental Kit is sexy as heck!
Good thing we all have different tastes...

Not trying to be RUDE but all the talk about being useful, these cars are not daily drivers anymore, at least for most/some of us. Talk about hauling heavy items in the trunk are in the past, at least for me. My beer cooler used to hold a case of beer. Now my cooler might have 2 beers at most. Just saying...   
G'day Greg,

The reason I constructed mine, of which I have built them for 3 of my previous cars, is that, especially with the '72 Eldorado Convertible, trunk space is marginal at best.

When my wife and I go to the mainland to attend the various CLC events, we need to carry luggage for at least 6 weeks away from home, so by the time the cases for clothing and everything else is ready, it takes time to try and fit it all in, without filling up the back seat.

You should see the stuff that I have fitted into the trunks of my cars.   The biggest thing was a cement mixer in my '57 Chev.   Plus, back in the days, TVs were very bulky, plus engine blocks are bulky and heavy.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   Don't know why GM made two different styles of Continental Kits for the '50's cars, as the one for the 55 to 58 Chevrolet would look nicer on the Cadillac.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 24, 2022, 07:00:00 PM
You did a good job on yours Bruce. Looks like it belongs there. I remember you telling me about that project a while back. Extra trunk space is never a bad thing. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192 on September 25, 2022, 02:21:46 AM
Thanks Clay, I used to like all the bolt on extras but have slowly gone off them over the years. I've never liked the continental kits that just move the bumper out though, porch! Good old Lou!
Phil
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on September 25, 2022, 06:10:54 PM
The factory option for a continental kit was a one year
only and that was 1957.  All the others were aftermarket.

Mike
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 26, 2022, 10:03:50 AM
That is what I thought, 1957 only, but at a Grand National I was advised that some dealers offered them in 1955. You would be the guy to know! They must have been after market if truly offered in 1955. Thanks for clarifying. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: dochawk on September 26, 2022, 06:13:54 PM
Ohm, my eyes!
 ::)

https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/tucson-1973-super-sweet-big-boss/7530568454.html (https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/tucson-1973-super-sweet-big-boss/7530568454.html)

and an attempt to include one of the pictures:
(https://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_hqkhB0doG0wz_0gw0co_1200x900.jpg)
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 26, 2022, 09:00:45 PM
One thing about this one is that the person who made it did the right thing with the rear fenders and made it look like it should have been there.

But, as I say with all these things that get put onto cars, they should be made to actually work, and not be there for show.   I doubt that there is an actual tyre under the cover, as the dimentions don't look right.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 26, 2022, 10:06:33 PM
Agree. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: dochawk on September 27, 2022, 12:27:58 AM
in the case of this eldorado, though, it puts *so* much length behind the rear wheels, that it makes the porch look like a footrest pedal meant to rock the car back on the rear wheels, lifting the front drive wheels from the ground!
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on September 27, 2022, 09:13:47 AM
Gay and I rode to supper with a couple of Indiana Region Members on the way to the Des Moines GN. Their ride was a 1950 CDV with a continental kit. Our overnight stop was one of the Quad Cities that was quite hilly.

On one of the brick paved streets, going up a very steep hill, my friend had to really work at it to keep the rear end of the kit from dragging on the pavement. (Gay must have put on a pound or two...It couldn't have been me contributing to the drag.)

He also had to really hit the gas to get to the top. Also, the next morning on I-80 we were in heavy truck traffic and he was driving about 55 mph. And all I could see in my rear view mirror was all those large chromed bumpers of the 18 wheelers roaring up behind me.

We had walkie-talkies and I had Gay call them and tell them that our route at the next exit was to get off and we'd finish the trip on US 30 a few miles to the north. That was much more relaxing!
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 27, 2022, 10:06:45 PM
G'day Barry,

The Ground Clearance problem is another matter I take into account when making mine.

Plus, I have strengthened the tow bar on mine to act as a skid plate just in case I encounter the problem, but, thus far, never had it touch.   Further, the ALC keeps the rear up where it should be.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 28, 2022, 09:22:36 AM
Bruce, your mechanical acumen never ceases to amaze me. Ground clearance could be an issue with some of these units. Something to consider should I venture into building my own. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 09:30:55 AM
Quote from: Mike Josephic  CLC #3877 on September 25, 2022, 06:10:54 PMThe factory option for a continental kit was a one year
only and that was 1957.  All the others were aftermarket.

Mike

That is correct although it was offered as a dealer installed accessory only and not from the factory. Not certain how it conforms to the CLC judging guideline "as built" however.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 28, 2022, 01:58:00 PM
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 09:30:55 AMThat is correct although it was offered as a dealer installed accessory only and not from the factory. Not certain how it conforms to the CLC judging guideline "as built" however.

Good point. There were other accessories back then that look sort of "factory" that were actually dealer installed such as the Fog lights on my '56. I would think if the Judges knew that they were no longer there as installed by the dealer before the buyer took possession, and who since had them removed, I imagine that I would take a point deduction. Would the dealer be considered as the last link in the "build" chain prior to the buyer taking possession of the new vehicle. I would think so. But how would they know if a change since had taken place? Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 04:18:45 PM
Quote from: Lexi on September 28, 2022, 01:58:00 PMGood point. There were other accessories back then that look sort of "factory" that were actually dealer installed such as the Fog lights on my '56. I would think if the Judges knew that they were no longer there as installed by the dealer before the buyer took possession, and who since had them removed, I imagine that I would take a point deduction. Would the dealer be considered as the last link in the "build" chain prior to the buyer taking possession of the new vehicle. I would think so. But how would they know if a change since had taken place? Clay/Lexi

Would make a great question for the man in the red coat!  ;D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 28, 2022, 04:23:45 PM
I would have thought that the "as built" would end as soon as the vehicle physically left the selling dealers' floor, and the first owner took possession of it.

Any further bits fitted to the vehicle, would not be included in the "as built", unless they were on back-order at the time.

A bit like when cars left the Factory at the start of production at the cessation of hostilities in 1946 with parts that physically were not available to complete the build, but the cars had to be moved to facilitate room on the production line, and storeage.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 04:34:46 PM
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 28, 2022, 04:23:45 PMI would have thought that the "as built" would end as soon as the vehicle physically left the selling dealers' floor, and the first owner took possession of it.

Where you run into trouble with that is aftermarket items that were added at the dealership. These will receive authenticity deductions. This is the reason for the "as built" language.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on September 28, 2022, 05:12:44 PM
Eric brings up a very important point.  When judging,
"as built" does not include added items non-approved
by Cadillac.  This can be problematic (for the judge)
since the car's owner may have paperwork showing the
items on his invoice from the dealer.  However, it's
still an authenticity deduction unless you have
documentation showing "approved Cadillac accessory".

For example, the 1957 continental kit is listed in the Master
Parts List from Cadillac.  Showing a copy of this to the Judge
would prove its authenticity if there was any question.

There is a large Cadillac dealer here in Pittsburgh
that was well known for putting lots of glitzy add-ons
to his cars, especially in the 70's - 80's.  It is a
nice added profit for the dealership.

Mike

Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Quentin Hall on September 28, 2022, 05:34:55 PM
I have a love/hate relationship with them. Admittedly I built one for my first car a 57 Sedan de Ville when I was 21. It balanced out the short rear deck on the 57 Sedan.
I just landed the remains of a one off 53 Eldo and it has the drill holes in rear valance and trunk for a Continental kit and I have one spare... but I'm not sure about reinstalling one.
They were aftermarket, probably in conjunction with a dealer in the period.
Early 50s cars wear them better than later 50s. NEVER put one on a 59 or 60 is the golden rule.
Time will tell.
So to answer the original question ...
They are bolted on and holes were drilled so if it is removed you will need to address the holes in the trunk lid and rear valance.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 28, 2022, 07:05:45 PM
QuoteEarly 50s cars wear them better than later 50s. NEVER put one on a 59 or 60 is the golden rule.

I agree.   Fitting a full-sized spart to the back of a post '58 car is a definite no-no, as the tyres are way too large, and therefore really hinder rearward vision.   This is why I went for the Space-saver.   The perfect unit to retain the flowing lines.

Bruce. >:D 
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 28, 2022, 07:14:41 PM
Quote from: Lexi on September 28, 2022, 09:22:36 AMBruce, your mechanical acumen never ceases to amaze me. Ground clearance could be an issue with some of these units. Something to consider should I venture into building my own. Clay/Lexi
Thanks Clay.

When I design things, I try to take everything into account so that the end product looks like it was supposed to be there.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:47 PM
Quote from: Mike Josephic  CLC #3877 on September 28, 2022, 05:12:44 PMWhen judging, "as built" does not include added items non-approved
by Cadillac.  This can be problematic (for the judge)
since the car's owner may have paperwork showing the
items on his invoice from the dealer.  However, it's
still an authenticity deduction unless you have
documentation showing "approved Cadillac accessory".

I agree. Factory authorized accessories appearing in the MPL shouldn't receive a deduction.
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: dochawk on September 28, 2022, 10:01:22 PM
Quote from: Quentin Hall on September 28, 2022, 05:34:55 PMNEVER put one on a 59 or 60 is the golden rule.

One of the biggest cloud pleasers in our region is a pink '59 with a continental kit.  [yeah, I know at least two reasons that makes it inauthetnic!]

He gets regular requests to bring it to other shows.

When he had his prior house built, they had to deviate from the standard plan so that "Big Pink" could fit in the garage . . .
Title: Re: Caddy continental kit
Post by: Lexi on September 28, 2022, 10:42:03 PM
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:47 PMI agree. Factory authorized accessories appearing in the MPL shouldn't receive a deduction.

Agreed. Clay/Lexi