Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Joe Barlow on February 12, 2021, 09:55:02 AM

Title: LOOKING AT A 53 CADILLAC 2D HT. TOMORROW ANY HELP APPRECIATED
Post by: Joe Barlow on February 12, 2021, 09:55:02 AM
JUST ASKING GROUP ABOUT WHAT TO LOOK FOR GOOD AND BAD ON THAT MODEL. WHAT IS AVAILABLE AND WHAT ISN'T
Title: Re: LOOKING AT A 53 CADILLAC 2D HT. TOMORROW ANY HELP APPRECIATED
Post by: signart on February 12, 2021, 10:55:16 AM
No particular weak points about this model. All depends if it has been sitting or driven regularly, as is true with any classic automobile. One sitting for years, makes all the mechanicals suspect for replacement or maintenance, i.e. seals, gaskets, brakes, transmission, exhaust, tires, fluids, on and on.
One driven periodically, would be more likely to have had at least some maintenance and exercise of the mechanical components.
No particular rust problems except possibly on power window models with leaking hydraulic oil (brake fluid) depending on environment and storage. If it's been on salted roads, or stored in wet climate, expect rust anywhere on any car.
Engine and trans are solid when maintained properly with good mileage and power for the day. First year for 12 volt system which is a plus. Factory duals, 4 barrel carb. ++ Also, arguably the best looking Cadillac ever made since it was manufactured the same year I was! ;D

Give a report and PHOTOS of what you find and you'll be sure to have it booger picked here. ::)
Good Luck
Title: Re: LOOKING AT A 53 CADILLAC 2D HT. TOMORROW ANY HELP APPRECIATED
Post by: G Pennington on February 12, 2021, 11:11:40 AM
Rust problems:
Chrome pieces ("boomerangs") above fog lights frequently rusted out and replacements hard to find.
Fog light housings frequently rusted out (look inside front fender wheel wells).  Rear fenders typically rust out just in front of wheel wells.  Rear bumper ends (exhaust ports) rust thru.
Hydro-electric system (power windows) is problematic.  Hydraulic lines under the carpet leak, window cylinders & hoses leak; if original, system uses brake fluid which eats paint.
Some '53s were produced with a Buick Dynaflow trans due to the fire at the Hydramatic plant, problematic IMO.
BUT, '53 is a great year despite all this, first year for 12v, will have power steering, 4-barrel, dual exhaust, etc.  331 V8 is a great engine; parts available.
Title: Re: LOOKING AT A 53 CADILLAC 2D HT. TOMORROW ANY HELP APPRECIATED
Post by: Harley Earl on February 12, 2021, 11:42:59 AM
What everyone says above.  Rust cannot be overemphasized enough.  Bring a magnet and a paint meter.  You can't affordably undo a swiss cheese body and frame.  Crawl underneath it with a BRIGHT light and look everywhere.  Compression test it if you can. 

Also consider Modifications that are either difficult or impossible to undo, for instance, a small block chevy transplant...