Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Guido on October 16, 2021, 08:06:08 PM

Title: 1976 Eldorado Convertible
Post by: Guido on October 16, 2021, 08:06:08 PM
Hi,
I'm the proud new owner of a 1976 Eldorado Convertible. I would like to start on the interior door panels and door seals. Any information about where to buy restoration or original parts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Richard
Title: Re: 1976 Eldorado Convertible
Post by: TJ Hopland on October 16, 2021, 08:57:16 PM
Seals Steele Rubber Products.   

I believe the lower door panels are being reproduced but only in a black ABS plastic so not the same as the originals and they need to be properly painted which isn't as easy as power coating metal.

Door panels were the same fit wise on all the 2 door cars over several years so you don't have to look for 76 Eldo specifically but they are all pushing 50 years old so you don't want to end up paying a lot for something that is as fragile as what you have now. 
Title: Re: 1976 Eldorado Convertible
Post by: Big Fins on October 17, 2021, 02:36:08 AM
The mid/lower sections can be recovered if you can put up with a seam on the arm rest. No one that I know of can do the vacuum shrink fitting like the factory did it. Whoever got all of that old tooling and machines could make a fortune.

TJ is correct, they are being repopped. SEM makes a great interior paint/dye, formulated especially for interior vinyl, cloth, leather and plastic.
Title: Re: 1976 Eldorado Convertible
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on October 17, 2021, 03:11:06 AM
If I'm right, Just Dashes is reproducing them with the same process as the original ones.
Title: Re: 1976 Eldorado Convertible
Post by: dennisspeaks on October 17, 2021, 08:34:53 AM
Guildo,

What color is the 76 that you picked up?  As TJ said several years fit.  I am buying two parts cars that have been sitting in a barn since the late 90's.  If memory serves me correct all door panels are pristine, just the mice had a party on the seats and carpet.  There is a yellow 78 Biarritz and a browning/gold 77 Biarritz.

The other challenge is I don't know how fragile they are because of their age and just sitting in a barn for that long.  Maybe someone else can chime in.

Congrats on your 76 convertible, that is what I am looking for.