How to install factory Cruise Control on '78 Seville

[david.randall]

All,

I bought a '78 Seville from a neighbour who can't drive anymore, and realized it doesn't have cruise control! I didn't think Caddy's came without cruise. I have access to three parts-car Sevilles with cruise; are there any tricks I need to know to get one or parts of all three systems into my Seville?

Thanks,


David

[76eldo]

I think it may be a complicated process, and you may have to remove the wiring harness under the hood, and replace it with one from the parts car with all of the underhood components.  Might not be very easy.

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

I think part of the 78+ system involves an optical pick up in the speedo head itself in the dash. Not sure if its something that is plug in or if the whole cluster would have to be changed.   There is also a module and the switch(s).

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

David, the first thing to do is buy a shop manual for the car. The cruise trouble shooting & repair portion will help a lot. Bob

[76eldo]

If you are doing a lot of highway driving with the car, and want to install this for function, there are aftermarket kits that would be easier to install.  I put one in a1968  Buick Skylark I had back in the 80's, so I assume the kits are still available.  From what I remember, it wasn't that hard.

If you are wanting to install the cruise to upgrade the value of the car, I wouldn't bother because it sounds like a lot of work, not a simple plug and play.

If you remove the complete system and all associated parts and wiring from the donor car and save it all, that's a good idea, but like Bob Hoffman stated, get the manua first so you can see what the complete system includes and what would be involved.

Brianl

[david.randall]

I want the cruise control for function, but I want to keep the car reasonably stock. This car is in lovely shape, but is a but of a 'stripper' except for leather, ride height control, and limited slip. Since there is zero rust on this car (I came from Ontario rust belt where no-rust simply wasn't an option), and my Mother who is quitting driving loves it (reminds her of driving with my Father), so I want to install some options I like.

I'm in no rush for this, and am going to strip the parts cars of many parts to complete this project. It'll be done sometime I'm looking at Ebay for factory manuals.

Thanks for the help,


David

[TJ Hopland]

78 was one of the supplement years.  Good thing is the supplement usually is what contains the electrical and accessory stuff since thats what tended to change year to year.  The supplement tells you when to refer to the 77 manual.  The 78's are a dark blue cover with silver writing top to bottom, cad crest, 1978, cadillac script, SERVICE MANUAL, supplement.    There were also preliminary manuals but they dont have as much info in them or the color pullout diagrams.  They cover is the same but says preliminary instead of supplement.   If you want/have to the full 77 manual is a white cover with a light blue border. I dont remember what color the writing was but its about 2+ inches thick.  I cant seem to find mine at the moment to give more details.

[35-709]

I have installed at least 2 dozen cruise control units in various cars from Cadillacs to VW Rabbits over the years, mostly the units I used were made by DANA Corp. (sold by Sears, NAPA, JC Whitney, etc.) and are now made, I believe, by ROSTRA.  They work well and are relatively simple to install, they can easily be removed if wanted.  All that is seen on the interior of the car is the control unit that mounts to the directional signal stalk or it can be mounted separately.

I think installing an original unit in that particular car would be a masochistic exercise.
 

[David #19063]

I agree with Geoff.

An aftermarket CC would not significantly lower the car's value...nor would installing a factory correct one significantly increase the car's value.

Go with the least expensive and painless of the two paths.

[david.randall]

I will look into the aftermarket unit (it may even work better), though I'm still going to research installing the stock setup.

I need cruise because I just keep going faster and faster if I don't have it; I don't moderate the right foot well on the highway....

Thanks,


David

[David #19063]

I need cruise because I just keep going faster and faster if I don't have it; I don't moderate the right foot well on the highway....

David

LOL!

Many of us have that issue as well.