Author Topic: Goodbye Old Friend.... (Read 2895 times)

Caddyjack · « **on:** November 04, 2012, 03:16:11 PM »

Well, a dump truck almost killed me. Thank God for the aircraft-carrier sized front end of this beast. Airbags? Who needs 'em when you have as much protection as this. Now, it's on to another classic Cadillac. I like the '76 Eldorados, so maybe I'll find another one soon.

R Schroeder · « **Reply #1 on:** November 04, 2012, 04:02:38 PM »

Wow, I'm glad your OK. That is some hit. Good thing you weren't in a small car.
Roy

62droptop · « **Reply #2 on:** November 04, 2012, 04:05:51 PM »

glad you were able to walk away from that one

cars can always be fixed or relpaced unllike people

now a good parts car for your next one

76eldo · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2012, 04:22:07 PM »

Jack,

I'm so sorry to see that mangled mess. Glad you are OK. Such a shame.

I might have a few leads on cars for you when you are ready. I am in your area, in Huntingdon Valley, PA.

Brian

Caddyjack · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2012, 05:07:15 PM »

Thanks, guys. It was horrendous. I was slammed into by a dump truck that ran a light while I was doing 45mph. I did suffer some severe cuts to my chin and lower lip, thanks to the lack of a shoulder harness and that steel steering wheel wrapped in plastic. Had to spend a few hours in the hospital, but no overnight stay. Ouch. But, I made it, could have been killed....now, time to move on.

Brian....that's awesome to hear. I really hope to get another one of these. They are special, as you know, being an owner as well.

The Tassie Devil(le) · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2012, 05:24:31 PM »

Hi Jack,

Boy, you are one lucky fella.

Sorry to see the car in such a way, but at least you were wearing your seat belt, which stopped you from receiving worse injuries.

Bruce.

C.R. Patton II · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2012, 06:19:20 PM »

Hello Jack

Wonderful that you were able to walk away.

How about moving up to a better vehicle....a LaSalle?

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2012, 06:31:31 PM »

...or a nice black car? lol!

Kidding aside, you were very fortunate and I'm extremely glad for you it wasn't worse.

Now for the poor Caddy's last rites: Ashes to ashes, rust to rust...

waterzap · « **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2012, 01:58:35 PM »

40 years after car was designed, it behaved exactly as it should in a crash. Absorbing the impact and saving the driver. 45mph is a LOT of energy that has to be dissipated.
I don't think they even thought that car would still be around when they built it. Pretty good.

Walter Youshock · « **Reply #9 on:** November 05, 2012, 02:47:58 PM »

That's a miracle. You are very fortunate. That is one of my biggest fears of driving the old cars.

What a shame about the car but, thankfully, YOU are ok.

Gene Beaird · « **Reply #10 on:** November 05, 2012, 02:52:02 PM »

I feel your pain.

We're considering another daily driver for my wife. I've been considering putting together some solid early-to-mid 70's car for her. Big car, nice performance, power windows and A/C that's dependable would be perfect for her needs. Then I see things like this, and am reminded that I'd probably have to kill someone if they wrecked the car. Some days I can deal with it, other days, I think about how rare these cars are getting.

Running a stop light is inexcusable. I'm sure the guy had no license and no insurance. At least that's the way it goes around here.

C.R. Patton II · « **Reply #11 on:** November 05, 2012, 08:20:02 PM »

Hello Gene

Fantastic to hear that you are considering purchasing another Cadillac. The seventies automobiles were strong, highly optioned, durable vehicles evidenced by the photograph above.

Correct me if I am wrong but the tenor of your post indicated that you would do great harm to the culprit of the destruction of your car, but no mention of concern about your spouse?

I thought only LaSalle owners felt that way.

Gene Beaird · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2012, 10:06:03 AM »

Since it would be her DD, _she'd_ probably be doing the damage to the other driver!!!

No, we're best friends. If she was hurt, I'd be devastated. Luckily, she's a pretty safe driver, and kind of a gearhead, like me.

Caddyjack · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2012, 03:18:45 PM »

Such kind and positive replies! Thanks, everyone. I have decided I am not patient enough for the insurance check, and went ahead and took a leap of faith on another '76 Eldorado convertible. I'll give you some details in the coming days, for those who are interested. I guess I'm addicted. This must mean I'll have to become a full-fledged member.

Jack Larson
Devon, PA

76eldo · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2012, 03:30:23 PM »

Jack,

A wise move. Out of all the cars I own, and have owned, my black 76 Eldorado convertible is my favorite car. It runs great, but if it ever need some engine work I would do a custom rebuild with all of the 1970 (400 HP) internals which would give the car a lot more power.

Other than that, when I am driving this car, top down, 8 track groovin', I am a happy man.

Keep in touch.

Brian

waterzap · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2012, 04:14:42 PM »

Just curious. How much ballpark would a rebuild to 400hp be about?

76eldo · « **Reply #16 on:** November 06, 2012, 05:34:04 PM »

Ballpark, about $4000.00 to do the bottom end totally, plus finding the right cam and heads. About...

The modified chapter guys would know for sure.

My car runs like a Rolex and you can't feel it idle, so I don't see this happening anytime soon, but you never know.

You could drop a 500 directly into a 1980 with the 368 too...

Brian

Gene Beaird · « **Reply #17 on:** November 07, 2012, 08:36:30 AM »

Quote from: waterzap on November 06, 2012, 04:14:42 PM

Just curious. How much ballpark would a rebuild to 400hp be about?

A 68-70 472 with a mild cam should get you there easily. Mild head port, intake and headers, with a decent exhaust should get you closer to 400 HP at the wheels. That's about 1 hp/cu. in. at the flywheel. W0ot!

joecaristo · « **Reply #18 on:** November 07, 2012, 09:43:43 AM »

Jack,
Glad to hear that the long hood protected you. As a 76 Eldo owner myself thats good to know.
I guess new cars really need all those airbags because there're made of plastic and are designed to fall apart. If your considering parting out that car let me know. The car could live on in others.
Stay safe and healthy,
Joe

caddyfinatic · « **Reply #19 on:** November 07, 2012, 10:39:13 AM »

glad you are well...sad to see a Cadillac die such a tragic death but as a parts donor it will help others live on and it passed with honor giving all it had to protect its owner..you should play taps..no Nissan or other modern jap/crap would do that..

Author Topic: Goodbye Old Friend.... (Read 2895 times)

R Schroeder

62droptop