1969 Eldorado W/Hide-A-Way Lights

[Forgiven1989]

I saw this 69 Eldorado that someone added the Hide-A-Way lights from a 68.  Notice the lower grill is still 1969?

[Davidinhartford]

That belongs to one of the guys here on this board.   He had a thread going about the install a short while back.

[Forgiven1989]

It must of taken a lot of work to do it right.

[Rob Troxel]

This guy is very talented as he also retro fitted the fender mounted turn signal indicators and 68 Hubcaps too! All in addition to the hiding headlights!

[Louis Smith]

So now he has a "modified" Cadillac.........just sayin.

[Rob Troxel]

So now he has a "modified" Cadillac.........just sayin.

Not in my mind at all.  The 69 Eldorado was discontented (made cheaper) and this guy merely returned the great features to the car as it was designed to be.

[Louis Smith]

Not in my mind at all.  The 69 Eldorado was discontented (made cheaper) and this guy merely returned the great features to the car as it was designed to be.

"All in the mind of the beholder".  If you think the hideaway lights was a great feature, so be it.  I will have to take you to task when you state "as it was designed to be".  That is a judgement call on the designers and those powers to be that approve designs.  Obviously, for whatever reason, and I don't think it was because it was cheaper, the designers thought the elimination of hideaway lights was a improvement. 

For those keeping score, this modification/change will cost the owner many points in judging.  Just for the record, I have always been a strong opponent of judging.  I believe the car belongs to the owner, not the CLC or any other car club, and they have the right to do whatever they want with their car.

[dirtycustom40]

Hideaways bolted right in.No drilling at all.The only modification was to move the coolant overflow behind the radiator support to make room for the vacuum tank.Took about 2 hours to install.I havent found a good lower grille but havent been looking that hard.Im not a car show type of person.This is the only car i have and its just a car to me,its what i prefer to drive.I dont drive it much as i ride all year round but when i do drive it its usually a 1200 mile round trip at minimum.Chicago last october,california last december,texas last week,phoenix in another month.I drive the snot out of my cars.These just dont look right without hideaways and fender mounted turn signals.The 67-68 caps are much nicer looking as well.I do prefer the 68 interior and would swap it out if i ever came across a good parts car.Every car i have ever owned i put together with what i liked and needed it to have and deleted what i didnt.

[Louis Smith]

Hideaways bolted right in.No drilling at all.The only modification was to move the coolant overflow behind the radiator support to make room for the vacuum tank.Took about 2 hours to install.I havent found a good lower grille but havent been looking that hard.Im not a car show type of person.This is the only car i have and its just a car to me,its what i prefer to drive.I dont drive it much as i ride all year round but when i do drive it its usually a 1200 mile round trip at minimum.Chicago last october,california last december,texas last week,phoenix in another month.I drive the snot out of my cars.These just dont look right without hideaways and fender mounted turn signals.The 67-68 caps are much nicer looking as well.I do prefer the 68 interior and would swap it out if i ever came across a good parts car.Every car i have ever owned i put together with what i liked and needed it to have and deleted what i didnt.

You don't consider replacing the stationary lights with the hide away lights a modification?

Just for the record, I am in your camp.  It is your car and you most certainly are entitled to do with it whatever way you see fit and pleases you.  It's very refreshing to hear from someone that considers their car, "just a car".  I would imagine that you get more pleasure from your car, then those that consider their cars their own personal "Holy Grails".

[dirtycustom40]

To me that was kinda like topping off the gas tank.This is more along the lines of what i would consider modifications.1940 ford standard coupe,36 chevy fade away fenders fenders one from a car and one from a truck.There is a slight difference as i found out.1936 chevy headlights slightly sectioned and sunk in,home made running boards,1936 olds or buick grille i cant remember which,39 ford doors cause i dont like wing windows,wipers over windshield cause it looks cool,hood make was long forgotten but it was an old butterfly hood,bumpers unknown,vintage foxcroft skirts,cut 60 chevy steering wheel,van 3rd seat,floor raised 4 inches,home depot and wal mart interior,vintage stewart warner gauges for the most part,160 mph speedo and this car was up over 130mph on a couple occasions in the mojave desert,all front steering stock dropped 2 inches with the exception of tie rod ends which i updated to ford11/16 diameter and 3/8 wall rods,40 lincoln front brakes,68 impala manual master cylinder cause im a thrill seeker,boxed x member original 40 ford frame,1970s 350 chevy basically stock with a qjet,msd ignition and 6a box,bpoc trans that was from a caddy if i remember right,olds omega rear end with a 3:08 gear,stationary airbags to keep it low and level,4 link rear suspension,32 gallon fuel cell because gas stations are few and far between out in the desert,mojave heater for cold days,oval rear window cause that center post drove me nuts,vintage olds fiesta hubcaps,home made shifter that only went back as far as drive,i had no use for the other 2,haedliner was from a early 90s crown vic and was trimmed till it fit perfect,overhead console,6 speakers amp and stereo,eddie cochran and carl perkins never sounded better,68cadillac rear window de-fogger,a wwII era bank and turn indicator in overhead console,dick dale autographed clove box,11 cans of webber bbq grille paint for the finish.Very durable as well as flame retardent to a point.Just under 21 mpg if i stayed under 80 mph.I drove this car ALL over the midwest, south west and west coast for years.This was the only car i had.It was barely a shell when i got it.I threw it together with what i had layin around i could make work.It horrified and offended most people till these kind of cars became the in thing.Ive had several eldorados and always wanted just one more so i passed the ford along to someone else to enjoy and fortunately the new owner is driving it just like i did.I do enjoy the eldorado alot and so does my wife cause now she can take twice as much crap on a trip.

[dirtycustom40]

More pics

[Rob Troxel]

The hidden headlights were the original intention of the 67 Eldorado design team and the 68 went one step further with a longer hood and hidden wipers. The front end is so clean and unmistakably "Cadillac"! The 69 GM bean counters took many things away (Hidden H/Ls. outside fender mounted turn indicators, and the cooler 67-68 hubcaps)  and the resultant 69 Eldorado always looked like a 68 with stuff missing or something not working since the headlights were showing! Thanks for bringing a 69 Eldorado back to it's roots. I know you had to find lots of parts to make it happen.  I am still impressed with how much you use your car!  Also agree with you on the interior.  They jacked up the dash making it a corporate look alike to the sedan and also did the same for the interior, removing the strato bucket seat backs.  Not sure if they took away the bucket seat option in 69 too.

[Louis Smith]

The hidden headlights were the original intention of the 67 Eldorado design team and the 68 went one step further with a longer hood and hidden wipers. The front end is so clean and unmistakably "Cadillac"! The 69 GM bean counters took many things away (Hidden H/Ls. outside fender mounted turn indicators, and the cooler 67-68 hubcaps)  and the resultant 69 Eldorado always looked like a 68 with stuff missing or something not working since the headlights were showing! Thanks for bringing a 69 Eldorado back to it's roots. I know you had to find lots of parts to make it happen.  I am still impressed with how much you use your car!  Also agree with you on the interior.  They jacked up the dash making it a corporate look alike to the sedan and also did the same for the interior, removing the strato bucket seat backs.  Not sure if they took away the bucket seat option in 69 too.

I believe the hidden wipers first appeared on 1967 Pontiacs along with hidden antennas, that were embedded in the windshield.  The GTO's had hidden headlights in 1967 and 1968.

[dirtycustom40]

We have a fairly nice late 60s charger in the shop right now with hideaways and there are a couple early rivieras around town with them also.The rivs are 2 different years and have differnnt style hideaways.They really look nice on the rivs.we also had a black hemi powered charger with them also a couple weeks back.It was a 65 i think but could be wrong.It was the marlin style body.I honestly dont look at much that comes in the shop but a few still get my attention.

[Rob Troxel]

There were lots of hidden headlights on cars in the 60s.  In execution, the 67-68 Eldorado's, the 65- 66-67 Riviera's, along with the 67 Grand Prix seemed to be the most pleasing to the eye. 68 Charger was also a winner!  I have had the good fortune to own both a 67 Riviera GS and the 68 Eldorado.  Always wanted a 67 GP  Convt and a 65 Riv GS.  Still look for them on E Bay as a tire kicker.

[Louis Smith]

There were lots of hidden headlights on cars in the 60s.  In execution, the 67-68 Eldorado's, the 65- 66-67 Riviera's, along with the 67 Grand Prix seemed to be the most pleasing to the eye. 68 Charger was also a winner!  I have had the good fortune to own both a 67 Riviera GS and the 68 Eldorado.  Always wanted a 67 GP  Convt and a 65 Riv GS.  Still look for them on E Bay as a tire kicker.

List of cars with hidden or pop-up headlights

    Acura/Honda Integra, 1986â€"1989
    Acura/Honda NSX, 1990â€"2001
    Alfa Romeo Montreal, 1970â€"1977
    Alpine A610, 1991â€"1995
    Alpine GTA, 1987 (U.S. spec)
    AMC AMX/3, 1970 (concept car)
    Aston Martin Lagonda, 1976â€"1989
    Aston Martin Vantage Zagato Volante, 1986â€"1989
    Aston Martin Bulldog, 1980 (concept car)
    Asüna Sunfire, 1993
    Bitter CD & SC, 1973â€"1979
    Bricklin SV-1, 1974â€"1976
    BMW 8 Series, 1989â€"1999
    BMW GINA, 2008 (concept car)
    BMW M1, 1978â€"1981
    Buick Reatta, 1988â€"1991
    Buick Riviera, 1965â€"1969
    Buick SkyHawk, 1986â€"1989
    Buick Y-Job, 1938 (concept car)
    Cadillac Eldorado, 1967â€"1968
    Chevrolet Camaro, 1967â€"1969 (optional)
    Chevrolet Caprice, 1968â€"1969 (optional and very rare)
    Chevrolet Corvette, 1963â€"2004
    Chrysler 300, 1968â€"1971
    Chrysler Imperial, 1969â€"1993
    Chrysler LeBaron, 1987â€"1992 (coupe & convertible only)
    Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue, 1990â€"1993
    Chrysler New Yorker, 1976â€"1981 and 1988â€"1993
    Cizeta-Moroder V16T, 1991â€"2003
    Cord 810, 1936â€"1937
    DeSoto, 1942
    De Tomaso Mangusta, 1970â€"1971 (US-spec)
    De Tomaso Pantera, 1971â€"1974
    De Tomaso Guarà, 1993â€"2004
    Dodge Charger, 1966â€"1970, (optional in 1971 & 1972)
    Dodge Charger Daytona, 1969â€"1970
    Dodge Daytona, 1987â€"1991
    Dodge Magnum, 1978â€"1979 (clear covers)
    Dodge Monaco, 1972â€"1973
    Dodge Royal Monaco, 1976â€"1978
    Dodge Stealth, 1991â€"1993
    Dodge St. Regis, 1979â€"1981 (clear covers)
    Dome Zero, 1976-1986 (concept car)
    Eagle Talon, 1990â€"1991
    Ferrari 288 GTO, 1984â€"1985
    Ferrari 308 GTB, 1975â€"1984
    Ferrari 328, 1985â€"1989
    Ferrari 348, 1989â€"1995
    Ferrari 365 California Spyder, 1966â€"1967
    Ferrari F355, 1994â€"1999
    Ferrari F40, 1987â€"1992
    Ferrari 400/412, 1976â€"1989
    Ferrari 456/456M, 1992â€"2003
    Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, 1973â€"1984
    Ferrari 365 GTB/4 & GTS/4 "Daytona", 365 GTC/4, 365 GT4 2+2, 1970â€"1976
    Ferrari GT4, 1974â€"1980
    Ferrari Mondial, 1980â€"1995
    Ferrari Testarossa, 512TR, 1984â€"1994
    Fiat X1/9, 1973â€"1988 (also called Bertone X1/9 in the USA)
    Ford Galaxie 500 XL, 1968â€"1970
    Ford LTD (Americas), 1968â€"1970 ;Landau, 1975â€"1978 (including Ford Country Squire wagon)
    Ford LTD (Australia), 1973â€"1976
    Ford Probe, 1989â€"1997
    Ford Ranchero, 1970-1971 (GT only)
    Ford Thunderbird, 1967â€"1969 and 1977â€"1982
    Ford Torino Brougham, Cobra, GT 1970-1971
    Geo Storm, 1990â€"1991
    Ginetta Dare DZ, 1998
    Honda Accord, 1986â€"1989
    Honda Ballade, 1984â€"1987
    Honda Integra, 1986â€"1989
    Honda NSX; 1990â€"2001
    Honda Prelude, 1983â€"1991
    Honda Vigor, 1986â€"1989
    Imperial, 1969â€"1975 and 1981â€"1983
    Iso Lele, 1969â€"1974
    Iso Grifo, 1965â€"1974
    Isuzu Piazza, 1981â€"1987 (also Isuzu Impulse, Holden Piazza)
    Jaguar XJ220, 1992â€"1994
    Lamborghini Athon, 1980 (concept car)
    Lamborghini Bravo, 1974 (concept car)
    Lamborghini Countach, 1974â€"1990
    Lamborghini Diablo, 1990â€"1998
    Lamborghini Islero, 1968â€"1969
    Lamborghini Jalpa, 1981â€"1988
    Lamborghini Jarama, 1970â€"1976
    Lamborghini Urraco, 1973â€"1979
    Lamborghini Marco Polo, 1982 (concept car)
    Lamborghini Miura, 1966â€"1973
    Lamborghini Silhouette, 1976â€"1979

   

    Lancia Montecarlo, 1975â€"1979 (for Scorpion, North-American version)
    Lancia Stratos, 1972â€"1973
    Lincoln Continental, 1970â€"1979
    Lincoln Mark series, 1968â€"1983
    Lister Storm, 1993â€"1999
    Lotus Eclat, 1974â€"1982
    Lotus Elan, 1962â€"1973 +2 model, 1967â€"1975
    Lotus Elan M100 1989â€"1995
    Lotus Elite, 1974â€"1982
    Lotus Esprit, 1976â€"2004
    Lotus Excel, 1982â€"1992
    Manta Mirage, 1974â€"1986
    Maserati Bora, 1971â€"1980
    Maserati Ghibli, 1966â€"1973
    Maserati Indy, 1969â€"1974
    Maserati Khamsin, 1974â€"1982
    Maserati Merak, 1972â€"1982
    Matra Bagheera, 1973-1980
    Matra Murena, 1980-1984
    Mazda 929 (some models)
    Mazda AZ-550 Sports Type A, 1989 (concept version)
    Mazda Familia Astina, 1989â€"1994
    Mazda MX-5 Miata, 1989â€"1997
    Mazda RX-7, 1978â€"2002
    Mercury Cougar, 1967â€"1970
    Mercury Capri, 1991â€"1994 (Third Generation)
    Mercury Marauder, 1969â€"1970
    Mercury Marquis, 1969â€"1978
    Mercury Montego, 1970-1971 (some models)
    Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT, 1991â€"1993
    Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1990â€"1991
    Mitsubishi Starion, 1982â€"1990 (also Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Conquest, captive imports)
    Monica 560, 1973â€"1974
    MTX Tatra V8, 1991
    Nissan Silvia/200SX(S12), 1983â€"1989
    Nissan 180SX/200SX/240SX(S13), 1989â€"1994 [also 1996â€"1998 (Kouki) 180SX]
    Nissan 300ZX, (Z31), 1984â€"1989
    Nissan Pulsar/N12 NX/N13 NX/N13 EXA, 1983â€"1990
    Oldsmobile Toronado, 1966â€"1969 and 1986â€"1992
    Opel GT, 1968â€"1973
    Panther Solo, 1989â€"1990
    Plymouth Fury, 1970â€"1971 (Gran Coupe & Sport Fury, Sport Suburban wagon for 1971)
    Plymouth Fury III, 1972 (optional)
    Plymouth Laser, 1990â€"1991
    Plymouth Superbird, 1970
    Pontiac Fiero, 1984â€"1988
    Pontiac Firebird, 1982â€"2002
    Pontiac Grand Prix, 1967â€"1968
    Pontiac GTO, 1968â€"1969
    Pontiac Sunbird SE/GT 1986â€"1993
    Porsche 911 Turbo SE 'Slantnose', 1985â€"1989, 964 Turbo S 'Flatnose', 1994
    Porsche 914, 1969â€"1976
    Porsche 924, 1976â€"1988
    Porsche 928, 1978â€"1995
    Porsche 944, 1982â€"1991
    Porsche 968, 1991â€"1994
    Quantum Sports Cars 2+2, 1993â€"
    Reliant Scimitar SS1, 1984â€"1990
    Reliant Scimitar SST, 1990
    Reliant Scimitar Sabre, 1990â€"1993
    Saab Sonett III, 1970â€"1974
    Saturn SC2, 1991â€"1996
    Subaru XT 1985â€"1991
    Å koda 1100 GT, 1970
    Toyota 2000GT, 1967â€"1970
    Toyota Celica, 1984â€"1993
    Toyota Corolla, 1983â€"1991 (some versions)
    Toyota MR2, 1984â€"1999
    Toyota Sprinter Trueno, 1983â€"1992
    Toyota Supra, 1982â€"1992
    Toyota Tercel, 1982â€"1988 (also known as Corolla II and Sprinter Carib)
    Triumph TR7/TR8, 1975â€"1982
    TVR 350i, 350SX, 1983â€"1989
    TVR 350SE, 1990â€"1991
    TVR 390SE, 420SE, 1984â€"1989
    TVR 400SE, 400SX, 430SE, 450SE, 1988â€"1991
    TVR 420 SEAC, 1986â€"1988
    TVR 450 SEAC, 1988â€"1989
    TVR Tasmin, 280i, Tasmin 200, 1980â€"1988
    Venturi 400 GT
    Venturi Atlantique, 1987â€"1999 [1]
    Venturi Coupe
    Venturi MVS
    Venturi Transcup
    Volvo 480, 1986â€"1995
    Vector M12, 1995â€"1999
    Vector W8, 1989â€"1993
    Vector WX-3, 1993
    Zimmer Quicksilver, 1986â€"1990

[Shorty64cad]

Not just the Ford LTD in Australia.  Also the Ford Landau (1973 - 1976).  A two door fastback version of the LTD.  I'm sorry I sold it.  If I won Lotto, I'd go right out and buy another one.

[dirtycustom40]

This confirms my belief that hideaways should be a law.I had no idea that many cars used them.