1949 Cadillac Sedan deVille

[waterzap]

http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/4519282857.html

Can anyone tell me anything about these cars? Is that price reasonable?
How easy / difficult is it to get parts? Like the lights in the back? Does that engine look original (ish)?

Friend of mine was looking at this car. I personally like the 60's and some 70's cars, but he likes the 30's and 40's stuff. All good.

[Caddy Wizard]

1949 S62 sedans are very good cars.  That particular one is a tough task, though.  First of all, someone put a Chevy small block engine in it, I think.  Trying to make it original again will be a tall order.  Secondly, the car has a Hydro-Electric system to power the windows and seat.  The H-E power system is trouble to get working and leak-free.  Most potential buyers will shy away from a sedan with that system.  It was standard on the convertibles, coupe de villes, and Fleetwoods.  But it was a rare option on the S62 sedans.


There are better values out there in a 49 62 sedan if you are so inclined.

[Jay Friedman]

Stay away from this car, as it will need lots of work to normalize it, particularly getting rid of the Chev engine.  Also, one of the fog lamps is missing and there are no hub caps.  $3900 is a very low price, so there must be something wrong with it that is not mentioned.  You'd probably have to spend 2 or 3 times that amount, but in return you'd get a good '49 Sedan with its original overhead valve V8 engine and, as Art Gardner mentioned, with crank up windows which are trouble-free.  The Series 62 4-door was the most common body style that year, so there are many good ones that come up for sale.  And I disagree with 49er (the other Art), in that aside from some of the chrome side trim, most '49 Cadillac parts are readily available.

[waterzap]

Thanks guys. I will pass on the comments