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Just bought my first 1976 Cadillac Eldorado

Started by LenInLA, December 11, 2015, 04:10:16 AM

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LenInLA

Finally pulled the trigger (after what seemed like a forever 6 week search).  Bought a cheap 76 Eldorado Convertible on Ebay. Paid $6700.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/131672150216

Brian Rachlin has already pointed out some defects (the top, for example).  I need to replace at least one door panel and fix the door trim.  Any pointers here?  Should I take the car to a trim shop (need to find one in LA) or try to find an upper replacement panel?  Also one hubcap is missing; but I found a couple on ebay already.

Last Cadillac I drove was a 1982 Seville, which was in perfect condition when I got it; and I didn't have to do to anything.  I don't expect this guy to be as accommodating.

So - I would appreciate an advice on what to look for; what to get fixed first; what usually can wait.  I do plan to take the car to a mechanic as soon as I get it.

What's your opinion: how important is it to have a mechanic used to dealing with Cadillacs?

Exciting to be joining the club - as a Cadillac owner, not just a wannabe owner!

chrisntam

Congratulations on the acquisition!  Looks great!

If it were me, I look at all the safety related items first.  Brakes, tires, lights, seat belts, etc.  Then look at dependability type things like engine (oil change, coolant flush, trans service), hoses, belts, charging system, cv boots.  Then on to the cosmetics.  While doing the first two items, be on the lookout for items needed to make it look better.  You can drive a car that's not great cosmetically, but can't drive one if it doesn't stop or run dependably.

And welcome back to being a Cadillac owner.

Oh, I suggest you look to Rock Auto online for all you maintenance related items.  Also look on the internet for the 5% discount code, they are readily available.

chris.
1970 Deville Convertible 
Dallas, Texas

76eldo

The upper door panels are easily removed and can be upholstered in a white vinyl. The puckered effect with the gathered corners cannot be duplicated but a good trim shop can do these easily. Taking the upper panel off is done by removing the visible screw on the metal trim at the bottom of the upper and the trim piece will slide forwards or backwards (I forget which) but it will slide off revealing more screws at the bottom.

Remove the bottom screws and un do the door lock knob at the top and the upper panel will pivot upwards and lift off. Have the window down when you do this.

Then you can take the sections to a trim shop to be recovered.

Any used ones will probably be brittle and will split.  Just the way they are for some reason.

For the lower panel you have the option of finding used ones and dying them white or purchasing repro lowers which are rigid plastic. They look ok but the originals are a softer material.

I checked my stash and I have one driver's side repro in red.

Using SEM interior spray these can be painted in the correct color using their spray color called Super White.  It's actually a slight off white and matches Cadillac white interiors very well.

Good luck with the car. Be careful choosing a good mechanic that won't find lots of needs on your new Caddy.

Brian
Brian Rachlin
Huntingdon Valley, Pa
I prefer email's not PM's rachlin@comcast.net

1960 62 Series Conv with Factory Tri Power
1970 DeVille Conv
1970 Eldo
1970 Caribu (?) "The Cadmino"
1973 Eldorado Conv Pace Car
1976 Eldorado Conv
1980 Eldorado H & E Conv
1993 Allante with Hardtop (X2)
2008 DTS
2012 CTS Coupe
2017 XT
1956 Thunderbird
1966 Olds Toronado

Scot Minesinger

Great and welcome to the forum.

Chris is right, get all of the mechanical items completed first so that you have a safe, reliable and enjoyable to drive Cadillac first before the cosmetics and interior.  If you have not already buy the Cadillac shop manual and Fisher body manual on e-bay for low cost (like $35 each or so).

The best mechanic might be you because you will read the manual.  That happened with me out of necessity.  If you insist on hiring it out, be sure and use a trusted mechanic preferably one that works on older cars (I have seen these in CA, especially San Diego area) that has strong references.  Cannot emphasize the strong references from people who have mechanical knowledge.  We read horror stories on this forum all the time where it is clear the mechanic made the Cadillac owner much worse off than before they had their Cadillac repaired.  This should be a wonderful driving car in proper repair.  Don't ever accept this saying from a mechanic "that is the way it is with these old cars".

   Mechanical items to check out, particular to 1976 Cadillac FWD in addition to all standard normal items

The front wheel drive and front end:  rubber CV boots, lower ball joints, upper control arm bushings
The engine heat riser is open so exhaust can go from passenger side to cat convt rather than thru intake manifold
The timing chain, if original should be replaced
Replace all original vacuum hoses (some are likely to have already been replaced)

The scissor top can be problematic, does it go up and down smoothly?  There should be convertible top places in CA that are familiar with GM scissor top.

Enjoy your 500 cubic inch engine Cadillac convertible!
Fairfax Station, VA  22039 (Washington DC Sub)
1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1970 four door Convertible w/Cadillac Warranty

66 Eldo

Looks like an honest car for a fair price.  Congratulations!

MB49Caddy

Congrats!!! Welcome to the forum here. Lots of guys with a lifetime of experience on here. Looks like you got a solid car for the money. Good buy!
Post some pics when you get her squared away and look forward to future stories of your new girl...
MB
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." - Abraham Lincoln

J.C.

Wow, that's a great looking car, especially for the price!  That green and white is my favorite color combination for '70s Cadillac convertibles, and your really is nice.

I have this question for anyone on the forum: how do you find a good mechanic who knows what he's doing with these '70s cars who won't cheat you, overcharge you, screw-up your car, and do unnecessary work on it?  The shop manual is a good place to start, no doubt.  But if you don't have the time or equipment to make repairs yourself, how can you keep a classic up and running and ready to be enjoyed without being taken to the cleaners?

I live in South Florida, near Ft. Lauderdale, and I'm looking for just such a mechanic or auto shop right now...

Anyway, LenInLA, welcome!
2023 Genesis G80 Electrified
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jwjohnson86

Find one that is also a member of the classic car hobby.  My local independent Marathon station's owner a half mile from my house builds and shows his own cars.  He loved having my car in his bay for the day for all the customer buzz and attention it attracted.  Did extra work at no charge like greasing the driveshaft and replacing a broken grease zerk.  If they don't have verifiable experience with classics I would steer clear.  Before I bought my car, I had seen several classics in his station so thought it was a good idea.  I also found a great local radiator repair specialist referred by a neighbor whose parents owned a classic and suggested it.  Networking and trusted referrals are key, just my opinion.
1970 DeVille Convertible 472 cid

http://bit.ly/1NhHpdt

62 driver

I agree with Jason 100%.  Find a shop that works on old cars and has a shop full.  Ask around. The LA chapter CLC is where I would start. Dave
Dave Schneider,  CLC #27889

J.C.

Quote from: jwjohnson86 on December 17, 2015, 10:18:05 PM
Find one that is also a member of the classic car hobby.  My local independent Marathon station's owner a half mile from my house builds and shows his own cars.  He loved having my car in his bay for the day for all the customer buzz and attention it attracted.  Did extra work at no charge like greasing the driveshaft and replacing a broken grease zerk.  ...  Before I bought my car, I had seen several classics in his station so thought it was a good idea.  I also found a great local radiator repair specialist referred by a neighbor whose parents owned a classic and suggested it.  Networking and trusted referrals are key...

Did you by your '70 Deville Convertible from the Marathon guy?  Did the car you bought need work?
2023 Genesis G80 Electrified
2023 Volvo V60 Recharge

jwjohnson86

I found my car on our local Craigslist and the seller ended up being a member of my church.  It had been in all the high school homecoming parades for his children, all since grown and moved away so he made us a very favorable deal to keep it with another family with younger children, even though he was receiving national calls from investors in response to his internet ads on national sites.  The car was a Michigan survivor sold locally here from a long gone Cadillac dealer.

Very good advance disclosure of issues/problems by seller - radiator was known to be leaking and that was an easy $400 fix and we weren't close to overheating in this year's parade.  The alternator failed this fall, that was $60 for a new alternator from Advance Auto Parts replaced in about an hour.  He had replaced the fuel pump and lines, complete brake work/new lines, carb rebuild and head gaskets done (with intake manifold and valve covers pulled and painted) and new top with glass rear window 2 years ago.  Very mechanically sound, I will be focusing on the interior (torn front leather seat and worn out carpet, plus cracked drivers door panel armrest).  I just chose our Marathon guy for work because he has worked on our current cars and neighbors' cars, when I brought the 1970 in for the first time he already recognized it because he'd seen it go by several times! (it's on the way I pass by regularly).   

1970 DeVille Convertible 472 cid

http://bit.ly/1NhHpdt