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1974-1978 Eldorados v Normal Production Cadillacs - Inquiry

Started by BJM, March 06, 2019, 10:39:30 AM

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BJM

The long winter slumber is nearly over.  I have been looking to buy 1-2 Cadillacs in the summer 2019. For permanent* collection considerations.  (*I'm 55, so maybe 15-20 years) 

When I started looking last spring 2018, I was dead set against the 71-78 Eldorado era.  Now I have seen so many on CL, ebay and through CLC ownership here that I have come to admire them a lot, and want one.  My preference would be a 74 convertible in a dark body color, with lighter interior for $10,000 or less.  They are out there.  I've seen some low mileage (35,000 to 75,000) ones for $12,500 obo. 

However, I like the restyle for 75-78, but not a Biarritz fan.  Might not have a choice.  One thing I have noticed from perusing CL ads is that plastics seem to be challenged and fitment issues in terms of wear on the inner doors, etc.  Obviously, the plastic fillers are a concern and I'll likely need to replace those.

The plastic filler issue seems to have been narrowed down to costing $2000 to $4000 to properly install and paint these pesky fillers with modern options.  The price for the core replacements seem to have risen from what I remember. 

Mechanically I have tried to view all topics on this forum regarding mechanical issues and considerations for these Eldorados.  But can someone tell me what to ask and be aware of on cars I pursue over the summer now? 

These seem to be overall robust cars but I also remember something in a recent SS that alluded to possible fire issues with the 73-74's, from a fuel line break.  I can do some maintenance, but the older I get the less repairs I want to do. 

It's pretty hard to pinpoint what mileage to get a car at or below. I recall Lynn had a low mileage car that needed an engine rebuild.  Everything carries some risk.  But can you experts point out the good the bad and the ugly regarding 74-78 Eldorados so I can try to purchase the right one?   

TJ Hopland

Body fillers started in 73 so if you want to avoid those but still want the 'big' Eldo you would be looking at 71-72.

Factory convert ended in 76 so if you like that style in a convert then you are 75-76.

Overall mechanics I don't think there is anything too different in 71-78 range. 

Engines 500 or 425 are more or less the same and will have the same issues at this age.   

I don't remember anything about fires other than if you got one with the optional EFI which started as a mid year 75 option.   71-72 I think had some sort of different fuel tank venting but not too crazy.

76 rear disc became standard along with hydroboost power brakes rather than the typical vacuum boosted systems.   The hydroboost came out I think in the late 60's or early 70's for diesels and medium duty trucks and more or less the same system is still used today on say 3/4 2500 trucks and larger even if they are not diesels.   They are a little unusual for cars and can be harder to find a shop to work on but I would not consider it a deal breaker.   Seems like I remember reading at one time rear brake parts were hard to find like rotors maybe?  but have not heard that recently so maybe they are being made again?

Everything else I can think of is just obvious visual stuff.   Tweaks to the front and rear ends.  Different dash starting in 74?

Are you also asking how they compare to the RWD cars of the same era?  Most of the bigger issues are not any different.  About all I can say is the RWD cars seem less temperamental when it comes to tires and tire balancing to get a smooth ride than the Eldos.   Eldo front wheel bearings cost a lot more than front wheel bearings for a RWD car but if you have to get into a Cad rear end from that era you could have issues finding parts and will end up spending a few bucks too so it could be a wash.  Eldo rear wheel bearings are same as RWD front wheel bearings so cheap and easy. If you are talking drive shaft work on a 71-76 RWD you have the double u joints to deal with that I bet cost more today than the Eldo's assemblies.  I think the 77-79 RWD cars may have got rid of the double joints.     
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

Wbostoen

Quote from: TJ Hopland on March 06, 2019, 03:10:28 PM
Seems like I remember reading at one time rear brake parts were hard to find like rotors maybe?  but have not heard that recently so maybe they are being made again?

It's the rear brake calipers that are hard to find, the rotors are the same on all four corners (at least in a '76 eldo they are) and easy/cheap to find.

Another thing: be aware that most of these (all of these?) these cars have large catalyc converters, which was cause for trouble on my car. My eldorado has a solid body and nicely coated underbody and was sold as 'rust free'. When I removed the catalic converter however, I discovered a hole through the floorpans, due to the absence of undercoating on this place. This hole was not visible with the catalic converter in place.

This is fixed now, but set me back a decent amount of cash at the body shop.

TJ Hopland

I'm pretty sure rear calipers are being made again.  They are popular for rear disc swaps on full size cars and trucks.  I believe there was a period were the swap people bought up the rebuild stock and were obviously not turning in cores.  The other catch was that the arm/bracket for the parking brake mechanism didn't come with a rebuilt unit so both NOS and junkyard stock got sucked up by the swap people too.   A few other GM's used that caliper I think the TransAM was the next most common compared to Cadillac so a Firebird specialist may be a source if the Cad people don't have them.     
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

BJM

Thanks TJ and Willem.   TJ - yes I am wondering whether the heat and complexities of FWD mean I should just stay with a RWD Cadillac from this era. 

Kind of big decision for me and as some know, I procrastinate and like to spend my money wisely. I have found a person does get what they pay for up to a point.  I dabbled in that $3500 to $5500 range last year for mid 70's Eldorados and got close to a purchase of a 76 coupe with only 40,000 miles that had rust around the vinyl roof and a repaint that wasn't quite a perfect match.  I ended up passing and getting my 2000 Eldorado which most folks think is not collectible but I like it. 

The selling season will start back up again and I am afraid I will need to consider only cars in a 400 mile radius of Des Moines that I can go see personally.  Just tired of sellers not disclosing the warts. 

There is just something about the glorious excess of the 75-78 Eldorados that intrigues me. 

hornetball

Quote from: Wbostoen on March 07, 2019, 06:32:52 AMAnother thing: be aware that most of these (all of these?) these cars have large catalyc converters, which was cause for trouble on my car.

Catalytic converters came out in 1975 for almost all makes and early implementations were troublesome as the manufacturers learned how to handle their heat.  One of the reasons I picked up a '74 (I also prefer the round headlights and what I consider to be a cleaner face design).

I would not be concerned about the FWD.  The "power unit" is robust and trouble free.  Used on Toronados, Eldorados and GMC RVs.  By '74-78, it was really well sorted although as I understand it even the first implementation in 1966 worked well.

TJ Hopland

If you like the style of both the RWD and Eldo cars I would keep my search open for both.  Should be a lot more cars to choose from so better chance of finding the colors, condition, and price you want. 

If you find anything in the Minneapolis area and want someone to look at it to let you know if its worth the trip let me know and I can take a look at it for you.  I also semi regularly travel north, east, and west so anything in driving distance may be possible.    I will also keep an eye out.  I often drive back roads just for a change of scenery and once the snows gone (which may be July the way its looking now) the cars with for sale signs start popping up. 

I'm no appraiser but know this era pretty well so could for sure could get a 2nd opinion so you don't waste a trip on some doctored up photos.   I feel your pain.  Been there done that.   Got an extra driver or trailer and a pocket full of cash and what is in front of you isn't what was in the photos.   Bad thing is you start making excuses and thinking about buying it anyway.       
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason