Question for members

[Dgood133]

Hi, I am about to start the refurbishing of my 1960 series 62 convertible and would like a little guidance here.

My question is related to keeping total original versus improvement. The car is a very low mileage 2 owner car. She was given to me by my mother who inherited from the second owner.
The car has been sitting so has all the expected issues with leaking gaskets etc, I had the carb and fuel pump rebuilt...

I have purchased front end replacement parts and engine seals etc... The question is this
Should I upgrade the brakes to disc?
Should I install a dual chamber master cylinder ? Ive seen where people will fit a master from a later model without too much issue

The car as far as I can tell is completely stock

Would like to hear your thoughts on this, right now my plan is to sell her after we have gotten it running well as I dont think I can afford to do full restoration right now as this car definitely deserves
Thanks
D

[Cape Cod Fleetwood]

If you're going to flip the car don't throw a lot of money at it. Get it running 'as is', let the new owner decide if they're
staying original or will mod it.  Just MHO.

[TonyZappone #2624]

Becoming 80 years old today, I can tell you that I have driven hundreds of thousands miles with drum brakes.  A rebuilt power brake system will do you well in normal, careful driving.  Obviously, a new disc brake system would be an optimum situation, but I could sure find more places to put your hard earned money

[James Landi]

I entirely agree with Tony.  Replacing original components with modern "rigging" always involves so much more effort and money.  Of course, if you truly want all the modern safety and comfort, then your car may be more attractive for you .  I've owned a 60 CDV, and it was a mighty machine--- comfortable and a distinctive as a driving experience.  I'd want the original as a first choice--- any modifications would focus on adding a/c if it didn't have it orginally.  Perhaps you should get the car thoroughly road worthy and up to original specifications---then decide how you want to use it.  This can become a much harder choice once you experience the original driving dynamics-- driving the original is very different and, frankly, truly engaging.  Please do keep us in the loop.   James

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Agreed with Tony & James. The original brake system is fine for the way these cars were expected to be driven.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I also agree with Tony, James and Eric.   I used to drive my own '60 CDV reasonably hard, and the only time I had brake problems was when really pushing it, far beyond what it was designed for.   But, I had a late model power booster behind the dual circuit master cylinder.

Normal use, and you won't have any problems.

BUT, a word of warning, don't attempt to drive in heavy traffic, bumper to bumper, constantly on the brakes to keep from collecting the car in front, and don't try to drive it from stop light to stop light like you would in a performance car.

Bruce.

[fishnjim]

HBD to Tony on becoming an octagenarian.   Many try, few are granted membership.
I believe by '60 most of the problems with the boosters were fixed and not as apt to fail as say the one that came on my '58.   
One thing to consider, if you put discs on, most likely you'll NOT be able to use the factory wheels and hubcaps.   So if that original look is important?   I retained the drum brakes just put on a modern dual system booster.   Those came in '64 so yours is still single.   You just have the pain of periodic adjusting the drum brakes, unlike the later with self adjusters.   If you aren't going to drive it much, you can do all the periodic maintenance at yearly oil change time.
No one can tell you what someone is going to pay for the car when you sell it.   That's depends on the market and desirability of the car at that time.   CDV is more desirable historically than say a SDV or limo.   Original tends to bring more, but condition, condition, condition.   The cost of full resto probably will not be recouped.
'60 to me was one of the more desirable designs of that era.   Have fun.

[Andrew Trout]

A dual-master cylinder is a good change to make. My '61 convertible had a leaking rear wheel cylinder and I had a soft brake pedal until it was fixed as I only have a singe master cylinder in the car. Drum brakes are fine. I drive cautiously in my car, leaving lots of room between me and cars in front of me, braking early and gently.

As for your overall question, consider the Ship of Theseus. It's a thought experiment which the famous ship sailed by the hero Theseus in a great battle was kept in a harbor as a museum piece, and as the years went by some of the wooden parts began to rot and were replaced by new ones; then, after a century or so, every part had been replaced. The question then is whether the "restored" ship is still the same object as the original.

[71 Fleetwood]

I agree with Tony, James, Eric and Bruce, but not Theseus 

Eighty candles make a lovely light
But not as bright as your eyes tonight (as your eyes tonight) (Oh)
Blow out the candles, make your wish come true
For I'll be wishing that you love me, too (that you love me, too)

Happy Birthday Tony!

[russ austin]

Get the car to start up. Clean everything, then clean it again.  Getting it to move forward and reverse is a plus, but rebuilding the engine or trans will not get you any more profit. 

You stand to make a good amount of money just by doing that.  And since the car was free, it will all be profit.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

......You just have the pain of periodic adjusting the drum brakes, unlike the later with self adjusters.......

The good thing about 1960 for Cadillac is that this is the year that they fitted the Self Adjusting mechanism to all their cars.

Bruce.

[Dgood133]

Thank you all for your thoughts, it seems the consensus is stick to stock, which was kind of where my head was at. My first car was a 63 SDV that I drove till I threw a piston at top speed on the 15 freeway in so cal. I loved that car... You do dumb stuff when your young trying to do better by this one...

I will keep you guys appraised of the progress we start next week...

[Chuck Patton]

Hello Danny

Glad to read of your interest in improving your Mother's 1960 Cadillac 6267F. There were 14,000 produced at the Cadillac Plant in Detroit. The Collectability Level is B with a less than 40% Survivor Rate.
I like your enthusiasm but I would like you to consider your intention, skill level and finances BEFORE you move forward. These are my recommendations:
(1)Determine the CONDITION
(2)Create a Plan
(3)Develop a Budget
(4)Establish a Timeline
(5)Source reasonable parts suppliers
(6)Evaluate Quality Shops (preferably in your area so you can monitor the progress).

Here on the CLC Forum Newsletter Section, you can read the past 5960 Cadillac Chapter Newsletters for valuable research to assist with your Mother's car.

[TonyZappone #2624]

Thank you so much.  A great deal of attention has been paid to this birthday, by very many.  For me, I wish it was my 50th again, but I am afraid that is not possible.   

Eighty candles make a lovely light
But not as bright as your eyes tonight (as your eyes tonight) (Oh)
Blow out the candles, make your wish come true
For I'll be wishing that you love me, too (that you love me, too)

Happy Birthday Tony

[59-in-pieces]

David,
I may have missed the answer to the question, is it your intention to keep the car or "flip it".

If the answer was - "keep it" - just get it running safely.
You certainly have a great car in a 60 convertible, which will hold its value better and longer than other lesser models.
If your answer was - "flip it" - just get it running safely.
Yes, sounds the same.
Because, my hope is you may find that driving it for a bit may turn into that love others have written about, and makes it harder to let it go.

Have fun,
Steve B.