1957 Eldorado Brougham #213

[PerryB]

Hello Everyone - I have recently taken over caretaker duty for 1957 Brougham #213 and I couldn't be more happy about it!  Though I have a lot to learn and a lot of work to do.   I've had Cadillacs before, a 68 Eldorado, 70 Fleetwood Brougham, 96 Eldorado daily driver, as well as a variety of cars from the 70s (mostly Lincolns)....but this is my first 50's vintage car of any kind.
This car is oh so close to being a driver, the main concern at the moment being brakes.  They're quite soft and I'm getting a groaning sound from the master cylinder area almost immediately when pressing the pedal.   The engine has been rebuilt and runs smoothly.  Steering feels good.
First project is to get the seat adjustments working, if only to be able to move it back and down.   I'm taller and while I'm comfortable once in, getting in and out is a challenge right now. 
It's still on air bags with most of the original equipment in place, but now has a modern compressor.   They all leak down after a few hours but come right back and do their job while driving short distances so far.
The highlight is the original and excellent condition upholstery on the seats and headliner.  Leather sections of the door panels have cracks, planning to try out the Leatherique products to restore them if possible.
I can hardly stop looking at this beauty and can't wait to get her on the road for real. 
I will have questions.  Thanks in advance to this great collection of experts!

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

WoW Perry, your Brougham looks great!!

With your first foray into 1950s Cadillacs being a 1957 Eldorado Brougham....you certainly jumped into the deep end of the pool.....I think patience is key when working on one of these...I had one once...the electrics were a real head scratcher at times.....

Good Luck and keep us posted....car looks like a great place to start!

Mike

[Roger Zimmermann]

Welcome to the Brougham world! May I suggest that you buy the '57 regular shop manual and the Brougham supplement? You will need them!

[David King (kz78hy)]

Welcome as well, happy to assist in any way.

David