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The Ark back into the shop(s) tomorrow

Started by Cape Cod Fleetwood, December 07, 2022, 11:39:17 AM

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Cape Cod Fleetwood

Got some Arking in yesterday with the good weather. Raining today, the car goes to Tirrell Radiator, Inc. tomorrow for complete HVAC overhaul. (Tirrell does ALL of the vintage HVAC work for Hyannis Vintage). Every hose and vacuum line, manifold or connector to be replaced, every clamp replaced with tower clamps. The condenser was replaced 4 years ago and was sold as "working", the compressor 2 years ago, the $700 Harrison type radiator is in the trunk with a new dryer and the shop manual and a complete vacuum line diagram, I know they have all this stuff, I'm just being a girl. The shop obviously has a list of parts retailers, and they have 4 more from me including John Abend, Gar Tompkins and Jeff Burland. The heat, AC, blowers will work as new when the car is released. THEN next door to Michael at the WORLD FAMOUS Hyannis Vintage Auto when the HVAC is done for some electrical/stereo work, then into storage at Area 51. Repaint and bumper chroming waits until next winter. In other words I don't know when I'll drive this car again. I should be grateful it got its last sip of fuel yesterday for the next few months. Covers are on to help protect that 53 year old upholstery and carpets. Missing The Ark already....

There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

James Landi

Laurie,

The work you're having done takes a good deal of anxiety about using a 1/2 century machine out of the equation of driving it.  I'm not a practicing CHristian, but every time my XLR executes a top down, top up cycle, I "cross myself" that the grand complication of the  coordinated origami ballet is still working perfetly  after 15 years and, Lord know, after
 hundreds of multiple cycles.  EMploying the expertise of your local specialists is also a very wise choice. And as for "return on investment," peace of mind is a terrific investment especially when you're stuck in summer Cape on route 6 traffic with the a/c  blasting and the engine  not overheating because you've invested in the original equipment designed to handle extreme conditions. All very wise decisions  Happy day,  James 

badpoints

Will be nice on hot summer days down on the cape.

Cape Cod Fleetwood

Quote from: James Landi on December 08, 2022, 07:56:00 AMLaurie,

The work you're having done takes a good deal of anxiety about using a 1/2 century machine out of the equation of driving it.  I'm not a practicing CHristian, but every time my XLR executes a top down, top up cycle, I "cross myself" that the grand complication of the  coordinated origami ballet is still working perfetly  after 15 years and, Lord know, after
 hundreds of multiple cycles.  EMploying the expertise of your local specialists is also a very wise choice. And as for "return on investment," peace of mind is a terrific investment especially when you're stuck in summer Cape on route 6 traffic with the a/c  blasting and the engine  not overheating because you've invested in the original equipment designed to handle extreme conditions. All very wise decisions  Happy day,  James 

James there are no atheists in foxholes, we create our own foxholes, LOL! These guys are great who will be doing the work, best to use them now while they're here. Route 6 isn't an issue, its 93, 3, the "expressway" in Boston on a hot summer day. And so far The Ark had no issues at all in extreme heat and stop-and-go traffic downtown. But I'm looking forward to actual AC vs 480AC and heat in the mornings for those early spring and late fall shows.
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

bcroe

Quote from: James LandiAnd as for "return on investment," peace of mind is a terrific investment especially when you're stuck in summer Cape on route 6 traffic with the a/c  blasting and the engine  not overheating because you've invested in the original equipment designed to handle extreme conditions. James 

Good investments, all my radiators have been
replaced with a new higher capacity unit.  But
for peace of mind, I need to see a coolant temp
gauge telling me what is happening.  This tiny
gas tube unit is only 1.5 in dia, easy to sneak
into the dash.  And that 270 deg scale makes it
easier to read than the bigger 90 deg gauges. 
Bruce Roe

James Landi

Quote from: bcroe on December 08, 2022, 10:42:01 AMGood investments, all my radiators have been
replaced with a new higher capacity unit.  But
for peace of mind, I need to see a coolant temp
gauge telling me what is happening.  This tiny
gas tube unit is only 1.5 in dia, easy to sneak
into the dash.  And that 270 deg scale makes it
easier to read than the bigger 90 deg gauges. 
Bruce Roe


Bruce,  I enthusiastically agree with you. During the last 20 years, I had three over temp  issues with Cadillacs--- the first time was during a summer night, pulling a 14 foot Whaler, and on inclines, the light came on---I saw the light because it overheated AT NIGHT.  THe other two overheat issues occurred during bright summer days--- those idiot lights are useless driving in bright sunlight. I wonder just how many dollars GM saved when they did away with the buzzer ANother data point... 5 years ago, my type S Jaguar went into LIMP mode. THe temperature gauge was right in the middle of the dial where it always lived.  TUrned out that the fan module had failed,the engine was overheated,BUT the gauge never moved past 1/2.  As our beloved cars age, I'm ALL about gauges.

Lexi

I am with Bruce. While I am basically a purist, I don't like the thought of my engine being destroyed by overheating, and relying on a 70 year old "Mickey Mouse" gauge as protection. So I also installed a mechanical gauge under the dash of my car. A tiny gas filled tube gives one an indirect reading which is very accurate. I also wired mine into the headlight switch so it can be seen with the rest of the cluster when driving at night. Clay/Lexi

2011DTS

Laurie, gee your work is never done.... Glad you have scheduled the garage work during the non-driving season. OH, by the way I filled up the SDV a few days ago at Bucee's on I-95 at Dayton Beach. Ethnol Fee gas $2.65 a gallon, just one of the countless reasons to hurry up and get yourself down to the Sunshine State.... In one of your photos I see what you are having to pay for high test and just goes to show you the powers at be in the North East just want everyone walking. :-) :-)
Oh, PS on a serious note, did you talk to Scot Minesinger about what to tell the shop about these AC Systems, he is our club expert and has rebuilt more AC Systems in 1970-1976 Cadillacs then he can most like remember. Just a suggestion.
and PS2, have a Merry Merry Christmas....

Cape Cod Fleetwood

#8
Quote from: 2011DTS on December 08, 2022, 07:43:50 PMLaurie, gee your work is never done.... Glad you have scheduled the garage work during the non-driving season. OH, by the way I filled up the SDV a few days ago at Bucee's on I-95 at Dayton Beach. Ethnol Fee gas $2.65 a gallon, just one of the countless reasons to hurry up and get yourself down to the Sunshine State.... In one of your photos I see what you are having to pay for high test and just goes to show you the powers at be in the North East just want everyone walking. :-) :-)
Oh, PS on a serious note, did you talk to Scot Minesinger about what to tell the shop about these AC Systems, he is our club expert and has rebuilt more AC Systems in 1970-1976 Cadillacs then he can most like remember. Just a suggestion.
and PS2, have a Merry Merry Christmas....

Hey honey! We're coming to THE END, trust me. Next winter will be re-chroming the bumpers and a respray, then stick a fork in me, I'm done and we'll hopefully see you at the Nationals in '24. Remember I started with a $2K burger cruiser, there was a lot to do if I wanted to save the car. Florida is not out of the question, even though the house prices have tripled from when I first started sniffing around years ago, they have up here too, its a wash. Scott is terrific for sure. This shop's owner had dealt with Cadillac Tim, he's done a TON of vintage work including Caddy's, and I gave them a lot of info when I dropped the car off. They have the ball. And Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend!
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

Cape Cod Fleetwood

Saw The Ark today, just dropped in for a moment. They've already started thrashing on him. This place is huge, mechs were thrashing multiple cars/trucks at 4:30pm. I said hi and good bye. #ArkNRoll #OhTheAmExPointsIGetThisTime
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

Cape Cod Fleetwood

I haven't seen The Ark in 2 weeks, time to visit, and its close to Christmas, I need to be with the car if only for a few moments.
 
So first stop Tirrell where The Ark is safely ensconced in the back of the massive shop well away from everyone but quite accessible to Shane who's doing a masterful job, a great guy who really cares about his work and the car. I know he's really busy, so a brief chat, brought up to date on where he's at, I'm going to look for a couple of parts, what's there could probably be made to work (the heater control valve, Shane said it probably works, he has to test it. They have a new one from NAPA too, the shape/size is wrong and will require a mod to the bracket that holds it. Options: find a NOS but I'd still be dealing with a 53 year old rubber diaphragm. Use the 'new' one and have to mod the bracket. Imma huge fan of new parts regardless of authenticity, this HVAC needs to WORK, and stay working. Shane saw the manifold vacuum "T" Michael had to replace. This part (plastic) blew out when I was going to Heritage Museums & Gardens car show 2 years ago, completely crippled the car, we were towed to HVA, I missed the show. Michael fit another part that's been working fine. But its yellow when it has to be black, and it has a spot to attach to at the fire wall, this one just kinda hangs there. This part is not produced, so find another from the era, and be prepared for it too to blow out. I'll keep the yellow one in the parts bag in the trunk, if that happens again its something I can replace on the side of the road. I saw the bag of new shiny tower clamps and some other new parts. He was glad I supplied a new dryer. They're having an issue getting the CORRECT heater core, they'll get one, the place I recommended sent one and it didn't fit. The one they ordered didn't fit either. They'll figure it out, no worries, this is what they do. The upper radiator brackets I had over nighted, are also the wrong size as the ones on the car, they're not long enough. So Shane had 2 pairs of brackets. He cut and welded until he had a pair that were the correct length. Then ground and painted them, they look factory new, I was dying. Such great work. Its why The Ark is there. Wished the car a Merry Christmas, a gentle touch good bye and off to next door...

To the WORLD FAMOUS Hyannis Vintage Auto, chats with Chris Pyne, Mike Staab, a quick hello as Gary Amster flew by and a longer chat with crew chief Michael Amster. They were really busy as always, thrashing on cars people only see in their dreams.

Such a fun day, my cousin Libby is here for a week for Christmas and I got to see The Ark and hang out with The Tribe, does it get any better? Blessed. Pics of The Ark in ICU at Tirrell with Shane attached. Hope you all had a dandy and Blessed day as well.
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

James Landi

Thank you Laurie for sharing an inspirational Cadillac Christmas narrative.  Alas, for most of us, finding local,  wonderfully talented specialists who enthusiastically work on our older cars is all but impossible.  My local "go to" young man told me, "James, I don't work on old cars." I was (am) seriously disappointment-- after  we purchased our "new" 55k miles 1988 Allante, I had a flex brake hose collapse, a mal functioning mastercyclinder, a faulty fan module, etc--- fortunately, I still have sufficient strength, patience, and accumulated experience to change out all of the brake hoses, replace a part of the master cylinder, and replace an electronic fan module  (as well as two of the four cranky amp-speaker Bose units).  but how long can a guy who's 77 do this kind of work?  Maybe Kristina I such move SOUTH to Cape Cod!   Merry Christmas Laurie,   James   

Cape Cod Fleetwood

Quote from: James Landi on December 22, 2022, 08:27:23 AMThank you Laurie for sharing an inspirational Cadillac Christmas narrative.  Alas, for most of us, finding local,  wonderfully talented specialists who enthusiastically work on our older cars is all but impossible.  My local "go to" young man told me, "James, I don't work on old cars." I was (am) seriously disappointment-- after  we purchased our "new" 55k miles 1988 Allante, I had a flex brake hose collapse, a mal functioning mastercyclinder, a faulty fan module, etc--- fortunately, I still have sufficient strength, patience, and accumulated experience to change out all of the brake hoses, replace a part of the master cylinder, and replace an electronic fan module  (as well as two of the four cranky amp-speaker Bose units).  but how long can a guy who's 77 do this kind of work?  Maybe Kristina I such move SOUTH to Cape Cod!   Merry Christmas Laurie,   James   

James Merry Christmas to you and yours. All the guys you need for classic cars, any breed, you can hit them all with a rock on Thornton Drive in Hyannis. And a LOT less snow here than you folks get in Maine being 40 miles out to sea. I think you're in FL now... LOL! Plenty of beautiful homes available on the Cape Cod for the discerning buyer.
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

35-709

#13
If you would rather stick with the original type and look, quite sure I have read here that there are folkses that rebuild those heater control valves, maybe with better diaphragms than were available back then to. 
Just Googled "rebuild Cadillac heater control valves" and several sources came up.
1935 Cadillac Sedan resto-mod "Big Red"
1973 Cadillac Caribou - Sold - but still in the family
1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon resto-mod - Sold
1942 Cadillac 6269 - Sold
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible - Sold
1950 Packard 2dr. Club Sedan
1935 Glenn Pray - Auburn Boattail Speedster, Gen. 2

Cape Cod Fleetwood

Quote from: 35-709 on December 22, 2022, 01:04:28 PMIf you would rather stick with the original type and look, quite sure I have read here that there are folkses that rebuild those heater control valves, maybe with better diaphragms than were available back then to. 
Just Googled "rebuild Cadillac heater control valves" and several sources came up.

I actually checked that out. Core charges between $75 and $150. A new one from NAPA is $24, just hand me a can
of flat black spray paint.

I'm *ALL FOR* originality, where it makes sense. I still can't believe I spent $700 for a $300 radiator just to
look 'original', but, whatever.
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

Laurie,
Late to the dance here, but as fr as the heater control valve, 69 and 70 are different than those after, so check applicability.
As far as a good copper/brass radiator $700.00 is what they are going for. I personally prefer them, not just for originality, but for their capacity to cool the 472/500 motors.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

Cape Cod Fleetwood

#16
I saw The Ark today! The progress the shop is making on the HVAC is awesome. Told Shane to just paint the new NAPA heater valve black, mod the bracket and go. That was becoming too much aggravation. Great to see AC lines connected, they got a heater core that was the correct size too, industry connections are everything. Tower clamps on all the new hoses and all the hoses are new.
 
I put the vacuum manifold I restored on the dash and texted Shane it was there, it "should" work. And it was damn warm and fuzzy to see the Good Book on the front seat when I left it in the trunk, attention to detail 101. I stopped at the WORLD FAMOUS Hyannis Vintage Auto first to show off the manifold, even Gary Amster gave me a scratch behind the ears for the job I did, that's as good as it gets around here. Shane texted and said he thinks he'll have the car 'done' by the end of the week. I think that's ambitious but whatever, I'm not rushing him. They're working out of 2 shops now, told Shane I'd have The Ark shipped to the other shop if it made things easier, he wants to finish where it is.

When done, The Ark drives across the parking lot to Michael and Chris at HVA so they can do their thangs this winter. Then The Ark goes across the street for an inspection sticker, then up the street and around the corner to Area 51 for storage. And if there's salt on the roads, he'll be shipped there. One thing for sure, he'll be getting a bath after the HVAC job, so dusty, I can wash him in the parking lot, I'm in-between 2 shops with tons of hoses and he'll be going right back inside, not worried about freezing.

I$n't thi$ fun? Imma tell you what, that car is going to be a LOT more fun to drive this year with heat, defrosters, AC and a working sound system. Shows this year? You bet, but NOT 32 like last year. We'll do the 'big' shows around here, support my local clubs at least once, repeat the 'new' shows I did last year IF I had fun there. Mostly out of state this year, LONG trips. If I have an LTC for your state or your state is Constitutional carry, we'll be seeing you soon... #ArkNRoll
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

cadillacmike68

Hi Laurie,

They got a NAPA heater control valve to work??? I'm skeptical, until you see it in action. There are supposed to be 2 or three vacuum lines on these and "new" ones usually don't have these lines. You'll know one way or the other. Your pal John Abend (Capt Cadillac on ebay) usually has 65-70 heater control valves in stock - new old stock. I have a spare here on my desk that I got from him. the one I had installed in 1998 still works fine. Years 1968 and earlier they mount on the right side wheel well, but function in an identical manner.
The three most vexing issues with this era Climate Control systems are vacuum leaks, the rotary dials in the dash control and the power servo, and the heater control valve.

I thought that you already had it painted, you didn't? It looks good enough in the photos, but I've never seen it up close.

As for the necessity of a functional heating portion of Climate Control, I tooled around in the 1968 DVC on Christmas Eve and the temps progressively dropped to where I Needed heat mode. I've driven back from Old Town in Kissimmee with temps in the 30s, and the heat mode was definitely needed then!!

Be Very careful with that vacuum manifold. they break VERY easily. Ask me how I know that.

Brand new exact fit drop in heater cores are readily available. Spectra Premium and I got one from amazon of all places. your new one should last about 20 years, that's about how long mine lasted. same for the radiator. I had mine re-cored because I still have the original end tanks.

anyway, Happy New Year and best wishes for a great driving season for you in 2023 (driving season is all year down here ;)  ).



Regards,
"Cadillac" Mike

Cape Cod Fleetwood

#18
Quote from: cadillacmike68 on January 05, 2023, 11:04:18 PMThey got a NAPA heater control valve to work??? I'm skeptical, until you see it in action.

Mike this a REAL shop, ALL they do is auto HVAC, antique to modern. They do all of Hyannis Vintage's work, Carini has sent cars to them.
They know to make it look 'stock', like the other mega show winners they've done.

I'm not worried.
There are 2 kinds of cars in the world, Cadillac and everything else....

The Present -1970 Fleetwood Brougham

The Past -
1996 Deville Concours
1987 Sedan De Ville "Commonwealth Edition"
1981 Coupe De Ville (8-6-4)
1976 Sedan De Ville
1975 Sedan De Ville

The Daily Driver and work slave -
2008 GMC Acadia SLT *options/all

jwwseville60

Next time Im in Osterville, Im going to steal The Ark for a weekend and then return it with everything fixed!
1960 Eldorado Seville, Copper, "IKE"
1961 CDV, gold, "Goldfinger"
1964 Eldorado, Turquoise, "Billy the Squid"
1963 De Ville Station Wagon Vista roof, silver blue, "Race Bannon"
1963 Fleetwood 60S, turquoise, "The Miami Special"
1959 Sedan Deville flat top, tan, "Jupiter-2"
1947 Caddy Sedanette 62, black, "Johnny Cash"
1970 ASC Fleetwood wagon, dark blue, "Iron Maiden"
Lifetime CLC