Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Restoration Corner => Topic started by: jaxops on December 20, 2020, 09:24:14 AM

Title: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on December 20, 2020, 09:24:14 AM
We have now completed brake master cylinder replacement, and repaired all of the trunk holes.  Now the spare tire won't become a "fifth wheel."  The trunk lip for the weatherstripping had completely deteriorated...here it is with new metal! 
Next up: the windows will all be repaired to operate.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: docscantlin on January 05, 2021, 08:45:29 AM
Looks great! Just like mine. It looks complete. However, I have taken apart 3 of these and am anxious to sell some of the extra spare parts... So, if you need anything let me know.
God Bless and happy New Year!
Doc Scantlin
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on January 10, 2021, 08:49:04 AM
Thanks Doc- most of it is there.  I think the worst remaining is the stained rear seat (wool broadcloth).

We just got all 4 windows working.  New tracks and guides were a huge help.  Now he's working on the Divider window. 
Next up: repair the "holy" front floor pan with new metal.

Pictured below: My father (owner #3) at Ed's Rods and Recks Norfolk, VA viewing the working windows and NO LEAKS under the car (that is saying something!).
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: benx13 on January 17, 2021, 06:05:45 PM
Real cool and interesting
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 02, 2021, 04:42:44 PM
LF floor has been repaired, RF in progress. Working on a relay bank for the windows and getting the divider window working.  Trunk lip has been sealed and painted after being repaired and re-created.

Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Sloriter on February 03, 2021, 12:32:32 AM
Gents, Looks like your facing the same issues I've got with my '39 LS coupe. The big one presently is that I'm looking for a right rear shock.
Thanks/RHJ

richardjohnson1570@comcast.net
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 03, 2021, 06:25:32 PM
I've got all new shocks, and leaf springs on this one.  We're working the body and accessories now.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 20, 2021, 11:31:32 AM
The trim, headlight bezels, and running boards are off for cleanup and rechroming.  The running boards are stainless, and as Ed from Ed's Rods and Recks says, "they're built like a bridge!"  Next up bumpers and grille, and then painting and chroming!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Jeff Hansen on February 20, 2021, 03:47:05 PM
Mark,

If you don't mind my asking, how are the running boards made?  Are they entirely stainless steel?  Or is there just a stainless steel skin over a non-stainless metal substructure?  I've always wondered about that.

Thanks!
Jeff
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 20, 2021, 05:16:20 PM
Quote from: Jeff Hansen on February 20, 2021, 03:47:05 PM
Mark,

If you don't mind my asking, how are the running boards made?  Are they entirely stainless steel?  Or is there just a stainless steel skin over a non-stainless metal substructure?  I've always wondered about that.Thanks!Jeff
These are stainless all through because they didn't rust underneath either.  The black is a coating of undercoat.  The top looks thin but when you turn them over as in the rather dark last photo above, they are ribbed and strakes all through it to give it strength.  There are 3 metal posts that come out from the bottom that support the running boards.  I had never seen that until they were off today.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Jeff Hansen on February 21, 2021, 05:04:44 PM
Mark,

Thanks!  I appreciate the knowledge!

Jeff
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on March 06, 2021, 06:39:30 PM
I've been sanding, sanding, sanding.  The interior wood trim parts (rear quarter windows, doors, and divider) have had epoxy or some filler put under the varnish.  When you sand them, it becomes soft and grabs the sandpaper, ripping it up.  I have gone through 3 packs of sandpaper and I am only halfway done.  I did get 1 of 2 exterior quarter window trim polished.   

Interestingly enough, each part has a Cadillac manufacturer's part number stamped on the back, so these were really made in the Cadillac factory.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on March 06, 2021, 06:42:35 PM
I sent the divider clock to D+M Restorations in Greenville, SC.  I used Fedex because USPS has been so unreliable.  It took 5 weeks to get there......they blamed the snow...which didn't affect the coast.  Must have been a big storm in Atlanta or something.  Also, D+M has had problems with their phone lines, but they are open for business.  I found a 3rd phone number on the Internet.  1 number was out of order, the other 800 number was taken over by a health-scammer company.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on April 24, 2021, 12:13:15 PM
Body work in progress: left quarter removed.  There were some small rust holes that went right through the door skin.  All fixed, and on to the right quarter panel.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: z3skybolt on April 27, 2021, 08:13:08 PM
Mark,

Would you mind saying where you purchased your shocks and leaf springs?  I may want to replace them on my 1940 LaSalle.

Thanks
Bob R.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 01, 2021, 10:27:00 AM
Quote from: z3skybolt on April 27, 2021, 08:13:08 PM
Mark,

Would you mind saying where you purchased your shocks and leaf springs?  I may want to replace them on my 1940 LaSalle.

Thanks
Bob R.
Sorry Bob- I tried to send a link but the computer overlords called it spam.  I bought the shocks through Kanter and the leaf springs were made by Stengel Brothers.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 01, 2021, 10:30:04 AM
Right quarter is off, holes on the RR and RF doors repaired.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 30, 2021, 07:58:55 PM
The hood and trunk lid are ready for painting.  Surprisingly the hood stays up now by itself!!!!!  The 2nd owner (before my father) removed the hood springs.  Dad used to prop the hood open with a mahogany flagstaff from a boat.  Friends of mine installed new springs....they were small Filipino fellows and had to stand on an engine block with the car hoisted in the air to attach the springs.  Unfortunately the hood wouldn't stay opened by itself.  Ed Murmillo was able to move the springs back a bit and voila! it stays up now.  Fender skirts all painted.  All that is left to prep are the front fenders.  My father (3rd owner) converses with expert restorer Ed Murmillo.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on June 06, 2021, 08:31:29 AM
Front Fenders prepped and ready.  The under-doors and undercarriage preps are next.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on August 01, 2021, 09:17:34 AM
We have paint starting!!  Quarter panels, fender skirts, deck lid, and bumper backing all painted. Next up, doors, fenders, and hood.  The car starts right up no matter how long it sits.  Amazing.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on August 14, 2021, 12:23:46 PM
Time to rechrome door handles.  The inside door frames and inside and bottom of the doors have all been repaired with new metal and painted. The rear bumper is rechromed and awaits installation along with the seat and other window parts.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on October 23, 2021, 08:24:55 PM
All painted...now color sanding, chrome, and re-assembly!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on January 09, 2022, 07:55:04 AM
7 January 2022 the car reassembly has begun!   Chrome is all finished and we are slowly putting the car back together.  Next week is rear carpet and door handles.  Here we have the trunk lid back on with restored hinges, and the front fenders, grille and front bumper.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: James Landi on January 09, 2022, 08:14:35 AM
Looks terrific---very promising with "several tons of WOW factor."   At you adding any "comfort items" to the original design, or will the final outcome of your effort be stock?   Just wondering about your vision for this lovely recreation.    James
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on January 12, 2022, 03:45:58 PM
Stock insofar as I could.  The shocks are all modern. I also changed the window motors to 12V and put a 12V battery in the trunk.  The repair of the hydraulics AND electric lines was a "bridge to far."  Everything else is stock.  I toyed with overhauling the radio but I never use it in the '56 (AM only) so I passed on that for now also.  There is a huge waterstain on the rear seat when it got left out in the rain 2 years in a row at Hershey with the windows falling down, so I may have to re-cover that....but not yet.  I'm working on the rear carpet and the trunk liner next.. 
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: James Landi on January 12, 2022, 09:00:05 PM
Way,way back in the early 60's, a friend had a 49 Fleetwood with the hydrolytic  windows and antenna... even then, they often failed and were a chore to repair...     It's a terrific journey you're on, and thanks for sharing with us,   James
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 09, 2022, 07:11:00 PM
Rear bumper installed.  Rocker mouldings going on and tail light assemblies being installed!!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 16, 2022, 02:45:05 PM
All of the rocker mouldings are on now as well as the hood trim.  Next up is the installation of the running boards.  He has to push out a few dents and polish them up first.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 20, 2022, 07:20:18 AM
Reinstalling the running boards!  It took a week of small dent removal and polishing.  Next the running board mats will go on.  I had bought thin small ridged mats, and Ed bought taller wider ridged mats....so we traded since the wider ridges are more in line with what was on the '49.  Ed can use mine on his '34 Packard running boards.  Not just glued on, the mats are vulcanized onto a metal plate (which is rusting) and then bolted through the running board....so lots of work to do still on this one project.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 20, 2022, 07:24:17 AM
Happen to spot the gear shift lever knob had been epoxied so I was able to find a new one at Caddy Daddy along with a set of new 6v bulbs.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on February 27, 2022, 11:49:59 AM
New rubber matting going onto a new stainless plate to be bolted to the running boards.  Formerly, the metal plate the mats were vulcanized to rusted.  So with stainless on the stainless running boards we shouldn't have that problem again.  Straightening the little dents and polishing the running boards took a week apiece!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on March 19, 2022, 11:41:37 AM
Trunk all completed except for the reverse light and the radio antenna.  Running board stainless sheet made and mats glued onto it.  Next they will be bolted to the running boards themselves.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on March 27, 2022, 07:22:59 AM
Wood reveal and trim had been sanded down by me and is now stained in mahogany and ready for glossing.  Work starts on the rear seat, armrests, shades for the windows, and door panels.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on April 02, 2022, 11:24:13 AM
Wood framing, reveal and door trim all glossed and ready to go onto the car.  Working on the 4 door panels.  Black leather on front and cloth for the rear.  Purchased waterproof cardboard for the backings, just need foam.  Also progress made polishing the running boards.  The non-slip rubber tracks are vulcanized onto metal pieces that will be bolted down onto the running boards.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on April 10, 2022, 08:16:59 AM
No pics this week.   
- Running board rubber and stainless sheet ready to be bolted onto the running boards, which are all polished. 
- Gave up on trying to get the door panels redone.  I'm looking into material from SMS, so this process may take a while.  I'll redo the back seat when I can.  I'd leave it but it is heavily waterstained
- Re-hooking up the windows and repairing the divider window motor and arm.
- Window shades in brocade-silk are still in working order and just needed a cleanup. 
- Now getting tires from Diamondback.  The car has 7.50-16 4" huge tires, but I am going with the 750R16 Auburn radials.  The old tires look good but they're 50 years old....don't want to blow out and crash on the expressway with that 5k lb beast!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 11, 2022, 04:05:09 PM
4 new Diamondback radial tires 7.50-16 4" (correct for this year according to Diamondback) went on thanks to Bruce Warren Auto Repair (Norfolk).  Added a border to the white vinyl roof.  Droopy door handle repaired.  Front carpet going in (black); and the black dash is being touched up and buffed.  Next up, rear compartment gray carpet and re-finished wood paneling pieces. 
After that- the divider window and new radio antenna.

Photos to come later.
Working with SMS on fabric for the rear seat, jump seats, door panels, and armrests.  This might be a "next-year" part of the project!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 14, 2022, 12:15:02 PM
Finally! New pictures!
Roof rail piece added; new front carpet installed, new tires from Diamondback installed, running boards completed, headlights re-installed, antenna and rear trunk clip all completed.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on May 14, 2022, 02:51:13 PM
Mark, car is looking good !

Mike
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 14, 2022, 05:30:03 PM
Thanks Mike- we're getting close!!!!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 21, 2022, 01:24:52 PM
Rear compartment cleanout day!  New rear carpet going in, and the rear wood trim pieces are also going in.  Snaps are being added to the SMS carpet to reduce gluing and stay closer to the original carpet.  Actual carpet tag with stock number and color was found on the jump seat carpet.  These carpets were pretty "shot" after 73 years.  The last photo is the very shiny door showing the rear quarter in the reflection.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on May 28, 2022, 10:19:41 AM
Divider window works all of the way up and down after trying out 2 actuators. Sideview mirrors installed....exterior is done, done, done! Next up finish rear compartment wood trim, and the trunk lining.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on June 11, 2022, 10:23:04 AM
New carpet in the rear compartment.  Snaps were installed as in the originals to be able to remove the carpet around the jump seats if necessary.IMG_2118.JPG

Rear seat and door panels will be sent out in July 2022 for recovering.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on June 16, 2022, 06:35:27 PM
Rear compartment is completed (seat and door panels in July by Paul Cho Custom Interiors (VA Beach).  Trunk lining and cardboard in progress; dashboard touchup and buffing.  Should be done in the next 2 weeks!!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on June 16, 2022, 08:02:15 PM
Quote from: jaxops on June 16, 2022, 06:35:27 PMRear compartment is completed (seat and door panels in July by Paul Cho Custom Interiors (VA Beach).  Trunk lining and cardboard in progress; dashboard touchup and buffing.  Should be done in the next 2 weeks!!

Mark are we talking done done or done with the interior....the car really looks good !!

Mike
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on June 20, 2022, 02:23:22 PM
Quite right to point that out....never really done.  We're done with what we had planned the last being the trunk.  I'm sending the rear seat and door panels out for reupholstering in July.  Then, having run out of funding (so says the "Boss" aka the "Chancellor of the Exchequer") we'll work on the remaining areas next year.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on June 26, 2022, 07:07:54 AM
Divider wood trim installed, will install the repaired clock next week.  Trunk is completed with new cardboard and lining. 
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 02, 2022, 10:34:20 AM
IMG_2141.JPGIMG_2143.JPGIMG_2144.JPGIMG_2137.JPGIMG_2138.JPG
The rear compartment clock restored by D+M Restorations in Greenville, SC has been reinstalled (it's five o'clock somewhere)  Roof has been cleaned; and the rear window sealed.   Rear door panels installed (although we will re-upholster later).  All wood trim installed now.     
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on July 02, 2022, 02:02:33 PM
Wow Mark, the wood trim and the top look great !!

Mike
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 03, 2022, 07:45:54 AM
Thanks again Mike.  Ed Murmillo did a great job staining the wood trim.  Interestingly enough, all of the wood was manufactured at the factory.  I found part numbers on all of the pieces and a tag on one of them.  They also used an epoxy filler to smooth out the surface which did a number on my sandpaper!  We lightened the wood up just a bit to brighten the rear compartment. It was very dark before, probably wasn't that dark originally but aged and was peeling. 

Getting close now!  Dashboard cleanup and bare wires under the hood will be corrected.  Then Bruce Warren Auto Repair will replace the speedometer cable, check the tuneup and change the oil.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 17, 2022, 06:54:27 AM
Car was compounded and buffed.  Still working the bare wires under the hood and the dashboard.  Kick panel carpet dyed black and ready for install. Found the RH front armrest but it needs some work before putting it back on the car.  Getting close to finishing.  Probably 1 more week.

Stand by for finish photos.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Standardoftheworld on July 18, 2022, 02:59:34 AM
What a beautiful coach! outstanding. I really love it , glad she has a good home.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Lexi on July 18, 2022, 06:40:55 PM
Ditto above comments. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 21, 2022, 04:45:22 PM
Thank you all.  It's been a much longer restoration than we had thought but soon it will be worth all of the trouble. 
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 23, 2022, 09:54:31 AM
Dashboard Repainted and being buffed out.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on July 30, 2022, 10:17:53 AM
The finale and pickup 30 July 2022
HeadingHomeJUL22.jpgIMG_2151.JPGIMG_2152.JPG   
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on July 30, 2022, 05:36:17 PM
Sweet Mark !!

The car looks great !

This is something to be enjoyed !

Check back in and tell us how it's going every once in awhile....

Mike
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Lexi on July 31, 2022, 09:13:54 AM
Fantastic news. She looks great! Yes, please keep us updated. Clay/Lexi
Title: THE FOOTREST
Post by: jaxops on August 06, 2022, 11:27:31 AM
This 1949 has a very long single piece footrest. 
 
 I "enjoyed" prying the trim piece off and slowly pulling off the carpet piece after 73 years.  I was able to use that piece to size up the replacement.  I was just about right and had to fill in 1 small sliver. 
 
 3-M spray and staples!  I stapled the 1st end in and then sprayed the 3-M.  After zip-tying it with 8 zip-ties and letting  it dry real well, I was able to re-install the trim piece.  That trim had 12 built-in nails and 2 screws on the ends without a notch to screw them in....so the hammer knocked them in.  The final footrest matches the new carpet and also doesn't smell like feet and old carpet!!
Title: Re: THE FOOTREST
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on August 06, 2022, 05:34:17 PM
Sounds like some nice work Mark !

I can almost feel my feet resting against it right now....

Mike
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jaxops on August 13, 2022, 06:02:55 AM
Thanks again Mike. My next move is to replace the ragged carpet on the rear door bottoms.  That should tidy it up until we do the upholstery later.  I'll get photos....if it comes out alright!
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jamesstaton2 on October 29, 2022, 09:49:53 AM
Quote from: jaxops on June 11, 2022, 10:23:04 AMNew carpet in the rear compartment.  Snaps were installed as in the originals to be able to remove the carpet around the jump seats if necessary.IMG_2118.JPG

Rear seat and door panels will be sent out in July 2022 for recovering.


Beautiful Car! Where did you source the carpet for your car? I am looking for carpet for my 1949 Series 75 and can't seem to find it listed anywhere.

Thanks
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: Jeff Hansen on October 31, 2022, 07:20:49 PM
The original series 75 rear compartment carpet was called Mosstred carpeting.  This was just mohair fabric glued over a rubber backing material.  Easily made once you find the color of mohair fabric you want to use.  The carpet used in the front compartment depended on the sub-series (IE, series 7519X, 7523X, 7533X, or a livery model - 7523L, 7533L).

HTH,
Jeff
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: jwwseville60 on September 29, 2023, 07:22:11 AM
What an amazing project!
Someday Id like to help someone restoring a Caddy.
Title: Re: 1949 Limousine Repairs Finally Underway!
Post by: James Landi on September 30, 2023, 10:12:30 AM
"Someday Id like to help someone restoring a Caddy."

John is on to something here.  A "repair tour" event, visiting resortation engaged CLC members by region.   (I'll leave the details to others)   James