Good Evening Guys & Gals. I'm in this forum for advise, tips, etc.
Now my favorite is 1973 Coupe De Ville or Calais Coupe, the best overall looking 4th Gen Caddy in my opinion. Unfortunately my favorite type of car is a convertible. Ok you know where I'm headed. So..... Do I buy a 1969 or 1970 Convertible and replace all the body panels from a 1973 OR take convertible parts from the 69 or 70 and install on the 1973? Hit me.
Compromise and consider a '73 Eldo.
My younger brother had one, the look to it didn't impress me like my Uncle's coupe did.
The 1973 Eldorado and DeVille have basically a similar firewall/cowl, but the angle of the windshield is greater on the Eldorado convertible as I recall....but that might mate quite well actually. Then you could use the "slimmer" scissors-top convertible mechanism from the Eldorado as well, and avoid hydraulics. You could also use the Eldorado quarter windows since they are the correct angle for the Scissor-top frame. Pic attached of your starting point in this project. I helped a guy with a 1984 Fleetwood Coupe a few years ago, he made into a "1992 Fleetwood Brougham Convertible" ragtop using basically what I mentioned above (Changed out the nose from a 1984 to a 1990-92..better looking). Results were pretty good...pic attached of a similar attempt (Which prob used a 1967-70 GM frame, based on the looks and how it is sticking up). Private message me if you want to discuss more~!
EJ
Enjoy (It's a 1972, but close~!)
Oh yeah, I got that pic
When I first opened the thread, my first reaction was "Whattttttttt?" Upon seeing the results, I am thinking, "Well, those turned out pretty well. Go ahead and have fun." In any case, Welcome.
1973 CDV convertible - agree the 1973 RWD is a striking Cadillac no question.
Either task, converting a 1969/70 DVC to a 1973, or converting a 1973 CDV to a convertible will be major, properly done by others could easily top 100k.
Guess if I had to pick one or the other, probably would convert a 1969/70 DVC to a 1973 RWD Convertible. The body is a little longer on the 1973, so it could work. Start with the doors and work back and forward from there. How far do you want to go - interior too? For that matter the 1974 dash is way nicer than a 1973 in my opinion. If I was pursuing this would go with a 1970 DVC, keep seats, change dash and door panels to 1974, and go with 1973 body. Goes without saying the 1970 drive train remains.
Enjoy!
Better to buy a nice 73 and have a top done using donor parts from a convertible.
Unless you are doing it yourself it will be costly.
Here is a 4 door conversion in the club. (Below)
I had some fun with photoshop seeing how it would look as a coupe or a 4 door with suicide rear doors.
@D. Smith
Great job with the photoshopping!
Looks like the owner converted it using a pre-1971 top mechanism...there is just no depth in the upper trunk/rear inner fenders to get those mechanisms to "be flat" with the car's natural body lines, so they stick up awkwardly. That was why I suggested the Scissor top, it resides flatter at the area over the wheel well and puts most of the mechanism dead center behind the rear seat -- thus allowing a more flush look.
Can't help but wonder if that car (sedan convertible) rides poorly. No rigidity in the frame (twists?) with the top lopped off. The coupes at least have a lot of reinforcement metal in the lower quarter window area, but the rear doors of a sedan convertible offer none of that. What was the last 4 door ragtop...the "Kennedy" Lincoln?
Eldorado James 8)
Great job D. Smith, That looks awesome, that's just throwing more fuel in my fire!!!
@ Scot, 100K? for putting 73 body panels on a 70? If I go with Eldorado James's idea of using as much ElDo parts on the 73 CDV with scissor top, Id think that's the way. I was quoted on a 77-79 CDV conversion at $5500 in Las Vegas (Theyre on YouTube). They don't do 71-73, YET. This is a full custom shop, I talked to owner on the phone (TJ). He only does the metal work and reinforcement for $5,500. That's right Five Thousand Five Hundred. These guys do a great job, most of their conversions go one to be hopping Lowriders and can take the abuse of hoppin & poundin! Maybe if I hire Jesse James or West Coast Customs it'll cost 100k.
Interesting price of $5,500.....Are they using a generic convertible frame with that, and somehow capping the stock windshield with a matching header? I'm speculating that might be the case...not using the Scissor Top and having that bunched-up mess behind the rear seat.....but I'm anxious to see the pics of what they do. Did he give you any examples? I wonder how they addressed the quarter windows.
You could always throw that 1970 472 into the 1973, for some extra punch. :o :o
Eldorado Conv inner quarter area....well braced for side impact.....the CDV would be too.
https://youtu.be/tRbviUqopqg
When I talked to him I didn’t ask about whick rack he used but probably same one the Le Cabriolet (Hess & Eisenhart) used. The video show a few samples of 1/4 windows. Eventually he’ll get into the 4th Gen Coupes. I couldn’t believe its $5,500 but he told. I was surprised how “relatively†cheap it is. And as you can see, He’s busy.
@ Barry, Thank you!!
Some screen grabs from that video. I see how the address the quarter window....add new metal in there and probably enclose the gear mechanism. Those are not Eldorado pieces of glass but they are sorta similar.
EJ
There is a faster and more economical way to achieve the end result..... >:D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvWWb9hFKxI
They always used existing windshield frame and modded the top of it. I been doin my research. I think Im going with the El Dorado parts, only because they're readily available however replacing the windshield frame is no joke, gotta be just right on that one!
Now on deciding on "the" car, a cheap beater or a pristine car. plenty of donors on the web, between 4 and 8k, the pristines are climbing up there in price. and not only that, finding the El Dorado beater to take parts from, now its getting up there in price, I found a scissor top on eBay for $499.
It would be easier to simply get a '70 Convertible and graft all the '73 external body panels and parts onto it.
Bruce. >:D
I agree but the quarter panels on a 70 are quite different than the 73.
However if its all the same underneath then yes, sounds simple nuff!
I didn't say it would be easy, but probably a lot easier than trying to but a convertible guts onto a '73.
Plus, the frame of the '70 is designed for the flexing of a roofless vehicle, whereas the cut off roof of a '73 takes all the torsional strength with it.
Bruce. >:D
Food for thought....if you wanted to leave the original windshield in, perhaps you could graft in the top piece of an Eldo conv windshield so that it would mate with the Scissors header.
Cant argue there!
You need to make extensive measurements in order to figure out which way will be easier and less costly.
Personally I think for the amount of cash you are going to spend to pull this off you could buy a pretty nice 70 Convertible AND a super nice 73 Coupe and enjoy BOTH cars as they were built.
Cutting up the 73 to make it into a convertible is going to be tough. Why the thinking to go with Eldo parts? If you are really going to try this you can buy a 73 Coupe and a rusty 70 Convert. The front fenders and quarters always rot but the convertible top assy and rear tubs are usually in great shape. The Eldo is a completely different shape and windshield frame is completely different where it meets the cowl. Apples and oranges. I would think that adapting a 70 convert rear tub to the 73 coupe makes more sense. The 70 windshield frame should be a closer fit and you could also re-upholster the 70 rear interior panels to match the rest of the 73 interior. You really need to get measurements of the rear seat width and height on both models. That's a starting point. Also the width to the outside at the tops of the quarters in the center of the rear window openings. If these dimensions are close you may have a shot. It would also look and work as-if Cadillac actually built it.
Non of this is easy or possible to do as a driveway mechanic. I don't know what your skill level is with metal fab and welding but it's a major project and I don't see any credible shop doing this for $5000 unless it's going to be just the rough cut and weld.
Good Luck,
Brian
PS... If you have never driven a 70 DeVille convert I would suggest doing so. You may just fall in love and save yourself a whole lot of time and money.
Random thoughts on customizing the 1973 Deville convertible...
It's the dreamer in us that makes our pursuit of something unique a rewarding experience. Although I enjoy helping people restore Cadillacs with "original" perfection in mind, I also help dreamers make something special for themselves. Personally I think the idea of creating a 1973 DeVille convertible will be a fun challenge...it might of been an idea Cadillac proposed for the 1971 lineup before going with the Eldorado.
"What if's" make a great personal statement if done tastefully...especially if it looks like GM actually did it. That is one reason I suggest the Eldorado Scissor top...it would fold behind the seat and hide, rather than rest above the body level atop the wheel housing..and it was a legit 1971-76 GM product for the 1973 year. A lot of the early custom-convertible guys (1980's and 1990's) took parts from other GM cars -- My fav was a 1965 Buick Riviera convertible (I owned at triple black 1965 at the time). I spoke with the owner, and he told me how he used the upper windshield & convertible mechanism from a 1965-66 GTO convertible as part of the 1965 Riviera conversion. His conversion was stunning and made you wince that GM never actually made one.
I just finished getting a very enthusiastic Cadillac investor set up with a legitimate wheel skirts-conversion for his 1976 Eldorado convertible......he mentioned that he loved the 1971-74 skirts and wished Cadillac had kept them on the 1976 model. I told him what it would cost to revise his quarters to use the skirts....he was thrilled! (Car going in for new paint this week, I will add pics later). Our passions with the automobile take us to great places, even to the dreamy realm of creating what was never created....and taking pride that you did create it. :D :D
EJ
I'm more of a bored and stroked 500 c.i. block with aluminum heads "dreamer", in an XLR, if I do say so myself!
LOL.... I love it, Chas. Check out this link.....an Eldorado 500 in a Fiero.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWgcth25crI
The custom convert a 71-76 CDV to a convertible is difficult to avoid the baby buggy look of the folding top mechanism. I would go with a top mechanism that folds into the body like a factory would design it, well GM/Ford/Chrysler anyway. The RR and VW of that era convertibles looked terrible in my mind in down position - baby buggy look.
If you hire out a convert 70 to 73 DVC you can easily hit 100k with not much imagination. Labor on custom body work done well is expensive. Since there is no sense in making this conversion unless it is executed extremely well, you will be into major money if you hire it all out. If you do it yourself, it will be just your time and materials will not be too bad with a nice donor 1973 CDV. The details will be very difficult. Convert a 69 to a 70 easy, but 70 and 73 have too many differences.
Anyone who has done a job like this, and it came out stunning, add up your hours honestly and ...
EJ,
I'm not sure you get that the Eldo body and the Coupe body are vastly different.
The scissors top is an extremely complicated mechanism. I think even the most skilled coach builder would have a tough time figuring out where to locate the inner structure of the rear tub so that it will line up with the windshield when the top mech is extended to its closed position.
The tolerances are not even a quarter of an inch.
The 73 Coupe and 70 Deville are more closely related than any of the 71-76 Eldo bodies.
It's going to be a very difficult job no matter what.
I have a 70 DeVille and a 76 Eldo, both convertibles and there are vast differences between each.
One option that nobody has seemed to mention is the thought of getting a '73 Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick or Oldsmobile Convertible and transplanting all the '73 Cadillac exterior panels.
And even putting the Caddy drive train into the Chev.
Probably a lot easier than using a '70 Convertible as the base.
Bruce. >:D
@ Bruce, I thought of that, however I figured B platform & C Platform was an issue.
Thanks to all you guys for your input, VERY HELPFUL!!!!!!
OK SO................ How's this one, 73 CDV front clip on a 73 EL DO?
@ D. Smith, do your photoshoppin magic, lol
Quote from: 73 DropTop on February 15, 2018, 05:51:16 PM
@ Bruce, I thought of that, however I figured B platform & C Platform was an issue.
Don't forget that the Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick Convertibles are on the same platform as the Cadillac Coupe deVille.
You have a convertible chassis and the scissors top, and convertible windscreen all in one, and I would think, without actually seeing the C,P,O & B next to a CDV, knowing how GM works, the underpinnings would be pretty close.
Bruce. >:D
PS. I am not saying to forget about the Eldorado Convertible, but there is a whole lot of difference between the Front Wheel Drive chassis and the Rear Wheel Drive chassis and drive train.
I think he needs to send it to Oz. Turn Q on it & do a RHD at the same time. What do you think Bruce??
Sounds like the best choice Bob. But I will see if Jeannie can help me first.
@76Eldo I agree that the Scissors mechanism is complex and needs competent hands to line it all up right. When working, the Scissor top system is quite amazing, considering it's simplicity (one motor, 2 drive gear) setup and the complexity of the component alignment. But any other conventional (1960's) frame would stick up too high...unless (in theory) you cut into the upper wheel wells, etc. See pic of Scissor top assy out of an Eldorado. The Deville might be slightly wider at the rear upper seat, and the fabricator would have to create the mounts inward a bit.....I'd cut out a set of the Eldo conv mounts and just use those as a template or weld them in. I don't think it's miles off though...but it has to be accurate. I'd do the windshield first and then open the frame fully while locking the header onto the windshield...and then find your appx strike lines for the rear bolts....It would take some doing but in the right hands it could be done well. This is the fun part...the idea challenge!
If you do it, please start with a '69.
A '70 is a lot nicer looking that a '69. (no offense)
;)
I guess I don’t have a trained eye, 69 & 70 CDV Convertible look identical to me, Enlighten me please.
From a base cost perspective...buying a really decent 1969-70 convertible and then adding on 1973 sheetmetal is probably going to be a lot higher than finding a 1973 CDV and buying the parts to convert. 1970 CDV conv price vs 1973 CDV coupe....big price jump.
@ James, I agree I been hunting, a decent running 73 CDV are very cheap compared to beater 69-70 Convertible. A couple junk lots out west in TX, NV etc dont sell the whole convertible just the parts. Im looking at a 73 CDV in my state. Lets see.
Quote from: 73 DropTop on February 15, 2018, 10:26:08 PM
I guess I don’t have a trained eye, 69 & 70 CDV Convertible look identical to me, Enlighten me please.
69 front had wider grille. Headlamps set in grille. No emblems on fender ends. Had V under crest on hood.
70 front has smaller grille. Headlamps have body color surround. Emblems on fender ends. No V under crest on hood.
69 Rear had wrap around rear lamps. V under crest on trunk.
70 rear lamps are hooded, reverse lamps in bumper. No V under crest.
@ D Smith, Got it Thanks!!
I asked this question over 9 Hours ago, not including PM, I got no feedback. "OK SO........ How's this one?, 73 CDV front clip ( Front end) on a 1973-74 El Dorado? Seems the cheapest, I know there's " traditionalist" out there, but "customizing" has been around since before the Roman Chariots, now THAT is antique! I have restored an antique Harley (1940's) and a Classic Mustang (1960's). Restoring is minor leagues, Customizing is Major Leagues!
Let's take that last post a step further....I have a rust free 1973 Eldorado convertible body shell....from the windshield all the way back. How about putting that onto the CDV frame and leaving it rear wheel drive? That require a minor floor pan stretch and driveshaft/trans modifications (all hidden later) ......revising the body mount locations....maybe a few other small things......but hey, that eliminates 100% of the convertible top conversion....and you can use the 1973 Eldorado bumper. With some ingenuity you could maybe use the 1973 Deville bumper (has rubber filler extensions) or maybe 1974-76 Deville/Fleetwood Bumpers if you like those. Given the clean front end look of the 1973 DeVille, that 1973 Eldo bumper would blend.
There is already a 1973 Eldorado conversion to RWD, and it is major surgery costing many thousands of hours worth of time. You should go on the modified Cadillac site to see what people go thru.
Yes, you can remove a fender from the 1973 Eldorado and replace it with a 1973 CDV fender in a day or two, but it will look like s**t. It will take weeks of refabricating brackets and implementing small minor modifications to the fender to make this look good, not to mention a repaint after completion, which is 10k for a decent one.
Custom automotive body work that looks good and functions perfectly is very expensive and difficult to accomplish. This is a tall order you ask for, not for the faint of heart or low resource guy. Given that you can get a 1973 CDV for maybe 5k, and a 1969 DVC for maybe 15k that would be the basis for the foundation of the work and I read a complaint about the price difference (BTW the 69 DVC comes with a top mechanism already installed, weather seals for window and top are available, and etc.) tells me that the job complexity and price are greatly underestimated.
The only reason for this is for looks, as otherwise the 70 DVC would suffice. I frankly think the 71-73 CDV is a great style, and if offered in a convertible from the factory it would be in my garage right now. This is just too impractical for me though in so many ways. Please keep us posted, as this will be a wonderful looking car after it is completed.
I agree with Scott and mentioned this in a PM.....putting a 73 front end on the Eldorado...the frames are not the same in the front, especially due to the FWD. All of the bolt points for bumpers, body panels, inner fenders, etc...would likely not match and be challenging. Time consuming to alter....The curve at the front of the door might match though. You could weld the entire front clip together and then secure it with several anchor points to the frame....then put on the bumper last (direct to the revised location of the bumper shocks, if needed). It seems like a very hard route to go though. The firewalls and hood hinges are essentially the same but the differences start the moment you move forward.
EJ
Have fun, but I'd just get a 1968-0 convertible. What's so special about 1973? more emissions controls low compression combine to significantly rob power. There were no major advances in refinement between 1970-1973 (really even between 1968-73) , so Idon't know why, but have fun doing it.
I mean what did 1973s have that 1968-70 didn't have
Climate control - already there except that 1973 had bi-level
Tile-tele wheel - back from 1964
Dual outside mirrors - back to 1968 although the right side might be remote control in 1973
Power trunk - from the 60
Power locks - from theb60s
Power seats - from the 60s
Power windows - from the 50s
Radio - 8-tracks from 69 on
Twilight Sentinel & Guidematic - from the mid 60s
Level Control - from the 60s
Rear Defogger - from the mid 60s but probably a no-go on convertibles
Cruise Control - from the mid 60s
For pretty much everything, If you could get it in a 1973, you could get it in a 1968-70. Plus you got MORE POWER, a nice metal grille, Vent windows on a 68, no isolated bumpers with fillers to disintegrate as time goes on, less plastic trim, etc.....
Quote from: 73 DropTop on February 15, 2018, 10:26:08 PM
I guess I don’t have a trained eye, 69 & 70 CDV Convertible look identical to me, Enlighten me please.
69 has a better looking front end because of the grille and the better looking blinkers. 7 has a better looking back end because of the tail lights. 70s (and 71) DeVilles and Calias have NO "V" ?!?!? They had larger crests than 69 -earlier or 72-later as well.
68s look better than either . 8)
70s (and 71 i think) have that stooopid in the windshield antenna, while 69-earlier and 72-later etc have regular power antennas.
Interiors are almost the same - just different patterns.
Cruise is different except on ElDorados 69 has the 68 and earlier dial-a-speed while 70 - up has the later more compact unit.
I think 73DropTop has a crush on 1973 Devilles, that is why he is considering this project. Agreed that there isn't a ton of change between 1969-73...or even 1976 for that matter, but we all gravitate towards certain years..for looks, features, maybe childhood memories, etc. My personal preference in that range (for a coupe or custom convertible) would be a 1972-73 Deville as well. There is still plenty of power in the engine (same as 1971, but they changed how HP was measured for 1972) and I like the dashboard better than '69-'70...the dual curve on the quarter panels....also the 1973 interior upper door and quarter panels in full woodgrain look, the design of the front and rear ends/bumpers, etc. It's a little more polished and elegant to my eyes, especially with dual rocker moldings, the shinier grille, hood ornament, bumper guards, etc.
EJ
I still think using a '73 other GM Convertible (Large size) would work best and fitting ALL the '73 DeVille parts to it, including all the interior, and drive train from the Cadillac.
I know that the Cadillac wheels would be a bolt-on, as would the seats and upholstery, and probably the dash would fit, as the windscreens for the Convertibles are the same. Plus, probably the front fender mountings at the firewall would be the same.
The funny thing about GM is that underneath the outer skins, the basic constructions for all fisher body structures are very close to being the same. If they weren't, then the profits made wouldn't be as high.
Bruce. >:D
Mike,
Do you like 1968 Cadillacs?
The front end of the 1970 cornering/marker lights with horizontal grille looks so cool at night when lighted up. For me the 70 is better looking than the 69 because of that - plus the 1970 tail lights are cooler. The RWD 1970 Cadillac is the only year for factory stock 472 with no air pump.
All,
the 1973 CDV crush to make it a DVC is very expensive.
@Bruce,
I don't think that would work well....the sheet metal transfer. The Deville is a "C" body platform car, and the generic Chevy Caprice/Impala/Delta 88/ LeSabre/Grandville are B-Body. Why is that significant? The wheelbases on C body cars is longer by over 8 inches.....your rear axles (in theory) won't line up with the rear wheel wells unless you stretch the body/frame. Specs below....am I on the right track?
1969-70 information also posted.....the wheelbase is almost exactly the same....however the body width grew...somehow, somewhere...by over 3 inches.
1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
Dimensions: outside length: 5804 mm / 228.5 in, width: 2027 mm / 79.8 in, wheelbase: 3302 mm / 130 in
*************
1973 Chevrolet Impala 2-Door Coupe, 350-2 V-8 Turbo-Fire Hydra-Matic
Dimensions: outside length: 5636 mm / 221.9 in, width: 2019 mm / 79.5 in, wheelbase: 3086 mm / 121.5 in
*****************************
And for the sake of conversation....the 1969-70 Deville
1970 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
Dimensions: outside length: 5715 mm / 225 in, width: 2027 mm / 79.8 in, wheelbase: 3289 mm / 129.5 in
Like I said, he should buy a nice 70 convertible and a mint 73 Coupe.
Have one of each instead of a bastardized 73 that he will never get any money back on.
Or buy a 73 Pontiac, Olds, or Buick convertible.
If anyone thinks that these projects are anything like the phony stuff you see on TV that get done in a week you have never taken anything on like this.
A complete set of measurements on a 73 Coupe and a 70 convert plus a 71-76 Eldo needs to be looked at. Can't eyeball this or be an arm chair coachbuilder.
Brian
Alot of great info and advice from you guys, I appreciate it, Thank you! yes I’m aware that it may be a pipe dream.
Quote from: Eldorado James on February 17, 2018, 01:35:09 AM
I think 73DropTop has a crush on 1973 Devilles, that is why he is considering this project. Agreed that there isn't a ton of change between 1969-73...or even 1976 for that matter, but we all gravitate towards certain years..for looks, features, maybe childhood memories, etc. My personal preference in that range (for a coupe or custom convertible) would be a 1972-73 Deville as well. There is still plenty of power in the engine (same as 1971, but they changed how HP was measured for 1972) and I like the dashboard better than '69-'70...the dual curve on the quarter panels....also the 1973 interior upper door and quarter panels in full woodgrain look, the design of the front and rear ends/bumpers, etc. It's a little more polished and elegant to my eyes, especially with dual rocker moldings, the shinier grille, hood ornament, bumper guards, etc.
EJ
EJ, the rocker moldings and bullet tail curve on the rear quarter yes, everything else NO. Fugly rubber bumper moldings that cause the bumpers to rust from the holes punched in the bumper - No, Plastic grille - No, Hood ornament - I put one on my 1968!
The 73s did have nice interiors though; I remember my SDV was very elegant inside.
Quote from: Scot Minesinger on February 17, 2018, 08:20:36 AM
Mike,
Do you like 1968 Cadillacs?
The front end of the 1970 cornering/marker lights with horizontal grille looks so cool at night when lighted up. For me the 70 is better looking than the 69 because of that - plus the 1970 tail lights are cooler. The RWD 1970 Cadillac is the only year for factory stock 472 with no air pump.
All,
the 1973 CDV crush to make it a DVC is very expensive.
Scot,
No I hate the 68s - too many one off parts. Like the rear bumper with full length chrome encased taillights with the reverse lights that "come out of" the lower half of the tail lights...
OK, kidding aside, the 1970 does have a better looking tail light than the 69 - but not 68. But the 69 front blinker has a crest at the back art of it which they removed for the 1970 mandated reflectors that had to be everywhere. The 68 also has a crest in the front blinker though plus the stacked & slanted headlights. I never had a 1970 deVille but I did have a Fleetwood Brougham and those cars had regular size crests with wreaths. I don't know what was going on in the GM style pinheads when they came up with the "V-less" 1970-71 looks...
Anyway all three of those years (plus 67 except for its engine, but its interior was very nice) are about the best years for Cadillac ever.
As for a CDV to convertible, Scot, son't you have a 1970 4 door convertible? How was that made?
As for using a different GM B body convertible chassis and putting DeVille body and interior in it, that could work with an 8.5 inch frame stretch like the limo companies do nowadays. But then you would have a Buick or Olds with a Cadillac body on it, but it could be done.
As for getting a 68-70 convertible and a 73 CDV, well, that would be up to Mr Reid.
Johnny Cash did it first.
To the OP, make the '73 Deville convertible, report to us the cost and after a few years of operation, report back on the fit and finish.
I suppose it's a challenge, but keeping an old car running and making and old car dependable is enough of a challenge for me.
Just sayin'.
and the '69 grille...
I've sold a couple of sets of the 1971-73 rockers for use on 1969-70's, and the buyers really like it. To me, that lower chrome "is Cadillac".....Chevys and Pontiacs shouldn't have it, lol. I once added the full lower set to my 1960 Series 62 convertible years ago, it made a huge difference. I can't seem to like the Cadillacs that don't have that trim as much (1975-76 Calais look naked without it!). The pics attached are a single rocker added to a 1969......I have yet to get pics back from the 1970 guy that I sold the set to recently - he wanted the double rocker look.
Okay, I will stay out of this.
But before I leave, so to speak, anything is possible with steel and tin, but once Plastic becomes more involved, things start to really get hard.
Bruce. >:D
Sorry,
I like the clean look better. I know the hood ornament doesn't belong but it was already there when I bought the car. Can't take it off and fill the hole because this is an original paint car.
It had pinstripes, I buffed them off. It also had bumper guards, I took them off. Cadillac got it right in 1970. Nothing else is needed in my opinion.
Brian
Gorgeous 70 DropTop!!!
I showed this thread to a couple of hillbillies that live near me. Their idea of fun is dropping 1950’s pickup truck bodies onto late model 4 wheel drive frames. They said if you keep them in Sawzall blades and Budweiser, they could roll a ‘73 convertible out of their horse barn in a couple of weeks.....LOL!
@ Brian -- Very nice and Clean 1970! It was the anti-wreath year for Cadillac...using those Jumbo crests on the front and rear. I agree that the "wreathed" Eldorado hood ornament seems slightly out of place, too bad they drilled that on. You could put the correct matching Eldo hood-center molding at the back end that extends to the windshield....but I don't think you are a fan of adding stainless, LOL. You could use a d'Elegance hood ornament in that base (no wreaths on it).....
EJ
I bought a very nice 70 Eldo hood ornament. It's like a small fin and not too obtrusive. But unexpectedly the holes are different and I'm not drilling more holes in the hood.
When you are driving the car it's not terrible to have that wreath and crest pointing the way.
I'm just leaving it alone.
Quote from: 76eldo on February 18, 2018, 09:12:35 PM
I bought a very nice 70 Eldo hood ornament. It's like a small fin and not too obtrusive. But unexpectedly the holes are different and I'm not drilling more holes in the hood.
When you are driving the car it's not terrible to have that wreath and crest pointing the way.
I'm just leaving it alone.
One of the first things I did when I got my 1968 was to put a stand up hood ornament on it and a RH mirror. Place it on the solid or dashed line and you are in the lane! 8)
The car just isn't complete without them.
When I first got my 1970 Fleetwood Brougham WAY back, it had the RH mirror as did my brother's 1970 Fleetwood 75 Sedan. Mine also had a full length hood trim with a stand up on it. I thought they All came with these. ???
One time in the winter I got a little too enthusiastic brushing off snow and I bent the hood top trim strip. Fortunately the "recycling yards" had plenty of ElDos to get a replacement.
Later, after getting the 1968 I found out that the RH mirror was a dealer option (except for the Series 75s) prior to 1971 and the full length trim with the stand-up was "borrowed" from 1971 & later ElDorados. The first owner apparently could get the dealer to make these "upgrades" for him. It made my Fleetwood look balanced and dignified.
It doesn't matter. I found the RH mirror ( pricey!!!) and got a stand alone hood ornament and they have been on the car ever since. But that's about the only trim updates I ever did on the car. It looks pretty good elsewhere as it is.
Maybe in the future the Fleetwood lower rocker trim might be a cool addition - If I can find some. I'd have to get the skirt pieces as well.
Damn the authenticity - all cylinders ahead! :P
Its not a new idea. A sawzall, a blowtorch and a mig welder and a little body filler. Guys in Southern California have been hacking hardtop Impalas into Convertibles since the 60’s and on top of that have been hopping and slamming them, HARD! Most of those Guys & Gals are not rich or sometimes not even middle class, and still get it done. I have no intention of hoppin or lowride my car, just cruise down the beach. Oh one more thing look up “ 1973 Coupe Deville Lowrider†click on the white 73. I guess we’re running out of old Impalas.
Damn, serious swag on that red one! :o :o :o :o :o The aggressive grills of the 1971-72's really makes a statement. I'd care less if there is a convertible top mechanism in that beastie.........Great pics.......I guess I am a SoCal person stuck in the Midwest. ;D ;D
That car is in Chicago/Cicero. Look up “1971 Coupe Deville Convertible “ on YT. He has alot of videos.
We all know about making converts out of coupes.
Lots of bogus 59 Eldos out there.
What we are trying to tell you is that in order to build a fully functional 1973 DeVille convertible that resembles what the factory would have done takes a high level of skill.
I say go for it if you have enough sawzall blades and beer and make sure to send pics as you go.
Good luck
Geez, just a few miles away.... :-o
@ 76eldo Thank you!
Wrong color but looks good as a 4 door ragtop.....
Here is a "Convertible" I photographed in a Gas Station near Merritt or Kamloops in 2002 whilst touring USA and Canada in 2002, and the fella said when I queried the fact that I thought they didn't make convertibles after 1976, "well, it as a Coupe this morning, until it met with the Sawzall".
Turns out they were heading off to a Country and Western festival.
Bruce. >:D
PS. The car looked too good to have to suffer, but at least they covered over the cut portions with vinyl and carpet.
LOL....most people would never even realize that it's a 77 or 78 chop top. So easy to tell this via the ugly header panel. If I ever do a chop top, I'd pull the windshield, weld on a 1971-76 Eldorado upper top frame and reinstall the glass.....then put the correct convertible hardware, so that it doesn't look so damn odd.
Somebody mentioned, the 73 eldorado RWD conversion, that guy is a friend of mine, saw the car in person, it’s amazing what you can do with a fleetwood frame and eldorado body.... he said it made too much sense, motor fit munch nicer, as well as the placement of the wheels in the wheel wells.
Just some thought...
LOL.....How about turning a 1972 Coupe DeVille into a convertible (actual conversion for a stage prop!). They sure put it through the weight loss clinic! Video on YouTube if you want to see the car from start to finish.
EJ
http://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=64013&country=uk
I agree EJ, I’d maybe cut what I need and place the convertible top windshield frame and weld it to the existing frame, cutting the entire thing, seems like a mission.
Definitely a custom, and as the seller said, a dry weather car only as there are no side windows.
Wouldn't get much use in England then, so should be a low-mileage vehicle.
Must have had an engine change as these cars still had the 472 in them.
Bruce. >:D
This guy is no nonsense.