Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

After over 3 years, here we go...
Grabbed The Ark from Area 51 early today, where he's been safely ensconced since the day before the blizzard here.

(Yes, The Lair survived, barely, Michael came over here in the raging blizzard to knock the snow off its roof, I physically couldn't do it. It had started to freeze, I couldn't move it, and the roof was in danger of collapse. Michael drives the Death Star, that truck was on the road when the PD was too afraid. Blizzard MVP to Michael Amster. I've made the necessary repairs to The Lair, there's some mods I want to do, I have time.)

Took The Ark to the approved inspection station, pass. My 53 year old car, pass. My daily driver, fail. WTP? To Michael at HVA who removed the wheel covers. Back to Area 51 (where Have Blue was) and called AAA. Thankfully the horrible tow company AAA will call in this county said they couldn't do such a long tow. (85 miles) Gratefully CapeWay Towing accepted, my "B" tow company who's now my "A" tow company since Bucklers gave me an insane price round trip, heh, now its FREE. Told dispatch I had clean rags here for the straps to keep my Diamond Back white walls clean. No problem. When Drew showed up with the truck, he had stopped at the shop and got 4 brand new straps, just for The Ark. And he had a partner with him. Another CapeWay driver who's a friend said they "only do that with extreme cars". Nice. The Ark was laser straight on the bed, as it should be. That driver was busy today, he already had a run to RI, a service call in Sandwich, now he's picking up The Ark in Hyannis and taking him to the north shore (north of Boston). In rush hour traffic, it was 4:30 when they left. I got my first picture from the shop of The Ark already on the lift at 6:30. They must have used the Cape Cod Tunnel. Shop inspected the car well on arrival, all good. The owner of the company texted me! "Hope you were happy with the service, we did our best to take care of it. That's a pretty well known car around here." Sweet. "Very happy, very pro, make we can work out something for the return trip with the same driver?" Don't see why we can't... Stay tuned...

Got more pics, they already had the rear bumper off. I'm like "dude, its past 7pm, go have a drink and call it off. My car has had a long day, he's tired....

This is a boutique body shop. CLC member who only does a few cars a year at a private shop with all the proper accoutrements and he has a crew. He has to like the car or like the owner. Nobody likes me so must be The Ark. They do 1 (one) car at a time, so its start to finish, all hands on deck on 1 car, super nice. And he's created mind boggling cars, major show winners, we're in VERY good hands, I'm blessed. If he wants to uncloak himself on this thread he's welcome to.

I ordered over $1200 in parts from Rubber The Right Way being shipped directly there. The trunk was full of parts collected over the last few years, several from Charles Fares who I WISH TO GOD WAS STILL WITH US, I know he's with me and The Ark in spirit, keep an eye on things for me Charles, OK? God I miss him.

They already have the new door in primer, trunk lid might be next. They have a lot of work to do. Bumpers will be polished and put back on with an eye towards replacing them next winter, this is costing enough. All the chrome and stainless trim is being sent out to be de-bumped, polished, etc. I've talked to John Gately a couple of times, I may have to rummage through his stock on 1970 Fleetwood parts. The 'may as wells' could cost me my house, so both feet on the brakes, BODY AND PAINT. They've got a lot of cutting and welding to do.

Time frame? I *have* to be at Larz Anderson Cadillac Day on May 15th... The car will be repainted its correct data plate
93, Lucerne Agua Firemist, the color of my dad's first Caddy Fleetwood.

I'm learning... this is not a game for the faint of heart or light of wallet. The Ark rules. \m/
Email with Jenkins Interiors for a trunk kit, they gave me a price. I replied, "you know I only need 1, right?"

Here's some pics from today, they might post correctly, who knows... Isn't this FUN?

So very excited for you Laurie!  Looking forward to Cadillac Day!

This is going to be a fun thread to follow.

Ah.  The fun continues.

:)

Quote from: Highwayman68 on February 22, 2022, 08:36:58 AM
This is going to be a fun thread to follow.

Mark we're FBook friends, aren't all my threads fun to follow? ROTFLMAO!

The Man and I were talking at 0200 this morning, we saw each other's green lights on on FBook. He and
his crew are pretty excited about the car, warm and fuzzy.

Enjoy the process and allow it to get you the car you want.  Don't rush it no matter the self imposed deadline, you will regret it later.

Hey Sis,

Gr8 2 C U posting again.

What, nobody likes U - well yur bro will always.

Quite an admission that yur JUST A GIRL & had 2 call a big strong guy to move the snow - ONLY KIDDING, U ROCKER.

I 2 enjoy yur posts and yur way with the words - most active and in 2 the hobby member I know.
THERE SHOULD BE AN AWARD.

Have fun,
Steve B.
Butchman

Dudes and dudettes....
I can't believe how much work has been done in 36 hours. At this rate the car should be done Sunday.
I'm kidding. Sort of.

The Man took me on a FB messenger live video tour late today. JEEZ!
All the jewelry is off, the rear bumper already has the replacement lower right piece on with lense and bezel...
Half the paint is off...

The only surprise was some thingy in front near the radiator whoseewhatza that needs to be welded, needs parts
welded, or something... and new thingies to bolt it back onto the thingofamagig.

If I get too technical, let me know and I'll type slower.

All the stainless, I think some of the chrome, is going to His Guy to be fixed, straightened, shined, polished, whatever.

Since I want all the doors taken apart and the window tracks cleaned and regreased, MAY AS WELL change out all the
cigarette lighters since none of them work. My drivers lighter works, Charles Fares (RIP) sent me a literally brand new socket and lighter. Michael installed it. Being able to charge my phone in my car was a quality of life improvement you
can't imagine. Source for sockets and lighters? Anyone? forget eBay.. I should probably test the sockets with a working
lighter first, too bad I took it out of the car and its here.

May as well do the package shelf, since mine is 53 and looks like it.
May as well do the trunk kit too. Do you know how much those are from Jenkins? Are you kidding?

The Man will be right on with his estimate. I'm the one who will blow it up with the MAY AS WELLS....

Larz Anderson  Cadillac Day  May 15th  Be There

Quote from: 59-in-pieces on February 22, 2022, 12:51:10 PM
Hey Sis,

Gr8 2 C U posting again.

What, nobody likes U - well yur bro will always.

Quite an admission that yur JUST A GIRL & had 2 call a big strong guy to move the snow - ONLY KIDDING, U ROCKER.

I 2 enjoy yur posts and yur way with the words - most active and in 2 the hobby member I know.
THERE SHOULD BE AN AWARD.

Have fun,
Steve B.
Butchman

LOVE YOU TOO BRO!
Yes, yours truly cried for help the night of the blizzard. I blew out my back on an apartment rental rehab I didn't have
to do in early January, pinched a nerve and I'm still crippled, chiro twice a week. I was in so much pain clearing snow I was
dizzy and crying. I tried to reach up to push the snow off the roof from the inside and almost passed out from the pain. It KILLED me to admit I physically couldn't do something, but I had to save The Lair. Called Michael, he was here in 30. God Bless him. 5 other people said "if you need help in the storm, call me!" I called them all first since I know Michael is busy. All 5 let my call go to voice mail, they knew. Michael? Answered his phone. Michael is a God. Michael is a *F*R*I*E*N*D*
Michael is The Ark's crew chief - greatness hangs together.

Quote from: 6Fleetwood6 on February 22, 2022, 06:48:53 AM
So very excited for you Laurie!  Looking forward to Cadillac Day!

YAH BABY!
Is Ernie Boch having a thing before then? I haven't heard any whispers.
The puritans at the Hyannis Chamber of Commerce are considering having the Father's Day Car Show
this year. I can see this coming - the cars will have to be 20' apart and wrapped in plastic.

Quote from: chrisntam on February 22, 2022, 09:40:14 AM
Ah.  The fun continues.

:)

A barrel of monkeys Chris, as always. LMAO!

Quote from: David King  (kz78hy) on February 22, 2022, 12:42:18 PM
Enjoy the process and allow it to get you the car you want.  Don't rush it no matter the self imposed deadline, you will regret it later.

I've heard that more than once David, well noted.
I'm also female, red headed, only child and Capricorn. So...

I bought this on Amazon and mounted it under the front seat in the middle in the front so it can be reached while sitting in the drivers seat. I used the power feed for the front seat with it's own fuse to protect it. I will try to get a picture of installation and post it.

This keeps all of the charging cables some what hidden when leaving the phone on the seat or if you use a console on the transmission hump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ACD3FS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Quote from: Highwayman68 on February 23, 2022, 08:28:00 AM
I bought this on Amazon and mounted it under the front seat in the middle in the front so it can be reached while sitting in the drivers seat. I used the power feed for the front seat with it's own fuse to protect it. I will try to get a picture of installation and post it.

This keeps all of the charging cables some what hidden when leaving the phone on the seat or if you use a console on the transmission hump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ACD3FS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey Mark, that's pretty cool! My phone is in a clip that's attached to the AC vent. I'm always using WAZE to get to a show
and I need to be able to see the map and hear the nice lady's voice.

Some more pics....

Grind, grind, grind -

The new paint is there. And I had a stroke, doesn't that look green?' Lost my mind on The Man.
He's like "its a dead match Laurie". To what? The old paint? To the brochure color which has been proven
to be wrong? I got all female on him. The car is up on a lift, the new body parts are under it being worked
on. I'm like "I see an 8' A-Frame in one of your pics. Go get it, open the trunk, and brush some paint beside
the tire changing decal, circle it, I *KNOW* that paint under the trunk hood is the correct 93. Take a pic and send
it to me."

Which he did, and its indeed a perfect match. Shows you how much that camera on your smart phone can distort
colors. My heart was pounding. All good now, really happy he did that for me.

And he'll probably never send me another picture, LMAO! Oh yes he will.

So... your first reaction is never to nicely ask if they are doing it right LOL

Apparently he was prewarned by Michael  ;D

Quote from: Highwayman68 on February 26, 2022, 08:03:39 AM
So... your first reaction is never to nicely ask if they are doing it right LOL

Apparently he was prewarned by Michael  ;D

More likely Gary... LOL!

Yes I can be harsh. Michael is immune to it by now. He just turns up the heavy metal blasting
through the shop's sound system when I "start"...

Laurie,
It looks like they assumed you were keeping the same exterior color of the prior re-paint and they matched it as opposed to matching the original exterior color which, as you pointed out, could be found under the trunk lid.

So I guess the idea is you're going back to the original color... I didn't read every detail so maybe I missed it if you mentioned it earlier.

Scott

I'd suggest he spray some for you to see how it looks. Better to tweak it now than after it's been applied.  Every paint manufacturer's formulas can be a little different from factory and each other.

Quote from: chrisntam on February 26, 2022, 11:35:52 PM
I'd suggest he spray some for you to see how it looks. Better to tweak it now than after it's been applied.  Every paint manufacturer's formulas can be a little different from factory and each other.

Good to get a spray-out but I suspect the painter is likely using a scanning paint match system and maybe tweaking. The photo above shows some of the paint they mixed on the paint under the trunk. At least in the photo it matches well.

I personally like going with the original or a modern take on original but I was a little surprised by the choice because the current color seems to have been part of the personality.

Kent,

You do mean BRIGHT & SHINY.

Have fun,
Steve B.

Here's a swatch the shop sprayed out for me. The paint is a perfect match, 93, Lucerne Aqua Firemist.
It was the color of the paint in the can, no doubt altered by the phone that took the picture and my screen
on my laptop that viewed it, which made it look green and that flipped my b1tch switch.

Nice, very nice Laurie.  Always a sucker for a blue car, this really pops.

Quote from: 79 Eldorado on February 27, 2022, 12:26:04 AM
Good to get a spray-out but I suspect the painter is likely using a scanning paint match system and maybe tweaking. The photo above shows some of the paint they mixed on the paint under the trunk. At least in the photo it matches well.

I personally like going with the original or a modern take on original but I was a little surprised by the choice because the current color seems to have been part of the personality.

The current color is the red headed step child that everyone has been waiting for to get a job and move out of the house.

I too always prefer original.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on February 27, 2022, 06:52:50 PM
The current color is the red headed step child that everyone has been waiting for to get a job and move out of the house....

Mark,
Thanks for the explanation... I guess the painter didn't realize it either with the initial mix :)

Scott

Quote from: 79 Eldorado on February 27, 2022, 07:02:06 PM
Mark,
Thanks for the explanation... I guess the painter didn't realize it either with the initial mix :)

Scott

Hey, I'M A RED HEAD. NATURAL RED HEAD

The initial mix was the CORRECT mix. It was the camera's being used for pics that distorted the color.

Quote from: jaxops on February 27, 2022, 11:51:10 AM
Nice, very nice Laurie.  Always a sucker for a blue car, this really pops.

:-* :-* :-*

Imagine when that color is 20' long and 8' wide...  8)

I've never seen another Caddy in the wild with this color.
I think it will be as unique as the Home Depot Teal. Only this time the color is data plate correct.

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on February 27, 2022, 11:19:38 PM
Hey, I'M A RED HEAD. NATURAL RED HEAD...

I didn't say anything when he used the analogy but so am I :)

Quote from: 79 Eldorado on February 27, 2022, 11:29:49 PM
I didn't say anything when he used the analogy but so am I :)

NICE! Us gingers are heart breakers and soul stealers.

My uncle had his Cad in FIREMIST.
A gr8 mix of high metallic - not shy - but also not a heavy metal flake - which is over the top 4 my taste.

Have fun,
Steve B.
Butchman

It's gonna look GREAT! 

Quote from: D.Smith on March 01, 2022, 07:28:54 AM
It's gonna look GREAT!

Dave, you following on my FB page? I dumped more pics last night.

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on March 01, 2022, 08:10:45 AM
Dave, you following on my FB page? I dumped more pics last night.

I think the hip word with the young crowd is "dropped".

;)

Fresh body shop pics, precision work.

There's a reason why they properly named hurricane's after wimmin....

YES the spray outs looked like a dead match, in pictures. Then they were sent to me and I lost my mind.
They're green. My father's car was BLUE I physically HATE this green color. I'd rather paint the
car Vitamin C or Lemon Twist and bag it.

Reached out to a local paint guy with guru status, told him what was going on. He said to have a good sized piece
of the inside trunk, in the center, cut out and sent to me. Show up when I have the trunk piece and bring the spray outs.
That happened today... Imagine what happened next... Ready for some 1970 GM-Cadillac history?

I've attach pics of cars in the early Code 93 Lucerne Aqua Poly/Firemist color, its BLUE
Differences in hue easily attributed to age of paint, type of camera, amount of sunlight, the screen its
being viewed on, etc...

The guy said "what color are your door jambs" - blue
"What color is your dashboard and A pillars" - blue
"Your car is supposed to be the early blue before they switched to green."

Just like my Dad's. 😊

He actually found a blue 70 paint chip of 93 Lucerne Aqua POLY, before they changed the name and color to Lucerne Aqua Firemist, which is green. But kept the same 93 paint code. Confused yet?

He kicked up a lot of dust and went through a lot of boxes to find that. He has a WALL of paint chips from every possible
manufacturer. Took him 20 minutes to find 1 chip that matched, Mazda. And another chip to consider, Benz. Since it was Friday he let me take them home. I attached a pic of both chips from my table. And its WELL UNDERSTOOD the color
YOU see is not the color I see here in real time. I learned that the hard way.

THEN HE GOES INTO the minutia of paint formulas and I completely glazed over.
"This chip has a lot of metal flake, they didn't use that much metal flake in
1970. Here are the formulas... (at this point I want to effing shoot myself)."
And the effing sparkles... out comes 5 different bottles of 'pearls', each one
sampled with his finger and wiped on my hand. (I'm reaching for my Smith, just DO IT Laurie, end your pain.)

I spent a LOT of time with these 2 chips there, inside, outside, turning them, etc.
The Mazda "Aqua Blue Metallic" is my choice. I think. The Benz "Labradoritblau
Metallic" is 2nd. I have the weekend to decide but probably the Mazda color.

Now back to the effing sparkles...
Monday he's going to spray out, on big paddle samplers, the color I pick as per the current
formula, then another one with less sparkles, more 1970. I'll pick one. THAT
sample goes to HIS paint guy, who will mix a gallon and 2 quarts of whatever I pick with PPG.
ALL THREE OF THOSE will be sprayed out, again, in my presence. If they match,
they get shipped. If they're "off" back to the paint store to be tuned, brought back, and
sprayed out again. Until all 3 cans match what I want. Then they'll be shipped to the body shop.

*Already an update to this misery... I've chosen the Mazda color, that was my dad's color on his 70 Fleetwood as I remember it. And he had me 'help' him wash and wax that aircraft carrier more than once. Behind the blessed and
chosen sparkly chip #305A, was chip #305. #305 is far less sparkly, and when placed beside the old green spray outs
AND the trunk lid piece, is obviously far more 'firemist' and period correct. Pics were sent to friend/CLC judge/authenticity
manual author/and owner of a Caddy that's won every Caddy award Mike Josephic for opinion. Mike blessed chip #305.
I've attached a pic of 305A and 305 side by side. Forget the color, its a perfect match to 1970 Lucerne Aqua POLY which is BLUE.This was to compare the sparkles. The chip on the left won. #305 THANK YOU MIKE!

All this info has been forwarded to the body shop who appreciated my tenacity with solving the paint color issue, they
knew I wasn't happy. Better to change color now before they start painting, and that's a ways off.

And I've been coerced into attending the St. Patrick's Day parade here tomorrow
morning in the Irish Rivera known as Cape Cod. Erin Go Braugh, etc.

Bartender? Make it a double and bring it to the Master Bedroom.
Stick a (blue) fork in me, I'm done.

Laurie,
You paint guys probably have a "sun gun"; something like this "3M SUN GUN II Light Kit provides a light source that replicates natural sunlight, allowing technicians to better match paint colors" Maybe that's why your color sample has an oval area where it's brighter due to light source.

Several things:
-Better now than later: Very good to sort it out because automotive paint is mega expensive
-Selecting color: My own experience: I was trying too hard to match a color until I finally realized I would be more happy selecting a "match" which was the color I liked the most; even if something actually matched a little better. That took a lot of self-convincing. You mentioned your judge friend but do you really care about a perfect match if there's another "match" which you like better?
-The sparkle/"metallic" in the paint: That can be a huge issue as some paints will want to somewhat separate despite the best mixing. It won't be obvious but especially with light colors it can be an issue. My paint guys had big problems even after recognizing it in a NAPA paint. That was despite them asking a guy who paints the same brand paint almost every day. Issue after issue they went back to the guy and he said "Oh you're painting a light color with a lot of metallic that can be an issue with NAPA paint". Yeah no s... Sherlock thanks for the warning!
-Micro-cracks: This comment is now pretty old but my paint guy who is also a good friend showed me his car which was painted with PPG probably 10 years earlier than my car and he micro-cracks in the paint. They occur as the paint dries/shrinks. They are barely visible even when pointed out but it had us questioning PPG even though it had been the go-to for a very long time.
-Colors components selective fading: My Cadillac is Western Saddle Firemist and the paint is original except where someone had damaged the paint changing a windshield before I got the car. The shop which painted that area for me mixes their own paint and color scans. They told me they ended up using essentially the original "recipe" but they needed to remove most of the red. It wasn't until that moment I realized that certain colors fade more than others and one reason the paint color changes is because some colors are fading more than others even withing the mixed/dried paint. For years I always thought my 1968 was originally green because it was obviously green and even the areas hidden for years in the cowl area covered by front fenders were obviously green. Well guess what? My car is Ash-Gold which 100% looks green on every Ash-green car I've ever seen. Anyone who doesn't know the name calls the color green. I've also seen people paint their Ash-gold cars gold and it looks totally wrong. So in the end that car will be painted a "modern take" which looks more green than gold and a color I like and can still call "the original" color.

Scott

Scott thanks for the post, interesting.
Paint shop had every type of gun except ones that take magazines, those may have been in the office.
Good info on PPG, I'm on enough car forums on FB to run that up the flag pole and see who salutes, thanks.
This paint chip is not only a 'match' on paper but a 'match' in my mind, I'm very happy with it.
Remembering The Ark is 20' long, too much sparkle could cause a seizure when viewed, on a door stop sized
'vette, not so much. Fading is a big deal. Assuming a car hasn't had a frame off, the inside of the trunk lid or
better yet removing the inside door panel will let the car tell you its paint story. Good stuff.

More pics from the body shop today, these guys are dedicated and relentless. Front right owie getting fixed, primer going on.... Jeez I miss my car. Days like today I remember having to 'beat' the parade to get to Michael, usually for mntx. Then taking my sweet time coming home, or just going for a cruise, until the parade was over and the streets were open. I think back on all the nice days I *COULD HAVE* taken The Ark for a cruise. I was too tired, I had something else, probably minor, to do. "Maybe tomorrow" etc... <sigh> Miss my baby... One thing fo' sho', that ocean of hood, that flight deck in front of me, is going to look a lot different next time.

Been a while since I posted pics, these guys are kicking a$$! Holy Cow! Whispers of primer next week? But trim won't be done for another month. So...

The Ark now has a PM (Project Manager), I was getting overwhelmed. THANK YOU MIKE JOSEPHIC! NOW, I just get a happy phone call from Mike, pictures sent, everything is on time and on schedule, happy Laurie! Happy Ark!

First pic is the chosen PPG paint after a spray out, the picture doesn't do this color (93 Lucerne Aqua POLY, the Ark's TRUE color) justice. The spray card is on my kitchen table, I look at it daily. If 'erotic' has a color, this is it. Paint is due Thursday locally, it will boxed and sprayed out AGAIN in front of me, clear coat added, compared to this chip, if it matches, it ships. If it doesn't, it goes back to be tuned until it does.

Check out the amount of bondo on the fender panel they cut out, over an inch think? And the new fender panels, now being made by John Abend. These fit 66-70 RWD

More pics....

It's good to see updates

Quote from: Highwayman68 on March 15, 2022, 06:59:51 AM
It's good to see updates

Always on my FBook page too Mark.

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on February 27, 2022, 11:32:50 PM
NICE! Us gingers are heart breakers and soul stealers.

Yep! I've been married to one for 33 1/2 years now. Not sure if it was the red head or the blue eyes.

Looking good! Must be nice to be rich!!!!!!  ;D  I'll never know, I have a redhead to keep happy.

Quote from: Big Fins on March 16, 2022, 10:02:31 AM
Yep! I've been married to one for 33 1/2 years now. Not sure if it was the red head or the blue eyes.

Looking good! Must be nice to be rich!!!!!!  ;D  I'll never know, I have a redhead to keep happy.

I have a red head to keep happy too Fins, Moi.  ;)

Can I be nosy and ask what the basic strip and paint ran you? I'm figuring in todays market that can touch 20 large to do a nice job. I thought about selling the FWB to facilitate painting the ElDorado. But like they say, It's only original once.

There again, the FWB is almost too solid a car to part with. Like riding on a cloud and handles just as nice.

Quote from: Big Fins on March 16, 2022, 01:45:38 PM
Can I be nosy and ask what the basic strip and paint ran you? I'm figuring in todays market that can touch 20 large to do a nice job. I thought about selling the FWB to facilitate painting the ElDorado. But like they say, It's only original once.

There again, the FWB is almost too solid a car to part with. Like riding on a cloud and handles just as nice.

John, when it comes time to part with your 1969 FWB.....come and find me....I'm in....

Mike

I promised Glenn Brown, first dibs. Should he pass on it, you are next in line.  :)

I'm sure that Glenn would have to have the floor reconfigured to move the front seat back about a foot or so. He looked awful tight in there to me and I always have the seat all the way back.

Quote from: Big Fins on March 16, 2022, 01:45:38 PM
Can I be nosy and ask what the basic strip and paint ran you? I'm figuring in todays market that can touch 20 large to do a nice job. I thought about selling the FWB to facilitate painting the ElDorado. But like they say, It's only original once.

There again, the FWB is almost too solid a car to part with. Like riding on a cloud and handles just as nice.

Fins the Ark is getting much more in addition to a full strip of 3 paint jobs and repaint. There was a TON of metal work, cutting out corrosion, welding in new panels, new door, new trunk lid, lots of work on/replacement of stainless and chrome, all new weather stripping, etc. LOTS of misc work too and the shop is simply hitting it out of the park, they're doing a phenomenal job.

I'm in charge of paint, I ordered it yesterday, PPG, data plate correct code 93 Lucerne Aqua Poly, (d/b/a Mazda 305A) $1500 - just for paint. And this price will be higher next week, next month, forever until we get our oil situation back to where it was. If the car needs NO BODY work, and you can find someone to do a correct paint job for 20K on a barge this big? I'd jump on that and get it in writing ASAP. The cost of paint and other needed chemicals is going up, daily.

Poly coat going on, the car is going to be laser straight.
The PPG paint arrived locally late Friday and was test sprayed on Saturday - PERFECT!
I'll be bringing the paint to the shop next week, and NO I don't want to see the car in its current state.

Laurie

Post bigger pictures. These are too small to see on a phone.

Quote from: Caddyholic on March 20, 2022, 11:44:39 AM
Laurie

Post bigger pictures. These are too small to see on a phone.

Hire a photographer. These are the pics I get from the shop.

Why would you use a shop that provides such crappy pictures??? Where are your priorities, the work on the car or the pictures documenting the work??? LOL  ;D

Caddyholic the pictures being provided are undoubtedly a part of the negotiations by the shop, who most likely knows how Laurie is, to keep her away from the shop while her car is being worked on  ;D :o :)

Quote from: Highwayman68 on March 21, 2022, 01:43:29 PM
Why would you use a shop that provides such crappy pictures??? Where are your priorities, the work on the car or the pictures documenting the work??? LOL  ;D

Caddyholic the pictures being provided are undoubtedly a part of the negotiations by the shop, who most likely knows how Laurie is, to keep her away from the shop while her car is being worked on  ;D :o :)

Well played Mark. Actually, this shop WANTS me to show up and see what's happening. I refuse. If Michael got a smudge
on a whitewall doing mntx I lost my mind. Could you imagine my reaction seeing The Ark in pieces, the interior full of dust,
the body sanded to metal, poly coated, whatever. I have enough images that give me nightmares, the pictures I get make
me woozy some times. I'm bringing the paint up there today, they know, I *DO NOT* want to see the car. Here's more pics,
getting that hood laser level, the fender, the new trunk lid is on!

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on March 22, 2022, 07:47:47 AM
Well played Mark. Actually, this shop WANTS me to show up and see what's happening. I refuse. If Michael got a smudge
on a whitewall doing mntx I lost my mind. Could you imagine my reaction seeing The Ark in pieces, the interior full of dust,
the body sanded to metal, poly coated, whatever. I have enough images that give me nightmares, the pictures I get make
me woozy some times. I'm bringing the paint up there today, they know, I *DO NOT* want to see the car. Here's more pics,
getting that hood laser level, the fender, the new trunk lid is on!

LMAO!!!

Brought the $1566.13 for 1.5 gallons of PPG paint (w/reducer) up yesterday, and yes, I saw The Ark - copy/paste from my FB page.

***********************************
I made the trip to the body shop today with the paint and 2nd payment. Everyone was briefed, I *DO NOT* want to see The Ark, the pictures make me nauseous. I know the job is being done incredibly well, I don't need to see sausage being made, got it? No problem.

I'm getting the paint out of the car, they're bringing parts to me that I'll try to replace with better ones, and guess who pulls in behind me (pre-planned)? My dear old friend Michael Fernandez, whom I've known for 30+ years, we were on the PD together, he went on to an illustrious career in law enforcement out west. We always stayed in touch, always. Email, phone, video when it became a 'thing'. But we haven't shared the same air in 30+ years, we hugged so tightly we nearly broke each other's backs. Joyous!

Now Michael's like "I'd like to see the car, c'mon, I got your back Sarge..." Just the courage, the "back up", I needed.

So this huge 20' blob of steel is The Ark? His face is gone, the car looked so 'vulnerable'. The work they are doing, is simply insane. The attention to detail, parts being made, welding in a new battery tray, support brackets, more welding and fabricating, the sculpting of the body with the new parts and making the old body straight and perfect again. Its art, there's emotion to it. There has to be, its too time consuming. And I appreciate art, especially when its The Ark. But even with Michael there, who had my back, I'd had enough, Billy handed me an air hose at the door on the way out since I was covered in dust. I'm pretty proud of myself for lasting as long as I did. I even took pics, they're attached here. I couldn't help myself, back to the front of the car, stroked his hood "its for your own good, you'll be home soon..." argh...

Off to Kane's Donuts for a coffee with my old friend and again so proud of myself for NOT getting a donut there, oh my God they looked so good. Looking forward to seeing Michael and his beautiful family down here on the Cape soon. There's much more to catch up on in person.

Where my north shore peeps at? WAZE took me from my driveway to the shop. I'm a Meffa girl, Boston girl, decades. The ride around the airport, to 1A, past Suffolk Downs where I worked for years, to the route 60 rotary (Westgate? Sozio's? Where was the Red Barn deli?) out to 107, the GE plant... THESE WERE MY STOMPING GROUNDS! I recognized - nothing, except for Blanchards and they painted that. The ride home was more exciting, with a crash in the tunnel WAZE took me downtown, D Street, Summer Street, the waterfront. I KNOW THIS AREA! At least I did, I recognized nothing. Out to Castle Island before picking up Freeport Street back onto the expressway, I recognized nothing. Jeez.

Screaming down 3 south around Deluxebury, then it hit me, what I had seen of The Ark. Not now Kraynick, 80mph in the left lane in heavy traffic, now is NOT the time, suck it up, drive the car, pay attention, fall apart when you're back in the chocks.

Stopped at Market Basket over the bridge, I had 4 (four) items on my list. $145 later I was on my way home to KKBTS.

I've had a dozen shrimp to eat today, I'll eat tomorrow, long day. Grateful and absolutely Blessed. Hope you all can say the same about your day today.

************************************

"So this huge 20' blob of steel is The Ark? His face is gone, ... Its art, there's emotion to it. There has to be, its too time consuming. And I appreciate art, especially when its The Ark. But even with Michael there, who had my back, I'd had enough, Billy handed me an air hose at the door on the way out since I was covered in dust.."

It's a wonderful experience when folks whom you hire passionately commit to your mission and fully engage, and you've so eloquently captured and crystalized this moment of recognition in your post.  James

Quote from: James Landi on March 24, 2022, 07:14:16 AM
"So this huge 20' blob of steel is The Ark? His face is gone, ... Its art, there's emotion to it. There has to be, its too time consuming. And I appreciate art, especially when its The Ark. But even with Michael there, who had my back, I'd had enough, Billy handed me an air hose at the door on the way out since I was covered in dust.."

It's a wonderful experience when folks whom you hire passionately commit to your mission and fully engage, and you've so eloquently captured and crystalized this moment of recognition in your post.  James

James they've engaged far more than I thought anyone ever would. Its really personal with them.
I like to write, journalism was my 2nd favorite subject in high school, civics being the first. I want people
to see, feel what I did while using limited adjectives which become boring quickly.

Are you still on Facebook?

Over my 50 years as a school man, and having headed a couple of English departements, taught many hundreds of high school kids "English," headed 4 college prep private schools, and read my share of classics,  your writing style engages and connects in every profound way.  Happy day Laurie,  James

Quote from: James Landi on March 24, 2022, 01:18:49 PM
Over my 50 years as a school man, and having headed a couple of English departements, taught many hundreds of high school kids "English," headed 4 college prep private schools, and read my share of classics,  your writing style engages and connects in every profound way.  Happy day Laurie,  James

I have 2 friends who are very well educated engineers (mechanical) from banner schools. They can wield the English language like a weapon. I envy them for their linguistic precision.

So why aren't you still on Facebook???

Guess who has a right side mirror now!
This is a HUGE quality of life (and safety) improvement. It physically hurt to have to twist my back/body
to the right to check for vehicles on the starboard side, especially at highway speed, forcing me to divert my
attention from the bow, port side and rear. This is a real 1970 dealer add-on mirror, procured from Charles Fares (RIP)
2 years ago. Its good to have another piece of Charles on board The Ark...

Great addition and great nod to Charles! The right side mirror is a must if you're going as far as you are. The car looks more balanced and a big safety improvement!

  Wise decision adding the right side mirror to your pride and joy. All this time, effort, and of course money spent on beautifying the ARK would all be wasted if you made a lane change not knowing someone was in your blind spot and side-swiped another vehicle. All of the Cadillacs I currently own are Landau style hearses which have large blind spots on the right side, but fortunately they all have right side mirrors. However, the right side mirror on my 1970 has some minor damage. I you, or anyone reading this knows of where I could obtain a good used one please PM me.
  I would have to agree with James about your way with words Laurie. You definitely have a way of hitting the nail right on the head in that respect and although I am new to the CLC and this forum, you certainly spice things up a bit. Thanks for keeping things interesting and thanks for restoring your beautiful Cadillac.

Quote from: 79 Eldorado on March 26, 2022, 02:21:51 PM
Great addition and great nod to Charles! The right side mirror is a must if you're going as far as you are. The car looks more balanced and a big safety improvement!

God I miss Charles... such a nice, kind man. So interesting to chat 70 Fleetwood with as he had one, "Great White". And the parts he had, jeez.... Spent years haunting the junk yards of SoCal for 70 Caddy parts, I've benefited SO MANY times from his labor of love. ALL my door courtesy light lenses are from him, he sent them free. The new choke stove, drivers cigarette lighter, door trim, everything like new. He sent me a brand new set of 1970 Cadillac keys as a surprise, uncut. I promised they wouldn't be cut until the car was DONE. And the mirror! I wonder how many other Charles parts are on the car that I forgot about. I know the new door handles came from him, sold to another guy that I bought them from. Jeez I wish he was here in person to watch the Ark's rebirth. I know he's watching from Heaven and cheering us on. His name is on the new showboard. What a loss, what a shame. I pray he didn't suffer.... And I *KNOW* he's watching over us.

Quote from: Scott Nellis on March 27, 2022, 12:35:10 AM
  Wise decision adding the right side mirror to your pride and joy. All this time, effort, and of course money spent on beautifying the ARK would all be wasted if you made a lane change not knowing someone was in your blind spot and side-swiped another vehicle. All of the Cadillacs I currently own are Landau style hearses which have large blind spots on the right side, but fortunately they all have right side mirrors. However, the right side mirror on my 1970 has some minor damage. I you, or anyone reading this knows of where I could obtain a good used one please PM me.
  I would have to agree with James about your way with words Laurie. You definitely have a way of hitting the nail right on the head in that respect and although I am new to the CLC and this forum, you certainly spice things up a bit. Thanks for keeping things interesting and thanks for restoring your beautiful Cadillac.

Oh I have a way with words alright, more than once giving the puritans here a case of the vapors and my post gets deleted. FB friend me, I'll show you "spice", LMAO! But thank you for the compliment. That mirror shouldn't be hard to find, its the body that's the hard part. There are no 70 mirrors out there, all repo's now and they look like $hit. The Ark rules, its my baby, and he'll be awesome when done. My biggest fear is I get afraid to drive it. He's my 'daily driver' 3 seasons when the weather is good. I'd start with John Abend on FBook for that mirror, doubt he'll have it in stock but he will know where they are. Let me know how it works out...

Yah baby! Some of the jewelry came back already. Body shop requested these pieces first to adjust fit/finish of some new panels. Amazing work, driver quality to show quality, you get what you pay for. Body shop is just hitting this out of the park.

It's all in the details Laurie!  Looking good!

Mark M

Do these guys ever take a day off? On Sunday? The Ark gets his first taste of the $1566.13 PPG paint, 40E (K) Mazda Blue Metallic d/b/a *ORIGINAL* Code 93 Lucerne Aqua, a blue. 1 color code, 2 colors, 4 names (Lucerne Aqua, Lucerne Aqua Poly, <Oct-Dec 1969, The Ark was born November1969.> Then changes to green January 1970 - Lucerne Aqua Poly Firemist, Lucerne Aqua Firemist). This is why I lost my f'ing mind with the paint. Attached a pic to show both colors. The green is the "Lucerne Aqua Firemist" - this is when I threw the flag, THAT'S THE WRONG COLOR, things got ugly, and I went NUTS in search of an old, original 'lucerne aqua' paint chip. Dickie found it, mixed the color in his shop, and it MATCHED. Then he matched that to the PPG color chip. Ordered, shipped, arrived, sprayed out AGAIN in front of me, it matched. Brought to shop, some spraying done tonight, paint chip paddle that was sprayed out in front of me and given to the body shop held beside the trunk tonight in a video call, it matches. Yes a video call at 8pm, these guys never stop. Kill the lights in the shop, the paint turns turquoise just like its supposed to. Bright lights on, its blue. Yes I'm glad I stuck to my guns (so to speak) and got the CORRECT color for the car when everyone was telling me I was nuts. Who's nuts now?

Video below on Facebook of them spraying out the trunk tonight, I've made this post 'public' so we don't have to be FB friends for you to see it. A pic of the 2 colors both Code 93, and 2 of the trunk. I'm really happy. This is over.

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.kraynick/posts/4961108690670907

Since I'm not done beating a dead horse (women are like that, ami right?  ;D ) to truly authenticate the color your 1970
Cadillac is supposed to be if the data plate says Code 93: If the instrument panel and A pillars are original and blue, your car
is supposed to be blue. They've been replaced? Check your package shelf if its original, remove the piece of trim that runs left
to right, fresh material will be under the faded surface, if its blue, your car was blue. During a total repaint, as they're sanding
down to raw metal, they may find blue paint, as happened with The Ark. Additionally check the build sheet; if your 1970 was
manufactured in 1969 like The Ark was, its supposed to be blue. January 1970 forward, its supposed to be green (unless any
of the above hints are present), let your car tell you its story with a thorough exam as outlined above. This information should
be added to a 1970 authenticity manual if it exists, or included should one be written. Note "Lucerne Aqua" is the color
stated in the 1970 Data Book and the 1970 Optional Specification book, not "Lucerne Aqua Firemist". Also is a comment in the
Optional Specifications book about instrument panel color. I really hope this clears up any confusion for others with 1970's and Code 93 for paint. The End.

There are a lot of Charles' parts on both the '69 FWB and the Eldorado. They are all front and center parts too.

RIP my friend. You ARE missed!

Quote from: Big Fins on March 29, 2022, 02:35:34 PM
There are a lot of Charles' parts on both the '69 FWB and the Eldorado. They are all front and center parts too.

RIP my friend. You ARE missed!

manual is from 8/69
firemist colors were all listed by name under the "firemist color" section
had 5 original code 93 from 9/69 to 5/70 dates all the same color
lucerne was always an optional firemist color
check you 70 shop supplements  any changes in paint would be noted, do not recall any for code 93

Quote from: wrefakis on March 30, 2022, 02:00:07 PM
manual is from 8/69
firemist colors were all listed by name under the "firemist color" section
had 5 original code 93 from 9/69 to 5/70 dates all the same color
lucerne was always an optional firemist color
check you 70 shop supplements  any changes in paint would be noted, do not recall any for code 93

Data Book is for 1970.
Optional Specifications is for 1970.
*BOTH* list Code 93 as Lucerne Aqua
(^ I even posted pics of the books and their nomenclature above ^)
The word 'firemist' is easily seen as an option for a type of paint, not a color.
Its been proven they are NOT the same color, blue was early, green came 3-4 months later.

data book for 1970 is compiled and published in august 1969
service item changes were noted in the monthly updates
they were noted in supplements by vin number beginning with, a change in anything related to current model years cars would be noted ,like the "new spring color"Lanai green

Quote from: wrefakis on March 31, 2022, 11:03:20 AM
data book for 1970 is compiled and published in august 1969
service item changes were noted in the monthly updates
they were noted in supplements by vin number beginning with, a change in anything related to current model years cars would be noted ,like the "new spring color"Lanai green

EXCELLENT! Find those for me and I'll add it to the information I already have.
Thanks!

How I *LOVE* pics from the body shop. The inner "door jambs" on the B pillar side for the front doors are plastic and unobtanium. Trust me, I've tried. Over the years they all cracked and failed, The Ark's are cracked too. But this body shop somehow heat welded them. You get what you pay for. Check out the screws and hinges too. Earlier they found the original oil change sticker on the inner door, from the dealer who sold The Ark new in 1969, Norwood Automobile Company now known as Cadillac of Norwood. PLEASE SAVE THAT STICKER. They did... Mhm... The devil is in the details, etc.

AND I bought The Ark new jewelry... Tail light and headlight bezels in PRISTINE condition from Gar Tompkins in sunny, dry CA.
Super necessary? No. File under: "may as well".

i will actually grab them next time i am at shop and see what paint updates exist for 70

Quote from: wrefakis on March 31, 2022, 05:57:26 PM
i will actually grab them next time i am at shop and see what paint updates exist for 70

EXCELLENT!
And here's my old PPG paint chart to go along with whatever you find.

MORE PICS from the shop today, these guys never sleep. Its fun, easy to tell which pics were taken in the day
time and which were taken at night. The paint turns more turquoise at night. PPG baby, you get what you pay for.

People have been asking, this is the company doing all the stainless, and turning 'daily driver' into "NOS", $imply
exqui$uite work. You get what you pay for.'

http://www.brightworksrestoration.com/index.htm

Wondering if those inner door jamb plastic sections couldn't be 3D printed with a pristine original template. As time goes on, these pieces are going to be harder to come by than they already are.

I have been working on that both as 3D and using today's plastics in a mold. Both are still expensive but constantly getting cheaper while demand is growing. Just got some progress on getting the turn signal switch for a tilt column for a 67/68 but nothing solid yet.

your color chart is from 1971 note date rev 3/71 lower right corner

John Abend looked into 3D for those door jambs, it wasn't cost effective. And he's reproducing a lot of 65-70 parts.

I'll bet if he took orders and deposits he could make a run of them. There are plenty of broken ones around.

Seeing as how flimsy these pieces are, it wouldn't take much for a good body man to fabricate some up in steel.

Bruce. >:D

MORE body shop pics today! These guys are just insane, they have officially re-defined "OCD". I'm not complaining, I'm grateful. But I thought I was nuts doing certain jobs, HA! They use a micronometer to get that 'gap' between doors, the trunk lid, hood, panels EXACT ALL THE WAY AROUND. The 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was "The King of the Cadillacs", I assure you the great men who assembled this car on Clark Street 53 years didn't sweat the details the way these guys are, and Clark Street produced history.

The huge order of weather $tripping from Rubber the Right Way was still being delayed for the exterior weather strip for the 4 windows, back ordered. Delete it from the invoice, charge my credit card and ship NOW. Steele Rubber Products had the product in stock, at twice the price, click, pay, ship, done. The recent supply chain disaster in America won't delay this car. I'm hearing PPG is having supply issues now, phew, glad I have mine.

The shop polished the door screws? Some pics of the new erotic paint, and they're down to the final panel, front right. The Ark's body is as level as a pool table. The body will be NEW when complete. And my biggest fear, and it grows by the day, is that I'll be afraid to drive it. "DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT" - M. Amster. Driving this car, is my world, its what I live for. I'll need lessons in proper application of touch up paint, his nose is going to get chipped, oh well. Its just too much fun screaming in the left lane intimidating the fuel efficient battery operated roller skates or the other morons who don't realize the posted speed limit is simply a suggestion. I bought this car to DRIVE it, not put it under glass and dust periodically. Can't wait until that Reid's Automotive rebuilt 472 "with benefits" is rocketing The Ark to new adventures this year. At 9 MPG I don't give a flying **** about the price of 93 octane, as long as the station takes AmEx, I'm good and we're GOING.

And it looks like we're still on schedule, because I'll kill myself if we're not, for event #1 this year, Larz Anderson Auto Museum Cadillac Day, May 15 in Brighton, MA. Crew chief Michael Amster has some tweaking and inspecting to do before that. This will be close time wise, also wouldn't be the first time Michael was wrenching under the lights the night before a show either, let's avoid that, the man relentlessly bends over backwards for us, let's keep those instances to actual emergency only. Can't wait to see The Ark, done. He's going to be, spectacular. A condition 2 car. We've come a long way from that $2K 'burger cruiser' I bought 5 years ago eh?

mo....

I would love to be able to lay down for a job like this on Misty Blue ('76 El Dorado).

Quote from: Big Fins on April 03, 2022, 01:26:33 PM
I would love to be able to lay down for a job like this on Misty Blue ('76 El Dorado).

John, if you want something bad enough, you make it happen. I've been buying and putting away parts for years that I
knew I'd need. From a door and trunk lid to a side view mirror and cigarette lighters. 2019 the roof was completely restored
inside and out, THAT was pricey. I had the engine pulled and completely rebuilt in 2020 when they cancelled all the car shows
for the flu, that was HUGE coin but it was a "rebuild with benefits" by a great shop including dyno and with HVA doing the
in/out, engine bay and shake down. Last year the tranny, drive shaft, rear end and all suspension (including springs) and
steering was done in-between 25 shows.The body was getting worse and worse, what a surprise. But I needed to be able to
DRIVE THE CAR, that was always the most important thing. It was just perfect timing that the perfect shop could take us now
and we won't miss any big shows this year. So you make it happen when the stars lines up. You can always get more money,
that's easy. The hard part is having "time" to enjoy your car, take it to shows, share it with others. No one knows how much
'time' they have left. Just make it happen.

Then DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT  ;)

Got all the repairs done to The Lair today with a big assist from my foreman Charlie. He patched up the roof and helped me straighten out the frame, with a little help from a 3lb hammer. Heavy rain forecast here for the next few days, I'll see just how a good a job we did/or didn't do pretty soon.

Into the house to find, TAH-DAH!, new pics on Messenger from the body shop today. The final panel, front right, as perfect as the rest of the car now.

This car is so lucky to have you as it's owner.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:52 AM
This car is so lucky to have you as it's owner.

Awwww Mark, what a nice thing to say, thank you.
I'm lucky to have The Ark, believe me.

Pics from the body shop today, they've started on ALL OF THE NEW seals from Rubber the Right Way and Steele Rubber Products. (I remember buying cars for less than what these parts cost, oh well.) The new headlight and tail light bezels I bought in CA were only marginally better than what I had, told them to use the best. Its a 2 year only body and those parts are 53-54 years old now, I'll sell what I don't use eventually. Its all good. Can't wait to get back in the swing of just 'car shows', 19 booked so far. Its a lot of work, its long days, but I really enjoy it. #TheArk
GET OUT THERE, DRIVE YOUR CARS, SHOW YOUR CARS, have a life, etc.

Nice to see thing are moving forward!  🎶🎵...the waiting is the hardest part!"  You have assembled a competent team for this project and I'm excited to see the finished Ark!

On a side note I found the Steele kit a bit spendy but excellent quality and fit

Quote from: 6Fleetwood6 on April 07, 2022, 08:28:02 AM
Nice to see thing are moving forward!  🎶🎵...the waiting is the hardest part!"  You have assembled a competent team for this project and I'm excited to see the finished Ark!

On a side note I found the Steele kit a bit spendy but excellent quality and fit

Competent people are CRUCIAL. Every company that's done a major overhaul were the best available.
Reid's Automotive for the engine. Transmission Specialists for the tranny, this body shop for the body and paint,
Hyannis Vintage Auto for the car's roof and its home to the car's mechanic. Its so much easier to hire the best,
one and done. Its expensive, but its a lot more fun to be DRIVING the car and enjoying it. Steele is expensive but a quality product. RTRW gets a lot of their stock from Steele and sells at a
discount.

70 Fleetwood the car that started my Cadillac collecting obsession, drove one at 15 in October 69, had every big car from 71 up, none drove like the 70,so I keep this new one stashed

I also have a 1970 Fleetwood....It's a wonderful driving car...

Mine doesn't have those city bumpers though...

Mike

grew up in NYC bumper guards are how I recall them, drove it last september 18,406 to 18,431 drove exactly as the one when new,even exact same trans shifting sounds and feeling time machine

Fresh body shop pics, on a Saturday, these guys are relentless.

Now buying Ark show products, the days of a bath towel rubbing on Mothers Car Care 'Show Time' are over. Now its Adams Polishes "waterless car wash" for any body stains using Adams Polishes microfiber towels designed for use with the waterless car wash to wipe it off. No more dusting with bath towels either, now its a Relentless Drive "Ultimate Car Duster". Can't wait to see what holy water I'll need to use on the Brightworks Restoration jewelry...

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on April 10, 2022, 11:41:36 AM
Fresh body shop pics, on a Saturday, these guys are relentless.

Now buying Ark show products, the days of a bath towel rubbing on Mothers Car Care 'Show Time' are over. Now its Adams Polishes "waterless car wash" for any body stains using Adams Polishes microfiber towels designed for use with the waterless car wash to wipe it off. No more dusting with bath towels either, now its a Relentless Drive "Ultimate Car Duster". Can't wait to see what holy water I'll need to use on the Brightworks Restoration jewelry...

Agree.  I never get my cars wet.  Not with the original vinyl top still on there.  I'll do wheels and tires, but everything else stays dry.

By the way, are you going to the CLC nationals in Chicago in June?  I don't do much single brand events, but this one I very well may. 

Quote from: scotth3886 on April 10, 2022, 12:49:51 PM
Agree.  I never get my cars wet.  Not with the original vinyl top still on there.  I'll do wheels and tires, but everything else stays dry.

By the way, are you going to the CLC nationals in Chicago in June?  I don't do much single brand events, but this one I very well may.

Starting next spring I'll be back to "1 bath a year". And sometimes you get caught in a rain not forecast at a show, the car gets filthy coming home and it gets another bath. I'll still use Maquire's car wash and my new wool wash mitt. Microfiber towels to dry it off, Adam's to take off the water spots. Less is more, but sometimes it can't be helped. The Ark's feet get washed regularly, gotta keep those Diamond Back Classics looking spiffy and I put WAY TOO MUCH TIME into restoring those wheel covers. So... Negative CLC Nationals in Chicago. We've already got 19 shows in MA on the itinerary. When the Nationals come back to the NE sometime, if it makes sense time and distance wise, we'll be there.

I have followed your journey for quite a long while. I am looking forward to seeing the photos of it when the current work is complete!

Quote from: 2manycars on April 11, 2022, 04:47:40 PM
I have followed your journey for quite a long while. I am looking forward to seeing the photos of it when the current work is complete!

That's makes 2 of us honey, thank you.

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on April 10, 2022, 11:35:38 PM
Starting next spring I'll be back to "1 bath a year". And sometimes you get caught in a rain not forecast at a show, the car gets filthy coming home and it gets another bath. I'll still use Maquire's car wash and my new wool wash mitt. Microfiber towels to dry it off, Adam's to take off the water spots. Less is more, but sometimes it can't be helped. The Ark's feet get washed regularly, gotta keep those Diamond Back Classics looking spiffy and I put WAY TOO MUCH TIME into restoring those wheel covers. So... Negative CLC Nationals in Chicago. We've already got 19 shows in MA on the itinerary. When the Nationals come back to the NE sometime, if it makes sense time and distance wise, we'll be there.

In the Midwest when hot and humid we get frequent mid afternoon t-storms blowing up that aren't forecasted, but after my stroke I got real heat sensitive so I was ready to leave anyways by 2:00 or so.   I just try real hard to keep that top out of the rain and keep it all original as long as I can.  No signs of any rust under that top, but I'm sure the Midwest will fix that for me.  I do my tires and wheels and waterless everything else.  I have most of the mechanical issues taken care of so hoping for a summer of motoring.  I shows or event almost every weekend until Hershey. 

Quote from: scotth3886 on April 14, 2022, 11:54:24 AM
In the Midwest when hot and humid we get frequent mid afternoon t-storms blowing up that aren't forecasted, but after my stroke I got real heat sensitive so I was ready to leave anyways by 2:00 or so.   I just try real hard to keep that top out of the rain and keep it all original as long as I can.  No signs of any rust under that top, but I'm sure the Midwest will fix that for me.  I do my tires and wheels and waterless everything else.  I have most of the mechanical issues taken care of so hoping for a summer of motoring.  I shows or event almost every weekend until Hershey.

GOOD FOR YOU! Get out there, drive your car, love your car, share it with others. That's what this is all about.
And its going to get wet no matter how hard you try to avoid it, there's worse, like salted roads.

The body shop sent some pics yesterday. They are officially at a stop until Brightworks sends back all the jewelry. Aren't I glad I recently paid their previous bill and pre-paid the future work 'as a friend'? Jewelry has to be fitted before final primer and block sanding (again) can commence. I told the shop not to remove the roof trim, front or rear window trim or pillar trim, that's all been off already, any corrosion was already dealt with. Sand, prime, paint around it. Let's get it boys, you've been kicking unbelievable a$$ for 2 months, first show is in 30 days at Larz Anderson Auto Museum "Cadillac Day" and crew chief Michael Amster from the WORLD FAMOUS Hyannis Vintage Auto has to have The Ark on his lift before then for the annual physical and to address a possible coolant leak. Which I'm hoping is just a worm clamp coming loose, it could also be the petcock valve, he'll figure it out, he always does.

And after all that work on The Lair by Charlie and me, I'm still seeing "wet" on the east side floor after a rain and its not the roof. That's the 2nd wall I've replaced and of course Shelter Logic no longer makes a replacement. I reinforced the rear wall with a 2nd sheet of 12mil 6x10 on the inside, that's working. I just ordered a 12mil 6x20 to reinforce the east wall the same way. I'm not worried about snow anymore, The Ark will be spending winters at Area 51 from now on. But I need to keep it safe and dry the rest of the time, including storms, since it can't be covered for months until the new paint job cures, gasses off, whatever.

Easter is Sunday. I'd always go out to The Ark on Easter and either drive it (Michael once worked on The Ark on an Easter Sunday since we had a show coming up and a mechanical issue, the man is dedicated to us, we're dedicated to him) or at least sit in the middle of the front seat and have an Easter drink with my parents. Not this year. <sigh> Next year. Hopefully for a few more years too.

All the jewelry came back a few days ago. It looks brand new. Every scratch, ding, bump - gone.
Then polished to perfection. The piece of door bumper trim I got from Charles Fares (RIP) was properly
modded for the drivers door. You get what you pay for. Company is "Brightworks Restoration" in Fall River, MA.

More $hiny $tuff...

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on April 22, 2022, 11:45:45 AM
All the jewelry came back a few days ago. It looks brand new. Every scratch, ding, bump - gone.
Then polished to perfection. The piece of door bumper trim I got from Charles Fares (RIP) was properly
modded for the drivers door. You get what you pay for. Company is "Brightworks Restoration" in Fall River, MA.

Nice!  I use Steve at Brightworks for all my stuff.  He is excellent!!!
Chuck

Quote from: Chuck Swanson on April 23, 2022, 03:02:24 PM
Nice!  I use Steve at Brightworks for all my stuff.  He is excellent!!!
Chuck

He's a GOD. The end pieces of trim on the rear doors against the C pillars looked like pitted concrete, I was trying to
replace them with something less hideous. The rocker trim was nothing but dings, bumps and scratches. The Man says
they and everything else look brand new now. Pricey but actually very cost effective, this stuff NOS/show quality would be
telephone numbers, IF you could find it all.

If the schedule holds, barring any unforeseen surprises, they start painting The Ark later next week. That's 4 months of
body work.

Do you have ANY idea of the size of boobs I could have bought for myself with what this is costing me... Boobs that could
have entered a room 5 minutes before the rest of my body did. Its all good, I'll be driving my boobs. And now I have another
idea for a vanity plate...

You mean Dagmars - don't you.
Keep the nervous types calm, by keeping it all Cadillac, all the time.

And they would still be FAKE - and all would know it, no matter the arrival time,

While the fully restored ARK would be REAL - and all would know it, and more would enjoy it - no matter where you go, since we know outside, not in a room, is where he belongs.

After all - the former will give you a back ache, and the latter will give you and others enjoyment, driving around.

Oh, and we all also know it is better to drive with heavy loads, than walk.

Have fun,
Butchman

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on April 29, 2022, 11:29:48 AM
If the schedule holds, barring any unforeseen surprises, they start painting The Ark later next week. That's 4 months of
body work.

Do you have ANY idea of the size of boobs I could have bought for myself with what this is costing me... Boobs that could
have entered a room 5 minutes before the rest of my body did. Its all good, I'll be driving my boobs. And now I have another
idea for a vanity plate...

Yes, Dagmars are nice but, I'm kinda partial to the rear fender treatment.....ah... >:D

Laurie, I'm sure yours is going to be very nice!!

Mike

Quote from: 59-in-pieces on April 29, 2022, 11:54:05 AM
You mean Dagmars - don't you.
Keep the nervous types calm, by keeping it all Cadillac, all the time.

And they would still be FAKE - and all would know it, no matter the arrival time,

While the fully restored ARK would be REAL - and all would know it, and more would enjoy it - no matter where you go, since we know outside, not in a room, is where he belongs.

After all - the former will give you a back ache, and the latter will give you and others enjoyment, driving around.

Oh, and we all also know it is better to drive with heavy loads, than walk.

Have fun,
Butchman

Well said! :)

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on April 29, 2022, 11:29:48 AM
If the schedule holds, barring any unforeseen surprises, they start painting The Ark later next week. That's 4 months of
body work.

Do you have ANY idea of the size of boobs I could have bought for myself with what this is costing me... Boobs that could
have entered a room 5 minutes before the rest of my body did. Its all good, I'll be driving my boobs. And now I have another
idea for a vanity plate...

What is that GO BUST?

Butchman you're killing me, LOL! Someone on my FB page already reminded me such would be devastating for a well
documented bad back. Another won the thread with the vanity plate "NORACK".

The Ark's wheel covers washed, dried and waiting for polish.
Oh, your wife/girlfriend gets mad because you put car parts on the kitchen counter?
You're with the wrong girl.  ;)
I was THRILLED to see none of the wheel covers needed any paint touch up, those were a nightmare to
recondition last year.

The Ark is in final primer, another sanding and color the first of next week. What a long, glorious adventure.
Now the Ark has a laser straight rust free body and will VERY soon look like he just rolled off Clark Street, again.

We'll miss Larz Anderson this year, hopefully I'll still be alive next year and we'll attend then.
Busy itinerary for the rest of this year though, can not wait to get the NEW Ark out there.

My biggest worry right now is getting the interior detailed properly, its going to be caked with dust and
crap from the body shop, my back is blown with another compression fracture and this really hurts to do.
Fortunately there's a high end detail shop the next town over that mostly does one-off Lambo's, Ferrari's
and McLarens. The owners are friends of mine and said they'd take The Ark in immediately and spiff him up if
I'm physically unable/crushed by time to the first show.
https://attentiontodetailma.com/

AAA would take The Ark back from the shop to the Cape for free. I have no idea 'who' that tow company would
be or the experience level of the driver. So I've decided to have my local company, where I know the owner and
drivers personally, go get the car and bring him home when the time comes. Peace of mind comes with a price.

Most of the work I've done with The Lair has worked, except for the roof, still leaking in the rain. Ordered a new,
higher quality roof replacement, should be here in a few days, I have help to take the old one off and put the new
one on.

Taylor Imaging (Boston, MA) has done a new showboard/sandwich board, and its gorgeous.

Michael is standing by to stand by to give The Ark a physical before we hit the road again this year.

This is what I live for, its why I get up in the morning, my baby.

It won't be long now, its felt like forever. God I miss that car.

My kitchen counter and clothes drying rack has looked like that a few times. Ran the seatbelts through the dishwasher which brought them back to life.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 05, 2022, 12:47:14 PM
My kitchen counter and clothes drying rack has looked like that a few times. Ran the seatbelts through the dishwasher which brought them back to life.

That didn't cause corrosion in the buckles? I'd love to spiff up my seat belts....

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on May 05, 2022, 03:34:38 PM
That didn't cause corrosion in the buckles? I'd love to spiff up my seat belts....

Oh I had the over preheated to 300 when the dishwasher finished I immediately put them in the oven for 20 minutes then hung them on the clothes drying rack to slowly cool down.

Hey about some fresh body shop pics from today? Yes they're working on Mother's Day. And doing a Class A job as always. Bad news, we WILL miss Larz Anderson, Kingston and probably my club's opening night. I have aggressively expressed the NEED to be at the Troops In The Spot Light show on the 29th here, Gillette Stadium's "Cadillac Night" is just a few days later and that's a long ride round trip. The car will still need interior detail, engine bay, roof and wheels detail. And I'm probably going to have to $ub ALL of that out to Attention to Detail Auto Polishing $ince my body can't phy$ically do all that work any more that quickly. Michael still has to get it on a lift before then to address mntx issues, that's days of work before the 29th. I think the shop is down to final block sanding, then its sterilize the car and spray the base coat. Still a lot of work to do on it. I remember having to get apartments DONE, so we'd thrash from 8am until midnight, until it was done. When you're really good at what you do, as I am, as the shop is, you can thrash and it still comes out perfect. Your back/body just hurts a lot when its over...

Guess what? We have a completion day etched in pencil! YES! THE ARK IS COMING HOME!

They'll be painting this Thursday! Then all the buffing, sanding, clear coat stuff I know nothing about and
then reassembly. YAY YAY YAY! Taylor Imaging still has to get up there to take pictures before the car leaves.

I could have AAA bring the car home from the North Shore for free with my gold card. And I have no idea WHO that company is or the experience level of the driver. For $450 Capeway will send Drew and a helper (always 2 guys with
"special interest" cars) to fetch him and bring him home. Drew is bringing him home. He's a great driver, so careful with
the car, and I know he's safe since Drew is "one of us" going through the mean streets of downtown Boston on the way back to Cape Cod. Drew brought him up there, I don't have to worry, at all, with Drew.

And it gets betterer, looks we'll make the Cape Cod Classics Car Club (my club) season opener on the 28th in Dennis,
the HUGE "Troops In The Spot Light" veterans event on the 29th in Hyannis, "Cadillac Night" sponsored by the NE region
at Gillette Stadium on the 2nd, a private show (with a KILLER barbq) my club does for an ultra high end assisted living
facility on the 4th in Yarmouth, Heritage on the 11th in Sandwich, Hyannis Father's Day on the 19th, and the huge Cars
& Cops fundraiser in Saugus on the 25th. That's just the last week of May and June, it gets busy after that.

Note the first 4 shows happen in 7 days so I punted on the detailing due to my back issues. The Ark is going to ATD early
on the 27th for detail, he'll be at Hyannis Vintage Auto and on the lift with Michael the next morning on the 28th for yearly maintenance, then to the 1st show that night. Shout out to ATD and of course Michael for altering their schedules for me and Capeway Towing for the "just give us 24 hours notice".

Ask me if I'm happy?

This shop is doing/has done a simply stellar concours level body restoration, its an easy #2 car when they give it the final wipe. I am simply thrilled beyond words. This car's body will look like it did when it rolled off Clarke Street on November 13, 1969.  My baby is almost done and coming home. Oh my God, YAY YAY YAY!

Shout out again to Dickie Garbitt (Garbitt Auto) who solved the paint color issue for me when no one else would listen. Mixed the paint to the ORIGINAL Code 93 Lucurne Aqua chip, sprayed it out, matched it perfectly, sent it to PPG, got it
back from PPG and boxed/sprayed it out AGAIN so we were SURE it was the correct color.

A special shout out to Mike Josephic who helped us find parts, kept this 100% authentic and technically correct, hugged me when I cried and smacked me upside the head when I turned into a b1tch (and TRUST me there's another 4 letter adjective far more accurate) which happened more than once.

And of course the crew at the shop who've restored history. They worked their A***S off, sometimes 7 days, most days late into the evening.

Pics from today, there will be more...

Ami happy?  ;D ;D ;D ;D

I just got a live video tour of The Ark from Area 51-B. *OH MY GOD*! Almost all of the new weather stripping is on, its insane. The shop had to be creative with the weather strip around the rear doors since no one makes weather strip that long, they figured it out. The body panels, are PERFECT, the car is laser straight. He got washed today, the room where he'll be painted got washed too. It will take all of tomorrow to tape him off, protect the roof, glass, all the restored trim etc. They restored/primed/sanded/painted the body under where some trim goes, then attached the new trim, then have to tape it off before paint. Yes the pillars will be stripped and primed. I requested the trim around the roof and front and rear windshields not be removed. Any corrosion was addressed by Hyannis Vintage Auto when they did the roof and the front/rear glass. He'll be painted on Thursday. Can you believe this? *YAY*! Attention to Detail Auto Polishing - Cape Cod Capeway Towing PPG Rubber the Right Way Steele Rubber Products #BrightworksRestoration Taylor Imaging: creative media design

Nice

Hooray!  The waiting is hard but the reward is huge!  I need to start arranging a schedule for myself & "Betty"  Good luck Laurie, hope to see/meet you soon.  It's going to be a great season!

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 10, 2022, 10:32:22 PM
Nice

*YAY*

Quote from: 6Fleetwood6 on May 10, 2022, 11:14:03 PM
Hooray!  The waiting is hard but the reward is huge!  I need to start arranging a schedule for myself & "Betty"  Good luck Laurie, hope to see/meet you soon.  It's going to be a great season!

Are we Facebook friends? I just posted our updated 2022 'tour' dates and locations.
Don't forget to 'like' Boch Exotics, I reached out and they ARE having a CC&C event after Memorial Day.
If you want to paint Betty this coming winter, you better get busy talking to shops my friend.
See you OUT THERE!

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on May 10, 2022, 11:48:48 PM
Are we Facebook friends?
[/quote

We are now!

Lots of events down your way, good ones!  Drivabity, and some upholstery work w/new top and universals kind of pureed my budget last year.  Her paint is presentable for now.
Paul

I always love posts like this.  I love seeing the progress plus the finished product after its been completed.  My 55's paint is pretty nice but at some point I'll want to redo my 67....but I'm sure that'll cost an arm and a leg.

Quote from: 55 CDV Fan 82 on May 11, 2022, 11:35:13 AM
I always love posts like this.  I love seeing the progress plus the finished product after its been completed.  My 55's paint is pretty nice but at some point I'll want to redo my 67....but I'm sure that'll cost an arm and a leg.

If you're lucky it will only cost an arm and a leg, especially now.
A gallon and a half of PPG paint and 2 gallons of PPG reducer, was almost $1600.
Just for the paint. The shop that mixed my paint said PPG is up another 15% since I
bought mine, that was less than 2 months ago.

OH BOY! While others are taping and doing the pre-paint routine thing, some minutia that has been making me crazy
is being fixed. Finally a new head light switch is being installed, I've had that in my glove box for 3 years. New bulbs under
the dash too, I might be able to actually SEE my dashboard at night now. Another thing that drove me BATTY was the gear
indicator. It became really noticeable after I let Silver Cloud tow the car (once) to Michael, the driver broke it. Michael fixed it
but it never visually looked right, like there was a 'smudge' on it. Same driver cranked down a tire strap so tight he broke the tire. Now you know why I'm happy to pay a great driver/company to fetch the car vs using my "free" AAA gold card.

Quote from: 6Fleetwood6 on May 11, 2022, 12:13:33 AM

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on May 10, 2022, 11:48:48 PM
Are we Facebook friends?
[/quote

We are now!

Lots of events down your way, good ones!  Drivabity, and some upholstery work w/new top and universals kind of pureed my budget last year.  Her paint is presentable for now.
Paul

Excellent!
The BIG ones are Heritage, Father's Day Hyannis, and the Blast From The Past shows. Father's Day Hyannis is the only one with no rain date.

New headlight switch in and operational, new lights in the dash, and brand new looking indicator.
Ami happy?  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
PAINT TOMORROW!

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on May 11, 2022, 11:32:21 PM
New headlight switch in and operational, new lights in the dash, and brand new looking indicator.
Ami happy?  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
PAINT TOMORROW!

These little things may seem "little" but when you are looking at them every time you are in the car it eats away at you knowing how good the rest of the car is but these things aren't thus making them a Big deal to you even if others don't see or know.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 12, 2022, 07:53:26 AM
These little things may seem "little" but when you are looking at them every time you are in the car it eats away at you knowing how good the rest of the car is but these things aren't thus making them a Big deal to you even if others don't see or know.

Exactly Mark.

"The ARK arrives at the body shop" thread is the first thing I view on the internet every morning, before my latest emails and even Facebook.  Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.  I can't wait to see the car painted and finished.  I hope it is everything you had hoped for. 

Quote from: corey raub on May 12, 2022, 05:55:38 PM
"The ARK arrives at the body shop" thread is the first thing I view on the internet every morning, before my latest emails and even Facebook.  Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.  I can't wait to see the car painted and finished.  I hope it is everything you had hoped for.

I'm with you Corey...

I can't wait to see the finished product!

Mike

Corey, Mike, you guys just brought me to (good) tears, thank you. Its *ALL* about the car, its all about The Ark.
The car was painted today, these pics are for YOU GUYS.
The color of 'erotic'. It goes from blue to aqua/green depending on the lighting and angle of camera. As Taylor
Imagining has found out.  ;D

WOW!  The Ark looks great.

I think that you are going to experience many people walking past you while looking for you until they find out that you had the car painted the color it is. That is such a difference from what it was. Glad to see you have it back to original and looking like a classy Cadillac again.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 13, 2022, 08:14:20 AM
I think that you are going to experience many people walking past you while looking for you until they find out that you had the car painted the color it is. That is such a difference from what it was. Glad to see you have it back to original and looking like a classy Cadillac again.

You might be right Mark. What I think will help is I always had the showboard in the engine bay, the new board will be displayed the same way and look pretty much the same.

This is like finding an original copy of The 10 Commandments if you're a Catholic. Body shop found the ORIGINAL BUILD SHEET in the car. I had a copy from the GM Archives, but to have an original copy is a unique piece of provenance.

Taylor Imaging/Creative Media Boston is doing the new show board, sandwich board, whatever your want to call it. They did a wonderful job on the last one. New one reflects the new color and some edits. And their zillion dollar scanners are having fits with the pictures they're being sent. I sent them a piece of a spray out, perfect right? The sizzle in the paint sent the scanners running for a safe place. The owner IM'd me tonight, I died laughing, and its the perfect description of the color
"...that color is like sorcery or some $hit..." He's trying to 'flow' the colors on the board, from blue, to aqua to green... Should be spectacular when finished. Dave Taylor is one of 'us', he owns a unique Hummer, currently at "Hummer Heaven" or something under going a restoration estimated at 70-100K. So he understands color and all the headaches and nuances involved in the restoration of The Ark.

Show board was finished today, and its perfect, as always, from Taylor Imaging (Boston, MA).
And today was wet sanding day. More to do tomorrow, that's a LOT of acreage.
Shop will have a better idea of the completion date on Thursday. Hauling has been alerted to a possible weekend
pick up, long range weather looks stellar.

Wet sanding a car THAT BIG is a lot of work.  I'm
certain Peter Na Billy are up to the task.  Then comes
the buffing with compound.  The Ark will look stellar
when they are done!

New show board is done, with a shout out to Charles Fares (I'll post this on 'general discussion too).
So grateful to Dave Taylor, I was such a pain in the a** to a guy who's REALLY busy. Thank you Dave!

Where did they find the build sheet?

Laurie,

We discovered the build sheet for our 1983 Eldorado sandwiched between the springs and foam rubber on the bottom of the driver's seat.    It was still readable when the car was 30 years old. As the member asked above, where was yours? James

Guys I don't know 'where' they found the build sheet, sorry.
One of the guys doing the car is on the forum, he's a CLC member, maybe he'll tell us.  ;)

Finally DONE with the work to The Lair, new roof installed today.
Note double walls all around now, I installed a 'lip' all around the floor. The weight of the car was driving those 4x8 pieces
of PT into the ground, letting rain water, snow melt seep in. So I ripped a few PT 2x4s, shot them down, and used a monster
sealer all around. I got the roof off myself, somehow, MVP's Dickie Garbitt and his better half Lauri Holmes came over and helped me get the new roof on. Not a Shelter Logic product, another company making SL walls and roofs in a far superior
quality. Very pleased. The palace awaits its king. EDIT: it flippin' poured the next day, wicked T1, the Lair stayed bone dry. Outstanding.

I am loving how 'The Ark' is coming along so far. I love the color.

I miss my folks too. My dad was not a Cadillac man, but I think he'd like my 64, and the preservation work I've been doing to keep it going. It looks good, especially for a 58 year old unrestored car. (I'm glad one of the previous owners had the front seat redone with correct materials and pattern, so that really helps out a lot. Yeah, I had to use Eastwood replica finishes on the hardware, and some parts, instead of plating them, but cash and time come into play. The car gets to keep original hardware while holding back further corrosion. Like you, I sure do wish I could take my parents for a drive in it. Oh well, I'll carry them along in my heart, as I do every day since their passings.

Quote from: 2manycars on May 16, 2022, 01:04:19 PM
I am loving how 'The Ark' is coming along so far. I love the color.

I miss my folks too. My dad was not a Cadillac man, but I think he'd like my 64, and the preservation work I've been doing to keep it going. It looks good, especially for a 58 year old unrestored car. (I'm glad one of the previous owners had the front seat redone with correct materials and pattern, so that really helps out a lot. Yeah, I had to use Eastwood replica finishes on the hardware, and some parts, instead of plating them, but cash and time come into play. The car gets to keep original hardware while holding back further corrosion. Like you, I sure do wish I could take my parents for a drive in it. Oh well, I'll carry them along in my heart, as I do every day since their passings.

Bill, we take our parents for a ride every time we turn the key... Just look beside you, or in the backseat, they are there... just look. :-*

Another live video tour of The Ark today. Even on live video the color changes as you walk around the car. From a darker blue
to electric blue to aqua to green back to a shade of blue... "that paint is sorcery..." - Dave Taylor
New showboard is at the printer, both heavy boards they attach to have had their edges sprayed blue.
Looks like he comes home Saturday, hauler has been alerted and my favorite driver. Its been so long since I've been able
to sit in the center of the front seat and have a drink with my parents...
And they started putting his face back on today too!

Fluorescent lighting is harsh on car colors.  If you think its wild now, wait till you get the Ark out in natural daylight and it will really pop!     Firemist paint really bends the sun light and will look different at different times of daylight.  It's wild stuff.

What the last poster said.  I had my 54 Buick painted with a semi iridescent dark green paint for the roof which was similar to the Baffin Green in 1954.  When it came out into the sunlight my head nearly popped!  It was incredible!

Dave, Tim, I've been hearing that a lot. Even the other day with another live video chat walk around on the car, it was changing colors right in front of me, LOL! He should be home Saturday, that's the plan. Make God laugh, have a plan...
I wonder what color will show up on the hauler? LOL!

Hey here's more shop pics, they worked late tonight, getting it DONE. This will take 2 posts I think.

More pics...

More pictures, coming home tomorrow???

Looks great!

Just might need to build a trophy room addition to your house.   :)

That is such a different color from what was on there it looks like you got a new car.

Quote from: 35-709 on May 20, 2022, 03:45:27 PM
Just might need to build a trophy room addition to your house.   :) 

I would be building a good solid garage to replace the "tent" first.

Bruce. >:D

Quote from: 2manycars on May 20, 2022, 12:48:47 PM
Looks great!

Thank you!

Quote from: 35-709 on May 20, 2022, 03:45:27 PM
Just might need to build a trophy room addition to your house.   :)

What a kind thing to say, thank you.
Actually, I have one already. The "I love me" room. Ribbons and trophies from the horses, the dogs and me
professionally shooting. I have enough. But someday I'd love to see The Ark recognized, such a great car.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 20, 2022, 04:35:50 PM
That is such a different color from what was on there it looks like you got a new car.

Oh its different alright, LOL! They did a really nice job, exquisite attention to detail.

Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on May 20, 2022, 08:30:50 PM
I would be building a good solid garage to replace the "tent" first.

Bruce. >:D

The Lair has survived and protected The Ark through multiple nor'easters, heavy snow storms, 2 hurricanes and 1 tornado that missed me by a street. I built that with 'benefits', multiple straps in the roof for a snow load, 7 guy lines on each side for wind. Now I've doubled the walls all around, reinforced the floor and put on a new, heavier roof. Its pretty solid.

I make a decision on 13Jul22 on whether or not I'm going to Florida. If I stay here, you just watch the 2 or 3 car garage, with
a lift, pnuematics, heat/AC/humidity control and a dual heated driveway this contractor builds...  8)

Tried to post a video of the car done today at the shop, outside for his bath, couldn't post it. Why can't we post video?

So here are the last pics of The Ark at the shop, he comes home tomorrow. My favorite driver has his favorite truck fueled
and ready. I could get AAA for free, I'm not taking the chance now, I'll pay. Wheel covers are already at the tow company, they'll be put on and the skirts at the shop. Dave is just throwing chains, The Ark will be well driven, and well protected, for the 100 mile trip home. ETA later in the afternoon, and I can't wait. First drive will be for a full tank of fuel (at $5.30 a gallon) then out to Eastham for a slice of pizza. I've been briefed "take it easy on the car, its been a statue for 6 months". I'll go easy with him.
Finally, to be able to sit in the center of the front seat and have a drink with my parents after so long... Praise God.

These memorable trips with our parents in their Cadillacs truly stick with us.  If your folks were from the same generation who survived the Great Depression, rationed fuel and food during the WWII, the fact that could purchase a second hand well maintained low mileage Cadillac, and ride in true comfort did more than simply brighten their day.  Frankly, there were few times that I recall the two of them more in love--  taking a road trip on their beautiful '56 SDV.  It had freeze out a/c and every power option.  My brother was in his freshman year at Collgate, we had to take the new (lightly used) Cadillac on its first 250 trip up the New York thruway... My father said, "Katharine, you drive."  I was in the 8th grade (1958), sitting on the sofa like beautiful seat in the back.  My mother got on the highway, and the two of them started talking about how fabulous this car was--- nothing like the 52 Chevy (rattles, 2 speed trany, no options).   I watched as my mother, chatting with my father, got up to speed, then began exceeding the speed limit, and stayed in the passing lane, not noticing that she was going nearly 90 miles per hour.  They could not have been more happy with any purchase in their lives, and those times, fixed in my aging brain, certainly have sustained my love for Cadillacs.

Quote from: James Landi on May 21, 2022, 09:22:24 AM
These memorable trips with our parents in their Cadillacs truly stick with us.  If your folks were from the same generation who survived the Great Depression, rationed fuel and food during the WWII, the fact that could purchase a second hand well maintained low mileage Cadillac, and ride in true comfort did more than simply brighten their day.  Frankly, there were few times that I recall the two of them more in love--  taking a road trip on their beautiful '56 SDV.  It had freeze out a/c and every power option.  My brother was in his freshman year at Collgate, we had to take the new (lightly used) Cadillac on its first 250 trip up the New York thruway... My father said, "Katharine, you drive."  I was in the 8th grade (1958), sitting on the sofa like beautiful seat in the back.  My mother got on the highway, and the two of them started talking about how fabulous this car was--- nothing like the 52 Chevy (rattles, 2 speed trany, no options).   I watched as my mother, chatting with my father, got up to speed, then began exceeding the speed limit, and stayed in the passing lane, not noticing that she was going nearly 90 miles per hour.  They could not have been more happy with any purchase in their lives, and those times, fixed in my aging brain, certainly have sustained my love for Cadillacs.

Awww, great memories James! My dad bought his Cadillac's brand new, and got a new one every other year.

"...My dad bought his Cadillac's brand new, and got a new one every other year."
Laurie,
It would be cool to look back in retrospective, with the advantage of history, to see how lucky your dad hit certain years and avoided others.  What years did his Cadillacs span? It's not always so obvious when a new car comes out at the time of introduction. I know there was once a time when it was thought that the latest must be the greatest but it didn't always pan out that way.

For me not all of the best examples are Cadillac but, despite the HT4100, I would have hated to trade-in a 1984 Eldorado for a 1986 Eldorado... Same thing with a 1971 Chevelle to a 1973 or even worse a 1987 Buick GN for a 1989 Buick W-Car regal.

A lot of projects drag-on past the intended date whether we like it or not. It's good to see yours really stayed pretty much on target.

Scott

Quote from: 79 Eldorado on May 21, 2022, 10:08:30 PM
"...My dad bought his Cadillac's brand new, and got a new one every other year."
Laurie,
It would be cool to look back in retrospective, with the advantage of history, to see how lucky your dad hit certain years and avoided others.  What years did his Cadillacs span? It's not always so obvious when a new car comes out at the time of introduction. I know there was once a time when it was thought that the latest must be the greatest but it didn't always pan out that way.

For me not all of the best examples are Cadillac but, despite the HT4100, I would have hated to trade-in a 1984 Eldorado for a 1986 Eldorado... Same thing with a 1971 Chevelle to a 1973 or even worse a 1987 Buick GN for a 1989 Buick W-Car regal.

A lot of projects drag-on past the intended date whether we like it or not. It's good to see yours really stayed pretty much on target.

Scott

First was the 70 Fleetwood, since the engineering company he was the lead engineer for would only buy him a new
Buick and he wanted a new Caddy. So he bought his own dayam Caddy. Then a 72 white coupe, 74 red coupe, 76 brown SDV, in 78 he went to the dark side, Lincoln. Bought a copper Town Coupe (Cartier edition) he put over 300K miles on, never had the engine apart, only to have the 2nd wife wreck it drunk. He never got over the Lincoln, but he always remembered his first Caddy.

And 9 pages later, The Ark is HOME. First, shout out to my MVP of the day, our driver and my friend Dave Noonan. He started off EARLY today dragging cars around the Cape, SE Mass, up the east coast to NORTH OF BOSTON to fetch The Ark, in the heat, drag him back home to the Cape, take the truck back, do his work on the truck at the yard and I'm sure a lot of paperwork before heading home for the night. He didn't get here with The Ark until well after 7pm. That's a LONG frickin' day kiddies doing a very physical job with no room for error and driving a truck through a LOT of moron infested weekend Boston traffic, in the heat. Here's to you Dave, well done. And I really hope you can get some rest Sunday, you looked so tired when you got here my heart just broke. Thank you, I'm grateful. Eh, 'we' are grateful. I gave him a tip and an ice cold beer on arrival. "If I drink this now I'll go right to sleep". Save it for later honey, no problem. BIG hugz.

At first glance the car looks perfect, an extraordinary amount of body work was done and there's NO sign of all that significant surgery. The paint is a match to my spray out, correct original Code 93 "Lucerne Aqua". Stainless looks new, Brightworks did an amazing job. Car was remarkably clean outside and inside though its still going for pro detail next Friday and then to Michael for the annual physical Saturday morning. Took The Ark for a quick spin around the block, missed my car. Then parked into the Lair. Then I really started to 'look'. Heartbroken to see so much in the front not aligned correctly, grill, hood, headlight 'holders', their trim, stunned. Reached out to the shop and of course it was MY FAULT FOR NOT COMING UP TO SEE THE CAR. Silly me, silly girl! Sending a CADILLAC to a CADILLAC guy. They were fatally OCD doing ALL OF the other work on the car, only to unzip their fly on of all things, the FRONT. "Bring the car back". Right. Drive it 200 miles for that? Spend a grand having it shipped? Nah, I'll pass.

I already reached out to Garbitt and Hyannis with pictures, "we see it, bring it in Monday, its not fatal". Groovy. But HOW did this shop miss all this... as they were re-assembling. Things aren't out a little, they're out a lot. And I've polished every inch of that nose enough times at 6 dozen+ shows as well as at home to KNOW it isn't right. Heartbroken. This car isn't a "one off", you can Google images and see what it looks like correct. Jeez. It could be worse, I've read the horror stories from others who weren't so lucky, this is all probably easily fixable for a price. But... why should it need fixin'? Its ALL MY FAULT for not going up there and making sure Cadillac people were doing a Cadillac job on a Cadillac. I understand. Its all my fault. I'm the rectum here. No problem. And its such a dayam shame since the other intricate work on the car was executed flawlessly, with patience and with extraordinary skill. Who knew the dress and shoes wouldn't match? Certainly not me. Whatever. If there's one thing I've learned, you can fix anything with a car if you have money.

The most important thing is - The Ark is HOME, Praise God. And we're going for a long ride tomorrow after a LONG DRINK of V-Power. "Drive the car" - M. Amster

First show is a week from today, 4 shows in 7 days, let's do this. #TheArkIsBack

Would have been great to have someone in charge, examine the entire project, then ensure it was perfect.  Having had to "negotitate" with folks who are disappointed with us, as a school, I always attempted to work something out that would please the parent/client.  Perhaps the folks who painted the car would want your written review on their website,provided that they paid for the alignment work that needs doing. Should be something THEY can do to restore your enthusiastic endorsement of their efforts to "make it right."  I "get" their desire to have you bring the ARK back, but they are surely convinced that makes no sense for YOU.  "Come on guys, let's make this right."       Happy day, James

every part is hand tighten all 3 of my originals have varying amounts of shims in headlight doors there is a process  to this that until you do one it can drive a shop crazy

and yes i have done them

Laurie,
I tried taking a look at the photo of the front where you see the alignment issues. I rotated and captured the photo from the front. I'm sure it's more clear live and maybe from a direct shot of the front but things look pretty even. I tried to look at:
-Headlight trim to hood gap (Left vs right) -Seem pretty close side-to-side but I'm not sure what that area should look like
-Headlight trim to bumper gap (Left vs right) - Seem pretty close
-Hood to fender gaps - Seem pretty even
-Hood to fender height - seems to follow on the side I can see

It looks like there's a larger space above the headlights than below to the bumper. I don't know the front of the car like you do though so I don't know what that should look like. I understand though when you've looked at it as many times as you have, and as close when waxing, things can be more obvious. I don't know if it helps but, at least in the photo, it looks pretty good. I guess to see it better a direct front shot in good light would help. Is there any chance you had a photo like that, for comparison, before the work was done?

Scott

Laurie, all things considered you were very fortunate
with this guy.  The car looks fabulous and the paint
job makes it look brand new.  A few minor bumps
but no big deals.  Also, the pricing was very fair
considering the overall quality.

I was not so lucky on getting my '55 restored. 
The first restoration place in MA, by the way,
went bankrupt on me with my car in pieces.  I
had invested a lot of $$ with that person
(about 100k) and had to hire a transport to bring
the rolling chassis back to me in PA.  Then, drive
up with a trailer to collect all of the small parts. 
Fortunately, I was able to find everything   At least
he kept the parts for me.

Some guys in this situation will sell your parts to
pay the bills.  It was finally finished correctly by
Harbor Auto Restorations in FL, but much of the
work done by the first place was substandard and
had to be redone.  I learned an expensive lesson.

There are lots of horror stories with restorations
but I'm happy for you that the Ark is back looking
good without any major surprises.

Mike

Laurie,

What you have to do is look at all your old photos, and then compare those with what your car looks like now.

Many times, people complain about something when a car comes back from a body shop that something is wrong, and doesn't fit, but believe me, many cars weren't perfect prior to being pulled down for repairs. etc.

The quality of these vehicles and body fitment and gaps were pretty ordinary when they left the factory.   Nobody complained then, because they were glad to get their purchase, and all the Service Manager would say is "Within tolerances".   If the same tolerances were in use now, everyone would complain.   Computers and Robots are programmed to make things perfect, every time.

Bruce. >:D

Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on May 22, 2022, 08:06:48 PM
Laurie,

What you have to do is look at all your old photos, and then compare those with what your car looks like now.

Many times, people complain about something when a car comes back from a body shop that something is wrong, and doesn't fit, but believe me, many cars weren't perfect prior to being pulled down for repairs. etc.

The quality of these vehicles and body fitment and gaps were pretty ordinary when they left the factory.   Nobody complained then, because they were glad to get their purchase, and all the Service Manager would say is "Within tolerances".   If the same tolerances were in use now, everyone would complain.   Computers and Robots are programmed to make things perfect, every time.

Bruce. >:D

Bruce, Mike also indicted me for my imagined photographic memory. Things to remember, 1)I'm a chick, 2)I was responsible for nukes in the military, 3) I've polished every inch of that car's nose with my hands guided by my eyes WELL over 6 dozen times. I have TONS of pictures, they're not necessary. When my index finger doesn't fit between the grill and headlight trim, where I'd polish like mad - there's something wrong. A closer look showed a lot more wrong. Jeez the 'point' of the bumper, the point of the grill and the point of the hood, always in a straight line, now it looks like a lightning bolt. AS I SAID PREVIOUSLY its a shame, they did so much right, beyond all expectations, great attention to detail. Only to f it all away on the front trim. Are you kidding? Too soon to mention the back left door is inop today, can't open the door from the outside or inside. Left back up light is out when I was told the day before transport all lights were working. Sure, the bulb could have died. It will all get straightend out locally, I just hope quickly, its making my OCD crazy. And seriously, just no excuse for it. I've done enough elaborate crown molding to know instantly when something doesn't match up perfectly. The failure of the back door already is inexcusable. TEST this $hit before you sign a car off.

The Ark had his first cruise after 6 months as a paperweight tonight. Standard pre-flight, start at the radiator and work around clock wise. Surprised to see both battery cables just dropped over the terminals, not tightened at all, just flopped onto the terminals. Fortunately my fairy God Father sent me an array of car tools, and if Michael ever finds them he'll throw them out since I'm not allowed to own tools. Tighten both down well. Wires, cap, fluids, odd to see the front brake resevoir, (disc brakes) with the rubber thingy fully deployed from the top, that's never happened before. Plenty of fluid, reset the rubber thingy, I had full brakes tonight, I'll let Michael take a closer look Saturday. No other oddities under the hood other than a filthy engine bay, they'll clean at ATD this week. Then a WONDERFUL 50 mile, nice and easy, cruise to Eastham for a slice of pizza, by the Cape Cod National Seashore, etc, just gorgeous, low 70's light traffic and we kept it to 50-55 ergo that 472 had no idea it was on, 'easy' for the first trip in 6 months. And what a blast, so blessed. Now to get that front end fixed and left rear door, I shouldn't have to have to do this, seriously. A Cadillac guy who works on/owns mostly Cadillacs should know how to put a Cadillac back together. When in doubt, Google. Jeez.

Its always a great day when The Ark is your daily driver. I just want to get that first rock chip over with, like breaking the
cherry all over again. The 3 toughest body critics in my circle are Gary Amster, Mike Staab and Dickie Garbitt, and with good
reason given their reputations. All 3 agreed the shop hit this car out of the park. All 3 agreed the issues I have with the
alignment of the grill, headlamp assemblies were legit and easily fixed. Thought I'd paying one of them fix the issues, then the shop that did the car reached out to me. *THEY* will becoming *HERE* Wednesday to straighten The Ark's smile. Nice.
I'll buy the lobster or clam rolls from Spanky's Clam Shack if they wish for lunch. Now the weather is turning to crap for
Friday putting the detailing at ATD in jeopardy, I won't drive that car in the rain. Saturday looking a little less wet, Michael
said he'd work with it. Really hope rain Saturday doesn't effect the Cape Cod Classics Car Club opener Saturday night,
Troops In The Spot Light show Sunday looks like perfect weather. I may have to detail The Ark on Thursday, this will require
the "SUPER NURSE" to attend to my back. You gotta do what you gotta do, the calendar doesn't give AF about my back.

SO pleased to know that the "shop reached way out" for you Laurie.  That's great for you, and apparently. they realize you'll be encouraging others to reach out to them... We all know that social media is a mixed blessing, but when it comes to landing authentic enthusiasm about a commerical enterprise in America, reaching and exceeding customers' expectations is literally pure gold... and in this case, they'll experience your liberal hospitality!   Happy day, and be of good cheer, James

Quote from: James Landi on May 24, 2022, 07:05:04 AM
SO pleased to know that the "shop reached way out" for you Laurie.  That's great for you, and apparently. they realize you'll be encouraging others to reach out to them... We all know that social media is a mixed blessing, but when it comes to landing authentic enthusiasm about a commerical enterprise in America, reaching and exceeding customers' expectations is literally pure gold... and in this case, they'll experience your liberal hospitality!   Happy day, and be of good cheer, James

Thanks James, believe me I'm pretty happy about it. They did SUCH a great job on the car, I knew that. Then to have the Three Horseman agree the job was excellent, was an added bonus. Those 3 guys have proved in the past they're not afraid of hurting my feelings.

Sweet! The boys from the shop on the North Shore came to the Cape yesterday. The issues with the front trim were fixed,
the rear left door handle was fixed, they changed a part on the drivers' door handle (I didn't like how the door button "felt" on the outside, its perfect now), and the back up light was fixed. VERY HAPPY. The Ark is perfect. Pics of them working on the car,
and look, they even took his blood pressure.... They stood behind their work, happy to recommend them.

That car has no idea how lucky that it was to be adopted/rescued by you!

Just look at how many color changes there are on the front of the hood in the first picture.

Quote from: Highwayman68 on May 26, 2022, 02:51:59 PM
That car has no idea how lucky that it was to be adopted/rescued by you!

Just look at how many color changes there are on the front of the hood in the first picture.

Mark, quite honestly, that car rescued me. God Bless, hope to see you soon my friend.

AND I've detailed The Ark for the last time. Brought him in to Attention To Detail at 9am.
They brought him right into the shop, 4 people jumped him, and an hour and 45 minutes later the car looked
better than any job I did on the interior and engine bay - in 2 days.
But imagine my chagrin when Hillary came out and said "Laurie, how do we open the back left door?"

Failed AGAIN.

They worked around it, I went directly to Michael at Hyannis Vintage Auto when they were done.

Its Friday, these guys are trying to get cars out the door before the long weekend. But Michael always makes time for
me and The Ark, I can't own this car without him.
He ripped that door apart - it was a 10 cent spring. He and Chris could see someone tried to 'tighten' it instead
of replacing it. There's a new spring on there now. "What do I owe you honey...." - "I'll get ya tomorrow"
And I start whining "what else is going to fail now..."  "I WILL FIX IT if it does. Now go drive your car."
The PATIENCE he has working on cars, just blows me away.

Back to HVA at 9am tomorrow for the annual oil change, physical and my usual gripe list, and it's going to be pouring. The
car got wet today, I don't care. He'll get a bath when we get home, cleaned up and to our FIRST SHOW of the year at 3pm.
2nd show Sunday for the "Troops In The Spotlight", important to me on Memorial weekend.

Michael rules. He was working on 3 cars at the same time... got them all done... jeez.

   The Ark looks great! Congratulations. Patience is a virtue. It may have seemed like an eternity, but it was far quicker than many. There is often hiccups along the way and yours were rectified quickly by a reputable shop that is proud of their work and stands by it. Everyone makes mistakes, but the true professionals shine through by making the end product as it was intended to be. Drive your Cadillac lovingly and enjoy every mile driven.
   Happy Trails, Scott

Quote from: Scott Nellis on May 28, 2022, 02:37:15 AM
   The Ark looks great! Congratulations. Patience is a virtue. It may have seemed like an eternity, but it was far quicker than many. There is often hiccups along the way and yours were rectified quickly by a reputable shop that is proud of their work and stands by it. Everyone makes mistakes, but the true professionals shine through by making the end product as it was intended to be. Drive your Cadillac lovingly and enjoy every mile driven.
   Happy Trails, Scott

Thanks Scott. Let me clarify, Hyannis Vintage did NOT do the body/paint work. They did the roof a few years ago, Michael there is my crew chief.

Laurie,  What a magnificent job.  Well done to all.....hey, how is it you topped 10 pages on CLC Restorations and I'm just getting onto page 3!!!! [kidding of course].
Just in time for the good weather to come up thar in Massachusetts!

Glamour shots to end the thread with. After we got back from Michael's Saturday morning the roof got a good needed scrubbing, everything else GENTLY with an Adams microfiber wash mitt, Adams Car Shampoo, rinsed then dried with Adams microfiber towels. What great products.

Real Nice !!

Gonna be a real hit on your car show circuit....

Mike

Quote from: Mike Baillargeon  #15848 on June 02, 2022, 07:28:17 AMReal Nice !!

Gonna be a real hit on your car show circuit....

Mike

Thanks Mike, appreciate that.

Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on June 01, 2022, 11:44:23 PMGlamour shots to end the thread with. After we got back from Michael's Saturday morning the roof got a good needed scrubbing, everything else GENTLY with an Adams microfiber wash mitt, Adams Car Shampoo, rinsed then dried with Adams microfiber towels. What great products.

That looks spectacular !!!!

Quote from: scotth3886 on June 03, 2022, 03:25:37 AMThat looks spectacular !!!!

Thanks honey.