I drive a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible as My dailey driver. I was wondering does anyone else?
My 1960 Cadillac series 62 flat top is my dailey driver,has been for over 12 years. My next dailey driver is going to be my Pinehurst green,1959 Cadillac series 62 coupe,her name is Sarah ! I would rather pay a little more in gas and ride around in style. Ken Perry
I think about your very thoughtful question quite often. From a financial analysis, the cost per mile for owning a new, highly efficient car and using it as your daily driver does not make sense. ( However, I am forever grateful for all those good purchasers who go out each year and keep the car companies and our economy in business.) But you and I are Detroit's worse nightmare.... I can maintain my Cadillac, and keep it safe and comfortable, and drive 15,000 miles a year, and I am setting aside 1,000 a year for major repairs. I may run two or three years before I have to spend some "real" money... however, the pro-rata costs of owning, running, and repairing my Cadillac could amount to a cost savings of 30 to 40% when compared with depreciation, interest charges, and the initial costs of a new car every three years (so the additional costs for gas consumption is never a valid reason to switch to a newer car. THe other part of the equation is the quality and comfort and joy of driving these cars. They were designed and marketed to an audience of successful Americans of a bygone age...and that uniquely intrinsic value and pride of ownership is truly considerable. When you're behind the wheel of your 72, and you can feel the power of the engine and drive train as you effortlessly move through traffic, it's a sensation that is unique to cars of that design and that era. So why should you not drive it every day... and if you can set aside some money for replacements and repairs, you can keep that experience going.
I drove my 68 ELDO every day from about 1974 to 2004 when it turned over 300,000 miles. It needs some body work and a new interior but mechanically it is still in good shape. I got tired of using the poor car as a pickup and decided to get an actual pickup.
I don't drive my 63 every day, but I do drive it frequently to work or to run errands on weekends along with some pleasure driving. My Dad bought the car new and gave it to me a couple of months before he passed on. He and Mom put 99K on the car and I've put an additional 131K on it in the last 23 years. I took my drivers test in the old gal back in 64, you could say I've been driving her most of my life. I try not to drive it in bad weather if I don't have to, but if it's sunny, she may go every day for a week! I plan on retiring from the work force in the next few weeks. With that freedom in hand, I may even take the old girl for an extended out of state vacation tour to celebrate being free of work obligations. I wonder how far she'd be willing to go?? :)
David
Speaking for myself, no.
However, if weather is right and roads are clean I'll drive a classic to commute to & from work since the distance is relatively short and traffic is light.
I drove my 80 Eldo diesel pretty much daily for 2 years. Hit a deer and it was never the same so ended up replacing it with an 81 Riv. Insurance can be complicated for daily driving an old car.
Hi Will, thanks for the affirming response to my post. I love the 80's Cadillacs as well. And, if you look for my more recent postings, you'll find a long thread about my 1983 Eldorado roadster, that I owner for 23 years, (I purchased it in Naples, Florida with 58K) and drove it until it died at 315,000 miles-- with no internal engine work required on the 4100 engine. My present 85 convertible has a small block Olds conversion-- having had two replacement, used 4100 engines in my COnvertible... You're right about the 90's models... but each "generation" of Cadillacs has its own "feel" and "experience" that is a unique driving engagement and somehow, I'm stuck in the 80's, having owned 50's, 60's, 70's, and 90's Cadillacs-- I loved them all, but I'm an 80's guy, perhaps it's woven into who we were at the time the cars were produced?.
I don't because they salt the roads and the car would be gone in a couple of years. If I lived in an area they didn't salt the roads I would certainly drive classics every day.
I got my drivers license at the end of September this year and have been driving my 72' Coupe Deville every day. It is my daily driver because I have to drive it to school everyday, and where ever els I might go. Had no trouble with her what so ever since I have been driving it everyday. It used to sit under a cover in the garage for months at a time but now its back in active service. I just hit 17,000 miles on the way to school this morning. I have always maintained these cars right on schedule so it is just like a modern car. Just gas and go. You cant beat an old Cadillac cruising down the road with all the windows down and the stereo going, with a big C.B. whip following you. It cant get more period correct and the feeling is amazing. You can not get the same satisfaction with a new car.
-Gavin
As long as they keep selling gasoline my car will still be on the road.
Nice Deville Gavin. big back seat in that Cadillac LOL. I drive my 85 eldo every day in the Summer
winter is to cold in Alaska.
Quote from: Coupe Deville on December 05, 2014, 11:58:13 AM
I got my drivers license at the end of September this year and have been driving my 72' Coupe Deville every day. It is my daily driver because I have to drive it to school everyday, and where ever els I might go. Had no trouble with her what so ever since I have been driving it everyday. It used to sit under a cover in the garage for months at a time but now its back in active service. I just hit 17,000 miles on the way to school this morning. I have always maintained these cars right on schedule so it is just like a modern car. Just gas and go. You cant beat an old Cadillac cruising down the road with all the windows down and the stereo going, with a big C.B. whip following you. It cant get more period correct and the feeling is amazing. You can not get the same satisfaction with a new car.
My first Cadillac was a 1973 Coupe deVille that I drove to HS myself. Yellow/White Vinyl w/yellow-gold leather. Car had 100K though but it was still pretty near mint. That was back in '81.
Couldn't agree more with the rest.
17,000 mile car is quite a find.
Washington state collector license plates prohibit commuting and commercial use and several other things. They are to be used for tours, club events and "occasional pleasure driving". The collector car insurance rules are also restrictive. First I have to have a insured other vehicle and several other things. I just added a 1957 60 Special to my policy for $67 a year. That makes it easy to insure several vehicles. Now that I have retired just about anything I do is "occasional pleasure driving" I guess? I plan on only driving collectables as much as I can as long as I can keep them running.
Interesting that the thread in this conversation has pointed in the direction of insurance... I believe if you've decided to use your vintage Cadillac as a daily driver, it will, simply as a consequence of daily use and accumulated mileage become just an old car. Also noted, is the fact that many states will issue "Historic or Antique" plates for cars that are 20 yrs old or older. My impression is that many states are providing a "pass" on vehicle inspection for folks who can't afford a newer car, or the repairs to meet strict state annual inspection guidelines... then there are states like South Carolina, where there are no state inspections and no special plates for old cars.... only an annual tax based on the state's assessment of your car's value... so that my 85 Convertible Biarritz, is tax annually at $8.50, with a retail value of under $1,000. All this is to say, the following: If I can keep the car looking sharp, and if I can keep the car safe and running well, and I want to use it as a daily driver, and spend some time each weekend keeping it looking good, then I must forego comprehensive insurance. THoughts?
I tried it, I could not do it.
An old car is an old car with many, many parts that can and do break often. Sometimes you can find the parts, sometimes you cannot. If you really need to be somewhere every day, like going to work, then I would not drive an old car every day. Even if you can fix it, do you want to HAVE to work on the car all the time. On the other hand you can drive a “classic†that has undergone a full frame off restoration. In this case the car is pretty much like new with a like new price.
I still have my old cars, work on them now and again and drive when the weather is good. But if I don’t want to work on the Cadillac, I don’t. The car stays in the garage. I cannot do that with my daily driver.
For reliability, safety and overall driving experience. New cars are just very very good.
Over the last 25 years, I have driven 1949-1956 Cadillac's as my daily transportation about half of the time. I usually have a modern car as a backup, just in case. When I am working on them, I drive modern. When I have them working and not taken apart for some project or other, I try to drive the old ones. I love the feeling of being behind the wheel of these cars.
1955 S62 Sedan -- drove for 12 years
1949 S61 Club Coupe -- drove for 2 years
1950 S62 Sedan -- drove for one year
1956 60S -- drove for 3 years
(others for lesser amounts)...
Art--- I drove a 1956 four door sedan with rear mounted air for fifteen years--- my daily driver during the 60's and late 70's... had the engine rebuilt in the mid 7-'s because it won't pass NJ inspection... it had a SHORT rear trunk like yours. I was told that this model was called a four door Park Avenue sedan... I can not verify that the model had that name or just how Cadillac differentiated the short deck model from the much more popular standard body length sedans. DO you know?
A fifty year old car can be quite reliable, but it takes a lot of effort and maintenance, more or less constantly. A modern car only needs gas and an occasional oil change. Not so with an antique. Biggest problem is poor fuel pressure when hot due to crappy gasoline. The old carbs and mechanical fuel pumps were designed for decent gas, not this gasohol crap. Most of my troubles with driving such an old car over the last 25 years can be traced to that one fact (including overheating problems as the carb leans out due to insufficient fuel flow). You can put fuel injection on them and end that misery, but it takes a lot of money to do that (although technically it is quite easy).
For the average person, they are not as reliable as a new car. Indeed, new cars are almost perfectly reliable these days. While I wouldn't hesitate to use one of my antiques for any purpose (including driving my wife to the ER in the back of a 1950 Cadillac sedan when she fractured her ankle badly), most folks will be let down by an old car a lot more often than by a new car.
The Park Avenue appeared in 62 - it was the deVille with the shirt deck. The Town Sedan was the Series 62 version I believe.
First of all I am really enjoying and appreciating as I eagerly read all Your responses. I will be 60 Years old this month and I fell in Love with Cadillacs at about age seven ( really ) as a kid I cut the Cadillac ad's out of National Geographic's and had them posted around my room. I have owned over 30, 50's 60's 70's 80's and 90's Cadillac's in my life. Economically I am not sure I will be able to retire but I am stubborn by nature and I dislike foreign cars , to me the newer Cadillac's are like foreign cars. I just sold a paid for 2011 Dodge Challenger and put most of the money toward paying off most of my disabled Wife's 2014 Dodge Challenger and with $5,000.00 bought the '72 Eldo Conv. I guess I don't care what People think of Me they will think whatever they will but when I was 18 the most fabulous car was the one I just bought. I Loved my Hemi Challenger but in truth I don't miss it. We moved from Rochester New York to Gainesville Georgia in July 2012 mostly due to we are Conservative Christians and New York State had so radically changed we couldn't stand living there any more. Georgia's weather is great but the freedom here from opressive taxes and laws is fantastic! so, one Mans opinion. One thing that always tickles my funnybone is when People ask me frequently what the gas mileage on my Cadillac is. It tickles me because if I cared I would drive a prius.
Quote from: Dan LeBlanc on December 05, 2014, 05:40:21 PM
The Park Avenue appeared in 62 - it was the deVille with the shirt deck. The Town Sedan was the Series 62 version I believe.
Dan, I recently discovered the '61 Town Sedan actually was appointed like a DeVille; in '62 the Town Sedan became the Series 62 version short deck while the Park Avenue was the DeVille version.
Only the Park Ave remained in '63 which was abruptly terminated sometime midyear - or so I read.
I owned two 1956 "short deck" models in the 1960's through the late 70's. The truck was (visually) shorter than all the other models. When "Self Starter" highlighted the 1956 model year, my model cars were not included in any of the extensive pictures (am I mistaken??). I have the impression that this short body style was more of an entry level, less expensive model, and a marketing ploy for city drivers... Did I pick up the "Park Avenue" brand from the later model years? Is my perception that my two four door sedans were, in fact, the same dimensions as all the other models for the '56???
When I get this engine in, I plan to drive it more often. Of course, getting into winter here so I won't drive in the salt. However last year there was one surprise snow and the roads weren't salted yet. I took my son out in it and let him feel when a car starts to get away from you. You can turn the traction control off in a newer car, but not the ABS. I think it is important for a new driver to get the feel of when a car starts to get away from you when you can still recover from it, and I was able to do that with the Caddy. Now I will say that when I "taught" him the at of doing a doughnut, that thing would really go around in a hurry. Long wheelbase and plenty of power. At first his eyes were as big as the steering wheel, but soon it was his grin!
With that being said, when I was in high school I drove an old clunker. Every time it broke, I panicked because it was only me and I had no $$. Now if this breaks, I have a Honda to drive around. I still plan on the Honda on a daily basis, but I plan on the Caddy a lot more come spring.
I have my insurance thru State Farm (no comments). It is reasonable and I can drive it up to 7500 miles per year. We have another car for my son, but State Farm has him insured on the Caddy because it is cheaper-- Go figure.
Jeff
Jeff,
I have a question about your insurance with State Farm, with whom my family's modern cars are insured. I drive my '49 Cadillac often and asked our local State Farm agent about also insuring with them. (It's currently with Hagerty which has liberal driving limits.) He told me that their agreed value insurance for old cars limited the driving but he didn't know the details. Since in my experience sales people for agreed value insurance (whatever the company) frequently state verbally in general terms that the driving limitations are more liberal than their policies specifically say in writing, I asked him if he could supply me with a copy of their agreed value policy so I could have a look. He never replied so I assume he felt that I wouldn't be please with the response.
My question is what exactly does the State Farm policy for your Cadillac say? Is it stated value? Does the 7,500 miles limit include "pleasure driving" or is it only for club activities, car shows, parades, etc? Thanks,
Jay
I like to use my 68 on a regular, but not daily basis.
The problem I'm running into now, is that the complex accessories, primarily the Climate Control keep find new way to vex me.
Right now the compressor clutch is not reliably engaging.(wiring or crazy 1968 spring loaded points type contact switches issue), and the disc rotors are developing bad outside hubs.
And the PS, Trans and engine are finding new ways to leak out on my garage floor.
So, yes, sometimes, but not always.
I for one would love to drive mine daily in the summer, but insurance rules wont let me put on a lot of miles.
You either have regular insurance , and can drive it a lot , with no coverage on the loss of the car.
OR, you have the car covered for the loss, and limited driving.
They got you coming and going..........ha
Roy
We ultimately have to weigh the consequences of having nothing but liability insurance and then "self insure" for the possibility of a total loss of the vehicle. My approach has been to keep my "daily drivers" looking good, out of harsh weather, and maintain them in good repair. When I owned a couple of "garage queens," I felt that I did not really own them, I was a caretaker... so I felt that any driving and running up the miles depreciated their ultimate value. I sold them, and felt relieved of that responsibility. Clearly, there are other visions of how to approach this... interesting conversation.
This is interesting. I bought a 1978 Coupe DeVille with 14,000 original miles some Years ago and drove it as a daily driver. I had conventional Insurance but I had " agreed upon value" for the collision portion. This was accomplished by me paying for a professional written appraisal that included photos all sent to the insurance company. After about a year went by I was hit in a not at fault by me collision , The insurance company purchased a '78 Coupe DeVille Texas no rust wreck and paid to have my Car repaired like new. It all worked out OK and eventually I sold the Car in August 2008.
I would love to know of any insurance company that would give an AGREED VALUE , without limits on driving it.
Most I ran into around here all would write it up as STATED VALUE, which isn't worth the ink its written with.
Roy
Purchased my 62 with the daily driver idea. I love seeing old cars on the road and think other would as well. It put a smile on my face all day. So if I am forced to drive to work once a week I can at least be happy driving to and from work. My wife says I should paint the car and remove the waves in the door. I have not because I don't want to be afraid to put it in the employees lot. Door dings happen. And when I died my son will get my car. But not the one that has a nice 61 but the one that has never had much interest in old cars. You as why? Because in my mind it will the two something to talk about. 8)
Well, hopefully I will never find out. But my policy is limited to 7500 miles/year and had an agreed upon value. The bill comes with the value on it.
Again, hopefully I will never find out, but at least it would give me a fighting point with them if anything did happen.
Jeff
I want to thank the Members who have responded and discussed this Insurance issue here. As a result I have switched my Car Insurance for My '72 Eldo from J.C. Taylor to My Liberty policy. The Liberty representative said that J.C. Taylor would have a fit if they knew I was using My Car as a daily driver and there could be wording in the body of the Policy stating that they will not cover me in an accident if I am not going or returning from a show or parade or a public event. She said Liberty did not have agreed upon value anymore but rather estimated loss value based on NADA classic car values based on region of the Country You live in. I can live with that. My knowlege was out of date and I don't want to defraud anybody.
I know a guy that was injured while on foot (basically run over) by a 'classic' car with 'classic' insurance. Last I heard he still has not seen any money because it was a weekday and the accident happened in a fast food drive through a block from the drivers work where he was still clocked in. Sounds like it may have worked out for the driver because other than a little blood it really didn't hurt the car. I don't know all the details because obviously its not a fun subject to bring up for the guy that was still in a wheelchair last I saw him.
STATE FARM sounds pretty much like HAGERTY. Limited driving. They don't mention anything about agreed value in the ad.
Roy
https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/auto/antique-classic-cars
Quote from: TJ Hopland on December 09, 2014, 08:51:53 PM
I know a guy that was injured while on foot (basically run over) by a 'classic' car with 'classic' insurance. Last I heard he still has not seen any money because it was a weekday and the accident happened in a fast food drive through a block from the drivers work where he was still clocked in. Sounds like it may have worked out for the driver because other than a little blood it really didn't hurt the car. I don't know all the details because obviously its not a fun subject to bring up for the guy that was still in a wheelchair last I saw him.
Seems like the guy in the wheelchair needs a better lawyer, or else he'd own that classic car and a wad of cash the driver would have to pay him out of his own pocket. There must be more to the story..........
I have to agree with Chris. Many people forget that the insurance company is not liable in case of an accident. The owner/driver is liable and his insurance company is under contract to pay that liability under the terms of that contract (AKA the policy).
Never accept any money from the insurance company unless the amount will fully satisfy the claim. You will need to sign for that money and they will have wording in the paper you sign that says you will not pursue the claim any more.
I’m not a lawyer just experienced.
Quote from: chrisntam on December 09, 2014, 11:02:29 PM
Seems like the guy in the wheelchair needs a better lawyer, or else he'd own that classic car and a wad of cash the driver would have to pay him out of his own pocket. There must be more to the story..........
I'm sure there is a lot more to that story but I know part of it was to do with the car not being used within the limits of the policy. There was something weird that would have made it easier if there was simply no insurance but because it was miss use it got things into a whole new category. There was also something since it didn't happen on a public street that changed things. If it was a public street he would have got a ticket for not having proper registration which then would have changed things from the legal standpoint. The car had classic plates on it which required classic insurance. Apparently if the insurance is void because of use the registration becomes void and vice versa. Each is depended on the other being properly used. It all makes no sense if you think of it logically but its a legal thing.
Up till recently I had regular plates and insurance on all my stuff. A few years ago I did switch to Hagarty for my 73 but still have the regular plates. I asked them (an all the other companies I talked to) about the classic plates and some did require them. Hagarty said the did at one time but quit because the rules of those plates varied too much state to state so it was difficult on their end.
I live in Georgia where as far as I can figure out "antique" license plates (called "tags" in the south) do not have any particular legal status compared to regular plates. They are not required by antique car insurance companies and the state imposes no restrictions on driving a car that has them. They are just ordinary plates that have on them a drawing of what looks like a Model T and the words "Hobby Antique". Until a few years ago, an owner of a Georgia car older than 25 years could elect to have antique plates on the car without paying extra for them. I had them on my '32 Ford but chose to have regular plates on my '49 Cadillac.
In 2012 or so the state changed the system, so now you must pay a one time "manufacturing fee" of $25, then an annual "special tag fee" of $35 to have antique plates. The first year this was so, when I went to renew my plates I told the clerk I'd prefer a regular plate for my '32 Ford. She said that was OK and said to me in a low voice that she didn't understand why anyone would want to pay $60 extra to have antique plates "when all you have to do is look at the car to see it's an antique". Nowadays you there are fewer old cars in Georgia with antique plates.
I drive late 70s cars only, coast to coast. Down to around 16,000 miles a year since
retirement, gradually tapering down from a high of 40,000. Of course these are
much more road capable than earlier cars (drove them too), with electronic ignition,
unleaded fuel engines, radial tires, TH400 trans, dual circuit brakes, and discs up front.
The RWD are for good weather; the FWD Eldo is for snow, etc.
Of course they are licensed as regular cars. As for insurance I carry no collision, which
has saved me a FORTUNE over the decades. Easily enough to replace a couple of my
rather low value cars if needed. And no hassle with an insurance co; if something needs
fixing, I just fix it as I see fit.
As for the new cars, they will not be collectable. Their complexity, esp the electronics,
will make them unrepairable when they are as old as my cars. This bumper sticker is
on my 77. Bruce Roe
Quote from: bcroe on December 10, 2014, 10:39:26 AM
This bumper sticker is
on my 77.
Beautiful. Just, beautiful.
I also Live in Georgia. I used to live ( exist ) in New York State where everything is taxed to death , illegal , or you have to have a license for it. Up there the cops set up traps on expressway on ramps checking peoples inspection and license plate stickers and issuing tickets. In Georgia there is no State inspection and no plate stickers on the windshield and only a rear plate. I have lived here almost three years and have never been stopped to say nothing of being entrapped. Huge differences.
I recently visited Los Angeles where older cars seem to be driven on a regular basis. I routinely saw cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s mixing it up during the daily commute. Estimating that at least 5% of the daily drivers out there are these older cars it made the slow crawl a bit less intolerable.
Gerald
Once again, the state DMV laws vary dramatically... here in the south (S.C.), there are some downright scary cars on the road... NO annual inspections, no pollution checks, and registration of ANY vehicle does not involve having it appear at an official site --- the car does not even have to be in SC. As long as you have an address and license in the state, you can register your car, even when your car resides in another state. (if you're fortunate to be a snowbird and have two homes, this works well).
James that is interesting about South Carolina. Here in North Georgia most of the Cars are new to a few years old and I have not seen more than a handful of vehicles that seemed suspect in terms of mechanical condition. Perhaps I am not well enough informed about this area.
The DMV rules vary so much from state to state. So for us, South Carolina works well. We use our old Cadillacs, we "self insure (i.e. no collision), and don't have to concern ourselves about annual state checks. Owing a "vintage car" requires nothing more than registering, paying the taxes on it, and providing liability insurance for it. The rest is up to the owner to maintain it and keep it road worthy...no special plates, no limits on mileage, no state inspections... don't have to have it inspected to have it registered from out of state... and, as I mentioned, we don't even have to have the car IN THE STATE to register it...incredible,
Well, here in Connecticut Classic/antique plates are available for vehicles 20 or more model years old. They allow you to display YOM plates and freeze your property tax assessment at $500. If you drop your liability insurance the state DMV requires you to turn in your plates, even if it's just for the off-season, or risk suspension. Then it's a huge mess to get anything registered again both in aggravation and financially. We have no emissions for vehicles over 25 years old, no inspection for any passenger vehicle but you CAN be cited for improper equipment and a roadside inspection by one of the dozens of roaming state inspectors.
Bill
Interesting observations Will... My '85 convertible is not a "standout" for the majority of the American driving public; however, when I drove my 1956, 62 four door "8 window" sedan back in the 1970's, I received constant attention, and clearly, most any 50's or early model 60's cars seem unique in traffic. The safety issue is another concern... during the summer we stay in North East Harbor, Maine, and there are a bunch of ancient autos running around on the island... (and not exposed to competitive traffic challenges).
In Washington we can license collectables with proper year plate (Model Year of the car) or state issued "Collector" plates. No annual fee or tax but restricted to Tours, car shows, club events, and occasional pleasure driving.
I do a lot of "occasional pleasure driving" in the summer.
No inspections or emission requirements. As to insurance we can buy "Driver Polices" to cover anything we happen to be driving for liability if we are willing to risk not having collision.
Its interesting to hear about the clause in the Connecticut classic plate program about having to maintain the minimum insurance year round. I wonder how many more states have that? Wound not surprise me if that was common.
I drive my '67 Cadillac limo frequently. Not a daily driver but use it often when I need to get somewhere, running errands, etc. I have had no issues with the car breaking down because it's an old car or anything like that. Extremely reliable. I have regular insurance on it w/ collision. Once I start driving some of my more valuable cars I will find an agreed valued policy. In IL, a vintage car can be issued plates like any regular car (what I do) or as an "antique", which has restricted driving rules. The insurance can be dealt with and shouldn't keep anyone from driving and enjoying their vintage Cadillac as often as they want to.
Garrett
My '58 Sedan de Ville is an approximately-weekly driver from April-November....much less frequently the rest of the year due to snow and salt (northeast Ohio). I try to make most of its driving be "useful" miles, as opposed to just driving it. I'm hoping to get an opportunity to drive it Thursday during this warmer-than-normal, but wet-so-far December. Been drizzling for days. It hasn't been more than sprinkled on since 2001.
Thats another advantage of living in North Georgia. Winter mostly consists of approx 32 F. at night and 45 to 69 F during the day and sunshine most days. Snow is almost not seen. I drive both my Cadillacs year round no problem. Gas here is about $2.35 a gallon for regular.
Art,
Your 1938 is just a couple of years ahead of turn signals being optional on new cars. As I recall in the 50's they were still not standard equipment but kits were available to convert older cars.
We had them on a 1941 Pontiac and then on a 1950 Chevrolet.
I have seen them on eBay by the way and possibly someone produces a new version??
As I always say Safety trumps authenticity!!
I have old English cars with trafficators which are small lighted arms that raise out of the B Pillar to signal a turn and they may as well be invisible as no one sees them, or if they do see them they do not know what their purpose is.
Quote from: gary griffin on December 17, 2014, 09:04:52 AM
Art,
Your 1938 is just a couple of years ahead of turn signals being optional on new cars. As I recall in the 50's they were still not standard equipment but kits were available to convert older cars.
We had them on a 1941 Pontiac and then on a 1950 Chevrolet.
I have seen them on eBay by the way and possibly someone produces a new version??
As I always say Safety trumps authenticity!!
I have old English cars with trafficators which are small lighted arms that raise out of the B Pillar to signal a turn and they may as well be invisible as no one sees them, or if they do see them they do not know what their purpose is.
You can now buy wireless LED turn signals that are non-permanent. http://smartsignals.com/cms/ (http://smartsignals.com/cms/) This is one vendor.
Assuming the car is in thoroughly good condition I don't think there is a set age at which it could no longer be used as a daily driver. But historically one has to look at the driving conditions the car was built for.
Back in the thirties and forties there were no "super-highways" and a car would not be expected to hit 70 mph on a daily basis, as many commuters do today. The cars may be capable of going that fast, but it would be a rare thing, sort of like a modern car going 120. It's possible, but your safety is NOT guaranteed.
This started to change in the 50's, but I think it wasn't until the mid to late 60's that cars really started to be designed for freeway driving. Obviously each car was different and a Cadillac or Corvette, etc., would be more capable than a Rambler with a flathead six.
On the other hand I don't see where driving conditions have really changed much since the 70's. Traffic might have gotten worse, but even so that probably just means that people in medium-sized cities now face the traffic that people in big cities did forty years ago.
Now there is the problem of availability of parts, and the changing knowledge possessed by mechanics. I've had my oil changed and been told I should get my fuel injectors cleaned. Because, like, all cars have fuel injectors, right? (To be fair a mechanic from the 70's, if faced with a computer problem, would have no other option but to sacrifice a chicken.) So if you break down in a modern car odds are it'll get fixed a lot sooner than a vintage one.
And there is the question of changing standards of what a car should be. Cars today are certainly safer than equivalent cars of the 70's. Air bags do make cars safer, but then so does several feet of solid steel instead of inches of polyurethane. There were some older cars that got very good gas mileage, but those were also very slow compared to modern cars. Cars today are faster than ever before, yet also (generally) get good gas mileage. And as far as comfort features, a well equipped 70's Caddy has about the same equipment as an entry level economy car today. Older cars needed much more maintenance - more frequent changes of oil and belts and spark plugs, and lubrication of the chassis to name a few things. However the desirability of all these attributes is ultimately a personal choice, and someone might well decide to put up with certain "deficiencies" of a vintage car in order to enjoy its advantages (number one of which is: it's SO COOL).
I would say there's no reason one couldn't drive a 60's or later Caddy every day. But you'll have to be mentally prepared for a few challenges.
1) You'll spend much more on gas.
2) You'd better learn how to fix at least the basics yourself, because even if you don't do it you'll probably have to explain it to the mechanic.
3) Carry a small supply of spare parts if you venture far from home. Things like belts, hoses, light bulbs, the kind of things that are most likely to break and leave you stranded while you're waiting for parts to come in from somewhere else.
4) Practice preventive maintenance and keep your car in top shape. And remember that the darnedest things can go wrong with a car more than 20 years old. For instance the insulation on wires can get brittle and crack, especially under the hood. Who thinks to check the condition of their wires? Hopefully, you.
5) Have a cheerful attitude about whatever might happen. But that'll be easy, because you'll be driving a vintage Cadillac!
-mB
I don't see it quite as black & white as that; rather it is a combination of individual circumstances that dictate how often a car can be driven and still be kept in excellent condition.
Circumstances including type of duty, climate and environment (ie: road condition, traffic density).
If everything is just so, a car can theoretically be driven 365 and remain virtually perfect.
What a terrific conversation... very engaging.... as we investigate all aspects of driving our Cadillacs on a (relatively) daily basis (as opposed to preserving them as Garage Queens) is the inevitable looks of incredulity when you must bring your old gal in for a major repair, and the service station owner asks, "Are you sure you want to spend all that money on that old car?" He may actually be questioning one's sanity. SO my point here in responding to the DAILY DRIVER question deals with having to justify my commitment to an old car.
A great deal depends on what the car is also. While I don't question the reliability of my '61 Fleetwood, at the end of the day, the car has just a tad over 22,000 original miles on it. It has never been restored and works like a new car. It runs just as well as my 04 DeVille or my 09 Navigator. Yes, it could easily be returned to service as a daily driver and maintained just as one would maintain a car. The issue is the mileage that would be put on the car and the corresponding diminished value of such a car.
Each case is different - climate, annual distance driven, but, most importantly, the car itself.
The key to keeping a car on the road and reliable, is maintenance. Maintenance can
be broken down to that primarily related to miles, and that primarily related to years.
Some owners only fix things when they break, so miles and reliability are mutually
exclusive. Most owners tend to ignore all the rubber & plastic & grease that die of old
age just sitting. I saw plenty of that on my 79 Eldo with 22,000 miles. The grease in
sealed bearings will die and the bearing will have to be replaced. Engines & transmissions
and brake systems have parts that will quit of old age.
A few cars need to be in museums for historical purposes. There are no museum cars
here. Put a many decades old 100 mile car next to my 77 (200,000 miles), and we
will drive to the coast (the farthest coast). My 77 will get there, but the 100 mile car
won't, because all the undone age maintenance will sabotage it.
At a show, the only prize I want is for the highest mileage there, more than any 2 cars
would be even better. Bruce Roe
Quote from: bcroe on December 18, 2014, 05:32:29 PM
At a show, the only prize I want is for the highest mileage there, more than any 2 cars
would be even better. Bruce Roe
I am with you Bruce.
I judge a car by the number of stone chips in the paintwork.
Bruce. >:D
Different strokes for different folks, folks. 8)
Truly--- different strokes, but several common themes-- that special luxury car feel and impressive looks of a top of the line American automobile of a bygone era. I am, frankly, envious of some of you folks who have a nice size collection... so, whether we're driving them or storing them, we're keepers of the flame as long as we pamper them.
I am still driving my 1949 Cadillac 62 4 door as a daily driver. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't walk over and ask , what year ? I tell them ,a 49. They smile and say nice, or tell me a story about their Uncle or dad had a 49 Cadillac. or related story about a 49 Cadillac. I enjoy the attention and really like driving it.
steve hales
My comment would be, "First year of the new V8.". Other years I would note as first 12V, dual
circuit brakes, TH400 trans, alternator, HEI, disc brakes, etc. Bruce Roe
I drive mine 51 Series 62 at least 3 times a week. I just bought it several months ago. It has some issues - but I intend to fix them all and drive this car daily.
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3.picturepush.com%2Fphoto%2Fa%2F14759426%2F1024%2FCars%2FIMG-4001.jpg&hash=f36b978535a599a778551b5a51171661cffa7c60) (http://picturepush.com/public/14759426)
Used to drive a 79 Fleetwood or 77-79 CDV for years. They always got me home. I was never stuck. Even a snow storm in Buck Co I got home in my 78 CDV.. I'm actually looking now for another that will make about 8 I've had.. When they are right they are great drivers n comfy too. Probably one of the most bullet proof series made..
Since I started driving my yellow 79 Eldo again, a lot of people notice or comment on it. Its
my only FWD, my winter car. Have had a 79 E car for 3 decades. Bruce Roe
I have enjoyed reading about different driving experiences. If I ever live long enough to retire (1% rate on savings these days) I think I will drive nothing but my old Cadillacs. I must admit that I was caught off guard the other day when a driver gave me the thumbs up and I realized that my daily driver is now 21 years old (1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham). I guess he was happy to see something other than a Prius or SmartCar. In regards to people who are constantly asking about the gas mileage on our old Cadillacs I am reminded of an interview done some years back with the local Bentley dealership. The salesman said if you need to ask about financing, you really cannot afford the car. If gas mileage is your concern, you really don't need a classic Cadillac. Traveling in Cadillac Style - Greg
Quote from: StevenTuck on July 31, 2015, 09:46:29 AM
I read the topic title and quite a few responses. Then I just couldn't help myself but respond.
First the topic has the word "dailey" misspelled, the forum does underline misspelled words in a red wavy line. Then several responses after that continued the same spelling. Then others responded with incomplete sentences and/or missing words. My 6th grade English teacher, Irene Bailey, would roll over in her grave.
Its pretty annoying reading stuff on the internet, and lately by "pros" in the paper or on
TV. People don't know or don't care about correct English; don't know the difference
between two, to, or too. Don't they know this recorded for the world to see? I don't
have time to correct all these errors. I do point out totally misapplied technical terms,
such as Kilowatt vs Kilowatt Hour. Bruce Roe
And what can I say, if English is my second language and I never had a chance to go to any school here? >:D
My daughter, American by birth and college graduate (English major) sometimes helps me when I write in English, but usually only those red underlinings show me when I made mistakes. :-\
Quote from: StevenTuck on July 31, 2015, 01:31:02 PM
Don't they know this "is" recorded for the world to see? You forgot to add a verb.
You are correct, actually meant to type that. Which shows the value of checking your work.
Didn't do it this time, but always triple checked it when I was getting paid. I could tell you
so many stories about those who never even thought of checking. Bruce
Quote from: Bill Young on December 05, 2014, 07:03:55 PM
"... We moved from Rochester New York to Gainesville Georgia in July 2012 mostly due to we are Conservative Christians and New York State had so radically changed we couldn't stand living there any more. Georgia's weather is great but the freedom here from opressive taxes and laws is fantastic! so, one Mans opinion. One thing that always tickles my funnybone is when People ask me frequently what the gas mileage on my Cadillac is. It tickles me because if I cared I would drive a prius.
Amen Bill! Welcome to the South.
Here's my daily driver.....
Quote from: StevenTuck on July 31, 2015, 09:46:29 AM
I read the topic title and quite a few responses. Then I just couldn't help myself but respond.
First the topic has the word "dailey" misspelled, the forum does underline misspelled words in a red wavy line. Then several responses after that continued the same spelling. Then others responded with incomplete sentences and/or missing words. My 6th grade English teacher, Irene Bailey, would roll over in her grave.
The local TV weather man was talking about the total eclipse of the sun on the five o’clock news. He explained it by saying the shadow of the moon fell on the sun. He repeated the mistake on the six o’clock and ten o’clock news.
This topic reminds me of my first car I bought when I was 19 years old. My dad gave me an 88 Dodge Caravan to drive right after HS, but I hated that thing, and wanted a car that I actually liked and enjoy.
I always loved old Cadillacs, especially after watching Mobster flicks, seeing those gangsters cruising around in such cool rides inspired me to buy my first Cadillac.
This is before Craigslist was around, and online shopping for cars was at it's infancy, so I had to literally drive around my neighborhood and pick up the local auto trader for listing. Well I got lucky, one day I happened to make the wrong turn and BAM!! a 72 Cadillac was sitting on the street with a for sale sign. I talked to the owner about the car, and the next day I bought it!!!
It was the funnest 2 years of my life, I went everywhere in that thing. It was my daily driver as well, this was when gas was $2.00 a gallon so it didn't hurt too bad to fill it up. It never gave me serious trouble either, just minor stuff like brakes, and carb work.
All my friends thought I was insane for buying a boat!! But they never complained when we all went out together to go clubbing and picking up chicks. 8) My car was the only one that could hold 8 people, so it saved them for having to tag along in another car. ;D
My current daily driver is a 94 Fleetwood Brougham. This thing's a beast and is very reliable for the time I've owned it. It's been going on 6 years, and so far everything that the car has needed was basic wear and tear items, and maintenance stuff. It always starts, and runs great. It has a 182,258 miles on it, and drives like new, it doesn't burn oil either. It's not the softest riding Cadillac ( That's what my 64 is for), but it's smooth and is a perfect driver if one wants to use it on a daily basis.
Plus it's size and interior room is just as big as the 70's models, so in a way it reminds me of my 72 in it's size, but this one runs much better,and feels better put together as it doesn't rattle or make any noise when going over bumps.
There's days when I want to sell it, and get something smaller since gas in CA is killer expensive, but I know it will regret it, plus all the repair work and small things I've fixed over the years I know what was done and how it was done will be lost if I bought another used car that might have trouble. Just don't want to start all over again.
Wow I forgot we didn't always have the internet for buying cars. I remember the 'auto thrifties' section in the newspaper was $1000 or less which was the price range I was usually shopping in. Seems like last time I saw a newspaper that section was up to $3500. I also remember picking up an Autotrader at the gas station along with the Sunday paper when it was car shopping or dreaming time.
Quote from: 64CaddieLacky on August 02, 2015, 07:07:13 PM
Well I got lucky, one day I happened to make the wrong turn and BAM!! a 72 Cadillac was sitting on the street with a for sale sign. I talked to the owner about the car, and the next day I bought it!!!
What model was it?
My daily driver is a 72' Coupe Deville, and I just love hearing these stories. Especially when its a 72' Cadillac!
I use my '68 convertible as a (summer) daily driver here in the Netherlands. I just got back from my summer holiday to the south of France with my wife and to kids :-). About 2000 Miles in 16 days. I went camping so need to haul a lot of stuff so made a roofrack to fit on the trunk lid, no holes where drilled ;)
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That is a beautiful car! And an even more beautiful color!
The lack of useable trunk space in my '72 Eldorado is the reason I constructed the Continental Kit.
Those full-size spares take up so much room.
Bruce. >:D
In 1991 I purchased a 1967 Eldorado for $2000, replacing a 1962 Coupe Deville, which replaced a 1977 Volvo. Loved them all. I put a total of $10,000 in the Eldorado in the 6 years I owned it before it was sold for about what I paid for it. From a depreciation standpoint, that was perhaps ok compared to a new car purchase. From an agravation standpoint, not so much. These were primary drivers about 25 years old. Today, a 1990 vehicle is much more reliable and safe than a mid-60's vehicle was in the mid 90's. Whether driving a 25+ year old car as a primary/only vehicle is a good idea depends on whether you need reliable auto transport. In a major urban area, perhaps not as necessary with Uber/the bus/your bike/your feet. In a rural area, presuming a long commute, perhaps not a good choice.
The real issue is safety. I could rationalize the lack of an airbag in my 68 Deville convertible, but stopping that 2.5 ton vehicle at freeway speeds is not fun. The Eldo, with front drums, was worse. I started to be concerned, and I would not drive any vehicle daily without front disc brakes. The reality was that US manufacturers really didn't offer greatly different cars from the mid-60's through the mid-80's, so you could drive something safely within that time frame. In the last 25 years, not true any longer
I have 1988-94 vintage cars today that have ABS and "modern" systems (compared to the early 80's) controls. Always a challenge to maintain the fleet.
This long discussion covered a number of subjects.
The trends of states in the NorthEast, for example, are generally similar. TAXachusetts is an awful mindset....but I believe what Bill Young wrote about New York State.
My daily driver is an '85 Town Car [I know, shame on me] that I bought cheaply in late Oct., '10 . . . . and it's the best $1200 car I've ever owned. Yup, the A/C still blows COLD.
I want to buy an older four-door hardtop w/ vent windows.
Maybe I'll get lucky and find a '49 or '64 Cadillac. My current 'garage queen' is an '89 Caprice w/ F41 suspension option, which gets 22.5 mph...in town! But I want a Cad.
Yes, the 'trick' is to buy a car that you can afford to "self-insure"; i.e., no collision coverage. Then you own it, and it doesn't own you.
Many of the early comments here were making a comparison to buying a new car... for relative costs, etc.. I don't know many folks that could afford a new one, OR would want to own a new one.
What makes it tempting to buy a big bomber from the 60s or 70s now is that gas is relatively low. But we all know that won't last forever.
Yes, it depends on whether you're retired or not.... and have
some $$$ for a nice old ride. : )
my 1979 Seville is a daily driver, just took it on 800mi trip- no problem ;D
Quote from: mauromy 1979 Seville is a daily driver, just took it on 800mi trip- no problem
My 79 Eldo has become the most frequent daily driver; driven it a couple thousand miles since
it was made roadworthy again for the GN. Between the style, the color (yellow), and the size,
it gets comments wherever I go. It was considered a much more compact ELDO in 79; now
not so much.
I started driving 60s cars. They were simple enough, but needed too much maintenance.
Later I found 70s cars required far less effort to keep in top condition; that was even more
so after I replaced all the steel plumbing with stainless steel, copper-nickel, or copper. And
they run fine on crap unleaded. Mine are driven to all the USA borders, and in Canada.
Bruce Roe
I know I started this thread , Sorry for any misspelling initially , however I exist back in New York State now rather than Georgia so no more '72 Eldorado as my daily driver. Gas is much more expensive , tax tax tax and the weather is lousy at least half of the year.
I drive my 1930 Lasalle sedan every day that's not raining. (Too much car to wash!). I use it to grocery shop and to run to Home Depot. If you don't drive your car, why do you have it?
Wayne
CLC #17057
I don't drive my Seville every day, but on nice weekends, of which we have a lot in N. California, I do use it for general purpose driving, including, like Wayne, trips to Home Depot. I don't have a pickup or SUV, so over the years, I have used my Seville, and before that, my '59 60S as cargo haulers. If you tie open the trunk, its pretty amazing whatbyou can fit back there. 8 ft 2x4's, medium size Xmas trees, pieces of furniture . . . And the guys at the local lumber yard get a huge kick out of it.
I saw a guy with a 56 at home depot last week. He didn't have any lumber or anything like that in it but it was still cool to see. I used to haul oversize items in my 73 by putting the top down. I have had 2x4's and large pieces of furniture in there. Once time I took it to the landscape place for couple yards of gravel but for that I was pulling my 16' trailer. Would have been interesting to tell the guy I wanted it in the back seat and see if he would actually have done it.
Quote from: Bill Young on December 04, 2014, 08:54:16 PM
I drive a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible as My dailey driver. I was wondering does anyone else?
My 1978 Seville is my daily driver. Not in snow or Ice though.
My wifes daily driver and out "traveling" car is her 76 CDV. Mine is currently my 75 de eleganse, but when I finish the AC on my new car (79 "Paris" conversion truck) that will be my driver. These cars were designed and built to be driven, and with minimal work maintained.
Greg Surfas
What I find amazing is that you guys are driving your classics as dailys, and I really respect and admire that. You simply don't see anyone driving old classic Caddies unless it's to car shows, or on the weekends. But where I live, I rarely see anybody driving old cars. I get the sense that many of these owners are afraid to enjoy their oldies, and it irks me to why that is. I understand a trailer queen and the owner being scared of getting a scratch or dinged up from rocks and debri from the road, but if you own such a beauty, and hardly ever drive it, what's the point of having it if it just sits most of the time?
This is part of the reason most show car owners mostly pamper their classics, instead of driving them, and to me I would never want to own a show car because of that "worry" of possibly ruining the paint or chrome from driving it too much.
The 70's Cads are a good decade for daily driving as disk brakes became standard up front, they handled better, more reliable engineering was introduced during this time. Plus the added benefits of the 472 motor and TH400 was a perfect combo of reliability, durability, and enough power to get you going and being able to keep up with traffic. The cars were more refined as well. By the 80's, all the emission equipment was in full effect, and more things to go wrong.
I bought a 75 Eldo convertible a year ago. It needs a lot to get it road worthy but when I am finished with it I will drive it most anyplace. One I want to show it off as I just love the big boat. Two, its a statement that I saved a old car to keep it alive and for all to see what Detroit did in the past. when its complete I'll have a reasonably good car to drive just about any place in style and enjoy the experience. I'll retire with a smile.
Hope I didn't make too many spelling errors for you spell checkers. Tony
i just have regular insurance with my '50 series 61, as i plan on using it as my DD, shes just not there yet but almost! i have a classic plate on her but thats what they give you with a car this old in florida. they acted like it wasnt really a choice lol
My Daily Driver is a 1991 Sevile getting ready to turn over (I think...I didn't drive it today,) 24K. I was paying GM about $5700 a year to drive my ATS. In almost three years of ownership, I would have spent well over $15,000 to drive a "new" car. I've probably spent $4-5,000 on repairs on the '91. That's still a saving of about $10,000 at least. It has one airbag, Disc brakes all around, and ABS. The body is generally rust-free and dent free. It's been on one round trip to VA of about 1500 miles. Nice car.
I'm pretty close to using mine as a daily diver. I've put 4,800 miles on it since I got in mid April. Given the time that it's spent in the shop trying to make it into the car I thought I was buying, that's rolling the miles on pretty quickly. I think most of the mechanical issues are now behind me and it's just a reliable big cruise ship. I have some winter projects that can get done whenever, such as front vent window regulators, the vacuum pan for the HVAC blend door, cruise control, rechroming bumpers, etc.
Gas mileage isn't great, but 12 in town and 15 - 16 on the road a bit isn't terrible.
For a daily, I leased a 2020 Honduh CRV and it just sits. I have little to zero desire to drive it so I've only put a couple thousand miles on it. I got it the same time that the fleetwood got here. I'm going to Mecum Indy on Thursday so that will put another 500 miles on the Honduh, round trip from C-Bus to Indy and back. I'm registered for the sale, but I really need to behave until I have the fleetwood fully sorted.
I bought my 1955CDV over 20yrs ago and drove it home. It's been on the road as a driver and generally put 5K miles per year on it. I added a 09DTS approx 4years ago and find myself driving the 55 less and less as time wears on. Car shows have never rang my bell and cruises don't either. So lately my 55 sets in my toyhouse along side of my 1955 Airstream "Bubble". My consider clearing the garage space soon.....walt...tulsa,ok
I'm having to *make up* reasons to drive just to get my Fleetwood driven enough . . . with barely one trip a week on average, it's barely seeing enough action to charge the battery . . .
If the Eldorados and Miata were running, I'd have some serious issues here . . .
Since buying my '68 Eldorado this September, I've driven it nearly every day the sun is out. I love the car!
It's been a lot of fun working on small projects each day on the car, learning new things, and keeping up with maintenance.
The '91 Eldorado Biarritz gets a lot of use from my brother, and my '92 Deville has been my workhorse for road trips and inclement weather for the past few years.