This is the story of Lovey…the rebirth of a ’55 Eldorado. The car was made on 12/10/54 with the order placed 16th in line from when orders were accepted at the Cadillac plant on Clark St. in Detroit, Michigan. The original buyer died before taking delivery of the car. The Autobiography of Wallace Lovell I received with the car has the original buyer’s life history and the car is mentioned a few times in his work. When Mr. Lovell went to the Detroit Cadillac dealer in 1958 to purchase a car, he found this unsold ’55 in the service area covered up and inquired about it. The car must have been tied up in settling the first buyer’s estate and was not retailed until 1958. The car found an owner that day. I have the original Certificate of Origin title showing Wallace Lovell as the buyer and as was done for ’55 Eldorado’s, the badge on the center of the instrument panel has his name engraved in the Cadillac crest.
Mr. Lovell moved to Rome, GA around 1963 and the car spent most of the remaining time there. During that time the car was repainted a slightly darker copper than the original copper, updated with ’56 Eldorado exterior trim and the original tan leather interior was replaced with a “modern” theme of the day, white vinyl tuck and roll with embroidered musical themed images. Getting the replacement interior bits turned out to be one of the most challenging parts of the restoration.
Around 2010, Mr. Lovell gifted the car to his Grandsons army commanding officer and shipped it to California. Soon thereafter the car was taken a to restoration shop where disassembly happened and work started. After a year or so, the shop went out of business and the disassembled car was taken to another shop. If it was not taken apart yet, the 2nd shop took it apart so EVERYTHING was disassembled. At least they did a decent job of bagging and tagging items. Unfortunately, this shop also failed and the owner pulled the car/parts out and delivered it to garage he had access to. A few years pass and the owner decides this is more of hassle than he wants to continue with. An advertisement was placed in the cars for sale area of the CLC forum and I see a fairly complete ’55 Eldorado for reasonable money. Link to ad below:
http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=144182.msg355537#msg355537
After reviewing the images, several emails and phone calls, I decide to fly to CA and assess the car and photograph everything for inventory and completeness. I bought my 58 Eldorado Brougham disassembled and swore I would not do that again... Once in Pismo Beach, CA, 2 days were spent reviewing and photographing the car and parts. I determined I would make a play for the car and a deal was reached. This was October of 2017.
In January 2018, I drove from metro Detroit to Eau Claire, WI to pick up Rick Payton for a car retrieving adventure. We loaded Tom Hibler’s ’65 Malibu into my trailer for transport to Oklahoma City where we would drop the car and pick-up Tom for the ride out to Pismo Beach. The 3 of us had to build the car up enough so it was able to be loaded into my enclosed trailer, that took 3 days. We brought with us a complete front end suspension and rear end off one of Rick’s parts cars so we would not have to put all the suspension back together from my car, just drag the complete unit under the frame and install. It worked out well.
A partially assembled car was pulled from the garage and loaded into my trailer for the trip back to MI via Oklahoma City. Dropped Rick in AZ as he was staying for vacation in Scottsdale, so Tom and I continued on and I left Tom in Oklahoma City where we loaded his Malibu into his trailer for his return trip to Austin, TX. I drove alone back to MI.
The car sat in the trailer for several months and was decided to have Rick do the body on the car while he was doing another ’55 Eldo for himself. The trailer was pulled to Eau Claire again and the car dropped at his shop.
After 2 years, the car is making progress as the body is almost complete. Interior is complete and ready to install. Powertrain is done awaiting marriage to the frame. That brings us to the current state. Deadline is July of this year to start the sorting process as I have a date in late September where I want use the car.
Enjoy the photos, and updates as we finish the car.
1st group of photos is the car at purchase, and the adventure there to get it.
David
An amazing series of circumstances and now a labor of love. SO sad to hear yet another narrative about a "rebuilding shop" that has the capacity to take a car apart, but then fails to reassemble it, goes "out of business" and leaves "others" to clean up an expensive and extraordinary mess. This happens far too often-- so glad to know that you're saving this one, for it's now in competent hands, will be restored, enjoyed, and provide many more years of significant life. Keep the narrative and picture going. Fascinating in so many ways, James
Well said James. My thoughts exactly. Keep up the good work David and do keep us posted. Clay/Lexi
How about some body photos. When purchased, it was described as being almost complete. In fact the doors, hood, decklid had been worked, but not as well as they should have, and those were corrected and now ready for fitting and finish. The RH quarter panel had been hand fabricated as the original had been damaged badly. When the mud was removed and behind the door, Rick described it as looking like a James Bond DB5 wheel extending cutter had ran down the side of the car as there were 2 long gashes which had been poorly repaired. There was enough out of shape surface on the contours that to make look like a correct panel would be easier to just cut in a correct panel, and that was what we did. Our chosen car to cut was recently placed outside at Rick's shop. A huge snow and ice storm happened and a great big chunk of ice/snow slid off the shop roof right on to the back of the donor car ruining the rear of the car so another donor car had to be used. Overall, for a convertible, the floors were not to bad but still some serious repair in the normal spots is required. Rockers, floors, braces, trunk in the rear either have been fixed or in the process of getting repaired.
The body will be placed on the rotisserie soon to finish the work and get the underbody painted, jambs shot, and prepped for marriage to the frame again.
What a story! Thanks for taking the time to pubish it. It's a shame that digital cameras were not yet born when I did mine. The story was published here, but with only a few scaned paper pictures.
Good luck!
That build takes some effort and hours. Huge undertaking.
Well done 💪🏼
Very nice work. The '55 fog lamp assembly is obviously more complex than the '56 one.
It seems that you could install the 1044 bulbs without damaging them. For their installation on my own cars, I did a tool pushing all 3 pins together, facilitating the installation.
Nice job on those Fog Lights. They are gorgeous! Clay/Lexi
David, you have now a super documentation at what was done. I regret that I could not do the same when I restored my '56 Biarritz as the digital cameras were not yet on the market.
Quote from: Roger Zimmermann on January 23, 2021, 12:19:27 PM
David, you have now a super documentation at what was done. I regret that I could not do the same when I restored my '56 Biarritz as the digital cameras were not yet on the market.
Your are correct Roger and the process of documenting it here is forcing me to organize a couple of thousand photos so I can find what I'm looking for.
Some years ago, Mike Rizzuto was selling a set to assemble the folding top. Could you buy a set there or did you turn the bolts yourself?
Roger,
I bought a top kit from John Krantz. John makes the top kits and the side door window glass frames that always seem to rust out. He has many years available and I can get them to resell.
Very complete kit with new chromed bolts and rivets. I had my bolts re-chromed anyway, but will have spares now from the unused ones in the kit.
Thanks for the info about the top kits and side glass frames!
Nice work!
I will be interested how you do with matching the paint with modern formulas....I have to figure that one out too.
Cheers,Pat MacPhail
Pat,
The paint is bought and awaiting the body. There is a really good paint store where the car is being done and they were able to match the original color. It was kind of hard as the car was repainted in what I believe was the 58 copper. On the heater blister we found a good remnant of the original which was a lighter copper. This will be a base coat, clear coat paint job now since lacquer is no longer available.
When I find the photo of the paint code, I will post here. I found the spray out, but will have to get a photo of the formula next time I am there.
David
Looks like the project is moving right along.
Thanks for the info on the paint..I have seen a few restored cars where the paint appears to be quite a bit darker.
Cheers,Pat
I actually LOLd when you said Creating new welding opportunities! Yeah, I saw plenty in the photos too. But then you DID expect that I am sure. Once you patch it up and smooth the welds, some primer / surfacer, it'll be good as gold.
I saw the way you had to repair the wheel well liner edges. I had to hand form repair strips similarly on my 57 TBird, in the trunk area. Non-reproduced parts, so... One does what they need to do. Proper prep under there, and primer/surfacer, and no one will ever spot it, unless they knew it was there.
Single layer inner and outer rockers? With the perimeter frame, I'm guessing they are. They are on my TBird. My 64 Caddy though, they are multi layer thick, like my 67 Camaro rockers are. The Camaro is unibody from the cowl back, and the Caddy has the X frame with no side rails. I'm guessing the frame is the reason the Caddy was built with that type of rocker panel.
Nice work to date! You guys are much faster than I am!
Quote from: 2manycars on March 30, 2021, 01:57:08 PM
The Camaro is unibody from the cowl back, and the Caddy has the X frame with no side rails.
The "X" frame on Cadillac models came for 1957. 1955/56 and prior models had side rails plus X brace; thicker on convertible (the X brace).
Nice!
Before I put my body on the frame, I assembled the accessories on the firewall; I found this way easier than doing the assembly when the engine is on the way.
Cleaning tools are never a bad investment!
Some dash parts were painted last week.
Nice dash assembly! I suppose it was rechromed. Good idea with the windshield butyl!
Steering wheel was returned after restoration, the knobs on the column as well, turned out great. These are molded in color like the original and the OE color was determined after he got into it. the texture is also in the grips. Love it.
The 2 Eldorado's switched places yesterday and now my car is moving back to the body/paint shop. 1st time outside in a while and I wish I was there to see the color in the daylight. That copper and Rick's Pacific Coral will be stunning colors when finished.
PROGRESS! Looking very sturdy, and yes, loved! (Is that the power steering pump on the driver's side of engine? Not familiar with that shape) --congrats!!! James
No, it's the Hydrovac system! (for the brakes)
Thanks ROger... so '56 Cadillac changed to a vacuum intake manifold brake booster. James
I would say another system. The Hydrovac is also using intake manifold vacuum. With that system, the master cylinder can be in a different position; on 54-55, it is on the frame rail, almost under the driver's feet.
Very nice work and thanks for posting all the details! Chuck
So glad to see the car getting to the point it has. Loved seeing those dual carbs on the motor. I'm glad you bought the car from me and are finishing it. Few months after you purchased the car, my best friend, who was going to help me finish it, passed away from his battle with brain cancer. We both were almost retired at that point from the Army and wanted to do this project together, but God had other plans for him. Again, I'm so happy that you are finishing it and giving it the respect that it deserves.
Col. Alex Carapeti, (Ret)
Great job ! Love the details . Gold valve covers and air cleaner seem to be the correct color for a 57 Eldo I'm restoring . Could you provide paint formula info ? ... Thanks , Paul Tesone CLC #6876
David,
Simply spectacular.....
Thanks Ralph and Paul. I will check and see if I can get the mix formula for the gold.
Talking to Rick today, engine start is supposed to happen tomorrow afternoon and paint on Friday if successful. I agree with the plan to run the engine in while you can get at it kind of easy. The front end sheet metal will be be final installed for paint, so fitted and gapped and done.
The supports brackets are under the bumper pad for the hood, see pictures. The small ones may be for the heater/vent fans, but I'm not sure.
As I had to go to my store room this morning I took the camera with me...My car is a '56, '55 ones have some identical parts but not too many.
Edit: the small brackets are not for the fan motors according to pictures I have from this location.
Thanks for the photos Roger.
Hello David,
Here are some detail shots of the supports. The small angle brackets join the inner fender to the outer fender right by the wheel opening...this is a pick from my 56 but I believe it is the same for 55.
The detail shots of the support brackets is from my 55 Eldo.
Cheers,Pat
Thanks for the photos Pat.
The previous owner must have relocated my horn as when I was looking for where the bolt pattern matched up, up top on the radiator support is where I found the holes. Your trumpet is mounted low and looks to have a tie-in bracket to the lower standard horn. I've not seen a bracket that looks like that yet, so hopefully it turns up.
Hi David,
That item that looks like a tie in bracket is actually a split in the splash pan and the wire for the standard horn..so no need to conduct a search .
Cheers,Pat
I'm attaching a picture from my third horn. It came that way for about 30 years ago; I don't know if this is the right horn. 1955 may have a different one.
The car is in the paint booth...awaiting info it has color. I am heading to WI on Tuesday for the week, can't wait.
Hard boot got painted last week.
Looks great David !!
That Copper is going to look great on the car !!
Mike
I second that!! That's a great looking color.
David, did you get your parts for that yet? And if so, did they arrive intact?
Thanks, Rick
Yes, Rick, the parts arrived at Rick Payton's place. I will get to see them in a couple of days as I am headed there on Tuesday.
Rick Cook, the splash shields look nice, getting straitened and painted now.
Now the fun can begin with the installation of the stored parts!
Hi David - we need some updated pictures . ....We're you ever able to find the correct formula for the gold paint you used on the valve covers & air cleaner ? If no formula , can you provide the paint name and/or supplier ? ... Thanks , Paul Tesone CLC #6876
Paul, it slipped my mind, I was in WI last week. I will ask the paint store for it.
Some car updates are coming.
Paul, I've attached the photos below of the paint info. This what we use for the Eldorado valve covers and air silencer.
Thank you David - much appreciated . I'll let you know how things work out. .... Paul Tesone CLC #6876
I brought the front dust shields back with me to install the rubber around the edge and that was done for both cars today I forgot to get the rubber flaps that go below, but that will be done next trip and the the parts get installed to the fenders.
David,
You're doing a beautiful job. This may be only one I've seen in this livery which is shown only once in one of the '55 mailers. Stunning !
Rick had a local windshield installer show up and the glass is in.
He can take it out again: the upper molding must be installed into the rubber profile before; then the windshield can be installed on the car!
Great!...The saying while working the car has become "it's no fun if you don't do it twice"
Thanks for pointing that out Roger.
This kind of shit drives me nuts.
I understand the pain!
This detail is described in the '54 shop manual; strange that Rick was not aware of this "detail".
Rick did know, he forgot to tell the installers and left them to do their work. Oh well, now to find the molding...
Rick was able to get the molding installed in the car...kinda tough to get in, but he and his assistant were successful. The crew that installed it sealed it real well, so to get it out would have destroyed the weatherstrip seal.
Next week when I am there, we should be able to knock out a lot of stuff.
You are lucky! It was certainly not easy, but with a fresh rubber seal still pliable, Rich and his assistant managed to do it.
Superb! Did you used ribbed molding I sold to you or did you find another solution?
Roger, I ended up with several parts and I can't remember now which ones were used....I think the rears were mine, but not sure.
Rick stopped by the top shop and sent this photo, progress is being made. I will be there the following week for a weeks worth of assembly with the goal of bringing it back with me to complete.
In a word, spectacular!
Nice!
At the bottom of the rear bumper end seals, you'll have to add a steel support for the exhaust tubes. Without that, during the dilatation of the exhaust system during driving, you may have bad surprises because the tubes will stick on the rubber. I omitted them when I restored my '56 de Ville; after a while, both mufflers were crushed a bit.
Amazing work David !
Great job, attention to every detail....what your doing isn't easy....
I was a kid in high school 50 odd years ago and me & a buddy of mine walked thru a "Classic Car" dealership and a copper 1955 Eldorado caught my eye.....The color, the styling, just the sheer presence of the car.....I was hooked on Cadillac that very second....decades later I'm still hooked.....
I love watching you do what you do with one of my fondness memories !!
Mike
You were lucky with the removal/installation of the gear lever's knob!
Don't forget to solder the horn's contact before you install the steering wheel...
The horn contact wire is already soldered, just not cut flush yet...incase I needed to remove it again. Now I'm far enough along that won't likely be needed.
Thanks for watching out for me. :D
David
Connected the license plate lamps. Bulb sockets were rusty and not making a ground, so soldered a wire to base and grounded it through the attachment screws. One more thing done.
I pulled it outside with it running poorly and brakes need further adjusting, but this was its first movement under its own power, just a few feet, but more will come. I will add the front shot to the Brown car thread currently going on in the general area.
Car looks great David !
It's a good feeling with the trim going back on and the car is moving under it's own power...
This is fun to watch !!
Mike
Spring is here and so is DAVID'S car... perfect timing. Happy day, James
Lube Tag.
Weekend update:
I got assistance from a GM Tech friend to try and tune the car on Saturday. After 2 hours of making little progress, a problem was uncovered. The floats in the rear carb were leaking. That stopped that project. I found out that Daytona Products is remaking that Rochester float P/N 70000199. 2 are on order.
Sound deader has been added to both doors.
More rework, the outside handles had to be removed to remove the latches which was missing the inside lock rods, what a pain just to install those rods, but done now. Make sure to have those rods on the latches when you first install.
Heater control cables arrived and the needed ones installed, no joy in that job, but allows for ducting to completed. Passenger side done.
Glove box compartment installed and door refitted with everything.
Most of the behind the dash work is getting done. Drivers ducts left, washer line, and tidying up the wire harness and vacuum hoses left.
Very entertaining read here.
Those retainers wanted to be out of the bag and installed on a car. You know that, right?
It's like letting the genie out of the bottle.
I try to use NOS parts when I can find them, I open the bag or the box carefully and install the parts and put the NOS packaging in the storage container for that car for future reference.
I'm back a week from a 2 week vacation to the UK. I have a 2 Bay garage under my main 3 bay garage, so its like a walk out basement. In in the spring the approach is steep so getting cars moved around is hard due to soft ground. I've sold my Pininfarina Eldorado Brougham's and the 59 was stored in this basement garage. There is also a lift which had my Studebaker on it. The 59 EB has been sold for some time, just waiting for the ground/weather to cooperate. On Tuesday it was possible to drive the Studebaker out and up to the top floor, move the lift, and drag the 59 out and up the hill so it can be shipped. I cleaned the garage a little, repositioned the lift and yesterday I drove the 55 down and parked on the lift. It will be finished here.
General sorting of parts, still missing all kinds of stuff which is driving me nuts and prepping a few other things as I find them. The fender moldings were ready for pick up at the chrome shop so I got those on Tuesday and installed over the next 2 days. Used the NOS retainers, it is nice to work with quality parts. Two different packages of parts, one older than the other. In the older version, there was no rubber insulator on the washered nuts, like the pull-off part. The newer package had the same nuts with a rubber insulator attached, same part numbers on both packages.
David, the car is really looking good !!
Of all the 1950s Eldorados'.... I like the 1955 example the best...
It's a combination of both understated and flashy....
Mike
Quote from: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on May 22, 2022, 02:48:28 PM
David, the car is really looking good !!
Of all the 1950s Eldorados'.... I like the 1955 example the best...
It's a combination of both understated and flashy....
Mike
Thanks Mike, I'm starting to like it as well.
Quote from: David King (kz78hy) on May 26, 2022, 08:52:19 PM
I installed the shields and strikers to the top of the rear seat. These are where the hard boot latches clamp onto when it is installed.
I made up several extra sets of these impossible to find parts if anyone needs them.
You will certainly sell your extra sets!
That had to be so cool hearing those horns go off for the first time in a long time!!
Mike
Long day without much to show. Installed the dome light on the convertible top bow. Pulled the brake pedal and installed the closeout grommet for the carpet and started fitting that. The exhaust system was clamped up, took way longer than expected and still not really happy with the result, but it is as good as it can be. Some windshield header items installed, sun visors, and end receptacles.
There was a mad push to complete for the GN, but alas, no glory. There was an engine noise in the valve train that was masked by no exhaust and once the exhaust was completed, the noise was bad. After an initial scare, valve cover removed and found a short push rod on #8 exhaust valve. Ordered another push rod and installed and no more noise. Carbs need to be dialed in as it runs poorly. Most of the under hood stuff was completed less stickers.
The 55 and 58 had to swap places since the EB needed an oil change and I was finally going to use the lift to make this better. While the cars were rearranged, Ben (my son) and I cleaned off the blue protective film on the tires while the car was parked in the yard where they get washed. 1st time in the yard.
The 58 Brougham will make another trip to a GN and bar will be open. Stop by to swap lies and have some fun.
So I spent about 45 mintues skimming the thread on this. You must be exasperated and excited at the same time? Mucho Kudos for sticking in there and still doing the thread!
No picture this time, but soon there will be more. I have not posted in a year as I had to take a break from the car. There were nothing but issues and going backwards that got me so frustrated and upset I could not look at it. There was an oil & coolant leak at the back of engine, radio antenna, and many other items that should not be a problem, but were. Yesterday I stopped whining and got some help to assist in sorting out some of the items and will once again work to complete the car, GN Gettysburg bound. Oil issues have turned out leaking valve covers at the back base and that is corrected, also a leak at the rear of the oil pan, so that has to be removed and resealed. The major one now is the freeze plugs/water jacket plugs are weeping and have to be replaced on the sides of the block, they were new ones that must not be sealed when installed. After I get back from the GN in Albuquerque, the engine repairs will start.
Have a fun trip, and get energized to get back to your car.
Ditto Carl's comment. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Looks like you have had both, and can now resume your restoration work. Has happened to most if not all of us, me included. Clay/Lexi
Going to the Grand National was what I needed. Rick's 55 Eldo (the one that mine was built along side with) was there finished. It was marvelous. It also took Senior Crown, Peoples Choice, and Best of Show. I think my car is stronger than his, but only details that no one would ever know unless you watched the whole process side by side.
Time to get busy.
Bad luck. Why did not use brass plugs?
I agree with Roger. Brass is better.
Plus, with all the pounding that can be seen on the replaced ones, it is no wonder they are leaking. All it takes to seat them is for one swift "well-placed" dent in the centre to deform these to sufficiently seal. What you have to do is, hit the centre once, thereby deforming the outer diameter to press hard against the hole side. Hitting multiple times all over the place is only leading for inaccurate distortion.
When I fit these, I use a small amount of Loctite sealer to assist in the sealing. Never had one leak.
Bruce. >:D
Thanks guys for the tips. These plugs are what I found, I did not locate brass ones. There was a light coating of Permatex applied to the plugs and block prior to insertion. As for hitting, since the engine is in the car, limited distance to get a hammer on it and only a couple have direct access so it is difficult to seat them like you would out of the car.
When I find access problems, I find a way of using an extender, like a Socket extention, and try and bring the hitting end out to somewhere more easily struck so I don't hurt myself, or other parts.
Bruce. >:D
If you absolutely can't knock in a brass plug, these will work.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE6004002?impressionRank=9
Get the right size and your in business.
Mike
Quote from: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on July 18, 2023, 07:32:39 AMIf you absolutely can't knock in a brass plug, these will work.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE6004002?impressionRank=9
Get the right size and your in business.
Mike
Thanks Mike, I've used these in the past for an emergency. It was a fail in the head as the plug could not be fully seated and blew out...2 different times.
We will get this fixed w/either the brass or redoing the steel ones.
Brake master was pulled off around Christmas time. Broke the mounting foot attempting to remove the head cap. Bought a new unit from Caddy Caddy and head cap is 1/4" and mine is the 5/16", so I had to swap the head caps. No wrenches big enough so I bought new big wrenches and sockets. I managed to lose the clevis pin that connects the brake pedal arm to the master cylinder clevis, so I order a pin and washers from Fastenal, should be here tomorrow.
So, brakes are almost reinstalled and photos next time I post. I'm getting back into the garage to get this beast finished.