New to the Club and Need Some Support

[mvetri]

Hello Fellow members!

I'm new to the club. My father was a member for over 40 years, but he's 87 now, has dementia, and I'm trying to step in and take over for him. He LOVES his 1967 Sedan Deville. I need some support with some maintenance questions.  Every Spring I take it for an oil and filter change. Is there any other maintenance I should be doing? What is the recommended PSI for the tires? What type of gasoline do I use, as REGULAR gas doesn't exist anymore.

I hate to sell the car because my father always says to me "I bought this Caddy on your birthday to celebrate you." I've gone to so many car shows with him over the years that I want to keep this tradition alive and well and I love to see him smile. 

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you have. Here is a picture of us at a car show.  

[Larry Savino]

Welcome to the club, I would recommend you also see if there is an active regional club near by .

Sorry about your Dad , We dealt with that with my Mother Inn law.


I have a 67 ,I use High test in it. Keep it waxed and cleaned and a regular oils changes. Again Sorry and good luck moving forward . Looks like a great car

[Dave Shepherd]

For gas you should use, non ethanol 91 octane, Stewart's and Sunoco have it here in eastern N.Y. Tire pressure depends on what type tire, bias or radial.

[J. Skelly]

Maria,

That's a beautiful car.  My grandmother had one in another color. 

Regarding the tires, if it has the original-type bias-ply tires, the owner's manual and driver's door should list the correct tire pressure.  The tire pressure is also listed on the outside of the tires. 

If it has radial tires, the tire pressure listed on the outside of the tire is just a recommendation.  Ride quality will depend on the brand and model of tire, and the tire pressure.  It might be best to go to a tire store that sells that brand to get their recommendation.   

[badpoints]

You should try to find a good mechanic who can do maintenance and repairs on the car when needed.
32 psi is good for about any tire.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Thats a very pretty car!  I use 91 pump with octane booster and lead additive.  Make sure you use non-synthetic oil with lead additive.  Grease all your fittings regularly.  Ensure any electrical wiring is clean to prevent insulation from decaying/breaking.  Wash/wax/ceramic at least every 6 months with regular washes in between.  She'll last another 57 years!

[Jerry Puma]

Hi Maria,

I remember you, your father and the car from the Cadillac Club clam bakes at Roger Libby's house, years ago! Thanks for the update. The local club is still active.

Jerry Puma
Vice-Director
WNY Region CLC

[David Greenburg]

In addition to oil changes, you should have tune up items checked regularly. Check timing, points, condenser and rotor. I check mine annually. Depending on how often you drive, you probably won't have to replace parts that often. But maintenance interval were much shorter than they are for contemporary cars. Get the antifreeze checked/replaced every couple of years. If the car doesn't like 91 octane, try adding an octane booster. My cars are happy on that, and I'm stuck with ethanol-infested gas except when I stop by a nearby racetrack for the really good stuff.

[billyoung]

Welcome, Sorry to hear the news of your Father. I was born and raised in Rochester. I was a member of the Western New York Chapter for many years. Regarding a trustworthy mechanic contact Steve Lamagna he Loves old Cadillac's and owns a perfect 1965 Rivera and is a lifelong mechanic and can do anything, his number is 585 415 5141.

[James Landi]

Old coolant can appear to be healthy and green, but it can turn to acid over time... have the coolant changed and have the cooling system flushed by a shop where that is their focus.  Radiators get plugged with scale, and only begin to become destructive when it's hot out, you're stuck in traffic, and your a/c is on.  This kind of shop also services a/c systems.  If your car still "blows cold," ask the shop if they will top off your a/c system with r12.  A few shops still do, but this refrigerant has been nationally banned for decades.

Regarding the "tune up," several important parts are generally neglected. The vacuum advance on the distributor is one such part. Easily checked on your car because of the metal sliding panel on the rotor cap, you can observe the stator plate moving as you advance the throttle. If it does NOT move, the vacuum advance needs to be replaced---your car will run much better, and you'll save gas on every mile you drive.

There's also an issue with the timing gear-- produced almost 60 years ago, the gear's teeth were manufactured with a coating of plastic, that over time, breaks off.  This timing gear and related parts should be replaced, and while doing so, the water pump can be replaced, and the radiator can be serviced off of the car. 

Hope my narrative doesn't scare you off.  Of course if you don't drive the car long distances and you nurse it along, viz: don't "floor it," and baby it, you can defer some of this costly stuff I've mentioned... all depends on how you wish to use it and what your expectations are when you're using it.  Hope this helps, James

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Sorry to hear about your situation, but glad you are going to keep the old girl.
I keep it simple and use mid-grade with Marvel's in it. And yes, it has ethanol.
All the best.

[Art Director]

Welcome to the CLC! Here's hoping you make many friends and attend some Grand Nationals. This year's is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, not far from where you live.