Getting started restoring this old girl. (//)
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Looks like a great project, family cars are always something special 8) Good luck, look forward to seeing your progress!
Dear M. Smith,
I, for one, would appreciate some narrative background. Your pictures have engaged me in speculation...and a narrative is all but necessary at this point. Grandpa had the car for how long? When was it parked? Why are the headlights missing? What is the condition of the car? Interior... when did you ride in it first and last times-- your memories of its "glory days," and what of your decision to take on the project? So much of our personal lives, our memories, and our deeply held values often center on our experiences in these exceptional American beauties. Please share your stories with us. Gratefully, James Landi
Grandpa bought the car as a wreck 40 years ago for 45 dollars. Over the years he bought all the parts for it but never did anything with it. It turns over and It was running but that was over twenty years ago. The car is rust free originally from Texas. The interior is complete in fairly good shape with some water damage. Its pink with a white top and a pink interior. Short term plans are to rebuild the engine, freshen up the fuel system and bakes put all new chrome up front some head lights. powder coat the wheels mount a brand new set of bias ply wide whites with some bullet center caps. And roll into good guys on the 4th of July with grandpa right beside me. Long term its getting stripped down to bare steel re painted with some pearlescent new upholstery and carpet some big chrome spoke wheels bag it. Ls9 swap maybe.
It was such a great story until the last two sentences :-\
To each his own. They are just ideas mind you. what part of the last two sentences didn't you like
I think most diehard 59 fans probably winced at every word in those last two sentences James. A 59 is a 59. Keep it that way . If you want 24s , doof doof and tacky bling, buy a mini truck. Not Coming down hard but you will never ever regret keeping your 59 as it was. I've had a few.
i didn't know these came in twenty fours i guess hub caps just aren't my thing. Besides i only have three. As far as the modern suspension and drive train id like for it to be as fast as it looks and handle like its on rails. You can have your concourse driving tea sipping crumpet munching slow mo body rolling gray hair blowing old car. >:D
Might be the wrong car to invest some hard earned cash in if you think it will ever handle like it is on rails. The first time some young punk smokes you at a light with a 2,000 lb. twin turbo rice burner, you might be a little embarrassed. As for me, my going fast days are over. I don't know where you live, but the man is around every corner here just waiting to slap you with some heavy fines, points, license suspensions, etc . Don't need the aggravation any more. Racing is for the Track and Reality TV shows……….
Bobby
Yeah your right I've probably been watching to much Gas Monkey.
M.
Everything about your '59 screams Style and Class in the Typical Cadillac Fashion. Classic Body lines…... Why not rebuild the motor and add some go-fast internals that allow it to appear stock when you pop the hood? Nothing wrong with that. ;) Let's see…Overbore, Roller Cam/Valve train, Some Head Porting, Balancing, etc. should wake that baby right up. Do we still call them sleepers?
Bobby
Can you guys keep it down?? All the old 59 guys are having their Nana naps around this time. Then they have lawn bowls and bingo.
Sorry…….. ;D
I just have to laugh at these guys who want to hot rod a Cadillac. Then they talk all sorts of performance jazz. Engineers, I guess. Yeah man, I want a supersonic balloon, too.
I love old cars because they remind me of the days before iPhones, constant emails and text messages. The constant barrage of inanity. The world move too fast today already and i like to toss my phone on the workbench and go for a leisurely ride in the countryside on a sunny day and listen to the rich tones coming from the exhaust and the tube radio and forget about all that fast lane BS. This is especially fun because the damn clock doesn't work...
M.
I believe in " to each his own" and as much as I enjoy looking at a slammed and bagged 59 with big wheels. I think once you drive it to that show with Grandpa at your side you will probably never change it. Just watch the looks you get from the others at the show, look closely at the attention the car gets all day long at the show and compare that to the attention the car at the show closest to your future idea gets.
Assuming Grandpa is still alive and by riding beside you in the front seat, you don't mean figuratively, what does grandpa think of your plans for his car? What were his plans for it?
I couldn't think of a better tribute to your grandfather than to live out his dream for him.
Jee wiz mister LeBlanc i hadn't thought to ask him thanks for your input.
I've heard the latest Cadillac custom trend is the dragging rear bumper look ;D Would flow nicely on a bagged and slammed 59!
More bright ideas for inspiration here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xuKtKJ-9bY0 (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xuKtKJ-9bY0)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fr_-HtJ-77Ic%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&hash=db6ea09b105655c7b6a753ff4f9ab18b43415260)
Quote from: pinkfinbucket on December 15, 2014, 09:28:54 AM
Jee wiz mister LeBlanc i hadn't thought to ask him thanks for your input.
WTF? I just asked a simple question. Wasn't really looking for a sarcastic answer.
I'd rather see it pushed off a cliff than turned into an abomination that merely resembles a Cadillac, but that's my two cents.
Mr. LeBlanc,
You weren't looking for a sarcastic answer? Maybe nobody asked for your simple question. Also, there is no need to insult anybody in order to express your opinion.
Corey
NO, I really wasn't looking for a sarcastic answer. I was genuinely interested in how his grandfather saw the car when it was completed to see how the opinions would differ.
WOAH….Everybody! Attitude Check Please… I think everybody was misled and drawn into the post title with the words "Resurrecting', "Bringing Back", etc., which are also equivalent to "Renovating", "Restoring," "Rebuilding", etc. I would have to assume that a real high percentage of the fine population on this site are die-hard Cadillac fans that are into doing their part in preserving a little part of American History, myself included. It's not my car, but if it were, I would be approaching it differently. To each his own. I just don't want to participate in an opinion related subject any more. There….I voiced my opinion! ;D
Hi,just reading all the dreams and comments about Grandpas 59 ! I have a lot of 59s and have worked on everything from stock to as wild as one could imagine ! I (AM ) a hot rodder by heart! When these cars run right,they run hard and will do 100 mph all day long,or untill the cops catch you ! I left a car show a few weeks back in my 60 flat top after this bad ass Cuda did this big burn out in the parking lot,so I had to represent Cadillac and laid down over a half a block of rubber and backed off only becouse there was a slow car in front of me ! I know what a fast car is, I used to only drive big block 4 speed posi Chevelles and drive them hard ! Just saying 59 Cads are not slow,when they run rite. My friend just put airbags on his 59 coupe and now he is sorry!!! Already blown out two bags?Not to mention the car handles bad with the bags? As for the LS engines,I know they are the trend rite now,but trends pass and these engines take a lot to adapt to the 59 and look like crap and don't match under the hood at all.If you research the 49-62 Cad engines you will find they were used in a lot of Hot Rods,boats and drag cars,for a long time Cadillac engines were one of the best engines to hot rod.They made a lot of speed equiptment for them,some is still made! And even if that doesn't impress you,they are a good looking engine !Once you drive a 59 you will see they stop traffic,they are one of the wildest cars ever made. I am 51,I don't take naps,I still chase wild women,I build and drive fast and cool cars and don't plan on stopping anytime soon !!! God willing! 8) Ken Perry OH YA,nice score on the 59,all the best on taking Grandpa for a ride in July !
Bob.
I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. Picking the right target audience that is receptive to your aspirations is key. After all, that's why the Modified Chapter exists along with their forum. I think the reception would be much warmer in that environment rather than here where the key focus is preservation.
I think the post is in the right spot now. He is "bringing back Grandpas 59". In the future the modified chapter may be the spot but for now, Bring on the pictures, share the story PLEASE, it is a 59 Caddy and some of us don't care if it is slightly modified, its a caddy and it will be back out on the road instead of rusting away in the shed.
My guess is that Grandfather and Grandson are going to enjoy the ride regardless of the size rims and motor that are in, or ultimately end up in the car. Both will have a memory that will last both life times.
I was too young to have known the time of my Cadillac. My memories are of my time with my father working and enjoying old cars and my appreciation of a classic in it's original form is born from those experiences and memories. But for this great hobby to go on, young people need to make it theirs. Ultimately, all our cars will all end up the hands of young people, who by that time may be a little older, but will still need to make them theirs.
All I can say to this young man is that my hat is off to you. Do whatever you have to get that ride with your grandfather. And when you do it, look at his face and remember the smile you put on it, and then look at yourself in the rear view mirror and remember yours.
I just had a wee cry when I read your post Joe. I haven't had such a lump in my throat since Lassie accidentally got shot on the Saturday matinee when I was 10 .
Keep at it James. Nobody is against you. I think it is great that you are working on a 59. As you keep wrenching you may come to be captivated by the 59 spell. You'll fall in love and then you'll understand what some of us are banging on about .
I was lucky enough to meet Dave Holls who helped design the 59. He was only in his early twenties when he did that. He told me some of the influence for the rear fuselage shape came from his Dad's Hudson.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how powerful a 390 is. My Eldo had factory bags and handled like a sportscar. Get a tripower if you want a kick in the backside. All the power you would ever need.
Quote from: Manbat on December 18, 2014, 10:15:48 PM
My guess is that Grandfather and Grandson are going to enjoy the ride regardless of the size rims and motor that are in, or ultimately end up in the car. Both will have a memory that will last both life times.
I was too young to have known the time of my Cadillac. My memories are of my time with my father working and enjoying old cars and my appreciation of a classic in it's original form is born from those experiences and memories. But for this great hobby to go on, young people need to make it theirs. Ultimately, all our cars will all end up the hands of young people, who by that time may be a little older, but will still need to make them theirs.
All I can say to this young man is that my hat is off to you. Due whatever you have to get that ride with your grandfather. And when you do it, look at his face and remember the smile you put on it, and then look at yourself in the rear view mirror and remember yours.
I'm 28 and currently own a 57 Eldorado Seville which I'm slowly but surely restoring back to be as original as possible. Just like you I grew up with a father who taught me the appreciation of originality. Young people need to be taught/shown how unique and advanced for their time 50s and early 60s Cadillacs were. They need to learn to appreciate the immense engineering and thought that went into making these vehicles back then. I don't agree that young people need to make it their own, they need to respect these cars' unique place in automotive history and contribute to keeping these cars as original as possible for posterity! If you're dead set on "bagging", LS engines, and 20s then pick a Camaro or Caprice, leave 50s Caddys alone!
Amen. We are only temporary holders of these works of art.
You get it. And you've got a great collection.
How are you keeping your '82 Fleetwood brougham going? I had one and it was an excellent, anemic car but the best Cadillac I ever owned. Still wish I had it.
Who's sick and tired of hearing the term "Crate Motor"……Did anybody here ever take one of those engines apart and check the tolerances? A good percentage of those engines are junk and I've seen them bad right out of the box. There is no substitute for a carefully assembled engine or the knowledge/experience to properly diagnose problems when they arise. How many young guys know how to degree in a Cam? Restoring a vintage car can be a real hands-on learning experience, especially in the eras when parts can be disassembled and cleaned/rebuilt, including all mechanicals, pumps, switches, cylinders, etc. Plus, you get the added bonus of exercising your Brain at the same time. Today, most mechanics are based on diagnostics and parts changing after the computer says so. I find no fun, challenge, or satisfaction working on late model vehicles. Personally, I like to keep my cars as stock as possible with minor sensible modifications that make the car a little more reliable on today's roads. There were millions of Camaros, Chevelles, and Mustangs manufactured that have already been modified. The last time I checked, nobody was manufacturing a '59 Cadillac again……
Bobby
Quote from: 57eldoking on December 19, 2014, 09:44:03 PM
I'm 28 and currently own a 57 Eldorado Seville which I'm slowly but surely restoring back to be as original as possible. Just like you I grew up with a father who taught me the appreciation of originality. Young people need to be taught/shown how unique and advanced for their time 50s and early 60s Cadillacs were. They need to learn to appreciate the immense engineering and thought that went into making these vehicles back then. I don't agree that young people need to make it their own, they need to respect these cars' unique place in automotive history and contribute to keeping these cars as original as possible for posterity! If you're dead set on "bagging", LS engines, and 20s then pick a Camaro or Caprice, leave 50s Caddys alone!
I'm not very much older than you are and completely agree. At 36, I have no desire to customize my 61 and the 53 will be an authentic car when complete also.
I prefer original cars, but I can appreciate modified automobiles also. I love Cadillacs. I have met many wonderful people through owning a Cadillac, and I can honestly say that most of them are kind, open-minded individuals. I really don't think that the people posting on here are in the majority. Maybe a few others can take a moment to show some support for diversity in the old car hobby by posting a positive comment on this forum.
For those of us that relish in restoring a car to it's previous glory, hints and ideas, like the ones in a few of the posts on this thread from knowledgeable practitioners, and encouragement when we meet the young folks entering the hobby and getting ready to spend money to keep it going are the best response and action. That same encouragement from members of this forum has keep my restoration in line with the original specs of my 49. Not only from their expertise and advice, but from offering original parts at a fair price from their personal caches.
Looking through the post, I don't see the young man responding any more. Hopefully we have not lost the opportunity to further encourage an original, or near original restoration, or maybe even gain another Cadillac club member. One thing is for sure, skipping his involvement in this forum and moving forward with his customization would have a much better outcome for for Grandpa's Cadillac than some of other options and ideas offered.
Oh, before I get flamed for encouraging membership as a non-member, I am a club member. It just takes months, if ever, for the club to process membership and send login credentials. Talk about a Cadillac in need of customization!
Quote from: Walter Youshock on December 19, 2014, 10:43:03 PM
Amen. We are only temporary holders of these works of art.
You get it. And you've got a great collection.
How are you keeping your '82 Fleetwood brougham going? I had one and it was an excellent, anemic car but the best Cadillac I ever owned. Still wish I had it.
Thanks Walter. I loved my 82 Brougham too, but sadly I just sold it. I bought it off the little old lady who bought it new, in San Bernardino, CA a couple of summers ago. It had 70k miles and had never been outside SoCal. It was last tagged in 94 but after changing all fluids, new tires, new belts and hoses, and new brake shoes it drove like a dream. I put 10k miles on it in the States before shipping it to Norway. I used it as a daily driver here for a year, the HT4100 didn't give me an inch of trouble in the 25.000 miles I put on it. While certainly not a powerhouse it got me where I needed to go in style & comfort often at 25mpg! I thought that was exceptional for a 30 year old 5000lbs sedan! I decided to sell it this fall as the thought of subjecting it to another winter with salty roads made me cringe. I already have too many summer only cars so it had to go.
What's latest on this build (crager 30 spokes an all)?
I agree with Dan--- I do Hope a change of plan comes about. Take it from a 6 decade race car driver builder owner. Street rods about the same-- Customs, Carson tops, lead, Desoto grills, flippers, ported and relieved flatheads. Been there done that. BUT the 59 Cadillac--- Just has a certain "LOOK" that you don't mess with. That and the value of GOOD SOLID 59's when in original state are always going to be SOLID.. EVERY Modified Car (did I say EVERY? ) Yes, EVERY modified car is a personal interpretation of the person that modified it. You will NOT find another person that has the same taste.. Once it is modified, that begins the spiral.... Usually the spiral is headed down... Certainly this current fad/style of 24's and bags will change--- it always does.
Every car design is a interpretation of a group of designers. We as the buyers decide if we like. Apparently the cimmeron wasn't well liked design. There was a time the 59 design wasn't as appealing as the new late 60s "modern" model.
Interesting how hindsight works
Thinking of my young age ideas as I am reading this. I soon decided someone always had and newer faster and nice car.