Well first off, Hello.
New to the forum but have owned Cadillacs since the early 70's starting with a '60 convertible, a '41 60 Special back in the late 70's, and through the years more Eldorados then I can remember. Last restoration work I've done was a pair of '65 Buick Riveras and a '40 Lincoln Mark 1 Cabriolet back in 1980.
Recently came into the possession of a 36-7019 that is currently in the middle of a 'body off' restoration. The chassis has been completely gone through with a total rebuild on the original engine, transmission rebuilt with new synchros and clutch plate. Suspension gone through with new tie rod ends, kingpins, steering box, and shocks rebuilt where needed. New bearings in the differential and all new or rebuilt brake parts. The rolling chassis is as new!
Now for the best part, the body is virtually rust free and no, I mean NO body damage! Body was completely media blasted and there are no repairs to any panels or fenders. For complete disclosure, there is minimum pin hole rust in the rear seat support and at the fuel filler tube in the trunk there was some patch work done sometime ago. All, yes all parts are with the car and everything is original to it. The only thing that I see that's been added is an aftermarket antenna. The original floor board antenna is with the car.
And now for the car's history. It was sold by Don Lee Cadillac in San Fransisco on 6/10/36 and was shipped to Hawaii. This is a highly optioned car with almost everything and all are with the car. It's had one respray to black, was Pomerang Brown, and the interior was recovered sometime in the past. Not too bad for it's first 80 years!
So that's my Caddie and with the Forum's advice, I'm hoping to get back on the road in the next couple years looking and driving like new.
Welcome from another 1936 70 series owner.
Congratulations on a nice find. Welcome aboard. Harry
Nice to see a stalled (for whatever reason) restoration go to the hands of an experienced person. Would love to see some photos :)
What it was:
What it is:
What it is:
And now I'm waiting for my builder to complete a garage so I can start getting the old girl back together. Right now what I really need is some recommendations on Body shops around the Raleigh/Durham NC area. I don't mind hauling the car to a good shop in the regional area, but if they are close, I can watch and keep tabs on the progress. Also need to find an upholsterer. All suggestions are appreciated.
I'm not trying to make the car a concourse piece, I'd rather get it to look like a well loved car. The previous owner really cared for this car and her history shows she has been very well cared for her entire 80 years. Thirty five years between the two previous owners. Always garaged by the looks of the body and frame. And it appears the car was in Hawaii before and during WW2. There is a possibility it might have been a military car, but that has not been proven yet.
Another photo: