Hi All,
AMENDED! --- THIS IS A 'HOLY CRAP' MOMENT! --- WOW!
Boy was I 'off base'. Thanks to Dave Smith he put me on the right track. Thanks Dave! I didn't even know what I had. "Duh". The car is even rarer than I thought. The upcharge for The San Remo Eldorado (San Remo Dorado), from what I have read was + $46,000 above the car's dealer purchase price at the time. "Ouch". I guess if your a Getty Oil Heiress and inherited billions it may not have mattered. Doing more reading on The San Remo Eldorado Conversion, one person said they even changed the slope of the windshield to make the car appear more 'rakish'. I came across one report that one in #2 (Hagerty Condition) sold a few years ago at Barrett Jackson for $60,000. --- Thanks to Dave I will continue to do more research on the car, and carefully go though all the paperwork as the work on the car continues.
This car was reportedly owned by one of The Getty Oil Heiresses in California. She special ordered it November 1978 at Restor Cadillac in Burlingame California. I took possession of the car in 2016 where it was stored in Palm Springs CA. A really rare vehicle thanks to Dave's input I now know. Has The Oldsmobile 350ci Gas V8.
As we all know, when they just 'sit', even though climate controlled indoor storage (always), the seals all dry out. The engine starts leaking oil. The A Arm Bushings dry rot, Vacuum Hoses, etc. So presently the car is up in the air and will not leave the garage until EVERYTHING is 100% Sorted and or replaced and or rebuilt to Factory Original Specs. So both mechanically and cosmetically it will be as close to Showroom New as possible. --- Thanks for looking. : )
Here are some pictures.
79's are very rare. I currently have a beautiful 80 Hess Eldo and a driver quality 81 Hess Eldo. Looks like you are starting off with a pretty decent car.
Brian
Quote from: cncadillac on June 09, 2019, 06:04:46 PM
Special ordered as a Convertible through G.M. Cadillac Division and with Seville Wire Wheels (On the Build Sheet). At that time Cadillac did not make production convertibles. So those that were ordered were sent to Hess and Eisenhardt in Cincinnati Ohio to be converted per G.M. Spec.
The only convertibles that Cadillac outsourced for production were the 1984 & 1985 Biarritz. Those were sent to ASC (American Sun Roof Corporation) Hess & Eisenhardt was not contracted by the Cadillac division to make these convertibles. H&E sent sales flyers directly to Cadillac dealers offering their conversion services. So if a customer wanted a convertible the selling dealer would just have the car drop shipped right to H&E for the conversion. Unless it was a stock vehicle, then it would have to be sent there by the dealer. Cadillac would drop ship cars to anywhere specified. But they expressly wrote that any conversions done were not warrantied by Cadillac, but by the vendor. The exception being the 84-85 ASC made cars. Those your selling dealer would warranty the convertible repair work.
As for Seville wire wheels, those in your photos are not even Cadillac wheels. Those are aftermarket. It would not be possible to use 1979 Seville wire wheels on a 1979 Eldorado due to the fact they wont fit. The Seville was rear wheel drive in 79 and the Eldorado was front wheel drive. Not interchangeable at all.
I'm not sure what you are calling a "build sheet" without seeing it. What you are possibly seeing is a dealer invoice showing the car was sent for conversion and custom wire wheels added at that time.
The H&E cars were better made than the ASC ones. They have a better looking rear quarter roof to belt line.
And they are far more rare as they were made to order, vs. the 84-85 ASC ones that were restricted to a limited color selection.
ASC also made non Biarritz conversions on request too.
The steering wheel has also been changed. Perhaps done the same time as the conversion... ???
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your kind words and observations. I am relatively new to The Cadillac Lasalle Club having joined about two weeks ago. I am 'learning'. There are many people here who have a lot more expertise that I do on these beautiful cars. They were made in an era of unique design when we all knew 'who made what by appearance'. Amazing designs and some revolutionary engineering to boot. "Works Of Art On Wheels". A bye gone age and time in America.
I am thrilled to own this car, and am taking a 'deep dive' into correcting issues primarily from just having 'sat' for most of it's life, to date. Yesterday I ran a compression test on the engine, 'as this work in progress' the past few weeks had commenced in earnest. Every cylinder tested at 155lbs. : )
I will probably be relying on many members here, and if you are Ok with it (?), yourself with the amazing array of Cadillacs that you own for knowledge and parts in the correction efforts.
Some issues I have already encountered is the original external fuel pump died several weeks ago. As the car is 'up in the air' I changed it. Had to get and Airtex Aftermarket as I could not find an OEM anywhere.
Had to draw up a shop diagram and make my own mounting bracket with retainers that is effective and sanitary. Works well, but would have preferred to stay original. Now I am going through the fuel injectors and cleaning testing each one and installing all new O ring seals and in the rails also. I am keeping all old OEM Parts that have been replaced. I have also replaced the power radio antenna motor with the new AC Delco Design. I could see why Delco changed it. Had to custom build a new mounting bracket for it also. : ) Presently The Driver's Seat is at the best quality Custom Auto Upholstery Facility in Denver to be redone. The rest of the interior is in excellent condition. Getting OEM parts is definately an issue.
When I posted this thread I am not sure how to reduce picture sizes. Sorry for that. I would like to see pictures of your vehicles. As I am just now learning site navigation here, I will figure it out.
Thanks again, Best Wishes,
Charles
Hi again Brian,
Just went through the pictures of your cars looking at 'attachments' under your various posts. Wow! What beautiful cars. My favorites are your 70' Eldorado and your two 80' and 81' Eldorado Convertibles. Go figure. : ) Apparently you sold the one 76' Convertible.
I am dealing with many issues on mine as I do the necessary repairs. Now that I am just about done refurbing the fuel injection system 100% (don't want an engine fire : ), will start taking the whole front suspension apart and installing new A Arm Bushings, etc. They are all dry rotted. Will also do the rear. Clean, bead blast and paint everything in Satin Black.
Other annoying issue that has been corrected. Someone at some point thought they could adjust the outside mirrors by grabbing the mirror heads and twisting them. They broke both of the square stalks severely, and they were just 'flopping around'. :-[ I found brand new ones on eBay still in the OEM G.M. Boxes early last year, and snapped them up. ;) The driver's side has the built in thermometer. Pricey, but a 'find'.
I have concerns about the Th325 Trans. When I first got the car I immediately changed all fluids and a new transmission filter. There was some black goop in the pan, from the clutches I assume? Apparenlty these transmissions have issues from what I have read. --- If you can recommend 'upgrades and sources for any beef up parts' would be much appreciated.
Thanks again,
Charlie Cooke
I sold one of the 76 Convertibles that I had.
Another odd thing on your car is the lack of a quarter window.
That may be something that they only did in 79?
Those wheels were a popular dealer add on. They were made by Appliance and the trim rings and centers are impossible to find. The only Eldo “wire†wheels were the aluminum spoke wheels that were a rare option on some of the 80’s Eldo’s. Seville wheels from 80 to 85 will fit but the original 76-79 Seville’s were RWD as previously mentioned. The 79-80 stock eldo caps are pretty nice of you can find a mint or NOS set. If the spoke wheels you have are not pitted you can get some good $$ for them.
Brian
Hi again Brian,
The wire wheels are in excellent condition, no pitting at all, just need to be polished. I attribute this to the fact that the car has always been stored inside in climate controlled conditions and it's exceptionally low miles.
Three of the original injectors tested bad. Solenoids failing in two (2) intermittent, and one with a bad spray pattern even after heavy cleaning. So am replacing all eight (8). Was able to obtain 8ea. brand new ones. They are Bosch OEM Injectors. As far as I can tell, identical to the originals. Tried to find the OEM Injector Caps to no avail. They were brittle plastic and many were broken. So, am converting them all to Bosch EV1's that do fit well. Already tested. Had an issue trying to get the one flare nut off the injection rail at the back left side as it was 'locked on' like King Kong had tightened it! :-[ Tried everything short of heating it with a torch (NOT!). Dry Ice on the nut and froze it. No go. Special OTC 5/8" Hex Vice Grip Pliers. No go! Yes I backed the 3" long hex rail connector with a wrench locked and supported on the intake manifold to stop reverse pressure. --- Would not let go no matter what! --- Ended up cutting the steel 3/8" line at the back lower left of the engine, doing a double flare on both ends and installing a 1 foot section of 3/8" rubber fuel injection hose with full circle injection hose clamps. That worked. --- Never a dull moment. Will make a note that no one should every try to remove that one 5/8" flare nut!
Next, after I get done with rebuilding the front end suspension will start on diagnosing and going though the Climate Control System as it is not working at all now. AC worked only on high and defrost when I got the car, but no heat. I found someone (?) had grounded the Heat On/Off Sensor on the right front side of the intake manifold to one of the injection ground wires? --- I took it off, put a new blade connector on it and put it back on the sensor. Now, doesn't work at all? --- So when the suspension is 100% rebuilt, will be diving into this is next. --- I already did away with the nylon timing gear set and installed a Cloyes True Double Roller Set as well as new 4 row aluminum radiator and new water pump plus new thermostat and new radiator hoses + all belts. Also a new high amp alternator. So at least that's all done. ;)
The chrome reveal at the top of the windshield was faded. It's polished aluminum. Very light weight stuff. It has been carefully removed (no dents) and is out for a high quality Chrome Plating. Should then be more durable, and will look a heck of a lot better. --- And the list goes on. :)
The 'Love' continues, with lots of work, and dealing with little 'niggly annoying' issues.
Thanks for your knowledge and information! You have Beautiful Cadillacs. Nostalgia from a bygone era.
Best Wishes,
Charlie
Oops. Should have responded to your observation, Brian. : ) There are tiny quarter windows. Very small. Kind of hidden because of the angle of the photo. The quarter windows retract with the convertible top. This had to have been part of The San Remo Dorado conversion.
Best,
Charlie
Hi Eric,
Hope all is well with you. : ) Yes, when The Car was received at Restor Cadillac (now gone) in Burlingame California, they sent it to the Coach Design in Westlake Village CA. (now that I know per Dave : ), Duh.
I toyed with the idea (but not for long : ) of reinstalling a stock steering wheel. Yet, because of the uniqueness of The Nardi, and because of the history, and that I think it actually looks better, I am leaving it as is.
As previously mentioned, I am diving into the Suspension next. I am a bit concerned over dealing with the Passenger Side Drive Axles due to the two sections, particularly the one closest to the engine with The Vibration Dampener. --- If you know of a source for new parts on these, and, or, rebuilding the right front side if necessary, any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Best Wishes,
Charlie
Hi D. Smith,
I have been reading your posts, among other members, as I am trying to learn as much as I can absorb.
The convertible top on mine is obviously a 'Carson Style Top', which appears to be almost brand new in condition. I need to re-read all the receipts and prior ownership papers I got with the car. There is a script label on the lower right side of the Dash that says San Remo Dorado.
Can you provide me any information on this? Thanks.
Best,
Charlie
Eric,
I was just looking at your 80' Coupe Deville. What a beautiful car. Just total elegance.
Best,
Charlie
Quote from: cncadillac on June 22, 2019, 04:34:22 PM
Hi D. Smith,
I have been reading your posts, among other members, as I am trying to learn as much as I can absorb.
The convertible top on mine is obviously a 'Carson Style Top', which appears to be almost brand new in condition. I need to re-read all the receipts and prior ownership papers I got with the car. There is a script label on the lower right side of the Dash that says "San Remo", and in much smaller script underneath,
"Convertible Top". --- Can you provide me any information on this? Thanks.
Best,
Charlie
Ah! OK that makes more sense. The San Remos were known for that type of replacement steering wheels.
Your car was converted by Coach Design Inc of Westlake Village, California. Not Hess & Eisenhardt. Still a very rare car. They were converted on request by local dealers. Mostly in the California area.
They were more known for their San Remo Seville conversions, but they did do a limited number of Eldorados.
The two companies were not related. Very odd.
You'd better go thru that paper work and see if the VIN matches the car.
Mystery solved! YAA!
Please scan or take pics of the conversion related paperwork when you get time. Documentation is so hard to find on any of these conversions as most gets lost over time.
Here are some pictures of one of the wire wheels, the San Remo Dorado dash label, and one of my other Cadillacs. : ) --- Dave, couldn't get to the glove box paperwork as the cars is up on the lift. --- When 'all' the correction/restoration work is finished, I will post the whole series of pictures, before and after. Am documenting everything as it is completed.
Best wishes all,
Charlie
Coach design group had a fire in 1979 that ended the company...some say it was in desperation over the new 1980 Seville 😳 🤭. I have a rare 1977 San Remo Seville “ coupe’ “, they also offered a ‘majorica’ (the large 1977 and 1978 Eldorado)
Eldorado or some spelling like that.
Interesting. I will be looking at your posted pictures. When I bought this San Remo Dorado, I obviously didn't know what I had. I had 'assumed' it was converted by Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati. Not. Mr. D. Smith set me straight. The car has 45K original miles on it. Previously owned and bought new by one of The Getty Oil Heiresses at then Restor Cadillac of Burlingame CA (now gone). At that time the car sold for around $20K. It was an additional approximate $38K to $40K is my understanding for the conversion. So at that time all in, around $58K to $60K in 1979. I guess if you are a Getty Oil Heiress and inherited billions, it doesn't matter. : )
As I write this, the work goes on fixing lots of annoying niggly issues. Ex., interior is excellent, now. The driver's seat only was cracked and seams had separated. Had the best know Denver Classic Car upholstery shop reupholster the seat. Now done. They had a devil of a time getting the matching leather as Cadillac had used Connolly Leather out of the UK. They had to import the matching leather. Did a beautiful job!
One issue I am dealing with is trying to figure out how to keep the Passenger Interior Sun Visor from flopping down. So far have tried everything I can think of as normally recommended, and nothing so far has worked. If anyone has ideas on how to deal with this, I'm all ears. : ) Apparently a common issue on The 79' Eldorado's.
Thanks for your post regarding Coach Design (San Remo) Conversions out of Westlake Village CA. A bit of dejavu here as we lived in Westlake Village from 1974 to 1978. At that time I was totally unaware of them.
Charlie
Quote: had a devil of a time getting the matching leather as Cadillac had used Connolly Leather out of the UK. They had to import the matching leather. Did a beautiful
“Cadillac†did not use Connolly leather, coach design group did
(Available As an option) I have a friend with a 79 San Reno Seville with that option.
Hey thanks V63! : ) Another interesting lesson. Guess I should not 'assume'. Thank you for sharing this information with me. I guess I would not have thought that Coach Design would gut the whole interior and then reupholster it. Apparently they did. While trying to figure out the what where and when of the leather source, The Denver upholstery shop found a tag somewhere under the front seat that identified Connolly Leather. Then they started trying to track it down in the matching color. This delayed the work. They came up with other brand 'substitutes' that were 'close'. I told them I'd wait. I really wanted the same leather and color. Obviously, finally they found it. Thanks again for this information.
Charlie
I believe the San Remo was the brainchild of L.A. car dealer Irv Ogner who, along with his brother, had operated Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, etc. dealerships in the Westlake Village/Woodland Hills area.