Hi!
My new project is 1979 Seville, triple black with 02200 miles in the clock. I already have two 71 Eldorados and Fiat 124 Spider -71 in different project stages, but couldn't resist this beauty. Local dealer had imported 43 cars from California to Finland last winter, and this one was the last one to sell. I went to see it, and even with the seller and additional battery we were not able to start it. Body and interior looked very good apart from driver seat, and the dealer swore that it was driven from the container to warehouse some months earlier, so I made very low-ball offer. He wanted to get it out from his yard and accepted my offer.
This Seville has been within Lazard family in Granada Hills, CA at least for 30 years, but not driven a lot during last 10 years. Bunch of service bills and registration docs were found in glove compartment. It seems that 102 t miles is realistic mileage.
Lots of things to fix in the car, but I like it. I don't do this for business but for pleasure.
- does not start. Found out that starter does not work. Brushes were so worn out that even half of the brush attaching screws were worn out, damaging the anchor as well. New starter solved this.
- it runs, but not stable. Exhaust is leaking with big noise. Need to study EFI a bit.
- moves slowly forward with all gears, R and P as well (!). Need to check the linkage. There was hardly any oil in TH400. I need to change oil and filter as a basic measure.
- brake pedal went straight to bottom. Brake fuild container was almost empty. After filling there is some resistance, but need to bleed it.
- coolant tank brackets broken, so it has fallen to touch AC compressor which has grinded big hole there. Coolant tank seems to be VERY difficult to find.
- Washer fluid tank missing, luckily found one in eBay.
- Trunk pulldown motor and puller missing.
- hoses to heater core disconnected, so probably the core is leaking. I changed the heater core for 71 Eldo some weeks ago, so similar exercise is coming with this animal as well. Blower works but makes noise.
- driver seat is very bad. I plan to buy replacement skins from Lseat.
- plus lots of other things.
But the most positive side is the rust-free body. I do not make body work like welding at all, so this baby fits me very well.
And of course, Gen1 Seville is very beautiful car with lots of options, 350 Rocket engine and TH400!
G'day Matti,
Congratulations on your purchase, and plans for restoration.
I have never seen a Starter Motor Commutator so badly worn, and the condition of the interior and engine bay pictures would indicate to me that the cost of freight from USA to Finland would have been higher than the actual cost of purchasing the car.
Bruce. >:D
Congratulations on your new project. Once sorted the 79 Seville was a fine driving car. There is plenty of info on this forum and make sure you get the factory manuals and also helpful are the Cadillac Serviceman Bulletins that were monthly to the dealership back in the day. Plenty of service tips that wer not in the workshop manuals.
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on September 23, 2020, 07:21:06 PM
G'day Matti,
Congratulations on your purchase, and plans for restoration.
I have never seen a Starter Motor Commutator so badly worn, and the condition of the interior and engine bay pictures would indicate to me that the cost of freight from USA to Finland would have been higher than the actual cost of purchasing the car.
Bruce. >:D
Thanks guys,
I got this veeery cheap😄
Previous photos were the bad areas. Actually engine bay was not that bad, and rest of the interior is quite good. And I give big value to rust-free body.
I downloaded service manuals, and I already ordered lots of parts from USA to replace the broken ones. Looks like there is not a single Seville parts car here in Finland, and probably less than 10 pcs in driving condition.
Definitely better pictures.
Bruce. >:D
Rocket runs very nice when warm, but gearbox is the problem. It wants to go forward with all gears, even with reverse, neutral and park. Linkage is adjusted, oil on correct level. Something wrong with TH400 but what?
I opened the TH400 pan and checked that manual valve works properly. That is nice, but on the other hand a bit pity because it means that the reason for problems is that most probably the plates in forward clutch are burned together as result of driving with too low oil level. This means that tranny needs to opened for repair. There are lots of instructions, books and videos available so I decided to repair it by myself. I never opened automatic transmission, manual ones only, but it does not look that difficult. Parts and rebuild kits easily available.
Keep us apprised of your progress... many of us follow members' repairs and restorations with great interest. Thanks for posting, and best of luck for a quick "turn around" on your repair. James
Thanks James,
Small update: I managed to drive to petrol station. Transmission works forward, and suspension and steering work very well. Engine runs very well when warm. Cold start is poor, so I removed fast idle valve and will test that.
Today I received several boxes of spares from Rockauto: air filter, door gaskets, Fisher 1979 body manual, heater core, etc etc.
Lots of fun ahead!!
I tested Fast Idle Valve just by giving 12V to it. It gets warm but nothing happened. Then I switched it off and put to freezer to cool down. It shows 30 ohm resistance between the valve connectors and 14 ohm when switch is pressed. I did not find correct specs in service manual. Nor I found any spec how much the pin should extend.
After cooling, I applied some force to press the pin inside, and then 12V again. Now I managed to get it to move about 4mm (1/6 inch?).
There were tiny pieces of white soft residual in the valve, maybe that is the expanding wax material leaked from inside.
Problem in cold start is that I need to give small amount of gas in order to keep it running. Sounds like it does not get enough air, so the FIV probably is not opening properly, or not at all.
Cadillac EFI is very similar to Bosch D-Jetronic, which was used around 70-76 in Mercedes, Saab, Volvo, Jaguar, Porsche etc. Instead of FIV, D-Jet has external Auxiliary Air Valve giving additional air to cold engine, controlled by the coolant temperature.
Check the coolant temperature sensor. It is the most common failure in these systems and when bad, will make it difficult to start and keep running when cold. There is an ohm spec in the manual.
Quote from: jagbuxx #12944 on September 29, 2020, 10:38:59 AM
Check the coolant temperature sensor. It is the most common failure in these systems and when bad, will make it difficult to start and keep running when cold. There is an ohm spec in the manual.
Thanks Frank! Air temp sensor was giving correct ohms, but the coolant sensor was dead. No connection at all between the poles. It seems that this sensor is not so commonly available, so it will take some time get the replacement. Rockauto is the fastest supplier to Finland.
So, I ordered temp sensor, and based on RockAuto.com and Summitracing web pages I chose AX35 which is suitable for my Seville 1979. Was a bit expensive including express freight and customs, but I got it to Finland in 6 days. Then I took the old wire and connector from my car and built nice connector-wire-sensor package. Before installation I checked that it gives correct data, and to my surprise this AX35 sensor is ntc type, whereas ptc is needed for this application. It gives totally wrong ohm data! What a lousy service from Rockauto and Summitracing. To be honest, many other websites as well recommend this to Seville.
I need to order again from other supplier. They seem to be available in eBay.
I have a stash of these sensors that I’ve collected over the years as my 76 is fuel injected.
Let me dig them out and offer you one if you are interested.
Thanks for kind offer, Frank. I already ordered one, and it is on the way.
Positive news is that yesterday I got parts delivery from US. First task was to install washer fluid reservoir which was completely missing. Wipers work, now with new blades, but washer not yet. Probably typical problem with broken rubber in the pump.
Step by step my Seville will get back to its glory!
Passenger side plastic lamp frame was completely broken, and sealed beams were held almost by wires only. All 4 fixing brackets were broken, and even the small bracket for lower turn signal lamps was broken. I got a very good used frame from Texas via eBay, and built the whole package with sealed beams, springs and adjusting screws.
I had to replace the power window master switch in driver's door. Now I can close the window as well, not to open only :) Thanks to Charles for great quality switch.
I should rename this as Reparation project, as most of the work is fixing faults and damages.
I took TH400 out and opened it with several interesting findings.
- forward clutch and direct clutch were stuck together REALLY tight. (second photo) After I got them separated, I took the plates out to find out that 90% of friction material had disappeared. Video below. I will replace all plates.
- rear band servo was stuck. That could explain missing Reverse gear.
- plates in intermediate clutch looked like new. Don`t know if that is related to rear servo. (First photo)
- lots of fine mud-like material in many parts, probably residual from friction material.
I wonder if the car has been started by pushing, or pulling. The starter was non-functional, and the car has been driven not long time ago, according to seller. Push start can damage the tranny, but I do not know exactly how. Maybe like this, destroying plates due to lack of oil pressure.
https://youtu.be/JcTu_V7xUa8
Seville is now on the pit for the tranny repair, so I can repair the exhaust system as well. The pipe was rusted and broken in several points, and there was a loud noise coming from exhaust manifold direction. I expected manifold to be broken but did not find any cracks etc. One hanger is badly bent and not functioning at all.
When removing the pipe I found out that there was no seal between the manifold and the pipe at all!! I believe adding the seal will be an easy fix to get rid of the noise.
From what you're finding, it appears that the car was abused at some point in its lengthy history. So much damage can be done through neglect, ignorance, or worse, intentional abuse. Here's hoping that once the transmission is repaired, you'll enjoy "smooth sailing" with the rest of your project. Enjoying your narratives. James
Quote from: James Landi on October 26, 2020, 07:40:32 AM
From what you're finding, it appears that the car was abused at some point in its lengthy history. So much damage can be done through neglect, ignorance, or worse, intentional abuse. Here's hoping that once the transmission is repaired, you'll enjoy "smooth sailing" with the rest of your project. Enjoying your narratives. James
Usually it is positive argument that â€car has been in one family decades†but this case proves that it is not always so.
I have other cars for cruising, and this Seville is more for having fun in garage.
Interesting finding when repairing TH400:
Oil tube was damaged, and the stick did not move very well inside, so I need to replace that. When looking that closer, I noticed that the stick goes too deep inside the pan. Full mark is almost half inch below gasket level, when it should even or 1/4 ABOVE the gasket level. This means that when putting the oli level correct with this stick, actually it is too low. This could explain why the friction plates are damaged.
I will put new oil stick and the tube anyway.
DO you suspect that the tube was replaced too far in as a consequence of a prior transmission repair? It's good to know that the car was not abused, but so sad that something this simple can create a huge repair challenge. James
Quote from: James Landi on November 11, 2020, 06:58:56 AM
DO you suspect that the tube was replaced too far in as a consequence of a prior transmission repair? It's good to know that the car was not abused, but so sad that something this simple can create a huge repair challenge. James
James,
it is difficult to say, at least with my knowledge, what really has happened. It seems that the stick and the tube do not match. Tube is in its place, but the stick goes too deep. I replaced them, but it was quite difficult to fit Mr Gasket tube into limited space between the transmission and the car body.
Center support was not tightly in its place due to broken screw, that is fatal damage. But I can not say when that has happened. I replaced the oil pump in tranny as well as it was quite worn.
TH400 repair got completed without major problems. It was not so difficult with help of several Youtube-videos and handbooks. ( Actually I liked it so much that I bought three spare transmission to be rebuilt.) Installing the tranny with filler tube was a pain, because standard Mr Gasket tube does not fit very well. I had to bend it several times and still it is not good. I made test drive 3-4 miles, and it works ok.
I renewed the exhaust pipes because they were rusted badly. I got new pipes, custom-made to fit Seville. Mufflers were in good condition so I kept them. Still some fine-tuning is needed to get rid of some extra noise. There is still some noise coming from right exhaust manifold area, need to study that more.
Now I was able to test how efi works with new coolant temp sensor. And it really works! It is like a different car. Starts nice and idle is very stable. My Seville is 79 California version, so it has closed-loop EFI with oxygen sensor in exhaust manifold. And there is no air pump system at all.
Terrific... Your efforts have paid off, and another fine Cadillac has been preserved. You're clearly rewarded for your perseverance and exceptional talents. As you now know, When these cars are running correctly, they are a joy to drive and admire. James
Quote from: James Landi on November 27, 2020, 08:13:54 AM
Terrific... Your efforts have paid off, and another fine Cadillac has been preserved. You're clearly rewarded for your perseverance and exceptional talents. As you now know, When these cars are running correctly, they are a joy to drive and admire. James
Thanks James,
It really felt great to get it moving! Still lots of work ahead.
Matti-
LOve those shiny parts, and the chassis looks to be in reasonably good condition. One of the fatal flaws on these cars was chassis rust through...of course, you won't use it on salty winter roads--- corrosion and rust will take hold. Keep us up to date on your amazing efforts--- it's great fun to monitor your progress. Happy day, James
Some update about Seville reparation project.
It feels like wherever I look there is something not functioning in this car.
Today I had a chance to make some test driving in the streets near the garage. Transmission works quite ok. Feeels like there is little power in the engine. I checked ignition timing was ok, and vacuum advance works. Looks like mechanical advance does not work at all. I assume there is mechanical advance inside Hei distributor, need to check that.
Exhaust noise is coming from the connection between the exhaust manifold and the pipe. One of the three bolts is broken inside the manifold and two bolts are not enough to hold it tight enough. Not so nice, but at least I know where the noise is coming from.
During test drive I learned that the front brakes work ok, but almost nothing is happening at rear. Emergency brake wires and levers work, but it can not hold the car in place when gear is on. I need to remove the rear wheels and see what is happening there, if anything.
Emergency brake release does not work. I checked the vacuum release unit with vacuum and no action. Vacuum hose from NSS to brake release works ok, but there was no vacuum coming to NSS. NSS works ok, can`t start with gear on. Replacing that brake release vacuum unit should be possible without removing the whole mechanism, I hope.
Annoying problems are driver`s door lock and sun visors. Door opens only from outside. Need to open the door panel and to go inside the door.
Driver side sun visor was damaged in seams so I took to upholstery shop.
Passenger side sun visor is annoying because it does not stay fully up. Tightening the screw does not help because it is broken inside. The metal part that holds it up is broken into two pieces. I will try to put there some additional support. Mirror cover did not work because the plastic hinge was broken on one side. Luckily the missing part was found inside and I managed to glue it back and get it working. It is nice system with lamps with two levels of brightness!
Driver`s safety belt does not come out. A bit difficult to work with that because the seat is difficult to move. The housing for 6way seat transmission under the seat is cracked and does not hold the gears in place. I noticed there is 3D print ABS housing available in eBay, that looks interesting.
But I managed to get windshield washer to work. I took external system with pump and plastic bag which was installed in my Eldo when I bought it, and now it works in Seville. Must have this in MOT test.
I put priority to pass MOT test in order to get the car registered. Rear brakes, safety belt, driver door, and steering column must be fixed before that. The rest can be made later.
Matti,
The lack of power might be an issue with a clogged catalytic converter or the heat riser valve on the exhaust being partially closed. I own a high mileage Cadillac that had these issues. Those infernal sun visors can be impossible to repair. On my '85 Cadillac convertible, I finally added a button snap used on boat canvas to hold it up and in place--- no amount of effort on my part to figure out how to get sufficient friction worked. I suspect he door opening challenge is not a major issue. I had a '67 Eldorado that used engine vacuum to actuate the door locks, and on occasion, the locks would "deploy," and I would have to climb out the driver window... It was impossible to manually lift the lock button once the vacuum was applied. James
just wondering if you did business with lseat and if so, How did it go?
Quote from: dgll411 on January 14, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
just wondering if you did business with lseat and if so, How did it go?
Hi Danny,
Yes I bought the front seat covers from Lseat. They arrived but I have not yet started assembly. The shape and seams look exactly similar to original. Leather is not gloss like the old one in my Seville. I hope to install them during the spring.
thanks. I've read good and bad reviews.
I finally found some motivation to dig into the passenger sun visor repair. The visor was not staying up against the headlining but was falling down too much. Tightening of the screw did not help. I have understood it is quite common problem.
I found out the the metal piece inside the visor was broken so the visor itself was not strongly connected to the visor holder in the roof, and the weight of mirror and lamps made it hanging. I had to open the fabric of the visor a bit, and then I was able to repair the broken metal part with JB weld and small thin piece of metal. Looks like it works.
The hinge for the mirror cover was broken as well, but luckily the cracked plastic piece was still inside and I managed to glue it back. My wife will be happy next summer with sunvisor not hitting her head, and the vanity mirror with lights! I hope the car is ready for use by next summer.......
Small update from Seville project:
I noticed that the small rubber cap front of windshield was dried and cracked, and it was sure leaking water through it. Probably that is not so dangerous, but I think the cap is not there for fun.
There was manufacturer name and the part number in the back. With google I found out that the company still exists and I sent email with photo to customer service. Next day I received a very polite answer that this cap has not been in production for long long time, but by chance he has found one sample from his shelves, and he could send it by mail free of charge. What a great service! Now I have that cap installed.
Hi Matti,
Good work with those nearly impossible sun visors-- I did get to the point that nothing worked to keep my passenger side in place by attempting all manner of "work arounds" to create sufficient friction from the outside. I settled for a mechanic boat canvas snap. Regarding your rubber plug, have to wonder just what was the "intended purpose" for that rather large sized hole. There must have been some reason design and create the hole there. Happy day, James
Someone here will know, but my guess is windshield wiper linkage access.