Marketplace - 1968 Cadillac Eldorado ยท Coupe 2D | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1081583296653289/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A8c4ffd8b-be24-46ce-8e28-cc154bd9cda4
I did get a photo of the firewall's data plate. It has black diamond cloth upholstery and not many options.
The car is advertised on the AACA Forum:
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/423251-1968-black-eldorado/#comment-2744783
The seller is asking $14,500 and it has 98,000 miles. The only rust he mentioned was a couple of 'spots' by the rear window but didn't provide photos. He offered to do a video walkthrough.
One point about the car not having Tilt and Tel wheel you don't have to worry if the turn indicator switch is broken as to my knowledge there are no replacements available anymore. It was a major selling point for me when I bought my 1968 DeVille convertible, also I have found because of the angle of my non Tilt and Tel wheel I don't miss it not having one. Perfectly comfortable for driving as is.
Had one of these as a daily driver back in the early 70's through '85, so cautionary comments are based on a lot of experience. This example is sitting low in the rear--likely dead air ride compressor and rear air shocks dead... single leaf springs--- you'll bump along on bumpy roads, ( won't see anything through rear view mirror)... and if not addressed, run the risk of breaking rear springs at the axle shackles. Any consideration of this car should assume the following: some kind of rear shocks with helper springs or "level ride" work around, as well as a likely, non functional auto climate system (r 12, likely a complete a/c and vacuum actuated climate control with many tiny vacuum hoses). Also carefully check pitman and idler arms, front floor pans for holes... torn cv axle boots, failing exhausts elements. These cars are very durable and lovely to look at, and when everything is fixed and tires inflated to specs, is a fun ride to drive.
Not to take credit but I did spot this car over coffee and a facebook marketplace search. The issue with the price is relevant as James notes at least 2 needs that will be expensive and the next non Cadillac specific buyer would likely ignore. Ignorance is bliss to them. Tell these to the seller and you will likely be ignored as well. Jim has had some communication with him and he has been pleasant. But I believe he is selling an estate car and is only seeing dollar signs - as many next generation sellers do.
Or how many times have you heard sellers say they never needed AC because they enjoy driving the car without it. This car shows well in the few photos. The started rust at the rear window - to me - is not an issue. It's an opportunity to knock $1,000 off the price right there. Then use real wax and seal the rust. It'll never go away but I've seen these small rust issues never really spread. Really hate it? The sand it out and carefully mask the area and get some touch up paint for just that area. Or repaint the whole car for $12,000 or whatever it costs now. Not every one of us - especially 61 year olds like me - endeavor to restore a nice driver.
I would just seal it with wax, enjoy it for another 6-8 years then honestly sell it. James - I can't see restoring the load leveling system when a person can buy a spring and air shock (if available) would do the trick. As for AC, what a nightmare unless it's not the comfort control auto system. You could kind of convert it with an under dash switch.
But the bottom line is we know this car is over priced and I doubt anyone here buys it but the seller is likely going to find a salt and pepper haired 401k retiree that "always loved these cars when new" and will look beyond the issues we know about and drop $12,000 or so in the sellers outstretched hand. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong. But I'd rather buy a solid project Eldorado for $4,000 and drop $75,000 into it or buy the nice one for $24,000 then overpay a non educated 2nd level owner who has no interest in a car his dad had.
"As for AC, what a nightmare unless it's not the comfort control auto system."
Unless you are good at working on Automatic Temperature Control systems (or live next door to Greg Surfas or Cadillac Tim), they can indeed be a nightmare. The only system available for Cadillac from 1964 onward was ATC there was no other A/C system available. My "automatic" number for a non-working ATC system is $2000, if you are lucky, and if you are lucky enough to find someone that understands them and will still work on them.
Quote from: 35-709 on November 05, 2024, 09:14:43 PM"As for AC, what a nightmare unless it's not the comfort control auto system."
Unless you are good at working on Automatic Temperature Control systems (or live next door to Greg Surfas or Cadillac Tim), they can indeed be a nightmare. The only system available for Cadillac from 1964 onward was ATC there was no other A/C system available. My "automatic" number for a non-working ATC system is $2000, if you are lucky, and if you are lucky enough to find someone that understands them and will still work on them.
And that $2000 number is just for the parts.
The climate control and the level ride are two major challenges. This car, at less than 100,000, may have both functional, and, if so, their functional days are fast approaching the end. Bottom line, Bryan J. Moran's take is right on target, for 12k, the car may likely be a serious disappointment. (oh, I forgot to mention the front wheel bearings, that were breathtakingly expensive when I replaced one in the mid 70's--- I think gm transitioned to a two bearing arrangement in later models)
I thought Cadillac offered standard AC and ACC was an option. Thanks for letting me know.