'70 deville convertible or '72 eldorado convertible?

[Hankk17]

Which is better?  the '70 deville convertible or the '72 eldorado convertible?

presumably the '70 engine has more horsepower, yes?  does it also NOT have the silly scissor style convertible top?

is the '70 convertible mechanism hydraulic or had they switched to electric by then?

I have the opportunity to trade my rotten '72 eldo for a decent '70 and I'm trying to weigh the options..  the '70 is gold, which i hate.. but it can be repainted.  the '72 is white, and has frame rot and bad body rot in the rear end - ie, the body mount points are GONE lol.

decisions.. decisions..

-Hank

[okccadman]

I would take the 70 any day!!

[Dave Shepherd]

I would take the 70 any day!!

Seconded, 70 Cads in general were very reliable cars.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Thirded for the '70.

Body/frame/body mount rot should eliminate the '72, period.

[76eldo]

Sounds like the 72 is a bit worn out.
My first Cadillac was a gold 70 convertible with a black top and interior.
You can't go wrong with a '70.

The top is hydraulic/electric with traditional setup carried over from the 1960's.
Watch out for rot in the lower front fenders and rear quarters.

These are great cars.

Good luck.

Brian

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

No matter what year of anything, Frame Rot is bad.

The trade would be a no-brainer for me.

Bruce.

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

Even if the condition of both cars was equal, 1970 was 10 times a better car.

[TJ Hopland]

If condition was equal I would take the Eldo.  I think its a much more interesting and better looking car but with the rot its not going to be a safe car for much longer and wont be even remotely practical to repair it so if the 70 is solid it would easily be the choice.

[Steve W]

Go for the 70...its a no-brainer! The 72 is shot, but it will be a great organ-donor for someone who needs help...so your beloved 72 will live on in spirit!
You'll love the deVille!

[Eldorado Tex]

If the '70 is in better shape go for it. If not tell him give me the guy's info please.

I'd lean more towards a 71/72 over a 69/70 unless maybe it was one in Wisteria. Granted the Eldo is FWD, but you basically get one of the coolest FWD cars ever.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

1970 was the last year for the production RWD DeVille convertible which adds to the car's historic significance.

[Greg Powers]

A complete no brainer. The 1970 Deville is a far superior choice in almost every way. From the rear drive (tried and true) to the engine, to the body styling with no filler panels to rot and fall off, to the top mechanism the Deville will be far more enjoyable car for years to come. (A nice Gold is really pretty when waxed and polished) - Greg

[cwcinps]

I have owned both over the years, my first Cadillac was the 70, Triple white (I might be bias or reliving the pat a bit) but when it came to working with the car I appreciated the simplicity of the 70.  Just having gone thru the scissor top repair on my 76, at over 2500.00 I was thinking of the 70.  The 70 top is hydraulic and the Eldorado will be electric motor with actuators â€" both have easy access to parts but my hydraulic never work out the actuators will eventually.  What is insane is I think I only put the top up to wash them.  But don’t get me wrong, the 72 I had was very cool and I was sad when I sold her to a collector in Italy and watched them load “one of my babies” into a shipping container at the Port of Oakland.

Back to your question, I have learned by my 76,  RUN FROM RUST â€" while repairable I would rather do 100 other types of repairs over trying to fix rust!!  I it were me I would go for the Last deVille Convertible.

[Hankk17]

hah!  wow I'm surprised this thread has so many replies.  Yup, you're all confirming my thoughts as well.  turn my head and just let the '72 go and move on to the '70.  Now to convince the wife..  she loooves Eldos.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

She knows class.

Bruce.