new member restoring a 1979 Seville Granduer Opera limosine, looking for parts

[Douglas]

I have started restoring the car, it has been stored for 15 years, finally time to do it.  I need a place to find some replacement parts.

[gary griffin]

The first step is to do an inventory and list the parts you will be needing. You wont get them all in the first list but every project needs a starting point.

Now analyze the potential need for a parts car the needs for  which is often indicated.

In the Forum there is a "New huge list of Cadillac parts vendors" by Otto Skorzeny and I would download a copy of that next. Otto has a great list of vendors and restoration specialists.

There are some vendors in Hemmings also but I think the "New Huge" list is  a great place to start. It prints out at 28 pages and has salvage yards, new parts specialists, and parts restorer listings.

When you came to the forum you checked "Restoration" which is the third item in the forum, if you had went down to fifth item it is parts WTB (Want to Buy) which is where you will want to post your needs. There is also a parts for sale forum you may want to browse through.

You may want to do a restoration blog in this section of the forums, it is very satisfying and there are many of us who would like to follow your progress. I try to keep mine up and enjoy the others who are doing so also. It is a great record of the trials and tribulations of restoring an old car.

Good luck

[TMoore - NTCLC]

Hi Douglas -

Congratulations on preserving one of these cars.  I own two 1979 Grandeur Opera Coupes, and they are my favorite cars to drive.  As long as all the custom pieces are there, you won't have much trouble sourcing replacement bits.  Let us know what your needs are, and I bet someone can direct you to a good source.

Also, please post some pictures - it is great fun to get to see pics in the original state, and what you finally end up with.  Plus, there were so few of the limos produced, it would be great to see some pics of a survivor.

Good luck, and I look forward to following your updates.

[Davidinhartford]

Definately want to see photos!   

[Douglas]

This is a picture of my dad picking the car up in 1980.  We were told they made 50 of the limosines and that this one was #50.  All black with red interior.  I have original brochures and pictures taken of other cars there.  A 1-off of a Versailles, some of the bustle back Seville's too.

[Douglas]

Sorry, haven't gotten back on here in a while.  Just posted an original picture from 1980.  Still working on it.  Lots of rust from the vinyl top area and floor boards.  Looked a lot worse once they took it apart and it was standing there all naked.  Chrome pieces are hardest to find.  Have a quote on the rechrome of some parts, but it's crazy high....to me, never restored a car before.  I will post more pictures later.  Thanks for the note.  Douglas

[Davidinhartford]

Hi Douglas!

  Fantastic photo!   I have photos of this one below, but it is black on Black.     I would love to see the other photos you have.

  Do you mind if I add the photo to my Cadillac archives on Flickr?

Dave








This one (above) was forsale on line in Sept 2010.

Dave

[Douglas]

Yes, that' s fine.  I'll find other ones I have and add them. 

[Andrew Armitage]

I love it!  I would definitely wear a hat with a feather in it when I drove it around.  The length of the hood is outrageous!