Lovey, the 1955 Eldorado restoration story

[David King (kz78hy)]

Steering wheel was returned after restoration, the knobs on the column as well, turned out great.  These are molded in color like the original and the OE color was determined after he got into it.  the texture is also in the grips.  Love it.

[David King (kz78hy)]

The 2 Eldorado's switched places yesterday and now my car is moving back to the body/paint shop.  1st time outside in a while and I wish I was there to see the color in the daylight.  That copper and Rick's Pacific Coral will be stunning colors when finished.

[James Landi]

PROGRESS!   Looking very sturdy, and yes, loved!   (Is that the power steering pump on the driver's side of engine?  Not familiar with that shape) --congrats!!!   James

[Roger Zimmermann]

No, it's the Hydrovac system! (for the brakes)

[James Landi]

Thanks ROger... so '56 Cadillac changed to a vacuum intake manifold brake booster.  James

[Roger Zimmermann]

I would say another system. The Hydrovac is also using intake manifold vacuum. With that system, the master cylinder can be in a different position; on 54-55, it is on the frame rail, almost under the driver's feet.

[Chuck Swanson]

Very nice work and thanks for posting all the details!  Chuck

[David King (kz78hy)]

I have spent the last 2 weeks in WI working on the car and will return home this weekend.  The front end is coming along and the rest of the body will be ready for paint in approximatey 3 weeks.  More photos will be added when I get home, but a few of today's work.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Two & half weeks were spent working on the car and it came a long way.  Ready to start for the first time, but we simply ran out of time, so this week it will likely happen without me there...maybe that is best.

Underbody is almost complete.  Exhaust is test fitted and close to being done.  All hoses, linkage completed.  Fuel tank is awaiting some rubber to make isolating strips or it would have been mounted..

Battery straps mounted, the strap had a hole in the middle of the cable and I found the hole in the frame (under the battery tray) where it secures.

[David King (kz78hy)]

More underbody.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Front of dash work, heater cores installed and vent doors.  Wiper transmissions and motor installed and body harness routed through dash into engine compartment and wiring connected to engine.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Engine compartment very complete.

[David King (kz78hy)]

More photos

[David King (kz78hy)]

Hood blanket glued on and inner fenders painted.

[drbark]

So glad to see the car getting to the point it has.  Loved seeing those dual carbs on the motor.  I'm glad you bought the car from me and are finishing it.  Few months after you purchased the car, my best friend, who was going to help me finish it, passed away from his battle with brain cancer.  We both were almost retired at that point from the Army and wanted to do this project together, but God had other plans for him.  Again, I'm so happy that you are finishing it and giving it the respect that it deserves.

Col. Alex Carapeti, (Ret)

[Paul Tesone]

Great job ! Love the details . Gold valve covers and air cleaner seem to be the correct color for a 57 Eldo I'm restoring . Could you provide paint formula info ? ... Thanks , Paul Tesone CLC #6876

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

David,

Simply spectacular.....

[David King (kz78hy)]

Thanks Ralph and Paul.  I will check and see if I can get the mix formula for the gold. 

Talking to Rick today, engine start is supposed to happen tomorrow afternoon and paint on Friday if successful.  I agree with the plan to run the engine in while you can get at it kind of easy.  The front end sheet metal will be be final installed for paint, so fitted and gapped and done.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Another week was spend messing with the car and still no paint.  It has run, but I was not there and did not take the time to start again just for me to see it, it can wait until next time.

Fuel tank was installed, the rubber splash shield were figured out and attached to the fenders.  Brackets were painted.  I still don't know where a couple of the brackets go.  There are 2 90 degree one and one heavy/thick one about 2.5" long w/a offset hole for a 3/8" bolt.

Installed the hood with my hinge and there were issues attempting getting it to fit.  Once down and raising, the left hand side got bound and bent the linkage....bad day.  The next day, put on a different hinge and started over, this time we got a decent fit to the cowl.  Hood got the latch and and hardware installed. 

Fenders were put on and those did not line to bad, LH one has to have some adjustment where it meets the rocker, but it could be prepped and painted this week now.

Put the lower splash shield on and fitted the horns.

[David King (kz78hy)]

More photos.

If anyone can confirm where the support bracket go, please post here.  I found a reference in photos saying the long one have the hood bumper going through them.  No idea on the small "L-Brackets" though one looks like the lower antenna support.

I did not take a photo of the thick small rectangular bracket with a off center hole for a 3/8" bolt.