1976 Fleetwood Talisman Refreshing Help

[CGN]

First off I would like to say hello to everyone here in the CLC world as I dont know why it has taken me soo long to get on board with like minded Cadillac enthusiasts like myself, but what can I say, 2020 was a year we would all like to forget, am I right?

I recently acquired a 75k mile, (believed to be) single or 2nd owner '76 Talisman in triple black from an auction this past month (as a birthday treat to myself, and being my first auction of my life) I was able to bring her home to much enjoyment. Its been in storage for quite a while, so will get the typical 'long term storage' servicing and what not which isnt an issue as this isnt my first rodeo. The interior is in great shape, just a good thorough steam clean will be done this spring (darn winter storage at the moment), and the exterior is incredibly solid and straight with no rot, and only very minor surface bubbling underneath the front passenger fender. All in all I am loving the original condition shes in, and presents very well (even with how immensely dirty she is, since the brutally cold weather permits a good thorough cleaning) It shows just as nice as the others in the fleet. Much like the other Series 75s in the garage, NO CRUISE CONTROL COME ON WHAT ARE THE ODDS!? LOL! Oh well I tell myself its 'a more engaging driving experience' to people when they ask wheres the switch lol!

What I would need some help with is tracking down some particular bits and pieces, as nothing can be more frustrating (but also somewhat enjoyable seeing your progress) as cleaning up/fixing other peoples neglectful tendencies.

My first question to those out there is that the wiper switch was brutally damaged by the previous owner. Immensely hard to manipulate into its appropriate setting/position, and I know for a fact it will just up and up snap/break. So a replacement will be required I am well aware, now my situation is this, the current 'MIN-DELAY-MAX' switch is the victim of this abuse is installed in there now as all Talismans were but can that be interchanged with the other switch that just has the 'MIST'? Its not that I am going strictly for 'authenticity sake' of keeping everything original/factory just merely for straight functionality and safety purposes. Allowing me to have wiper function at all is the main goal, and also allowing me another switch option to find for replacement instead of just the 1 type. Its probably a no, but with GM's part swapping I figured it was worth a shot lol

Another damaged piece was the map/courtesy light in the driver side door panel. Someone in their infinite wisdom pushed the lense in and its completely inoperable. Thankfully though those are at least interchangeable.

I will attempt to post pictures of the car (Im not the best with forum posting lol), and as things progress, which should hopefully be a few more months and be on the road by this spring. Once again though Im glad to be apart of this community! Thanks all!

[CGN]

Seems I have to post 1 picture at a time or my mobile browser wont reload the page... got to love technology...

[James Landi]

Welcome to the CLC -- this is an active web site with an amazing group of highly experienced owners.  As you well know, finding a solid decades' old Cadillac in good working order is both a thrill and a challenge, and I have received much great advice from members dealing with the challenges that age and wear present.  I do hope you have a garage for your car--- a heated one is by far superior to moisture laden unheated.  THat picture of your new find caused me to shiver.   Again, welcome, have fun,   James

[chrisntam]

Welcome Mr. Nixon, to the club!  On your parts search, put an ad in the "parts wanted" area and also look at the "parts for sale".

The Talisman cars always intrigued me, congrats on getting it.  Perhaps it was a funeral car at one point, being all black & no cruise.  Who knows, just a thought.

Post more pics when you can, we love those interiors!

[CGN]

I might have some parts hopefully found! Its where GM parts sharing comes into an even more beautiful light for restoring these old girls 

I listed a WTB for the wiper switch and I will have to add more WTB as I find more things that will need replacing which will be the courtesy light on the drivers door panels lense which got lost, so I'll be on the hunt for one of those now too lol! Plus some of the cigarette lids/covers as well (thankfully) only 1 is needed.

I cant believe my luck for no cruise control... literally a facepalm moment when I saw it, but oh well it matches the other ones so they have something in common lol!

I will throw up some more pictures of her within the week from my desktop as mobile isnt very pic friendly, (from what I have so far taken of her since I got her) Most my pictures are on my instagram @chris_g_nixon (not to plug my insta, but as much as I would like to upload 600+ pictures to the forum its just easier to refer people to Insta instead for pics) But I will throw some up here as well.

Im happy to be a part of the Caddy community! 

[CGN]

As a side note since people will inevitably ask, yes the Talisman is dirty cause its dead of winter time on the Prairies here, and the weather didnt allow me to give her a good thorough bath. She came from the previous owners garage where shes been on jackstands for the past few decades, and then to the auction house for 4 days and then home with me. Its literally just a good amount of dust, and the paint and clearcoat has held up incredibly well all things considered. The vinyl roof will be redone in a year or two, but presents very good. So yes I am fully aware shes dirty 

Its one of the big motivators for me looking forward to spending an entire day just detailing her. Winter cant go away quick enough 

[James Landi]

Come spring, you'll have a blast getting her back to original show room condition as a brilliant show piece of a by-gone era.  I respectfully recommend that you post on the "technical" section of the site to address those concerns that other members have encountered with this vintage Cadillac. THis suggestion, is of course, based on the assumption that hearing from other members might be helpful in avoiding  serious mechanical challenges by way of preventive maintenance. Happy day, James